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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

x Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2004

 

or

 

¨ 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 0-10967

 

FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   36-3161078
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

300 Park Blvd., Suite 400, P.O. Box 459

Itasca, Illinois 60143-9768

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (630) 875-7450

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

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

 


Title of each class:                    

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

                   

Preferred Share 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 x No ¨.

 

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. ¨.

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding voting common stock held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2004, determined using a per share closing price on that date of $35.21, as quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market, was $1,521,111,189.

 

At March 3, 2005 there were 45,744,533 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting - - Part III

 



Table of Contents

 

FORM 10-K

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

Part I.

         

ITEM 1.

  

Business

   3

ITEM 2.

  

Properties

   8

ITEM 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   9

ITEM 4.

  

Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   9

Part II

    

ITEM 5.

  

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

   9

ITEM 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   11

ITEM 7.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   12

ITEM 7a.

  

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   38

ITEM 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   41

ITEM 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

   77

ITEM 9a.

  

Controls and Procedures

   77

Part III

    

ITEM 10.

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   79

ITEM 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   80

ITEM 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   80

ITEM 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   80

ITEM 14.

  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   80

Part IV

    

ITEM 15.

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

   80

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

 

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company incorporated in Delaware in 1982 for the purpose of becoming a holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Act”). The Company is one of Illinois’ largest publicly traded banking companies with assets of $6.9 billion at year-end 2004 and is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Itasca, Illinois.

 

The Company operates two wholly owned subsidiaries: First Midwest Bank (the “Bank”), employing 1,630 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2004, and First Midwest Insurance Company, which is largely inactive.

 

The Company has responsibility for the overall conduct, direction, and performance of its subsidiaries. The Company provides various services, establishes Company-wide policies and procedures, and provides other resources as needed, including capital.

 

Subsidiaries

 

At December 31, 2004, the Bank had $6.8 billion in total assets, $5.0 billion in total deposits, and operated 67 banking offices primarily in suburban metropolitan Chicago.

 

The Bank is engaged in commercial and retail banking and offers a broad range of lending, depository, and related financial services, including accepting deposits; commercial and industrial, consumer, and real estate lending; collections; trust and investment management services; cash management services; safe deposit box operations; and other banking services tailored for consumer, commercial and industrial, and public or governmental customers. The Bank also provides an electronic banking center on the Internet at www.firstmidwest.com, which enables Bank customers to perform banking transactions and provides information about Bank products and services to the general public.

 

The Bank is comprised of two divisions, a sales division and a support division. The sales division is structured along commercial and retail product lines, and the support division provides corporate, administrative, and support services.

 

The Bank has one wholly-owned subsidiary, First Midwest Investment Corporation, which manages investment securities and provides corporate management services to its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Midwest Investment Trust, which manages real estate loans.

 

First Midwest Insurance Company operates as a reinsurer of credit life, accident, and health insurance sold through the Bank, primarily in conjunction with its consumer lending operations, and is largely inactive.

 

Competition

 

Illinois and the metropolitan Chicago area are highly competitive markets for banking and related financial services. Competition is based on a number of factors, including: interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits; the ability to attract new deposits; the scope and type of banking and financial services offered; the hours during which business can be conducted; the location of bank branches and ATMs; the availability and range of banking services on the Internet; and a variety of additional services such as investment management, fiduciary, and brokerage services. Within the geographic area it serves, the Bank competes with other banking institutions and savings and loan associations, personal loan and finance companies, and credit unions. In addition, the Bank competes for deposits with money market mutual funds and investment brokers on the basis of interest rates offered and available products. Recently, the competition for banking customers intensified as a number of local and out-of-state banking institutions announced plans for large-scale branch office expansion in the suburban Chicago markets and certain local banks were acquired by larger local and national financial institutions.

 

In providing investment advisory services, the Bank also competes with retail and discount stockbrokers, investment advisors, mutual funds, insurance companies, and, to a lesser extent, financial institutions for investment management clients. Factors influencing this type of competition generally involve the variety of products and services that can be offered to clients and the performance of funds under management. With the proliferation of investment management service companies, such as mutual funds and discount brokerage services, competition for investment management services comes from financial service providers both within and outside of the geographic areas in which the Bank maintains offices.

 

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Offering a broad array of products and services at competitive prices is an important element in competing for customers. The Company differentiates itself, however, by systematically assessing a customer’s specific financial needs, selling products and services identified in such assessment, and providing high quality services and products. The Company believes this approach, as well as its knowledge and commitment to the communities in which the Bank is located, is the most important aspect in retaining and expanding its customer base.

 

Supervision and Regulation

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation and supervision by various governmental regulatory authorities including the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Illinois Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate Companies (the “Commissioner of Illinois”), and the Arizona Department of Insurance. Financial institutions and their holding companies are extensively regulated under Federal and state law. The effect of such statutes, regulations, and policies can be significant and cannot be predicted with a high degree of certainty.

 

Federal and state laws and regulations generally applicable to financial institutions, such as the Company and its subsidiaries, regulate, among other things, the scope of business, investments, reserves against deposits, capital levels relative to operations, the nature and amount of collateral for loans, the establishment of branches, mergers, consolidations, and dividends. This supervision and regulation is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s bank (the “BIF”) and savings association (the “SAIF”) insurance funds and the depositors, rather than the stockholders, of a financial institution.

 

The following references to material statutes and regulations affecting the Company and its subsidiaries are brief summaries thereof and are qualified in their entirety by reference to such statutes and regulations. Any change in applicable law or regulations may have a material effect on the business or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. The operations of the Company and the Bank may also be affected by changes in the policies of various regulatory authorities. The Company cannot accurately predict the nature or the extent of the effects that any such changes would have on its business and earnings.

 

Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Act”)

 

Generally, the Act governs the acquisition and control of banks and non-banking companies by bank holding companies. A bank holding company is subject to regulation under the Act and is required to register with the Federal Reserve under the Act. A bank holding company is required by the Act to file an annual report of its operations and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require and is subject, along with its subsidiaries, to examination by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has jurisdiction to regulate the terms of certain debt issues of bank holding companies, including the authority to impose reserve requirements.

 

The acquisition of 5% or more of the voting shares of any bank or bank holding company requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve and is subject to applicable Federal law, including the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (“Riegle Neal”), for interstate transactions, and possible state law limitations as well. The Federal Reserve evaluates acquisition applications based upon, among other things, antitrust, safety and soundness, and community service considerations.

 

The Act also prohibits, with certain exceptions, a bank holding company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any “non banking” company unless the non-banking activities are found by the Federal Reserve to be “so closely related to banking . . . as to be a proper incident thereto.” Under current regulations of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding company and its nonbank subsidiaries are permitted, among other activities, to engage in such banking-related business ventures as consumer finance, equipment leasing, data processing, mortgage banking, financial and investment advice, and securities brokerage services. The Act does not place territorial restrictions on the activities of a bank holding company or its nonbank subsidiaries.

 

Federal law prohibits acquisition of “control” of a bank or bank holding company without prior notice to certain Federal bank regulators. “Control” is defined in certain cases as the acquisition of as little as 10% of the outstanding shares. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, a bank holding company may not be able to purchase its own stock, where the gross consideration will equal 10% or more of the company’s net worth, without obtaining approval of the Federal Reserve. Under the Federal Reserve Act, banks and their subsidiaries (including bank holding companies) are subject to certain requirements and restrictions when dealing with each other (subsidiary transactions). The Company is also subject to the provisions of the Illinois Bank Holding Company Act.

 

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Interstate Banking

 

Bank holding companies are permitted in any state to acquire banks and bank holding companies and be acquired subject to the requirements of Riegle Neal, and in some cases, applicable state law.

 

Under Riegle Neal, adequately capitalized and managed bank holding companies may be permitted by the Federal Reserve to acquire control of a bank in any state. States, however, may prohibit acquisitions of banks that have not been in existence for at least five years. The Federal Reserve is prohibited from approving an application for acquisition if the applicant controls more than 10% of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions nationwide. In addition, interstate acquisitions may also be subject to statewide concentration limits.

 

The Federal Reserve would be prohibited from approving an application if, prior to consummation, the proposed acquirer controls any insured depository institution or branch in the home state of the target bank, and the applicant, following consummation of an acquisition, would control 30% or more of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions in that state. This legislation also provides that the provisions on concentration limits do not affect the authority of any state to limit or waive the percentage of the total amount of deposits in the state which would be held or controlled by any bank or bank holding company to the extent the application of this limitation does not discriminate against out-of-state institutions.

 

Interstate branching under Riegle Neal permits banks to merge across state lines, thereby creating a bank headquartered in one state with branches in other states. Approval of interstate bank mergers is subject to certain conditions, including: adequate capitalization, adequate management, Community Reinvestment Act compliance, deposit concentration limits (as set forth above), compliance with Federal and state antitrust laws, and compliance with applicable state consumer protection laws. An interstate merger transaction may involve the acquisition of a branch without the acquisition of the bank only if the law of the state in which the branch is located permits out-of-state banks to acquire a branch of a bank in that state without acquiring the bank. Following the consummation of an interstate transaction, the resulting bank may establish additional branches at any location where any bank involved in the transaction could have established a branch under applicable Federal or state law, if such bank had not been a party to the merger transaction.

 

Riegle Neal became effective on June 1, 1997 and allowed each state, prior to the effective date, the opportunity to “opt out,” thereby prohibiting interstate branching within that state. Of the two states in which the Bank is located (Illinois and Iowa), neither has adopted legislation to “opt out” of the interstate merger provisions. Furthermore, pursuant to Riegle Neal, a bank is able to add new branches in a state in which it does not already have banking operations if such state enacts a law permitting such de novo branching, or, if the state allows acquisition of branches, subject to applicable state requirements.

 

The effects on the Company of the changes in interstate banking and branching laws cannot be accurately predicted, but it is likely that there will be increased competition from national and regional banking firms headquartered outside of Illinois which establish banks in Illinois.

 

Illinois Banking Law

 

The Illinois Banking Act (“IBA”) governs the activities of the Company, an Illinois state banking corporation. The IBA defines the powers and permissible activities of an Illinois state chartered bank, prescribes corporate governance standards, imposes approval requirements on mergers of state banks, prescribes lending limits, and provides for the examination of state banks by the Commissioner of Illinois. The Banking on Illinois Act (“BIA”) became effective in mid-1999 and amended the IBA to provide a potential wide range of new activities for Illinois state chartered banks, including the Bank. The provisions of the BIA are to be construed liberally in order to create a favorable business climate for banks in Illinois. The main features of the BIA are to expand bank powers through a new “wild card” provision authorizing Illinois chartered banks to offer virtually any product or service that any bank or thrift may offer anywhere in the country, subject to certain safety and soundness considerations and prior notification to the Commissioner of Illinois and the FDIC. Previously, in addition to enumerated powers stated in the IBA, state banks could engage in any activity authorized or permitted to be conducted by a national bank. Management of the Bank remains aware of the favorable environment created by the BIA and will consider the opportunities that may become available to the Bank as a result of such legislation.

 

The Bank is subject to a variety of Federal and state laws and regulations governing its operations. For example, deposit activities are subject, among other things, to the Federal Truth in Savings Act and the Illinois Consumer Deposit Account Act. Federal and state laws also govern electronic banking transactions. Trust activities of the Bank are subject to the Illinois Corporate Fiduciaries Act. Loans made by the Bank are subject to applicable provisions of the Illinois Interest Act, the Federal Truth in Lending Act, and the Illinois Financial Services Development Act.

 

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The Bank is subject to a variety of other laws and regulations concerning equal credit opportunity, fair lending, customer privacy, fair credit reporting, and community reinvestment. The Bank currently holds an “outstanding” rating for community reinvestment activity, the highest available.

 

The Commissioner of Illinois has adopted predatory lending regulations. These regulations apply to “high cost” mortgages which are defined as mortgages which exceed a specified interest rate or are assessed points in excess of a specified minimum. Once any of these thresholds is reached, the regulations impose certain restrictions on the lender, including: obligating the lender to verify the borrower’s ability to repay the loan based on the borrower’s income and debt obligations; prohibiting deceptive refinancing known as loan flipping where a lender refinances existing loans; charging additional points and fees, without any financial benefit to the consumer; prohibiting the financing of a single premium credit insurance policy; prohibiting the financing of points and fees in excess of 6% of the total loan amount; limiting the size and interval of balloon payments; and limiting prepayment penalties that could be charged to consumers. These regulations also require the lender to make certain disclosures to borrowers who are seeking high cost mortgages. The regulations apply to all state licensed financial institutions making residential loans in Illinois. The regulations also require lenders to file with the Commissioner of Illinois semi-annual reports on mortgage loans, including information relating to defaults and foreclosures.

 

The Illinois legislature has also considered the adoption of legislation aimed at curbing what some legislators and consumer-oriented advocacy groups consider to be predatory lending practices by some mortgage brokers and other lenders active in the State of Illinois. “Predatory” lending consists of fraudulent and deceptive sales practices that occur when borrowers are pressured into taking out loans they do not need or cannot afford. Since neither the Company nor the Bank engages in such practices, it is unlikely that any legislation adopted in Illinois to combat this perceived problem would have an impact on the Company or the Bank, other than the creation of additional reporting requirements.

 

As an Illinois banking corporation controlled by a bank holding company, the Bank is subject to the rules regarding change of control in the Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and is also subject to the rules regarding change in control of Illinois banks contained in the IBA.

 

The Bank is subject to Sections 22(h), 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, which restrict or impose requirements on financial transactions between federally insured depository institutions and subsidiary companies. The statute limits credit transactions between a bank and its executive officers and its subsidiaries, prescribes terms and conditions for bank subsidiary transactions deemed to be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, requires arms-length transactions between subsidiaries, and restricts the types of collateral security permitted in connection with a bank’s extension of credit to a subsidiary.

 

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999

 

The enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLB Act”) swept away large parts of a regulatory framework that had its origins in the Depression Era of the 1930s. Effective March 11, 2000, new opportunities became available for banks, other depository institutions, insurance companies, and securities firms to enter into combinations that permit a single financial services organization to offer customers a more comprehensive array of financial products and services. To further this goal, the GLB Act amends section 4 of the Act providing a new regulatory framework applicable to a financial holding company (“FHC”), which has as its primary regulator the Federal Reserve. Functional regulation of the FHC’s subsidiaries will be conducted by their primary functional regulators. Pursuant to the GLB Act, bank holding companies, subsidiary depository institutions thereof, and foreign banks electing to qualify as a FHC must be “well managed,” “well capitalized,” and rated at least satisfactory under the Community Reinvestment Act in order to engage in new financial activities.

 

An FHC may engage in securities and insurance activities and other activities that are deemed financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity under the GLB Act. While aware of the flexibility of the FHC statute, the Company has, for the time being, decided not to become a FHC, but will continue to follow the reception given FHCs in the marketplace. The activities of bank holding companies that are not FHCs will continue to be regulated by and limited to activities permissible under the Act.

 

The GLB Act also prohibits a financial institution from disclosing non-public personal information about a consumer to nonaffiliated third parties, unless the institution satisfies various disclosure requirements and the consumer has not elected to opt out of the disclosure. Under the GLB Act, a financial institution must provide its customers with a notice of its privacy policies and practices. The Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and other financial regulatory agencies have issued regulations implementing notice requirements and restrictions on a financial institution’s ability to disclose non-public personal information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties.

 

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The Company is also subject to certain state laws that limit the use and distribution of non-public personal information, both to subsidiaries and unaffiliated entities.

 

The GLB Act is expected, in time, to alter the competitive landscape of the product markets presently served by the Company. Companies that are presently engaged primarily in insurance activities or securities activities are now permitted to acquire banks and bank holding companies, such as the Company. The Company may, in the future, face increased competition from a broader range of larger, more diversified financial companies.

 

USA Patriot Act

 

On October 26, 2001, the President signed into law comprehensive anti-terrorism legislation known as the USA Patriot Act. Title III of the USA Patriot Act requires financial institutions, including the Company and the Bank, to help prevent, detect, and prosecute international money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The Department of the Treasury has adopted additional requirements to further implement Title III.

 

Under these regulations, a mechanism has been established for law enforcement officials to communicate names of suspected terrorists and money launderers to financial institutions to enable financial institutions to promptly locate accounts and transactions involving those suspects. Financial institutions receiving names of suspects must search their account and transaction records for potential matches and report positive results to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). Each financial institution must designate a point of contact to receive information requests. These regulations outline how financial institutions can share information concerning suspected terrorist and money laundering activity with other financial institutions under the protection of a statutory safe harbor if each financial institution notifies FinCEN of its intent to share information.

 

The Department of the Treasury has also adopted regulations intended to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing through correspondent accounts maintained by U.S. financial institutions on behalf of foreign banks. Financial institutions are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that they are not providing banking services directly or indirectly to foreign shell banks.

 

In addition, banks must have procedures in place to identify and verify the identity of the persons with whom they deal. The Company and the Bank have augmented their systems and procedures to accomplish compliance with these requirements. The Company and the Bank believe that the cost of compliance with Title III of the USA Patriot Act is not likely to be material to them.

 

In July 2004, the Company and the Bank entered into an agreement with the Federal Reserve and the Illinois Office of Banks and Real Estate to enhance its compliance with all applicable Federal and state laws, rules, and regulations relating to anti-money laundering policies and procedures. To fully address all cited deficiencies, the Bank authored a written compliance plan and completed a compliance review of certain customer transactions since the date of the last prior satisfactory regulatory review. The Bank has conducted a comprehensive review of policy, procedure, systems, and manpower addressing these important areas and expects that it will be deemed in compliance with this agreement. The Company believes that this agreement will have no negative effect on its financial condition, liquidity, capital resources, or operations.

 

Capital Guidelines

 

The Federal Reserve and the other Federal functional bank regulators have established risk-based capital guidelines to provide a framework for assessing the adequacy of the capital of national and state banks and their bank holding companies (collectively, “banking institutions”). These guidelines apply to all banking institutions, regardless of size, and are used in the examination and supervisory process as well as in the analysis of applications to be acted upon by the regulatory authorities. These guidelines require banking institutions to maintain capital based on the credit risk of their operations, both on and off-balance sheet.

 

The minimum capital ratios established by the guidelines are based on both Tier 1 and Total capital to total risk-based assets. In addition to the risk-based capital requirements, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC require banking institutions to maintain a minimum leveraged-capital ratio to supplement the risk-based capital guidelines.

 

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Dividends

 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity is dividend payments from the Bank. In addition to capital guidelines, the Bank is limited in the amount of dividends it can pay to the Company under the IBA. Under this law, the Bank is permitted to declare and pay dividends in amounts up to the amount of its accumulated net profits, provided that it retains in its surplus at least one-tenth of its net profits since the date of the declaration of its most recent dividend until those additions to surplus, in the aggregate, equal the paid-in capital of the Bank. The Bank may not, while it continues its banking business, pay dividends in excess of its net profits then on hand (after deductions for losses and bad debts). As of December 31, 2004, the Bank could distribute dividends of approximately $19.7 million without approval from the Commissioner of Illinois. In addition, the Bank is limited in the amount of dividends it can pay under the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation H. For example, dividends cannot be paid that would constitute a withdrawal of capital, dividends cannot be declared or paid if they exceed a bank’s undivided profits, and a bank may not declare or pay a dividend greater than current year net income plus retained net income of the prior two years without Federal Reserve approval.

 

Since the Company is a legal entity, separate and distinct from the Bank, its dividends to stockholders are not subject to the bank dividend guidelines discussed above. The Commissioner of Illinois is authorized to determine, under certain circumstances relating to the financial condition of a bank or bank holding company, that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice and to prohibit payment thereof. The Federal Reserve has taken the position that dividends that would create pressure or undermine the safety and soundness of the subsidiary bank are inappropriate.

 

FDIC Insurance Premiums

 

The Bank’s deposits are predominantly insured through the BIF, with certain deposits held by the Bank insured through the SAIF, both of which are administered by the FDIC. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and 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 risk to the BIF or SAIF.

 

The FDIC’s deposit insurance premiums are assessed through a risk-based system under which all insured depository institutions are placed into one of nine categories and assessed insurance premiums on deposits based upon their level of capital and supervisory evaluation. For 2005, the Bank will pay premium assessments on both its BIF and SAIF insured deposits in order to service the interest on the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) bond obligations which were used to finance the cost of “thrift bailouts” in the 1980’s. The FICO assessment rates for the first semi-annual period of 2005 were set at $.0144 per $100 of insured deposits each for BIF and SAIF assessable deposits. These rates may be adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in assessment basis for the BIF and SAIF.

 

Where You Can Find More Information About First Midwest

 

The Company makes available, free of charge, on its website, http://www.firstmidwest.com, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

The executive offices of the Company, the Bank and certain subsidiary operational facilities are located in a five-story office building in Itasca, Illinois. The Company and the Bank currently occupy approximately 36,179 square feet on the fourth floor of that building, which is leased through an unaffiliated third party.

 

As of December 31, 2004, the Bank operated through 67 bank branches and operational facilities. Of these, 12 are leased and the remaining 55 are owned and not subject to any material liens. The banking offices are located in various communities primarily throughout Northern Illinois, principally the Chicago metropolitan suburban area. At certain Bank locations, excess space is leased to third parties. The Bank also owns 91 automated teller machines (ATMs), some of which are housed at a banking location and some of which are independently located. In addition, the Company owns other real property that, when considered in the aggregate, is not material to the Company’s financial position.

 

The Company believes its facilities in the aggregate are suitable and adequate to operate its banking business. Additional information with respect to premises and equipment is presented in Note 7 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 59 of this Form 10-K.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

There are certain legal proceedings pending against the Company and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business at December 31, 2004. The Company believes that any liabilities arising from these proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition of the Company.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSIONS OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

There were no items submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY

AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The Company’s common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “FMBI.” As of December 31, 2004, there were 2,678 stockholders of record. The following table sets forth the closing common stock price, dividends per share, and book value per share during each quarter of 2004 and 2003.

 

     2004

    2003

 
     Fourth

    Third

    Second

    First

    Fourth

    Third

    Second

    First

 

Market price of common stock

                                                                

High

   $ 38.30     $ 35.62     $ 36.03     $ 34.29     $ 32.80     $ 31.45     $ 29.87     $ 28.12  

Low

   $ 33.70     $ 32.25     $ 32.33     $ 31.13     $ 29.61     $ 28.53     $ 25.55     $ 24.89  

Quarter-end

   $ 36.29     $ 34.56     $ 35.21     $ 34.22     $ 32.43     $ 29.71     $ 28.81     $ 25.81  

Cash dividends per share

   $ 0.24     $ 0.22     $ 0.22     $ 0.22     $ 0.22     $ 0.19     $ 0.19     $ 0.19  

Dividend yield at quarter-end (1)

     2.65 %     2.55 %     2.50 %     2.57 %     2.71 %     2.56 %     2.64 %     2.94 %

Book value per share at quarter-end

   $ 11.55     $ 11.56     $ 10.87     $ 11.26     $ 11.22     $ 10.94     $ 10.92     $ 10.58  

 

(1) Ratios are presented on an annualized basis.

 

A discussion regarding the regulatory restrictions applicable to the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company is included in the “Dividends” section under Item 1 located on page 8 of this Form 10-K. A discussion of the Company’s history and philosophy regarding the payment of dividends is included in the “Management of Capital” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” commencing on page 35 of this Form 10-K.

 

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Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table sets forth information, as of December 31, 2004, relating to equity compensation plans of the Company pursuant to which options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or other rights to acquire shares may be granted from time to time.

 

     Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan Category


  

Number of securities

to be issued upon

exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants, and rights

(a)


  

Weighted-average

exercise prices of

outstanding options,

warrants, and rights

(b)


  

Number of securities

remaining available for future

issuance under equity

compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in column (a))

(c)


Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

   2,052,462    $ 26.82    2,174,504

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)

   4,373      15.88    —  
    
  

  

Total

   2,056,835    $ 26.80    2,174,504
    
  

  

 

(1) Includes all outstanding options and awards under the Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan and the Non-Employee Directors’ 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “Plans”). Additional information and details about the Plans are also disclosed in Notes 1 and 17 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on pages 47 and 69, respectively, of this Form 10-K.

 

(2) Represents shares underlying deferred stock units credited under the Company’s Nonqualified Retirement Plan, payable on a one-for-one basis in shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

The Nonqualified Retirement Plan is a defined contribution deferred compensation plan under which participants are credited with deferred compensation equal to contributions and benefits that would have accrued to the participant under the Company’s tax-qualified plans, but for limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, and to amounts of salary and annual bonus that the participant has elected to defer. Participant accounts are deemed to be invested in separate investment accounts under the plan, which mirror the investment accounts available under the Company’s tax-qualified savings and profit sharing plan, including an investment account deemed invested in shares of Company common stock. The accounts are adjusted to reflect the investment return related to such deemed investments. Except for the 4,373 shares set forth in the table above, all amounts credited under the Plan are paid in cash.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table summarizes shares repurchased by the Company during the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

 

    

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased (1)


  

Average

Price

Paid per

Share


  

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased as

Part of a

Publicly

Announced

Plan or

Program


  

Maximum

Number of

Shares that

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the

Plans or

Programs


     (Number of shares in thousands)

October 1 - October 31, 2004

   64    $ 34.55    60    1,052

November 1 - November 30, 2004

   273      36.64    148    904

December 1 - December 31, 2004

   290      36.56    243    661
    
  

  
    

Total

   627    $ 36.39    451     
    
  

  
    

 

(1) Includes 176,569 shares acquired pursuant to the Company’s stock option plans. Under the terms of these plans, the Company accepts shares of common stock from employees if they decide to transfer to the Company previously owned shares as payment for the exercise price of the stock options. All other shares purchased by the Company were executed in the open market.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Consolidated financial information reflecting a summary of the operating results and financial condition of the Company for each of the five years ended December 31, 2004 is presented in the following table. This summary should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. A more detailed discussion and analysis of the factors affecting the Company’s financial condition and operating results is presented in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” commencing on page 12 of this Form 10-K.

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Operating Results (Amounts in thousands)

                                        

Interest income

   $ 315,342     $ 291,067     $ 329,664     $ 385,218     $ 421,517  

Interest expense

     86,478       81,313       110,910       180,838       231,906  

Net interest income

     228,864       209,754       218,754       204,380       189,611  

Provision for loan losses

     12,923       10,805       15,410       19,084       9,094  

Noninterest income

     73,812       77,207       66,531       68,076       61,960  

Security gains, net

     8,222       2,988       460       790       1,238  

(Losses) on early extinguishment of debt

     (2,653 )     (6,025 )     —         —         —    

Noninterest expense

     163,338       149,452       148,052       145,356       144,416  

Income tax expense

     32,848       30,889       32,133       26,668       23,759  

Net income

   $ 99,136     $ 92,778     $ 90,150     $ 82,138     $ 75,540  

Weighted-average shares outstanding

     46,469       46,671       48,074       50,057       51,314  

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

     46,860       46,982       48,415       50,401       51,604  
    


 


 


 


 


Per Share Data

                                        

Basic earnings per share

   $ 2.13     $ 1.99     $ 1.88     $ 1.64     $ 1.47  

Diluted earnings per share

     2.12       1.97       1.86       1.63       1.46  

Cash dividends declared

     0.900       0.790       0.700       0.650       0.592  

Book value at period end

     11.55       11.22       10.42       9.18       8.75  

Market value at period end

     36.29       32.43       26.71       29.19       23.00  
    


 


 


 


 


Performance Ratios

                                        

Return on average equity

     18.68 %     18.28 %     18.82 %     17.89 %     19.17 %

Return on average assets

     1.45 %     1.50 %     1.53 %     1.43 %     1.30 %

Net interest margin – tax equivalent

     3.91 %     3.99 %     4.28 %     4.10 %     3.76 %

Dividend payout ratio

     42.45 %     40.10 %     37.63 %     39.88 %     40.55 %

Average equity to average asset ratio

     7.74 %     8.19 %     8.12 %     7.99 %     6.79 %
    


 


 


 


 


     As of December 31,

 

Consolidated Statements of Condition Highlights
(Dollar amounts in thousands)


   2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Total assets

   $ 6,863,381     $ 6,906,658     $ 5,980,533     $ 5,667,919     $ 5,906,484  

Loans

     4,135,278       4,059,782       3,406,846       3,372,306       3,233,196  

Deposits

     4,905,378       4,815,108       4,172,954       4,193,921       4,252,205  

Subordinated debt – trust preferred securities

     129,294       128,716       —         —         —    

Long-term portion of Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     36,743       474,111       425,000       150,000       30,000  

Stockholders’ equity

     532,038       522,540       491,953       447,267       446,723  
    


 


 


 


 


Financial Ratios

                                        

Reserve for loan losses as a percent of loans

     1.37 %     1.39 %     1.41 %     1.42 %     1.39 %

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

     10.45 %     10.29 %     9.93 %     9.96 %     10.51 %

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

     11.52 %     11.41 %     11.03 %     11.08 %     11.61 %

Tier 1 leverage to average assets

     8.16 %     8.49 %     7.32 %     7.43 %     7.36 %
    


 


 


 


 


 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The following discussion and analysis is intended to address the significant factors affecting the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the years 2002 through 2004 and Consolidated Statements of Condition as of December 31, 2003 and 2004. The discussion is designed to provide stockholders with a comprehensive review of the operating results and financial condition and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes thereto, and other financial information presented in this Form 10-K.

 

A condensed review of operations for the fourth quarter of 2004 is included herein, commencing on page 37 of this Form 10-K. The review provides an analysis of the quarterly earnings performance for the fourth quarter of 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003.

 

Unless otherwise stated, all earnings per share data included in this section and through the remainder of this discussion are presented on a diluted basis.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Statement under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The Company and its representatives may, from time to time, make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking” and provide information other than historical information, including statements contained in the Form 10-K, the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or in communications to its stockholders. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These factors include, among other things, the factors listed below.

 

In some cases, the Company has identified forward-looking statements by such words or phrases as “will likely result,” “is confident that,” “expects,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “may,” “will continue to,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “predicts,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “intends,” or similar expressions identifying “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the negative of those words and phrases. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions, and the outlook for the Company based on currently available information. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.

 

In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company is hereby identifying important factors that could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any forward-looking statements.

 

Among the factors that could have an impact on the Company’s ability to achieve operating results, growth plan goals, and the beliefs expressed or implied in forward-looking statements are:

 

    Management’s ability to reduce and effectively manage interest rate risk and the impact of interest rates in general on the volatility of the Company’s net interest income;

 

    Fluctuations in the value of the Company’s investment securities;

 

    The ability to attract and retain senior management experienced in banking and financial services;

 

    The sufficiency of the reserve for loan losses to absorb the amount of actual losses inherent in the existing portfolio of loans;

 

    The Company’s ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to compete effectively in the marketplace;

 

    Credit risks and risks from concentrations (by geographic area and by industry) within the Bank’s loan portfolio;

 

    The effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds, and other financial institutions operating in the Company’s market or elsewhere or providing similar services;

 

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    The failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of allowances for loan losses and estimation of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities;

 

    Volatility of rate sensitive deposits;

 

    Operational risks, including data processing system failures or fraud;

 

    Asset/liability matching risks and liquidity risks;

 

    Changes in the economic environment, competition, or other factors that may influence the anticipated growth rate of loans and deposits, the quality of the loan portfolio and loan and deposit pricing, and the Company’s ability to successfully pursue acquisition and expansion strategies and integrate any acquired companies;

 

    The impact from liabilities arising from legal or administrative proceedings, enforcement of bank regulations, and enactment or application of securities regulations on the financial condition of the Company;

 

    Governmental monetary and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes, that may result in the imposition of costs and constraints on the Company through higher FDIC insurance premiums, significant fluctuations in market interest rates, increases in capital requirements, and operational limitations;

 

    Changes in Federal and state tax laws, including changes in tax laws affecting tax rates, income not subject to tax under current law, income sourcing, and consolidation/combination rules;

 

    Changes in general economic or industry conditions, nationally or in the communities in which the Company conducts business;

 

    Changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines affecting the businesses conducted by the Company;

 

    Acts of war or terrorism; and

 

    Other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technical factors affecting the Company’s operations, products, services, and prices.

 

The foregoing list of important factors may not be all-inclusive, and the Company specifically declines to undertake any obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

 

With respect to forward-looking statements set forth in the notes to consolidated financial statements, including those relating to contingent liabilities and legal proceedings, some of the factors that could affect the ultimate disposition of those contingencies are changes in applicable laws, the development of facts in individual cases, settlement opportunities, and the actions of plaintiffs, judges, and juries.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with predominant practices in the financial services industry. Application of critical accounting policies, those policies that management believes are the most important to the Company’s financial position and results of operations, requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes and are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements. Future changes in information may affect these estimates, assumptions, and judgments, which, in turn, may affect amounts reported in the financial statements.

 

The Company has numerous accounting policies, of which the most significant are presented in Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 47 of this Form 10-K. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has determined that its accounting policies with respect to the reserve for loan losses and income taxes are the accounting areas requiring subjective or complex judgments that are most important to the Company’s financial position and results of operations, and, as such, are considered to be critical accounting policies as discussed below.

 

Reserve for Loan Losses

 

Arriving at an appropriate level of reserve for loan losses involves a high degree of judgment. The Company’s reserve for loan losses provides for probable losses based upon evaluations of known, and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. Management uses historical information to assess the adequacy of the reserve for loan losses as well as its assessment of the prevailing business environment, as it is affected by changing economic conditions and various external factors, which may impact the portfolio in ways currently unforeseen. The reserve is increased by provisions for loan losses and by recoveries of loans previously charged-off and reduced by loans charged-off. For a full discussion of the Company’s methodology of

 

13


Table of Contents

assessing the adequacy of the reserve for loan losses, see Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 47 of this Form 10-K.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income tax expense by applying an estimated effective tax rate to its pre-tax income. The effective tax rate is based on management’s judgments and estimates regarding permanent differences in the treatment of specific items of income and expense for financial statement and income tax purposes. In addition, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities, recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Condition, based on management’s judgments and estimates regarding temporary differences in the recognition of income and expenses for financial statement and income tax purposes.

 

The Company must also assess the likelihood that any deferred tax assets will be realized through the reduction or refund of taxes in future periods and establish a valuation allowance for those assets for which recovery is unlikely. In making this assessment, management must make judgments and estimates regarding the ability to realize the asset through carry back to taxable income in prior years, the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income, and the possible application of future tax planning strategies. Although the Company has determined a valuation allowance is not required for any deferred tax assets, there is no guarantee that these assets are recognizable. For additional discussion of income taxes, see Notes 1 and 15 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on pages 47 and 65, respectively, of this Form 10-K.

 

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

 

General Overview

 

The Company, through its banking network, provides the full range of both business and retail banking and trust and investment management services through 67 banking offices, primarily in suburban metropolitan Chicago. The Company believes that its continued profitable growth is the result of its consistent focus on relationship management and fulfilling customer needs, a strong culture of credit and operational control, and the quality and depth of the market it serves. The primary source of the Company’s revenue is net interest income from loans and deposits and fees from financial services provided to customers. Business volumes tend to be influenced by overall economic factors including market interest rates, business spending, and consumer confidence, as well as competitive conditions within the marketplace.

 

The Company had another year of record performance in 2004. The Company’s net income for 2004 increased 7.6% on a per diluted share basis to a record $99.1 million, or $2.12 per diluted share, from net income of $92.8 million, or $1.97 per diluted share, in 2003.

 

In 2004, the Company’s return on average assets was 1.45% as compared to 1.50% in 2003 and its return on average equity was 18.7% as compared to 18.3% in 2003. In comparison to 2003, the Company’s net income benefited from $612.8 million higher earning-asset levels, which generated higher tax-equivalent net interest income of $18.9 million, $5.2 million higher net realized security gains, $3.4 million lower losses resulting from extinguishment of debt, and improved fee revenue. Partially offsetting these benefits were $2.1 million in higher provisions for loan losses, $13.9 million in higher noninterest expense, lower income generated from the disposition of assets, and a higher effective tax rate. The Company’s overall profitability continues to benefit from strong earnings, solid credit quality, cost control, and efficient use of capital.

 

The Company’s total loans of $4.1 billion at December 31, 2004 increased 1.9% from December 31, 2003. During the fourth quarter 2004, the Company converted $74.2 million of its 1-4 family residential mortgages into an investment security. Also in fourth quarter 2004, the Company exited its marginally profitable indirect consumer lending business, resulting in a $60.7 million decline in outstanding loans from year-end 2003 to 2004. Excluding both 1-4 family residential loans and indirect consumer loans, the Company’s total loans increased 6.0% as commercial, agricultural, commercial real estate, and home equity consumer loan categories all grew. Commercial loan growth trends remain favorable, and commercial loans outstanding as of December 31, 2004 increased by 8.9% compared to December 31, 2003. Consumer home equity loans increased 10.9% from December 31, 2003, reflecting continued sales success.

 

Total deposits as of December 31, 2004 totaled $4.9 billion, up 1.9% from December 31, 2003. Demand and time deposit balances outstanding as of December 31, 2004 increased 7.4% and 3.5%, respectively, in comparison to 2003, largely due to targeted sales efforts and consumer preferences.

 

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The Company’s credit quality improved during 2004. Nonperforming assets totaled $22.9 million as of December 31, 2004, down 20.6% from $28.9 million as of December 31, 2003. As of December 31, 2004, the ratio of nonperforming assets plus 90 days past due loans to total loans plus foreclosed real estate was 0.62%, improving 21.5% from 0.79% as of December 31, 2003.

 

During 2004, the Company completed the successful integration of CoVest Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company in northwestern suburban Cook County that the Company acquired on December 31, 2003 (“the CoVest Acquisition”). As a result, the Company’s average assets increased in 2004 by $645.6 million over 2003, while requiring only a minimal increase in back-office support.

 

Business Outlook

 

The Company feels that it is well positioned for continued performance improvement because it operates in strong markets with favorable business fundamentals. As a result of improving economic conditions, the Company expects continued expansion in the markets it serves, which should generate a greater demand for the Company’s products and services. The competition for bank products and services continues to intensify in the Chicago metropolitan area as banks headquartered both within and outside of Chicago have announced aggressive expansion plans. The Company continues to believe it can compete successfully because of the high quality of its products and services, its unique relationship-based approach to banking, and its knowledge of and connections to its communities.

 

Overall 2005 performance is expected to benefit from increased net interest income due to higher interest-earning asset levels, deposit acquisition, and fee growth. Interest-earning asset improvement should result from improved loan demand due to favorable trends in corporate and home equity lending. These benefits are likely to be offset by the expectation of a higher loan loss provision due to anticipated loan growth, increased noninterest expense, and an increased effective tax rate.

 

The Company’s optimism for 2005 is tempered by its expectation for higher interest rates and the inherent uncertainties that arise as the economy transitions from a period of 40-year lows in interest rates. Overall, the Company expects net interest margin performance to benefit more from rising than falling or stable interest rates and expects assets to reprice more quickly than liabilities. Although net interest margin in 2005 may benefit from rising rates, it is likely to stabilize or contract if short-term interest rates increase at the same or a faster pace than intermediate and long-term rates. The Company’s 2005 earnings could be negatively impacted, however, if interest rates remain stable or unexpectedly decrease. Further, if the relationship between short and long-term rates narrows, the expected benefit from rising short-term interest rates could be offset to some degree.

 

EARNINGS PERFORMANCE

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income represents the difference between interest income and fees earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Changes in net interest income generally occur due to fluctuations in the volume of earning assets and paying liabilities and the rates earned and paid, on these assets and liabilities. Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of total interest-earning assets. For purposes of this discussion, both net interest income and margin have been adjusted to a fully tax equivalent basis to more appropriately compare the returns on certain tax-exempt loans and securities to those on taxable earning assets. The accounting policies underlying the recognition of interest income on loans, securities, and other earning assets are presented in Notes 1, 6, and 12 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on pages 47, 57, and 62, respectively, of this Form 10-K.

 

Table 1

Effect of Tax Equivalent Adjustment

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

          % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2002

   2004-2003

    2003-2002

 

Net interest income

   $ 228,864    $ 209,754    $ 218,754    9.1     (4.1 )

Tax equivalent adjustment

     17,440      17,642      14,014    (1.1 )   25.9  
    

  

  

  

 

Tax equivalent net interest income

   $ 246,304    $ 227,396    $ 232,768    8.3     (2.3 )
    

  

  

  

 

 

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Tax equivalent net interest income in 2004 increased 8.3% in comparison to 2003 primarily due to growth in interest-earning assets acquired in the CoVest Acquisition, which was partially offset by lower net interest margins. Tax equivalent net interest income in 2003 decreased in comparison to 2002 primarily due to a decline in net interest margin, which was partially offset by the benefits of higher earning asset levels. Margin contraction in 2004 resulted primarily from the repricing of earning assets in the low interest rate environment and the acceleration of cash flows due to refinance related prepayments on mortgage-backed securities.

 

Table 2 summarizes the Company’s average interest-earning assets and funding sources over the last three years, as well as interest income and interest expense related to each category of assets and funding sources and the yield earned and rates paid on each. The table also shows the trend in net interest margin on a quarterly basis for 2004 and 2003, including the tax equivalent yields on earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Table 3 analyzes the changes in interest income, interest expense, and net interest income that result from changes in the volumes of earning assets and funding sources, as well as fluctuations in interest rates.

 

16


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Table 2

Net Interest Income and Margin Analysis

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

     Average
Balance


    Interest

   Yield/
Rate
(%)


   Average
Balance


    Interest

   Yield/
Rate
(%)


   Average
Balance


    Interest

   Yield/
Rate
(%)


Assets:

                                                           

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

   $ 6,090     $ 96    1.58    $ 3,925     $ 36    0.92    $ 5,474     $ 106    1.94

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

     18,413       237    1.29      9,515       114    1.20      3,587       69    1.92

Mortgages held for sale

     5,841       300    5.14      16,932       932    5.50      10,404       642    6.17

Securities:

                                                           

Available for sale - taxable

     1,412,866       57,163    4.05      1,466,925       56,077    3.82      1,493,194       78,301    5.24

Available for sale - nontaxable(1)

     658,998       45,795    6.95      656,624       46,307    7.05      476,946       35,786    7.50

Held to maturity - taxable

     11,826       439    3.71      13,378       831    6.21      13,759       952    6.92

Held to maturity - nontaxable(1)

     50,079       3,280    6.55      61,157       4,010    6.56      54,900       4,003    7.29
    


 

  
  


 

  
  


 

  

Total securities

     2,133,769       106,677    5.00      2,198,084       107,225    4.88      2,038,799       119,042    5.84

Loans (1)(2):

                                                           

Commercial and industrial

     1,108,816       57,254    5.16      962,957       51,724    5.37      881,848       53,597    6.08

Agricultural

     100,232       4,494    4.48      85,869       4,036    4.70      86,049       4,667    5.42

Real estate - commercial

     1,446,441       82,017    5.67      1,022,405       62,307    6.09      994,627       68,783    6.92

Real estate - construction

     438,158       22,368    5.11      378,730       19,061    5.03      319,955       17,508    5.47

Consumer

     894,362       50,097    5.60      890,872       55,547    6.24      933,084       67,403    7.22

Real estate - 1-4 family

     155,058       9,242    5.96      125,044       7,727    6.18      166,945       11,861    7.10
    


 

  
  


 

  
  


 

  

Total loans

     4,143,067       225,472    5.44      3,465,877       200,402    5.78      3,382,508       223,819    6.62
    


 

  
  


 

  
  


 

  

Total interest-earning assets(1)(2)

     6,307,180       332,782    5.28      5,694,333       308,709    5.42      5,440,772       343,678    6.32
            

  
          

  
          

  

Cash and due from banks

     176,216                   176,235                   165,847             

Reserve for loan losses

     (57,243 )                 (49,182 )                 (48,312 )           

Other assets

     434,092                   378,277                   343,591             
    


             


             


          

Total assets

   $ 6,860,245                 $ 6,199,663                 $ 5,901,898             
    


             


             


          

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                                                           

Savings deposits

   $ 646,214       4,305    0.67    $ 498,798       2,489    0.50    $ 454,588       4,191    0.92

NOW accounts

     921,635       7,549    0.82      813,993       7,089    0.87      723,634       10,291    1.42

Money market deposits

     732,456       9,083    1.24      616,868       7,850    1.27      552,440       10,993    1.99

Time deposits

     1,696,358       36,495    2.15      1,599,761       38,844    2.43      1,739,017       56,141    3.23

Borrowed funds

     1,253,419       20,980    1.67      1,276,616       23,962    1.88      1,150,028       29,294    2.55

Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities

     128,454       8,066    6.28      15,515       1,079    6.95      —         —      —  
    


 

  
  


 

  
  


 

  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     5,378,536       86,478    1.61      4,821,551       81,313    1.69      4,619,707       110,910    2.40
            

  
          

  
          

  

Demand deposits

     894,093                   806,777                   744,295             

Other liabilities

     56,895                   63,755                   58,791             

Stockholders’ equity

     530,721                   507,580                   479,105             
    


             


             


          

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 6,860,245                 $ 6,199,663                 $ 5,901,898             
    


             


             


          

Net interest income/margin(1)

           $ 246,304    3.91            $ 227,396    3.99            $ 232,768    4.28
            

  
          

  
          

  

 

Quarterly Net Interest Margin Trend

 

     2004

    2003

 
     Fourth

    Third

    Second

    First

    Fourth

    Third

    Second

    First

 

Yield on interest-earning assets

   5.42 %   5.30 %   5.10 %   5.29 %   5.31 %   5.23 %   5.47 %   5.69 %

Rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities

   1.76 %   1.64 %   1.50 %   1.54 %   1.54 %   1.56 %   1.73 %   1.92 %

Net interest margin(1)

   3.94 %   3.90 %   3.81 %   3.97 %   4.01 %   3.90 %   4.01 %   4.06 %

 

(1) Interest income and yields are presented on a tax equivalent basis, assuming a Federal tax rate of 35%.

 

(2) Loans on a nonaccrual basis for the recognition of interest income totaled $19.2 million, $23.1 million and $12.5 million, as of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively, and are included in loans, for purposes of this analysis.

 

17


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Table 3

Changes in Net Interest Income Applicable to Volumes and Interest Rates (1)

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     2004 as compared to 2003

    2003 compared to 2002

 
     Volume

    Rate

    Total

    Volume

    Rate

    Total

 

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

   $ 26     $ 34     $ 60     $ (24 )   $ (46 )   $ (70 )

Securities:

                                                

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

     114       9       123       58       (13 )     45  

Mortgages held for sale

     (574 )     (58 )     (632 )     350       (60 )     290  

Available for sale - taxable

     (1,861 )     2,947       1,086       (1,353 )     (20,871 )     (22,224 )

Available for sale - nontaxable(2)

     168       (680 )     (512 )     12,517       (1,996 )     10,521  

Held to maturity - taxable

     (88 )     (304 )     (392 )     (26 )     (95 )     (121 )

Held to maturity - nontaxable(2)

     (726 )     (4 )     (730 )     60       (53 )     7  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total securities

     (2,507 )     1,959       (548 )     11,198       (23,015 )     (11,817 )

Loans(2)

                                                

Commercial and industrial

     7,427       (1,897 )     5,530       7,103       (8,976 )     (1,873 )

Agricultural

     632       (174 )     458       (10 )     (621 )     (631 )

Real estate - commercial

     23,682       (3,972 )     19,710       1,991       (8,467 )     (6,476 )

Real estate - construction

     3,030       277       3,307       2,758       (1,205 )     1,553  

Consumer

     219       (5,669 )     (5,450 )     (2,945 )     (8,911 )     (11,856 )

Real estate - 1-4 family

     1,778       (263 )     1,515       (2,722 )     (1,412 )     (4,134 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total loans

     36,768       (11,698 )     25,070       6,175       (29,592 )     (23,417 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total interest income(2)

     33,827       (9,754 )     24,073       17,757       (52,726 )     (34,969 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Savings deposits

     851       965       1,816       458       (2,160 )     (1,702 )

NOW accounts

     837       (377 )     460       1,522       (4,724 )     (3,202 )

Money market deposits

     1,427       (194 )     1,233       1,503       (4,646 )     (3,143 )

Time deposits

     2,646       (4,995 )     (2,349 )     (4,224 )     (13,073 )     (17,297 )

Borrowed funds

     (428 )     (2,554 )     (2,982 )     3,836       (9,168 )     (5,332 )

Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities

     7,082       (95 )     6,987       1,079       —         1,079  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total interest expense

     12,415       (7,250 )     5,165       4,174       (33,771 )     (29,597 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net interest income(2)

   $ 21,412     $ (2,504 )   $ 18,908     $ 13,583     $ (18,995 )   $ (5,372 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

(1) For purposes of this table, changes which are not due solely to volume changes or rate changes are allocated to such categories on the basis of the percentage relationship of each to the sum of the two.

 

(2) Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis, assuming a Federal tax rate of 35%.

 

Tax equivalent interest income was $332.8 million in 2004 as compared to $308.7 million in 2003 and $343.7 million in 2002. The Company’s improved interest income in 2004 primarily resulted from higher average loans outstanding due to the CoVest Acquisition and improved sales activity. The decrease in the Company’s tax equivalent interest income in 2003 from 2002 resulted primarily from lower yields on interest-earning assets as loans repriced more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities in 2003’s low interest rate environment.

 

Average interest-earning assets for 2004 increased $612.8 million, or 10.8%, to $6.3 billion as compared to $5.7 billion in 2003, largely as a result of assets acquired in the CoVest Acquisition. The growth in volume increased 2004’s interest income by $33.8 million. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in rates received that reduced interest income by $9.8 million. In 2003, average interest-earning assets increased by $253.6 million, or 4.7%, as compared to 2002, primarily due to growth in the Company’s loan and security portfolios.

 

Interest expense increased by $5.2 million to $86.5 million in 2004 as compared to $81.3 million in 2003, following a $29.6 million decrease from $110.9 million in 2002. Average interest-bearing liabilities for 2004 increased by $557.0 million, or 11.6%, to $5.4 billion, due in large part to the CoVest Acquisition, including the $125 million issuance of trust preferred

 

18


Table of Contents

securities to fund the acquisition. In 2003, average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $201.8 million, or 4.4%, due to an increase in borrowed funds. Interest-bearing liabilities repricing in the lower interest rate environment caused the rate paid on average interest-bearing deposits to fall by 8 basis points to 1.61% in 2004 and 71 basis points to 1.69% in 2003. As discussed in the subsequent section entitled “Funding and Liquidity Management” commencing on page 32 of this Form 10-K, the repositioning of deposit balances was influenced by pricing and promotional strategies as well as customer liquidity preferences given the prevailing interest rate and economic climate.

 

The Company’s tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.91% in 2004 as compared to 3.99% in 2003 and 4.28% in 2002. Net interest margin in 2004 decreased as interest-earning assets repriced more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities during the continued low interest rate environment. The average yield earned on interest-earning assets decreased by 14 basis points in 2004, while the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased by only 8 basis points. Net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2004 was 3.94%, an improvement from third quarter 2004’s 3.90% and second quarter 2004’s 3.81%. This linked-quarter margin improvement reflects the benefit of rising short-term interest rates, which increased 125 basis points since June 30, 2004. In addition, linked-quarter performance benefited from higher security yields as mortgage-related prepayment speeds slowed. Net interest margin declined during the first half of 2004 as a greater volume of interest-earning assets began to reprice during that period of continued low interest rates. In part, the speed of this decline was accelerated as a result of the impact of refinance related prepayments on mortgage-backed securities and certain measures taken by management to better insulate net interest income and margin from the potential of future rising interest rates. The section entitled “Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” commencing on page 38, describes the measures taken during the year and discusses the techniques used to manage the volatility and other factors that affect net interest margin and net interest income.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income increased $5.2 million to $79.4 million in 2004 from $74.2 million in 2003, largely the result of higher realized security gains and lower debt extinguishment losses. These increases were offset by the absence in 2004 of gains realized from the Company’s 2003 divesture of its two branches in Streator, Illinois. Excluding these transactions, the Company’s noninterest income improved slightly to $73.8 million in 2004 from $72.6 million in 2003.

 

As compared to 2003, increases in service charges on deposit accounts, card-based fees, and trust and investment management fees were offset by a decline in other service charges, commissions, and fees, and other income. In 2004, service charges on deposit accounts increased $913,000, primarily benefiting from higher fees received on items drawn on customer accounts with insufficient funds. Card-based revenues improved $916,000 in 2004, reflecting the continuing acceptance of debit card payment as an alternative to cash or check. Compared to 2003, trust and investment management fees improved $1.1 million, or 10%, in 2004, as an 8.1% year over year increase in assets under management combined with strong sales growth and improving equity markets to generate greater fee revenue. The $1.0 million decline in other service charges, commissions, and fees reflects the impact of lower mortgage-related commissions, as refinancing activity slowed in 2004.

 

Excluding security gains, losses on the early extinguishment of debt, and gains realized from branch divestitures, noninterest income increased by 9.1% in 2003 from 2002. All major categories of noninterest income increased in 2003, except for corporate owned life insurance income. Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $2.6 million in 2003 as compared to 2002, primarily due to higher revenue resulting from an increase in items drawn on customer accounts with insufficient funds. In 2003, other service charges, commissions, and fees increased by $1.8 million in comparison to 2002, primarily due to higher mortgage loan origination commissions resulting from a comparatively higher volume of originations in 2003’s favorable interest rate environment. In addition, the increase in 2003 also reflects higher commissions received from the sale of annuity, insurance, and investment products, reflecting the benefit of improved equity markets and targeted sales forces.

 

For a discussion on net security gains, refer to the section titled “Investment Portfolio Management” commencing on page 22 of this Form 10-K. For a discussion on losses on early extinguishment of debt, refer to the section titled “Funding and Liquidity Management” commencing on page 32 of this Form 10-K. In 2003, the Company recognized a $4.6 million gain on the divestiture of two branches in rural, Streator, Illinois. The transactions together increased noninterest income in 2004 and 2003 by $5.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

 

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Table 4

Noninterest Income Analysis

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

    
   % Change

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

   2004-2003

    2003-2002

 

Service charges on deposit accounts

   $ 28,837     $ 27,924     $ 25,362    3.3     10.1  

Trust and investment management fees

     11,888       10,810       10,309    10.0     4.9  

Other service charges, commissions, and fees

     15,147       16,187       14,349    (6.4 )   12.8  

Card-based fees(1)

     9,252       8,336       7,895    11.0     5.6  

Corporate owned life insurance (“COLI”)(2)

     4,939       5,059       6,728    (2.4 )   (24.8 )

Other income

     3,749       4,256       1,888    (11.9 )   125.4  
    


 


 

  

 

Subtotal

     73,812       72,572       66,531    1.7     9.1  

Security gains, net

     8,222       2,988       460    N/M     N/M  

Net (losses) on early extinguishment of debt

     (2,653 )     (6,025 )     —      N/M     N/M  

Net gain from branch divestiture

     —         4,635       —      N/M     N/M  
    


 


 

  

 

Total noninterest income

   $ 79,381     $ 74,170     $ 66,991    7.0     10.7  
    


 


 

  

 

 

N/M – Not meaningful.

 

(1) Card-based fees consist of debit and credit card interchange fees charged for processing signature-based transactions as well as various fees charged on both customer and non-customer automated teller machine (“ATM”) and point-of-sale transactions processed through the ATM and point of sale networks.

 

(2) COLI income represents the increase in cash surrender value (“CSV”) of the policies, net of any premiums paid. The increase in CSV is attributable to earnings credited to the policies, based upon investments made by the insurer. The tax equivalent yield on the COLI was 5.2%, 6.1% and 6.8% at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2003, respectively. For a further discussion on the Company’s investment in COLI, see Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 47 of this Form 10-K.

 

Noninterest Expense

 

Total noninterest expense for 2004 rose $13.9 million to $163.3 million, an increase of 9.3% from 2003. This increase reflects additional expenses associated with operating the CoVest franchise, including increases of $2.9 million in direct salaries, $1.1 million in net occupancy expense, and $2.1 million in core deposit intangible amortization. The increase in salaries and wages also reflects general merit increases as well as $981,000 higher expenses for incentive-related compensation programs, which are based on Company performance. Retirement and other employee benefits increased as the number of full-time equivalent employees grew due to the CoVest acquisition. In addition, pension costs rose by $1.3 million, driven by a decrease in the actuarial assumption for the expected return on plan assets, and employee health care costs increased $1.7 million due to higher claims. Professional service fees rose as a result of higher fees for professional and audit-related services, primarily related to compliance with new SEC requirements regarding internal controls. Advertising and promotion costs also increased in 2004 from 2003 due to an increase in newspaper and print advertising, and merchant card expense increased due to higher volumes. These increases in expenses were partially offset by a decrease in technology and related costs in 2004, principally due to more favorable contract terms negotiated with the Company’s external data service provider.

 

Noninterest expense totaled $149.5 million in 2003 as compared to $148.1 million in 2002 as increases in compensation expense and advertising and promotions were offset by declines in technology and related costs, amortization expense, and other expenses. The year over year increase in salaries and wages in 2003 from 2002 resulted from a combination of annual merit increases and higher commissions paid for increased mortgage origination volumes. In 2003, the decline in technology and related costs as compared to 2002 reflected the cost savings achieved from bringing “in-house” the backroom operation of the items processing function.

 

20


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Table 5

Noninterest Expense Analysis

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

                       % Change

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2004-2003

    2003-2002

 

Compensation expense:

                                    

Salaries and wages

   $ 68,907     $ 64,736     $ 61,834     6.4     4.7  

Retirement and other employee benefits

     23,264       19,548       18,792     19.0     4.0  
    


 


 


 

 

Total compensation expense

     92,171       84,284       80,626     9.4     4.5  

Net occupancy expense

     16,015       14,508       14,298     10.4     1.5  

Equipment expense

     8,847       7,979       7,769     10.9     2.7  

Technology and related costs

     6,681       8,913       9,796     (25.0 )   (9.0 )

Professional services

     7,998       6,623       6,627     20.8     (0.1 )

Advertising and promotions

     5,043       4,563       4,195     10.5     8.8  

Merchant card expense

     4,012       3,595       3,540     11.6     1.6  

Amortization expense

     2,131       38       1,313     N/M     (97.1 )

Other expenses

     20,440       18,949       19,888     7.9     (4.7 )
    


 


 


 

 

Total noninterest expense

   $ 163,338     $ 149,452     $ 148,052     9.3     0.9  
    


 


 


 

 

Average full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

     1,641       1,540       1,525              
    


 


 


           

Efficiency ratio

     50.1 %     48.3 %     48.2 %            
    


 


 


           

 

N/M – Not meaningful.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company’s provision for income taxes includes both Federal and state income tax expense. An analysis of the provision for income taxes and the effective income tax rates for the periods 2002 through 2004 are detailed in Table 6.

 

Table 6

Income Tax Expense Analysis

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Income before income tax expense

   $ 131,984     $ 123,667     $ 122,283  

Income tax expense

   $ 32,848     $ 30,889     $ 32,133  

Effective income tax rate

     24.9 %     25.0 %     26.3 %
    


 


 


 

The Company’s accounting policies underlying the recognition of income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Condition and Income are included in Notes 1 and 15 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on pages 47 and 66, respectively, of this Form 10-K. In accordance with such policies, the Company records income tax expense (benefits) in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Pursuant to SFAS No. 109, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Net deferred tax assets totaling $2.6 million at December 31, 2004 are recorded in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Condition.

 

Under SFAS No. 109, a valuation allowance must be established for any deferred tax asset for which recovery or settlement is unlikely. In assessing whether a valuation allowance is required, the Company considers the ability to realize the asset through carry back to taxable income in prior years, the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income, and the possible application of future tax planning strategies. Based on this assessment, the Company has determined that a valuation allowance is not required for any of the deferred tax assets it has recorded.

 

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The 2004 effective income tax rate reflected in the table is comprised of a Federal effective tax rate of 25.1% in 2004, 24.9% in 2003, and 25.9% in 2002 and a state effective tax rate of (0.2%) in 2004, 0.1% in 2003, and 0.4% in 2002.

 

The Federal effective tax rate, and change in that rate, is primarily attributable to the amounts of tax-exempt income derived from investment securities and COLI. The state effective tax rate, and changes in that rate, is dependent on Illinois and Iowa income tax rules relating to consolidated/combined reporting, sourcing of income and expense, and the amount of tax-exempt income derived from loans, investment securities, and COLI.

 

For further details regarding the Company’s effective tax rate, refer to Note 15 in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 65 of this Form 10-K.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

 

The investment portfolio is managed to maximize the return on invested funds within acceptable risk guidelines, to meet pledging and liquidity requirements, and to adjust balance sheet interest rate sensitivity to insulate net interest income against the impact of changes in interest rates. The following provides a valuation summary of the Company’s investment portfolio as of December 31.

 

Table 7

Investment Portfolio Valuation Summary

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     As of December 31, 2004

   As of December 31, 2003

   As of December 31, 2002

     Market
Value


   Amortized
Cost


   % of
Total


   Market
Value


   Amortized
Cost


   % of
Total


   Market
Value


   Amortized
Cost


   % of
Total


Available for Sale

                                                        

U.S. Agency securities

   $ 142,022    $ 141,928    6.4    $ 219,404    $ 219,406    9.8    $ 201,757    $ 200,527    9.9

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     892,766      898,565    40.3      902,221      901,998    40.2      867,080      854,251    42.2

Other mortgage-backed securities

     396,717      393,353    17.7      261,462      255,586    11.4      282,660      272,546    13.5

State and Municipal securities

     585,000      566,425    25.4      759,780      706,741    31.5      573,528      529,608    26.1

Other securities

     162,933      163,057    7.3      86,783      91,848    4.1      96,742      99,241    4.9
    

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  

Total available for sale

     2,179,438      2,163,328    97.1      2,229,650      2,175,579    97.0      2,021,767      1,956,173    96.6
    

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  

Held to Maturity

                                                        

U.S. Treasury securities

     1,021    $ 1,025    0.1      1,377      1,376    0.1      1,714      1,705    0.1

U.S. Agency securities

     448      449    —        176      176    —        127      126    —  

State and Municipal securities

     63,149      63,102    2.8      65,961      65,894    2.9      68,146      68,001    3.3
    

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  

Total held to maturity

     64,618      64,576    2.9      67,514      67,446    3.0      69,987      69,832    3.4
    

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  

Total securities

   $ 2,244,056    $ 2,227,904    100.0    $ 2,297,164    $ 2,243,025    100.0    $ 2,091,754    $ 2,026,005    100.0
    

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  

 

22


Table of Contents
     As of December 31, 2004

    As of December 31, 2003

 
     Effective
Duration (1)


    Average
Life(2)


   Yield to
Maturity


    Effective
Duration (1)


    Average
Life(2)


   Yield to
Maturity


 

Available for Sale

                                  

U.S. Agency securities

   0.56 %   0.86    3.32 %   0.29 %   0.04    1.82 %

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   1.33 %   2.02    3.82 %   1.55 %   2.11    3.97 %

Other mortgage-backed securities

   3.15 %   4.27    5.11 %   2.81 %   3.84    5.77 %

State and Municipal securities

   5.15 %   6.66    6.80 %   5.70 %   7.09    6.97 %

Other securities

   0.39 %   3.70    4.62 %   2.11 %   1.16    4.98 %
    

 
  

 

 
  

Total available for sale

   2.54 %   3.69    4.86 %   2.94 %   3.68    4.98 %
    

 
  

 

 
  

Held to Maturity

                                  

U.S. Treasury securities

   0.34 %   0.34    1.47 %   0.34 %   0.34    1.29 %

U.S. Agency securities

   0.34 %   0.34    1.23 %   0.34 %   0.34    1.36 %

State and Municipal securities

   0.81 %   2.30    6.02 %   1.42 %   2.30    5.76 %
    

 
  

 

 
  

Total held to maturity

   0.80 %   2.26    5.91 %   1.39 %   2.25    5.66 %
    

 
  

 

 
  

Total securities

   2.49 %   3.65    4.89 %   2.90 %   3.64    5.00 %
    

 
  

 

 
  

 

(1) The effective duration on the portfolio represents the estimated percentage change in the market value of the securities portfolio given a 100 basis point change up or down in the level of interest rates. This measure is used as a gauge of the portfolio’s price volatility at a single point in time and is not intended to be a precise predictor of future market values, as such values will be influenced by a number of factors.

 

(2) Average life is presented in years and represents the weighted-average time to receipt of all future cash flows, using as the weighting factor the dollar amount of principal pay downs.

 

Securities that the Company believes could be sold prior to maturity in order to manage interest rate, prepayment, or liquidity risk are classified as securities available for sale and are carried at fair market value. Unrealized gains and losses on this portfolio segment are reported on an after-tax basis as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income. Securities that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as securities held to maturity and are accounted for using historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount.

 

At December 31, 2004, the available for sale securities portfolio totaled $2.18 billion as compared with $2.23 billion at December 31, 2003. The $50.2 million decrease in the portfolio from year-end 2003 is primarily as a result of a $38.0 million decrease in the unrealized gain on available for sale securities.

 

The size and composition of the securities portfolio is influenced by a number of factors, including expected loan growth, anticipated growth in collateralized public funds on account, and management’s decisions regarding the level of 1-4 family-related asset exposure held on the balance sheet. This exposure represents both direct loans to customers and mortgage-backed securities. In 2004, the Company held total 1-4 family residential loan exposure of $1.4 billion on its balance sheet, $1.3 billion of which was concentrated in the Company’s security portfolio. Approximately 59% of the portfolio as of December 31, 2004 was comprised of mortgage-backed securities as compared to 52% and 58%, respectively, at year-end 2003 and 2002. The concentration of this exposure in the securities portfolio offers the benefits of minimal credit risk, improved liquidity, better monitoring of prepayment characteristics, and greater balance sheet flexibility for the cost of accepting lower yields. As of December 31, 2004, the combination of the Company’s security portfolio and 1-4 family residential loan portfolio represented 34.0% of total assets, down from 35.7% at the end of 2003 and 37.3% at the end of 2002.

 

The unrealized gain on the securities available for sale portfolio (representing the difference between the aggregate cost and market value of the portfolio) totaled $16.1 million at December 31, 2004 as compared to $54.1 million at December 31, 2003. This balance sheet component will fluctuate as current market interest rates and conditions change, thereby affecting the aggregate market value of the portfolio. The unrealized gain decreased due to a slightly higher level of interest rates at the end of 2004 as compared with 2003. The decline in net unrealized portfolio appreciation and the decrease in duration from December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2004 reflect the combined impact of the increase in interest rates and changes in

 

23


Table of Contents

portfolio composition. The level of unrealized gains affords the Company the flexibility to either extend portfolio duration and receive higher yields or shorten duration and realize security gains as market opportunities present themselves in 2005.

 

Net gains realized from the Company’s securities portfolio totaled $8.2 million in 2004. During 2004, the Company responded to changing market conditions and its continued expectation for higher interest rates, by selling $141.7 million in higher-yielding, longer-term municipal securities, which resulted in the recognition of security gains totaling $9.5 million. Security proceeds were reinvested in collateralized mortgage obligations with a comparatively lower duration. Realized gains during 2004 were partially offset by a $5.4 million other-than-temporary impairment recognized on a single, Federal National Mortgage Association preferred stock issuance during third quarter 2004.

 

Net gains on sales of securities increased in 2003 to $3.0 million from $0.5 million in 2002. The gains in 2003 occurred primarily as part of certain balance sheet restructuring initiatives, designed to better position the Company for the possibility of rising rates.

 

The repricing distribution and average yields, on a tax equivalent basis, of the securities portfolio at December 31, 2004 are presented in Table 8.

 

Table 8

Repricing Distribution and Portfolio Yields

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     As of December 31, 2004

 
     One Year or Less

    One Year to Five Years

    Five Years to Ten Years

    After 10 years

 
     Amortized
Cost


   Yield to
Maturity


    Amortized
Cost


   Yield to
Maturity


    Amortized
Cost


   Yield to
Maturity


    Amortized
Cost


   Yield to
Maturity


 

Available for Sale

                                                    

U.S. Agency securities(1)

   $ 85,041    3.63 %   $ 56,887    2.88 %   $ —      —       $ —      —    

Collateralized mortgage obligations(2)

     162,133    4.10 %     620,436    3.92 %     86,519    4.04 %   $ 29,477    0.16 %

Other mortgage-backed securities(2)

     74,397    5.31 %     169,390    5.13 %     98,533    4.77 %     51,033    5.10 %

State and Municipal securities(3)

     22,310    7.26 %     235,127    7.18 %     165,836    6.29 %     143,152    6.51 %

Other securities(4)

     126,246    4.67 %     26,809    4.19 %     9,918    5.99 %     84    —    
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total available for sale

     470,127    4.51 %     1,108,649    4.75 %     360,806    5.33 %     223,746    5.35 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Held to Maturity

                                                    

U.S. Treasury securities

     1,025    1.47 %     —      —         —      —         —      —    

U.S. Agency securities

     449    1.23 %     —      —         —      —         —      —    

State and municipal securities(3)

     22,302    5.30 %     25,229    7.24 %     1,470    5.90 %     14,101    4.8 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total held to maturity

     23,776    5.06 %     25,229    7.24 %     1,470    5.90 %     14,101    4.80 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total securities

   $ 493,903    4.53 %   $ 1,133,878    4.80 %   $ 362,276    5.33 %   $ 237,847    5.32 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(1) Yields on U.S. Agency securities are reflected on a tax equivalent basis, assuming a state tax rate of 5.1%.

 

(2) The repricing distributions and yields to maturity of mortgaged-backed securities are based upon estimated future cash flows and prepayments. Actual repricings and yields of the securities may differ from that reflected in the table depending upon actual interest rates and prepayment speeds.

 

(3) Yields on state and municipal securities are reflected on a tax equivalent basis, assuming a Federal tax rate of 35%. The maturity date of state and municipal bonds is based on contractual maturity, unless the bond, based on current market prices, is deemed to have a high probability that the call will be exercised, in which case the call date is used as the maturity date.

 

(4) Yields on other securities are reflected on a tax equivalent basis, assuming a Federal tax rate of 35%. The maturity of government agency stocks is based on management’s judgment of repricing characteristics or final maturity. The maturity date of other securities is based on contractual maturity or repricing characteristics.

 

24


Table of Contents

LOAN PORTFOLIO AND CREDIT QUALITY

 

Loans are the Company’s principal source of revenue. The Company’s revenue from lending activities is primarily represented by interest income, but it also includes loan origination and commitment fees (net of related costs). The accounting policies underlying the recording of loans in the Consolidated Statements of Condition and the recognition and/or deferral of interest income and fees (net of costs) arising from lending activities are included in Notes 1 and 5 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on pages 47 and 56, respectively, of this Form 10-K.

 

Portfolio Management and Composition

 

The Company looks to balance its portfolio among the categories of commercial and industrial loans (including agricultural loans), real estate loans (both commercial and construction loans), and consumer loans (including real estate 1-4 family loans), according to internal policy and as dictated by market and economic conditions. By policy, the Company limits its exposure to real estate and commercial and construction lending to 50% of total loans, commercial and industrial lending to 38% of total loans and consumer lending to 35% of total loans.

 

The Company concentrates its lending activities in the geographic areas it serves. Consistent with the Company’s emphasis on relationship banking, most of these credits represent core, multi-relationship customers of the Company. The customers usually maintain deposit relationships and use other Company banking services, such as cash management.

 

The Company also reduces its credit risk by limiting its exposure to any one borrower. Although the Company’s legal lending limit approximates $146.3 million, the largest loan balance to one borrower at year-end 2004 was $22.3 million, and only 27 borrowers had aggregate loan balances outstanding in excess of $10 million. In terms of commitments to extend credit, the Company’s largest exposure to a single borrower is $30.0 million and to a group of related companies comprising a single relationship is $37.8 million. The Company had only 20 credits in the portfolio where total commitments to extend credit to a single borrower relationship exceeded $20 million.

 

Table 9

Loan Portfolio

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     As of December 31,

     2004

    % of
Total


   2003

    % of
Total


   2002

    % of
Total


   2001

    % of
Total


   2000

    % of
Total


Commercial and industrial

   $ 1,146,168     27.7    $ 1,052,117     25.9    $ 897,845     26.4    $ 827,281     24.5    $ 817,208     25.3

Agricultural

     107,059     2.6      94,983     2.3      91,381     2.7      87,188     2.6      67,736     2.1

Real estate – commercial

     1,493,855     36.1      1,393,420     34.3      1,019,989     29.9      998,857     29.6      900,781     27.9

Real estate – construction

     427,248     10.4      453,429     11.2      344,509     10.1      314,993     9.4      272,647     8.4
    


 
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


 

Subtotal – corporate loans

     3,174,330     76.8      2,993,949     73.7      2,353,724     69.1      2,228,319     66.1      2,058,372     63.7
    


 
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


 

Direct installment, net

     71,986     1.7      88,147     2.2      96,807     2.8      110,365     3.3      107,692     3.3

Home equity

     504,705     12.2      455,014     11.2      407,241     11.9      385,576     11.4      372,044     11.5

Indirect installment, net

     291,745     7.1      352,427     8.7      410,772     12.1      451,305     13.4      444,453     13.8
    


 
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


 

Subtotal – consumer loans

     868,436     21.0      895,588     22.1      914,820     26.8      947,246     28.1      924,189     28.6
    


 
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


 

Real estate – 1-4 family

     92,512     2.2      170,245     4.2      138,302     4.1      196,741     5.8      250,635     7.7
    


 
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


 

Total

   $ 4,135,278     100.0    $ 4,059,782     100.0    $ 3,406,846     100.0    $ 3,372,306     100.0    $ 3,233,196     100.0
    


 
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


 

Growth vs. prior year–end

     1.9 %          19.2 %          1.0 %          4.3 %          9.1 %    
    


      


      


      


      


   

 

The Company’s total loans at December 31, 2004 increased 1.9% from December 31, 2003, as increases in corporate lending offset decreases in consumer loans and 1-4 family real estate lending. Corporate loan balances as of December 31, 2004 increased by 6.0% from year-end 2003, primarily due to continued increases in commercial, agricultural, and commercial real estate lending. The increase in commercial and commercial real estate loans reflects the impact of continuing sales efforts and customers drawing upon existing lines of credit, while real estate construction loans declined by 5.8% as certain loans matured.

 

Total loans at December 31, 2003 were 19.2% higher than at December 31, 2002, primarily due to loans acquired as part of the CoVest Acquisition. Excluding the $530.8 million in loans the Company acquired from CoVest, total loans increased approximately 3.6% over 2002 as all loan categories experienced growth except for 1-4 family real estate and indirect consumer lending.

 

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Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2004, corporate loans (defined as commercial and industrial, agricultural, commercial real estate and real estate construction loans) represented 76.8% of total loans outstanding as compared to 73.7% in 2003 and 69.1% in 2002. In 2004, the percentage of corporate loans grew as a result of strong sales activity, management’s decision to exit its marginally profitable indirect lending business, and the shift of the Company’s exposure to 1-4 family mortgages to its security portfolio. The Company seeks to maintain a diversified portfolio of corporate loans to minimize its exposure to any particular industry or any segment of the economy.

 

Real estate commercial and construction lending has always been an area of specialty for the Company. Because of the strength of the suburban Chicago real estate market over the past several years, real estate commercial and construction lending grew to approximately 47% of the Company’s total loans as of December 31, 2004. The combination of seasoned, long-time borrowers, experienced senior lending officers, management’s focus on market fundamentals, and a stringent underwriting process gives the Company a competitive market advantage. These factors and a balanced exposure to any particular industry segment have reduced the Company’s exposure to loss.

 

Real estate commercial loans consist of income-producing commercial property loans, multi-unit residential mortgages, and commercial real estate mortgages. Approximately 20% of the Company’s real estate commercial loans represent multi-family loans made to real estate companies and to individual investors to finance or refinance apartment buildings. These apartment buildings are primarily concentrated in the metropolitan Chicago area and typically range in size from five units up to twenty-four units, although larger projects may range up to 100 units or more. The Company believes that this type of lending helps diversify its already strong commercial and multifamily development real estate platform and represents an opportunity for growth.

 

Real estate construction loans are primarily single-family and multi-family residential and non-residential projects located in the Company’s primary markets. Real estate construction loans are a profitable line of lending for the Company due to the higher level of interest rates and fees earned on such loans as compared to other loan categories and the favorable loss experience on these loans.

 

Table 10 on page 27 of this Form 10-K specifies the Company’s corporate loan portfolio, including commercial and industrial loans, by industry segment and illustrates the diversity of its loan portfolio. Table 11 on page 27 of this Form 10-K summarizes the loan portfolio’s maturities and interest rate sensitivity.

 

As of December 31, 2004, consumer loans (including real estate 1-4 family loans) represented 23.2% of total loans outstanding as compared to 26.3% in 2003 and 30.9% in 2002. The decrease reflects lower indirect consumer loan and real estate 1-4 family loans. Indirect consumer lending has declined as the Company slowed new volumes by tightening underwriting standards in 2002 and decided to exit this marginally profitable business in 2004. The home equity category represents the single largest and fastest growing portion of the consumer portfolio, consisting mainly of revolving lines of credit secured by junior liens on owner occupied real estate. As a general rule, loan to value ratios for these credits range from 70% to 90%.

 

Consumer loan balances as of December 31, 2004 decreased 3.0% from December 31, 2003 reflecting two asset redeployment decisions elected by management. First, the Company converted $74.2 million of certain 1-4 family residential mortgages into an investment security during the fourth quarter of 2004. Second, the Company exited its marginally profitable indirect consumer lending business, resulting in a year-over-year $60.7 million reduction of loan outstandings from December 31, 2003. This decline was partially offset in 2004 by increased home equity line sales activity, resulting from pricing and promotional activities.

 

Real estate 1-4 family loans further declined in 2004 as customers continued to refinance loans in the low interest rate environment. The Company retains originated variable rate and certain other qualifying mortgages, while selling all other originations through a third party provider. As previously discussed in the section titled “Investment Portfolio Management” commencing on page 22 of this Form 10-K, the Company’s portfolio exposure to 1-4 family real estate is balanced with that embedded in its securities portfolio, as these assets tend to be longer in duration and have similar risk characteristics.

 

Distribution of Corporate Loans By Industry

 

Table 10 summarizes the Company’s ten largest industry segments for the corporate loan portfolio as of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002. The effectiveness of such analysis, however, is limited to the extent that classification by segment requires that allocation of a customer’s aggregate loans outstanding be based upon the nature of the borrower’s ongoing business activity as opposed to the purpose of the collateral underlying an individual loan. To the extent that a borrower’s underlying

 

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Table of Contents

business activity changes, classification differences will arise. As a result, the Company periodically reassesses and adjusts industry classifications.

 

Table 10

Corporate Loan Portfolio by Industry Segment(1)

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     As of December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     Amount

   % of
Total


   Amount

   % of
Total


   Amount

   % of
Total


Lessors of commercial real estate

   $ 503,383    15.8    $ 458,668    15.3    $ 431,844    18.4

Lessors of multifamily residential

     297,567    9.4      325,798    10.9      61,664    2.6

Manufacturing trade

     237,933    7.5      213,627    7.1      179,634    7.6

Residential building construction

     228,364    7.2      190,915    6.4      115,995    4.9

Retailer trade

     184,167    5.8      163,950    5.5      145,157    6.2

Wholesaler trade

     172,784    5.4      163,499    5.4      149,046    6.3

Land subdivision and land development

     184,529    5.8      140,407    4.7      147,824    6.3

Heavy construction and trade contractors

     132,430    4.2      138,410    4.6      131,517    5.6

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting

     150,056    4.7      137,239    4.6      143,517    6.1

Nonresidential building construction

     83,585    2.6      115,622    3.9      118,750    5.0
    

  
  

  
  

  

Subtotal

     2,174,798    68.4      2,048,135    68.4      1,624,948    69.0

All other segments

     999,532    31.6      945,814    31.6      728,776    31.0
    

  
  

  
  

  

Total

   $ 3,174,330    100.0    $ 2,993,949    100.0    $ 2,353,724    100.0
    

  
  

  
  

  

 

(1) Classified pursuant to the North American Industrial Classification System standard industry descriptions.

 

The Company believes its loan portfolio is diversified across industries and market segments. The increase in loans made to Lessors of multi-family residential real estate from 2002 to 2003 was primarily due to the CoVest Acquisition.

 

Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Corporate Loans

 

Table 11 summarizes the maturity distribution of the Company’s corporate loan portfolio as of December 31, 2004 as well as the interest rate sensitivity of loans in these categories that have maturities in excess of one year.

 

Table 11

Maturities and Sensitivities of Corporate Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     Due in 1
year or less


   Due after 1
year through
5 years


   Due after
5 years


   Total

Commercial, industrial, and agricultural

   $ 776,109    $ 444,581    $ 32,537    $ 1,253,227

Real estate - commercial

     309,242      984,781      199,832      1,493,855

Real estate - construction

     299,426      127,822      —        427,248
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 1,384,777    $ 1,557,184    $ 232,369    $ 3,174,330
    

  

  

  

Loans maturing after one year:

                           

Predetermined (fixed) interest rates

          $ 839,460    $ 86,462       

Floating interest rates

            717,724      145,907       
           

  

      

Total

          $ 1,557,184    $ 232,369       
           

  

      

 

27


Table of Contents

Credit Quality Management and Reserve for Loan Losses

 

In addition to the portfolio diversification previously discussed, the Company has established a thorough system of internal controls to mitigate credit risk, including standard lending and credit policies, underwriting criteria and collateral safeguards. The Company monitors and implements its formal credit policies and procedures and continues to evaluate the quality, trends, collectibility, and collateral protection within the loan portfolio. The Company’s policy and procedures are regularly reviewed and modified in order to manage risk as conditions change and new credit products are offered.

 

The Company’s credit administration policies include a comprehensive loan rating system. The internal loan review staff annually reviews at least 70% of all corporate loans and commitments and all new loans and commitments in excess of $1 million. Account officers are vested with the responsibility of monitoring their customer relationships and act as the first line of defense in determining changes in the loan ratings on credits for which they are responsible. The Company believes that any significant change in the overall quality of the loan portfolio will be reflected by these loan ratings within this monitoring system.

 

The Company’s senior managers actively review those loans that require some form of remediation. Those loans are reviewed at regular quarterly meetings between the credit administration staff and the account officers, and action plans are developed to either remedy any emerging problem loans or develop a specific plan for removing such loans from the portfolio. Such periodic reviews are then escalated for review by senior executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer. During times of economic duress, the Company has increased the frequency of these meetings.

 

The Company maintains a reserve for loan losses to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The reserve for loan losses consists of three components: (i) specific reserves established for expected losses resulting from analysis developed through specific credit allocations on individual loans for which the recorded investment in the loan exceeds the measured value of the loan; (ii) reserves based on historical loan loss experience for each loan category; and (iii) reserves based on general, current economic conditions as well as specific economic factors believed to be relevant to the markets in which the Company operates. Management evaluates the sufficiency of the reserve for loan losses based upon the combined total of the specific, historical loss and general components.

 

The accounting policies underlying the establishment and maintenance of the reserve for loan losses through provisions charged to operating expense are discussed in Notes 1 and 6 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on pages 47 and 57, respectively, of this Form 10-K.

 

Table 12 shows the allocation of the reserve for loan losses by loan category, as well as charge-off and recovery information for the last 5 years. During 2003, the Company expanded its reserve assessment to fully allocate its general reserve component to specific pools or groups of loans, thereby better linking its assessment of the underlying risks attributed to each loan category. To facilitate comparison, 2002’s allocation by category has been restated to reflect this change in methodology. Data presented for periods prior to 2002 was not restated due to the absence of sufficient, comparable data.

 

28


Table of Contents

Table 12

Reserve for Loan Losses and

Summary of Loan Loss Experience

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Change in reserve for loan losses:

                                        

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 56,404     $ 47,929     $ 47,745     $ 45,093     $ 42,645  

Loans charged-off

     (15,081 )     (12,105 )     (18,177 )     (19,330 )     (9,149 )

Recoveries on loans previously charged-off

     2,472       2,555       2,951       2,898       2,503  
    


 


 


 


 


Net loans charged-off

     (12,609 )     (9,550 )     (15,226 )     (16,432 )     (6,646 )

Provisions charged to operating expense

     12,923       10,805       15,410       19,084       9,094  

Reserve of acquired bank

     —         7,220       —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Balance at end of year

   $ 56,718     $ 56,404     $ 47,929     $ 47,745     $ 45,093  
    


 


 


 


 


Allocation of reserve for loan losses by loan category at December 31(1):

                                        

Commercial and industrial

   $ 22,065     $ 18,526     $ 14,012     $ 10,886     $ 10,193  

Agricultural

     1,353       1,297       1,503       1,674       2,338  

Real estate - commercial

     17,343       15,704       12,390       2,600       4,957  

Real estate construction

     5,924       6,286       4,722       1,459       1,472  

Consumer

     9,653       13,959       14,896       13,399       10,238  

Real estate - 1-4 family

     380       632       406       155       1,204  

Other unallocated

     —         —         —         17,572       14,691  
    


 


 


 


 


Total

   $ 56,718     $ 56,404       47,929     $ 47,745     $ 45,093  
    


 


 


 


 


Reserve as a percent of loans at year-end

     1.37 %     1.39 %     1.41 %     1.42 %     1.39 %
    


 


 


 


 


Loans charged-off:

                                        

Commercial and industrial

   $ (7,741 )   $ (3,941 )   $ (4,967 )   $ (4,620 )   $ (2,560 )

Agricultural

     (18 )     (5 )     (1,283 )     (104 )     —    

Real estate - commercial

     (1,543 )     (317 )     (591 )     (3,119 )     (159 )

Real estate - construction

     (355 )     (750 )     (1,123 )     —         —    

Consumer

     (5,311 )     (6,954 )     (10,126 )     (11,363 )     (6,253 )

Real estate - 1-4 family

     (113 )     (138 )     (87 )     (124 )     (177 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total

   $ (15,081 )   $ (12,105 )   $ (18,177 )   $ (19,330 )   $ (9,149 )
    


 


 


 


 


Recoveries on loans previously charged-off:

                                        

Commercial and industrial

   $ 699     $ 547     $ 339     $ 363     $ 531  

Agricultural

     2       1       22       1       —    

Real estate - commercial

     173       93       21       —         15  

Real estate - construction

     —         506       —         —         —    

Consumer

     1,593       1,408       2,569       2,534       1,957  

Real estate - 1-4 family

     5       —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total

   $ 2,472     $ 2,555     $ 2,951     $ 2,898     $ 2,503  
    


 


 


 


 


Net loans charged-off:

                                        

Commercial and industrial

   $ (7,042 )   $ (3,394 )   $ (4,628 )   $ (4,257 )   $ (2,029 )

Agricultural

     (16 )     (4 )     (1,261 )     (103 )     —    

Real estate - commercial

     (1,370 )     (224 )     (570 )     (3,119 )     (144 )

Real estate - construction

     (355 )     (244 )     (1,123 )     —         —    

Consumer

     (3,718 )     (5,546 )     (7,557 )     (8,829 )     (4,296 )

Real estate - 1-4 family

     (108 )     (138 )     (87 )     (124 )     (177 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total

   $ (12,609 )   $ (9,550 )   $ (15,226 )   $ (16,432 )   $ (6,646 )
    


 


 


 


 


Ratio of net loans charged-off to average loans outstanding for the period

     0.30 %     0.28 %     0.45 %     0.49 %     0.21 %
    


 


 


 


 


 

(1) In 2003, the reserve assignment methodology was altered to fully allocate all components of the loan loss reserve by category with 2002 data being restated to reflect this change. For the years 2000 and 2001, the “other” component of the reserve represented that portion of the reserve based upon general factors, including recent net charge-off experience as well as economic and business conditions, but not allocated by category.

 

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As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s reserve for loan losses totaled $56.7 million as compared to $56.4 million as of December 31, 2003 and $47.9 million as of December 31, 2002. The ratio of reserve for loan losses to total loans at year-end 2004 was 1.37%, down from 1.39% at year-end 2003 and 1.41% at the end of 2002. The 2004 reserve for loan losses increased by $314,000 or 0.6%, from 2003. The 2003 increase in overall reserve was due to the purchase of $7.2 million of loan loss reserves and $530.8 million in loans as part of the CoVest Acquisition. The acquired loan loss reserves represented 1.36% of the loans purchased.

 

The provision for loan losses increased in 2004 to $12.9 million compared to $10.8 million in 2003, following a decrease from $15.4 million in 2002. The 2004 provision for loan losses exceeded the year’s net charge-offs by $314,000. Total loans charged off, net of recoveries, were $12.6 million, or 0.30% of average loans, in 2004 and $9.6 million, or 0.28% of average loans, in 2003.

 

Gross charge-offs increased in 2004 to $15.1 million from $12.1 million in 2003 and $18.2 million in 2002, with increases in commercial and industrial and commercial real estate charge-offs, partially offset by a decline in consumer charge-offs. The lower level of charge-offs in 2003 primarily benefited from a tightening of the underwriting standards for the indirect lending portfolio initiated in 2002 as the economy weakened. In addition, the level of corporate charge-offs in 2002 and 2001 were elevated as the Company recognized the weakening economy and adopted an aggressive problem loan identification and charge-off strategy.

 

The Company increased the reserve for loan losses allocated to the commercial and industrial and commercial real estate categories in 2004 from 2003 due to loan growth, as well as elevated losses attributed to loans acquired from and originated by CoVest. Reserve allocations to the consumer loan portfolio decreased in 2004 compared to 2003 as a result of improved delinquency and charge-off trends as the portfolio mix shifted from higher-risk, indirect lending to lower-risk home equity lending.

 

In 2003, allocation of the Company’s reserve to the commercial and industrial, real estate commercial, and real estate construction categories increased as compared to 2002, due in large part to comparatively higher exposures to single borrowers and portfolio growth amid concerns relative to the continuing level of economic weakness. The growth in the commercial reserve allocation was also caused by an increase in specific reserves relating to the higher level of impaired loans. These category increases were partly offset by improved delinquency and charge-off trends in all corporate lending areas. Reserve allocations to the consumer loan portfolio decreased in relation to 2002 due to improved delinquency and charge-off trends.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets include: loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued; loans for which the terms have been renegotiated to provide for a reduction or deferral of interest and principal due to a weakening of the borrower’s financial condition; and real estate that has been acquired primarily through foreclosure and is awaiting disposition. For a detailed discussion on the Company’s policy on accrual of interest on loans see Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 47 of this Form 10-K.

 

Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest are not included in nonperforming assets and continue to accrue interest because they are adequately secured by collateral and/or are in the process of collection and are reasonably expected to result in repayment or restoration to current status.

 

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The following table summarizes nonperforming assets and past due loans for the past five years as well as certain information relating to interest income on nonaccrual loans outstanding during 2004.

 

Table 13

Nonperforming Assets and Past Due Loans

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Nonaccrual loans:

                                        

Commercial and industrial

   $ 11,267     $ 5,817     $ 3,986     $ 8,181     $ 6,407  

Agricultural

     —         169       241       1,420       33  

Real estate commercial

     1,774       1,823       4,096       1,737       7,694  

Real estate construction

     4,159       4,331       1,000       1,903       397  

Consumer

     1,416       1,516       1,803       1,796       2,043  

Real estate 1-4 family

     581       2,274       1,399       1,810       3,275  
    


 


 


 


 


Total nonaccrual loans

     19,197       15,930       12,525       16,847       19,849  

Restructured loans

     —         7,137       —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total nonperforming loans

     19,197       23,067       12,525       16,847       19,849  

Foreclosed real estate

     3,736       5,812       5,496       3,630       1,337  
    


 


 


 


 


Total nonperforming assets

     22,933       28,879       18,021       20,477       21,186  

90 days past due loans (still accruing interest)

     2,658       3,384       3,307       5,783       7,045  
    


 


 


 


 


Total nonperforming assets plus 90 days past due loans

   $ 25,591     $ 32,263     $ 21,328     $ 26,260     $ 28,231  
    


 


 


 


 


Nonperforming loans to total loans

     0.46 %     0.57 %     0.37 %     0.50 %     0.61 %

Nonperforming assets to total loans plus foreclosed real estate

     0.55 %     0.71 %     0.53 %     0.61 %     0.65 %

Nonperforming assets plus 90 days past due loans to total loans plus foreclosed real estate

     0.62 %     0.79 %     0.63 %     0.78 %     0.87 %

Nonperforming assets to total assets

     0.33 %     0.42 %     0.30 %     0.36 %     0.36 %

Reserve for loan losses as a percent of:

                                        

Total loans at year-end

     1.37 %     1.39 %     1.41 %     1.42 %     1.39 %

Nonperforming loans

     295 %     245 %     383 %     283 %     227 %

 

     2004

 

The effect of nonaccrual loans on interest income for 2004 is presented below:

        

Interest which would have been included at the normal contract rates

   $ 3,406  

Interest included in income during the year

     (304 )
    


Interest income not recognized in the financial statements

   $ 3,102  
    


 

Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2004 totaled $22.9 million, a decline of $5.9 million from $28.9 million at year-end 2003. As of December 31, 2004, nonperforming assets plus loans 90 days past due totaled $25.6 million and represented 0.62% of loan plus foreclosed real estate improved as compared to 2003 and 2002’s levels of 0.79% and 0.63%, respectively. Nonperforming asset levels improved in 2004 as two renegotiated credits totaling $7.1 million returned to performing status in first quarter 2004 due to sustained borrower performance pursuant to the restructured terms and management’s expectation of continuing performance. These troubled credits were renegotiated pursuant to existing market terms during second quarter 2003 and were included in nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2003. These two loans, along with the acquisition of $4.9 million in total nonaccruing loans acquired as part of the CoVest Acquisition, drove the increase in nonperforming assets in 2003 as compared to 2002.

 

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Table of Contents

Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2004 totaled $19.2 million, compared with $15.9 million at year-end 2003 and $12.5 million at year-end 2002. The $3.3 million increase in 2004 was due to a $5.5 million increase in commercial nonaccrual loans, primarily the result of three credits moved to nonaccrual status in 2004. The increase was partially offset by a $1.7 million decrease in 1-4 family real estate nonaccrual loans. The $3.4 million increase in total nonperforming loans in 2003 reflected an increase of $5.2 million in nonperforming commercial and industrial and real estate construction loans, partially offset by a decrease of $2.3 million in real estate commercial. The increase in 2003 in nonperforming commercial and industrial and real estate construction loans was principally due to the $4.9 million of nonaccruing loans acquired from CoVest. The loans acquired were comprehensively reviewed by the Company and deemed to be appropriately valued. The ratio of the reserve for loan losses to nonperforming loans at year-end 2003 was 245%, down from 2002’s historical high of 383%.

 

In addition to the loans summarized in Table 13, on December 31, 2004, the Company had $47.0 million of loans that are now performing, but for which the Company had some concern with the ability of the borrower to comply with existing loan repayment terms. This amount decreased from $72.3 million at year-end 2003, following an increase from $27.1 million at year-end 2002. These loans continue to perform under existing terms and accrue interest. The Company anticipates that the type of restructure, guarantee, additional collateral, or such planned action will reflect the full liquidation of debt. The classification of these loans, however, does not imply that management expects losses on these loans but rather that a higher level of scrutiny is prudent under the circumstances. 2004’s decrease and 2003’s increase as compared to the prior year reflects the identification and subsequent improvement of two large credit relationships, which management believed warranted greater scrutiny at the end of 2003 given the state of the economy and the circumstances of the borrower. In addition, the increase in 2003’s classification as compared to 2002 stems, in large part, from the acquisition of the CoVest portfolio on December 31, 2003, as well as management’s concerns about the stability of the economy at the end of 2003.

 

FUNDING AND LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT

 

Liquidity management is the ability to provide funding sources at a minimum cost to meet fluctuating deposit, withdrawal, and loan demand needs. The Company’s liquidity policy establishes parameters as to how liquidity should be managed to maintain flexibility in responding to changes in liquidity needs over a 12-month forward period, including the requirement to formulate a quarterly liquidity compliance plan for review by the Bank’s Board of Directors. The compliance plan includes an analysis that measures projected needs to purchase and sell funds. Inherent in the analysis is a set of projected balance sheet assumptions that are updated quarterly throughout the year. Based on such assumptions, the Company determines its total cash liquidity on hand and adds to that position excess collateral capacity from pledging, unused Federal funds purchased lines, and other unused borrowing capacity such as Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, resulting in a calculation of the Company’s total liquidity capacity. The Company’s total policy-directed liquidity requirement is 7.5% of total sources (demand deposits, interest-bearing transactions deposits, retail time deposits, other borrowings, and other liabilities and equity) less pledged deposits. Based upon the Company’s projections as of December 31, 2004, the Company expects to have net excess liquidity capacity, based upon policy guidelines, for the forward twelve-month period.

 

The liquidity needs of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. on an unconsolidated basis (“Parent Company”) consist primarily of operating expenses and dividend payments to its stockholders. The primary source of liquidity for the Parent Company is dividends from subsidiaries. At December 31, 2004, the Parent Company had short-term credit facilities available to fund cash flow needs totaling $50.0 million. The Parent Company also has the ability to enhance its liquidity position by raising capital or incurring debt. The Parent Company had $129.3 million in subordinated debt from trust preferred securities but had no debt outstanding under its short-term credit facilities as of year-end 2004. The Parent Company had cash and equivalent short-term investments of $59.9 million as of such date.

 

Total deposits and borrowed funds as of December 31, 2004 are summarized in Notes 9 and 10 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 59 of this Form 10-K, respectively. Table 14 provides a year-to-year comparison of the sources of the Company’s liability funding based upon average balances over the last three years. Average, rather than period-end, balances are more meaningful in analyzing the Company’s funding sources because of the inherent fluctuations that occur on a monthly basis within most deposit categories.

 

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Table 14

Funding Sources - Average Balances

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     2004

   %
of Total


   2003

   %
of Total


   2002

   %
of Total


   % Change

 
                     2004-2003

    2003-2002

 

Demand deposits

   $ 894,093    14.3    $ 806,777    14.3    $ 744,295    13.9    10.8     8.4  

Savings deposits

     646,214    10.3      498,798    8.9      454,588    8.5    29.6     9.7  

NOW accounts

     921,635    14.7      813,993    14.5      723,634    13.5    13.2     12.5  

Money market accounts

     732,456    11.7      616,868    11.0      552,440    10.3    18.7     11.7  
    

  
  

  
  

  
  

 

Transactional deposits

     3,194,398    51.0      2,736,436    48.7      2,474,957    46.2    16.7     10.6  

Time deposits

     1,474,734    23.5      1,504,424    26.7      1,706,402    31.8    (2.0 )   (11.8 )

Brokered deposits

     221,624    3.5      95,337    1.7      32,615    0.6    132.5     192.3  
    

  
  

  
  

  
  

 

Total deposits

     4,890,756    78.0      4,336,197    77.1      4,213,974    78.6    12.8     2.9  
    

  
  

  
  

  
  

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     490,272    7.8      554,281    9.8      519,113    9.6    (11.5 )   6.8  

Federal Funds purchased and other borrowed funds

     763,147    12.2      722,335    12.8      630,915    11.8    5.7     14.5  
    

  
  

  
  

  
  

 

Total borrowed funds

     1,253,419    20.0      1,276,616    22.6      1,150,028    21.4    (1.8 )   11.0  
    

  
  

  
  

  
  

 

Subordinated debt-trust preferred securities

     128,454    2.0      15,515    0.3      —      —      727.9     N/M  
    

  
  

  
  

  
  

 

Total funding sources

   $ 6,272,629    100.0    $ 5,628,328    100.0    $ 5,364,002    100.0    11.4     4.9  
    

  
  

  
  

  
  

 

 

N/M – Not meaningful.

 

The Company’s total average deposits for 2004 increased 12.8% from 2003, largely the result of its acquisition of $465.7 million in deposits as part of the CoVest Acquisition. The current mix of average deposits shifted somewhat over the past two years as transactional deposits currently represent 51.0% of total funding sources. In 2004 and 2003, the Company focused its sales efforts on increasing core funding sources from transactional deposits, as these funding costs are generally less expensive and less price sensitive than wholesale borrowed funds. As discussed in the section entitled “Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” commencing on page 38 of this Form 10-K, these efforts were consistent with the Company’s strategy to reduce its exposure to increases in market interest rates.

 

The pricing strategies in 2004 and 2003, the overall low level of interest rates, and instability in the equity markets have combined to create an incentive for customers seeking liquidity to retain balances in transactional accounts as opposed to shifting them to longer-term time deposits. Given the expectation that equity markets will stabilize and interest rates will increase in 2005, management expects that customer liquidity preferences will change and some portion of transactional balances will revert to time deposits as influenced by then existent pricing and competition.

 

Included as a part of the Company’s total funding sources are public balances, denoting the funds held on account for municipalities and other public entities. Public balances represent an important customer segment for the Company, and reflects the community-based roots of the Company. The Company enters into specific agreements with public customers to pledge collateral, primarily securities, in support of the balances on account. Because the average customer tenure with the Company is 18 years, they provide the Company with a reliable, lower cost, short-term funding source for its securities portfolio than are available through other wholesale alternatives. These relationships also provide numerous cross-sell and business referral opportunities.

 

For 2004, the Company had average public funds on account totaling $635.9 million, and approximately 95% of these funds were collateralized. Of this total, $478.3 million was held in deposit accounts, with the remainder representing securities sold under agreement to repurchase. This contrasts to average balances maintained of $675.3 million in 2003 and $640.0 million in 2002. Year-to-year changes in balances are influenced by the tax collection activities of the various municipalities as well as the general level of interest rates. The size of the Company’s securities portfolio is influenced, in part by the size of its public customer base. For additional discussion of the securities portfolio, refer to “Investment Portfolio Management” commencing on page 22 of this Form 10-K.

 

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Table 15

Maturities of Time Deposits of $100,000 or More

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     2004

Maturing within 3 months

   $ 175,339

After 3 but within 6 months

     104,919

After 6 but within 12 months

     103,284

After 12 months

     135,236
    

Total

   $ 518,778
    

 

Table 16

Borrowed Funds

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

     Amount

   Rate (%)

   Amount

   Rate (%)

   Amount

   Rate (%)

At year-end:

                                   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   $ 404,589    2.01    $ 564,709    0.76    $ 384,408    1.21

Federal funds purchased

     300,000    2.28      315,000    1.01      278,000    1.24

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     513,743    1.81      491,373    2.35      575,000    3.72

Other borrowed funds

     —      —        590    0.94      —      —  
    

  
  

  
  

  

Total borrowed funds

   $ 1,218,332    2.00    $ 1,371,672    1.39    $ 1,237,408    2.38
    

  
  

  
  

  

Average for the year:

                                   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   $ 490,272    1.33    $ 554,281    0.87    $ 519,113    1.65

Federal funds purchased

     243,790    1.37      233,119    1.19      193,929    1.72

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     519,327    2.14      489,014    3.34      436,986    3.98

Other borrowed funds

     30    0.80      202    1.49      —      —  
    

  
  

  
  

  

Total borrowed funds

   $ 1,253,419    1.67    $ 1,276,616    1.88    $ 1,150,028    2.55
    

  
  

  
  

  

Maximum month-end balance:

                                   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   $ 644,383         $ 742,164         $ 621,630     

Federal funds purchased

     365,000           360,000           278,000     

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     531,124           575,000           575,000     

Other borrowed funds

     159           2,500           —       

 

Average borrowed funds totaled $1,253.4 million, representing a decrease of $23.2 million, or 1.8%, from 2003 after increasing $126.6 million, or 11.0%, in 2003 over 2002. The Company makes extensive, interchangeable use of both repurchase agreements and FHLB advances to supplement deposits and leverage the interest yields produced through its securities portfolio. As of December 31, 2004, FHLB borrowings totaled $513.7 million as compared to $491.4 million as of December 31, 2003. As of December 31, 2004, the weighted-average maturity for FHLB borrowings was 7.6 months, and the weighted-average yield for FHLB borrowings was 1.81, as compared to 20.2 months and 2.35% as of December 31, 2003 and 19.9 months and 3.72% as of December 31, 2002. The Company reduced the weighted-average rate on its FHLB borrowings by refinancing and restructuring $115.0 million of FHLB advances during the first half of 2004, while incurring $2.7 million in debt extinguishment costs. In 2003, the Company refinanced $310.0 million in FHLB borrowings at a cost of $6.0 million.

 

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK, AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

Through its normal course of operations, the Company has entered into certain contractual obligations and other commitments. Such obligations generally relate to the funding of operations through deposits or debt issuances, as well as leases for premises and equipment. As a financial services provider, the Company routinely enters into commitments to extend credit. While contractual obligations represent future cash requirements of the Company, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process as all comparable loans made by the Company.

 

The following table presents the Company’s significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations and significant commitments as of December 31, 2004. Further discussion of the nature of each obligation is included in the referenced note to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Table 17

Contractual Obligations, Commitments, Contingencies, and Off-Balance Sheet Items

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     Note
Reference(1)


   Payments Due In

   Total

        Less Than
One Year


   One to
Three Years


   Three to
Five Years


   Over
Five Years


  

Deposits without a stated maturity

   9    $ 3,150,230    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 3,150,230

Consumer and brokered certificates of deposit

   9      1,145,875      542,055      67,030      188      1,755,148

Borrowed Funds

   10      1,091,800      54,927      71,605      —        1,218,332

Subordinated debt – trust preferred securities

   11      —        —        —        129,294      129,294

Operating leases

   7      1,065      2,778      2,905      8,490      15,238

Commitments to extend credit:

                                       

Home equity lines

   20                                  282,247

All other commitments

   20                                  1,099,025

Letters of credit:

                                       

Standby

   20                                  128,799

Commercial

   20                                  4,981

 

(1) Denotes the corresponding note in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 47 of this Form 10-K.

 

MANAGEMENT OF CAPITAL

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2004 increased 1.8% to $532.0 million, increasing $9.5 million from December 31, 2003. Stockholders’ equity grew largely because earnings exceeded dividends paid to stockholders. The increase was partially offset by reduction in other comprehensive income and net stock repurchases. Equity as a percentage of assets was 7.8% at December 31, 2004, compared to 7.6% a year before. Book value per common share increased to $11.55 at December 31, 2004, up from $11.22 at December 31, 2003 due to the increase in equity and fewer shares outstanding as a result of stock repurchases under the Company’s current repurchase program.

 

Capital Measurements

 

A strong capital structure is crucial in maintaining investor confidence, accessing capital markets, and enabling the Company to take advantage of future profitable growth opportunities. The Company’s Capital Policy requires that the Company and the Bank maintain a capital ratio in excess of the minimum regulatory guidelines and also serves as an internal discipline in analyzing business risks and internal growth opportunities, in addition to setting targeted levels of return on equity. Under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines, the Company and the Bank are subject to various capital requirements set and administered by the Federal banking agencies. These requirements specify minimum capital ratios, defined as Tier 1 and Total capital as a percentage of assets and off-balance-sheet items that have been weighted according to broad risk categories,

 

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Table of Contents

as well as a leverage ratio that compares Tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets. At December 31, 2004, the Company and the Bank exceeded the minimum risk based capital requirements established by Federal banking regulatory agencies. The minimum ratios for well-capitalized banks are 6.0% for Tier 1 capital, 10.0% for Total capital and 5.0% for the leverage ratio. The consolidated Tier 1 and Total risk based capital ratios were 10.45% and 11.52%, respectively, and the leverage ratio was 8.16% at December 31, 2004. For further details of the regulatory capital requirements and ratios as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, for the Company and the Bank, see Note 19 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 70 of this Form 10-K.

 

Stock Repurchase Programs

 

The Company continues to follow a policy of retaining sufficient capital to support growth in total assets and returning excess capital to stockholders in the form of dividends and through common stock repurchases. The latter increases the percentage ownership of the Company by existing stockholders.

 

In August 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 3 million of its common shares, or 6.28% of shares then outstanding. The repurchase plan authorizes stock repurchases in both open market and privately negotiated transactions and has no execution time limit. The Company repurchased 897,085 shares of its common stock at a weighted-average cost per share of $34.82 during 2004 and 842,400 shares of its common stock at a weighted-average cost per share of $26.60 during 2003. Subject to ongoing capital, investment, and acquisition considerations, management intends to continue share repurchases in 2005. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s authority to repurchase 661,119 shares remained under the current share repurchase authorization.

 

Shares repurchased are held as treasury stock and available for issuances in conjunction with the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan, qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, and stock option plans as well as for other general corporate purposes. The Company reissued shares held in the treasury to fund such plans totaling 387,943 shares in 2004 and 222,583 shares 2003.

 

Dividends

 

The Company paid dividends per common share of $0.90 in 2004 and $0.79 in 2003. As part of the Company’s dividend policy, the Board of Directors periodically reviews its dividend payout ratio to ensure that it is consistent with internal capital guidelines, industry standards, and peer group practices.

 

On November 19, 2004, the Company increased its quarterly dividend by 9.1% from $0.22 to $0.24 per share. Based on the Company’s December 31, 2004 closing price of $36.29 per share, the current dividend payment represents an annualized yield of 2.6%.

 

The dividend payout ratio, which represents the percentage of dividends declared to stockholders to earnings per share, was 42.5% for 2004 and 40.1% for 2003. The dividend payout ratio has averaged approximately 40.1% for the past five years.

 

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Table of Contents

QUARTERLY REVIEW

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s quarterly earnings performance for 2004 and 2003.

 

Table 18

Quarterly Earnings Performance(1)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

     2004

    2003

 
     Fourth

    Third

    Second

    First

    Fourth

    Third

    Second

    First

 

Interest income

   $ 81,765     $ 79,643     $ 76,545     $ 77,389     $ 71,668     $ 71,309     $ 73,525     $ 74,565  

Interest expense

     23,372       22,109       20,497       20,500       18,706       19,302       20,881       22,424  

Net interest income

     58,393       57,534       56,048       56,889       52,962       52,007       52,644       52,141  

Provision for loan losses

     5,350       3,240       2,405       1,928       3,075       2,660       2,540       2,530  

Noninterest income

     21,204       18,065       17,857       16,686       22,235       19,394       17,880       17,698  

Security gains (losses), net

     2,872       748       2,663       1,939       202       (615 )     3,335       66  

(Losses) on early extinguishment of debt

     —         —         (1,413 )     (1,240 )     (3,018 )     (3,007 )     —         —    

Noninterest expense

     42,797       40,359       39,977       40,205       37,109       37,551       37,954       36,838  

Income tax expense

     9,102       7,576       8,061       8,109       7,998       6,366       8,718       7,807  

Net income

   $ 25,220     $ 25,172     $ 24,712     $ 24,032     $ 24,199     $ 21,202     $ 24,647     $ 22,730  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.55     $ 0.54     $ 0.53     $ 0.52     $ 0.52     $ 0.46     $ 0.53     $ 0.48  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.54     $ 0.54     $ 0.53     $ 0.51     $ 0.52     $ 0.45     $ 0.53     $ 0.48  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Return on average equity

     18.57 %     19.03 %     19.17 %     17.97 %     18.59 %     16.73 %     19.40 %     18.39 %

Return on average assets

     1.46 %     1.45 %     1.44 %     1.42 %     1.54 %     1.33 %     1.59 %     1.53 %

Net interest margin - tax equivalent

     3.94 %     3.90 %     3.81 %     3.97 %     4.01 %     3.90 %     4.01 %     4.06 %
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

(1) All ratios are presented on an annualized basis.

 

FOURTH QUARTER 2004 vs. 2003

 

Net income for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004, increased to $25.2 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, as compared to the fourth quarter 2003 of $24.2 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, an increase of 3.8% on a per diluted share basis. Performance for the fourth quarter of 2004 resulted in an annualized return on average assets of 1.46% as compared to 1.54% for the fourth quarter 2003 and an annualized return on average equity of 18.6% in both fourth quarter 2004 and fourth quarter 2003.

 

The Company’s comparative performance between fourth quarter 2004 and 2003 is heavily influenced by the acquisition of $645.6 million in assets resulting from the CoVest Acquisition and subsequent operational integration during first quarter 2004.

 

The Company’s net interest income increased 10.3% to $58.4 million in fourth quarter 2004 as compared to $53.0 million in 2003’s fourth quarter. This improvement was driven by a $567.8 million increase in average interest-earning assets from fourth quarter 2003, primarily the result of assets acquired in the CoVest Acquisition. Net interest margin for fourth quarter 2004 was 3.94%, down from 4.01% in fourth quarter 2003, but up from 3.90% on a linked-quarter basis. This sequential quarter margin improvement was largely the result of earning assets repricing more quickly than paying liabilities as the targeted Federal Funds rate increased 50 basis points during fourth quarter 2004.

 

The Company’s noninterest income for fourth quarter 2004 decreased 4.6% to $21.2 million, as compared to $22.2 million for fourth quarter 2003. The decrease from 2003 was due to the absence in 2004 of $4.6 million in gains realized from the Company’s 2003 divesture of its two branches in Streator, Illinois. Excluding this gain, the Company’s noninterest income increased $3.6 million. Increased revenue was driven by a 10.2% increase in trust revenues and a 22.4% increase in card-based revenues.

 

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Total noninterest expense for fourth quarter 2004 increased $5.7 million to $42.8 million, an increase of 15.3% from fourth quarter 2003. This increase reflected additional expenses associated with operating the CoVest franchise, including employee-related expense, net occupancy and equipment costs, and core deposit intangible amortization. In addition, this increase also reflected comparatively higher expenses for incentive-related compensation programs, employee insurance and increased fees for professional and audit-related services. These increases were partially offset by lower data processing costs.

 

The Company’s credit quality improved during the fourth quarter of 2004 on both a linked-quarter and a year-over-year basis. Nonperforming assets totaled $22.9 million as of December 31, 2004, down 14.4% from $26.8 million as of September 30, 2004 and down 20.6% from $28.9 million as of December 31, 2003. As of December 31, 2004, the ratio of nonperforming assets to total loans plus foreclosed real estate was 0.55%, down 22.5% from 0.71% as of December 31, 2003.

 

ITEM 7a. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, exchange rates, and equity prices. Interest rate risk is the Company’s primary market risk and is the result of repricing, basis, and option risk. Repricing risk represents timing mismatches in the Company’s ability to alter contractual rates earned on financial assets or paid on liabilities in response to market interest rates. Basis risk refers to the potential for changes in the underlying relationship between market rates or indices, which subsequently result in a narrowing of the spread earned on a loan or investment relative to its cost of funds. Option risk arises from the “embedded options” present in many financial instruments such as loan prepayment options or deposit early withdrawal options. These provide customers opportunities to take advantage of directional changes in rates and could have an adverse impact on the Company’s margin performance.

 

The Company seeks to achieve consistent growth in net interest income and net income while managing volatility that arises from shifts in interest rates. The Company’s Asset and Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) oversees financial risk management by developing programs to measure and manage interest rate risks within authorized limits set by the Bank’s Board of Directors. ALCO also approves the Company’s asset/liability management policies, oversees the formulation and implementation of strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and earnings, and reviews the Company’s interest rate sensitivity position. Management uses net interest income and economic value of equity simulation modeling tools to analyze and capture near-term and longer-term interest rate exposures.

 

Net interest income represents the Company’s primary tool for measuring interest rate sensitivity. Net interest income simulation analysis measures the sensitivity of net interest income to various interest rate movements and balance sheet structures. The simulation is based on actual cash flows and repricing characteristics for on and off-balance sheet instruments and incorporates market-based assumptions regarding the effect of changing interest rates on the prepayment rates of certain assets and liabilities. The simulation includes management projections for activity levels in each of the product lines offered by the Company. Assumptions based upon the historical behavior of deposit rates and balances in relation to interest rates are also incorporated into the simulation. These assumptions are inherently uncertain. As a result, the simulation cannot precisely measure net interest income or precisely predict the impact of the fluctuation in interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes, as well as changes in market conditions and management strategies.

 

The Company monitors and manages interest rate risk within approved policy limits. The simulation model assesses the magnitude of changes in net interest income resulting from changes in interest rates over a 12-month horizon, using multiple rate scenarios. These scenarios include, but are not limited to, a flat or unchanged rate environment, a “most likely” forecast (which the Company believes to be the most probable outlook), a graduated increase and decrease of 200 basis points that occurs in equal steps over a six month time horizon, and immediate increases and decreases of 200 and 300 basis points.

 

The Company’s current interest rate risk policy limits are determined by measuring the change in net interest income over a 12-month horizon assuming a 200 basis point gradual increase and decrease in all interest rate limits. Current policy limits this exposure to plus or minus 8% of the anticipated level of net interest income over the corresponding 12-month horizon assuming no change in current interest rates. Given the low interest rate environment existent at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Bank’s Board of Directors temporarily authorized operation outside of existing policy limits under the gradual falling rate scenario.

 

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Analysis of Net Interest Income Sensitivity

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     Gradual Change in Rates(1)

    Immediate Change in Rates

 
     -200

    +200

    -200

    +200

    -300(2)

   +300

 

December 31, 2004:

                                             

Dollar change

   $ (20,041 )   $ 2,755     $ (28,500 )   $ 5,552     N/M    $ 11,438  

Percent change

     -8.5 %     +1.2 %     -12.0 %     +2.3 %   N/M      +4.8 %

December 31, 2003:

                                             

Dollar change

   $ (26,053 )   $ 5,377     $ (35,487 )   $ 7,016     N/M    $ 12,619  

Percent change

     -11.2 %     +2.3 %     -15.3 %     +3.0 %   N/M      +5.4 %

 

(1) Reflects an assumed uniform change in interest rates across all terms that occur in equal steps over a six-month horizon.

 

(2) N/M - Due to the low level of interest rates as of year-end 2004 and 2003, in management’s judgment an assumed 300 basis point drop in interest rates was deemed not meaningful in the current interest rate environment.

 

As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s interest rate sensitivity profile, assuming a gradual change in rates, was less positive in rising interest rate scenarios and less negative in falling rate scenarios than the profile that existed as of December 31, 2003. The change in profile from 2003 results from a combination of the comparatively higher level of interest rates existent as of December 31, 2004 and changes in the remaining term and mix of both security investments and wholesale funding. The higher level of interest rates at December 31, 2004 limits the Company’s ability to benefit from future interest rate increases, as the positive impact of slowing mortgage prepayments as of December 31, 2003 has already been partially reflected as actual performance during the last half of 2004. In addition, the passage of time has shortened the duration of borrowed funds since year-end 2003, and the majority of these liabilities will reprice in the latter half of 2005.

 

In addition to the simulation analysis, management uses an economic value of equity sensitivity technique to capture the risk in both short and long-term positions and to study the impact of long-term cash flows on earnings and capital. Economic value of equity involves discounting present values of expected cash flows on all assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet contracts under different interest rate scenarios. The discounted present value of all cash flows represents the Company’s economic value of equity. Economic value of equity does not represent the true fair value of asset, liability, or derivative positions because factors such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and the impact of future changes to the balance sheet are not considered. The Company’s policy guidelines call for preventative measures to be taken in the event that an immediate increase or decrease in interest rates of 200 basis points is estimated to reduce the economic value of equity by more than 20%.

 

Analysis of Economic Value of Equity

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     Immediate Change in Rates

 
     -200

    +200

 

December 31, 2004:

                

Dollar change

   $ (47,736 )   $ (30,601 )

Percent change

     -5.0 %     -3.2 %

December 31, 2003:

                

Dollar change

   $ (36,271 )   $ (53,088 )

Percent change

     -3.8 %     -5.5 %

 

The sensitivity of the Company’s economic value of equity to changes in interest rates has increased in a falling rate scenario and decreased in a rising rate scenario as compared to December 31, 2003 primarily due to changes in securities portfolio mix. During 2004, the Company sold longer-term, municipal securities and reinvested the proceeds into comparatively shorter-term collateralized mortgage obligations, lessening the duration of the securities portfolio. This shortening, in combination with strategies to lengthen the duration of liabilities, decreased the level of market value volatility to rising interest rates.

 

As in 2003, the Company’s current sensitivity of net interest income and economic value of equity suggests better performance in a rising interest rate environment, with net interest income over a 12-month horizon benefiting from gradually rising interest rates. The Company’s balance sheet and net interest income remain vulnerable to an immediate decrease in

 

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interest rates. ALCO has deemed the risk of an immediate and extended decline in interest rates to be low given the current rate environment.

 

As part of its approach to controlling the interest rate risk within its balance sheet, the Company has used derivative instruments (specifically interest rate swaps with third parties) in order to limit volatility in net interest income. The advantages of using such interest rate derivatives include minimization of balance sheet leverage resulting in lower capital requirements as compared to cash instruments, the ability to maintain or increase liquidity, and the opportunity to customize the interest rate swap to meet desired risk parameters. The accounting policies underlying the treatment of derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Condition and Income of the Company are described in Notes 1 and 12 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on pages 47 and 62, respectively, of this Form 10-K.

 

Interest rate swap transactions involve exchanges of fixed and floating rate interest payments without the exchange of the underlying notional (i.e., principal) amount on which the interest payments are calculated. When the interest rate swap has been appropriately designated as a hedge, the net cash flow paid or received by the Company on these transactions is treated as an adjustment to interest income and expense on the underlying earning asset or funding source to which the swap relates. A risk associated with interest rate swap transactions is credit risk, defined as the ability of the swap counterparty to perform its interest payment obligation under the terms of the agreement. Credit risk on interest rate swap transactions consists of the aggregate net interest payable to the Company by the counterparty in addition to the aggregate unrealized gain on the swap position. The Company controls this credit risk by reviewing each counterparty for creditworthiness prior to entering into transactions and maintaining a policy limiting credit exposure to any one counterparty to not more than 2.5% of consolidated stockholders’ equity. In addition, the Company’s interest rate swap transactions require the establishment of a mutual mark-to-market arrangement whereby cash collateral is required to be on deposit with the Company and/or the counterparty, depending upon the existing net settlement position. The Company does not act as an intermediary in arranging interest rate swaps for customers.

 

As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had total interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $162.5 million and $76.9 million in place, respectively, hedging various balance sheet categories. The specific terms of the interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are discussed in Note 12 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” commencing on page 62 of this Form 10-K.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

 

To Our Stockholders:

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, which is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the data presented. In the opinion of management, the financial statements, which necessarily include amounts based on management’s estimates and judgments, have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Ernst and Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and have expressed their unqualified opinion on these financial statements.

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors, is composed entirely of independent directors (as defined by the listing standards of Nasdaq). The Audit Committee meets periodically with management, the independent accountants, and the internal auditors to review matters relating to the Company’s financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to financial reporting and disclosure, annual financial statement audit, engagement of independent accountants, internal audit function, and system of internal controls. The internal auditors and the independent accountants periodically meet alone with the Audit Committee and have access to the Audit Committee at any time.

 

/S/ JOHN M. O’MEARA

     

/S/ MICHAEL L. SCUDDER

John M. O’Meara

President and

Chief Executive Officer

     

Michael L. Scudder

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer, and

Principal Accounting Officer

 

March 4, 2005

 

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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of condition of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc., as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the 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 First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.’s, 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 and our report dated March 4, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 4, 2005

 

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FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Assets

                

Cash and due from banks

   $ 119,880     $ 186,900  

Federal funds sold and other short-term investments

     330       5,789  

Mortgages held for sale

     4,251       9,620  

Securities available for sale, at market value

     2,179,438       2,229,650  

Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (market value 2004 - $64,618; 2003 - $67,514)

     64,576       67,446  

Loans

     4,135,278       4,059,782  

Reserve for loan losses

     (56,718 )     (56,404 )
    


 


Net loans

     4,078,560       4,003,378  
    


 


Premises, furniture, and equipment

     89,003       91,535  

Accrued interest receivable

     30,169       30,506  

Investment in corporate owned life insurance

     151,359       146,421  

Goodwill

     84,547       83,735  

Other intangible assets

     12,165       15,533  

Other assets

     49,103       36,145  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 6,863,381     $ 6,906,658  
    


 


Liabilities

                

Demand deposits

   $ 922,540     $ 859,080  

Savings deposits

     644,664       629,505  

NOW accounts

     891,378       890,461  

Money market deposits

     691,648       740,009  

Time deposits

     1,755,148       1,696,053  
    


 


Total deposits

     4,905,378       4,815,108  

Borrowed funds

     1,218,332       1,371,672  

Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities

     129,294       128,716  

Accrued interest payable

     7,036       6,828  

Other liabilities

     71,303       61,794  
    


 


Total liabilities

     6,331,343       6,384,118  
    


 


Stockholders’ Equity

                

Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000 shares authorized, none issued

     —         —    

Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued 56,927 shares outstanding: 2004 – 46,065 shares; 2003 - 46,581 shares

     569       569  

Additional paid-in capital

     61,918       68,755  

Retained earnings

     707,435       650,128  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

     10,115       32,656  

Treasury stock, at cost: 2004 –10,862 shares; 2003 - 10,346 shares

     (247,999 )     (229,568 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     532,038       522,540  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 6,863,381     $ 6,906,658  
    


 



See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2004

    2003

    2002

Interest Income

                      

Loans

   $ 225,099     $ 200,013     $ 223,393

Securities:

                      

Available for sale – taxable

     57,163       56,077       78,301

Available for sale – nontaxable

     30,020       30,632       23,702

Held to maturity – taxable

     439       831       952

Held to maturity – nontaxable

     1,988       2,432       2,499
    


 


 

Total interest on securities

     89,610       89,972       105,454

Federal funds sold and other short-term investments

     633       1,082       817
    


 


 

Total interest income

     315,342       291,067       329,664
    


 


 

Interest Expense

                      

Savings deposits

     4,305       2,489       4,191

NOW accounts

     7,549       7,089       10,291

Money market deposits

     9,083       7,850       10,993

Time deposits

     36,495       38,844       56,141

Borrowed funds

     20,980       23,962       29,294

Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities

     8,066       1,079       —  
    


 


 

Total interest expense

     86,478       81,313       110,910
    


 


 

Net interest income

     228,864       209,754       218,754

Provision for loan losses

     12,923       10,805       15,410
    


 


 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     215,941       198,949       203,344
    


 


 

Noninterest Income

                      

Service charges on deposit accounts

     28,837       27,924       25,362

Trust and investment management fees

     11,888       10,810       10,309

Other service charges, commissions, and fees

     15,147       16,187       14,349

Card-based fees

     9,252       8,336       7,895

Corporate owned life insurance income

     4,939       5,059       6,728

Security gains, net

     8,222       2,988       460

(Losses) on early extinguishment of debt

     (2,653 )     (6,025 )     —  

Other income

     3,749       8,891       1,888
    


 


 

Total noninterest income

     79,381       74,170       66,991
    


 


 

Noninterest Expense

                      

Salaries and wages

     68,907       64,736       61,834

Retirement and other employee benefits

     23,264       19,548       18,792

Net occupancy expense

     16,015       14,508       14,298

Equipment expense

     8,847       7,979       7,769

Technology and related costs

     6,681       8,913       9,796

Professional services

     7,998       6,623       6,627

Advertising and promotions

     5,043       4,563       4,195

Merchant card expense

     4,012       3,595       3,540

Other expenses

     22,571       18,987       21,201
    


 


 

Total noninterest expense

     163,338       149,452       148,052
    


 


 

Income before income tax expense

     131,984       123,667       122,283

Income tax expense

     32,848       30,889       32,133
    


 


 

Net income

   $ 99,136     $ 92,778     $ 90,150
    


 


 

Per Share Data

                      

Basic earnings per share

   $ 2.13     $ 1.99     $ 1.88

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.12     $ 1.97     $ 1.86

Weighted-average shares outstanding

     46,469       46,671       48,074

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

     46,860       46,982       48,415

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-in
Capital


    Retained
Earnings


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Treasury
Stock


    Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2001

   $ 569    $ 74,961     $ 537,600     $ 5,265     $ (171,128 )   $ 447,267  

Comprehensive Income:

                                               

Net income

     —        —         90,150       —         —         90,150  

Other comprehensive income: (1)

                                               

Unrealized gains on securities

     —        —         —         32,928       —         32,928  

Unrealized gains on hedging activities

     —        —         —         1,172       —         1,172  
                                           


Total comprehensive income

                                            124,250  

Dividends declared ($.70 per share)

     —        —         (33,558 )     —         —         (33,558 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     —        —         —         —         (52,117 )     (52,117 )

Treasury stock issued to (purchased for) benefit plans

     —        9       —         —         (155 )     (146 )

Exercise of stock options

     —        (3,954 )     —         —         10,217       6,263  

Fair value adjustment to treasury stock held in grantor trust

     —        4       —         —         (10 )     (6 )
    

  


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

     569      71,020       594,192       39,365       (213,193 )     491,953  

Comprehensive Income:

                                               

Net income

     —        —         92,778       —         —         92,778  

Other comprehensive income: (1)

                                               

Unrealized (losses) on securities

     —        —         —         (7,029 )     —         (7,029 )

Unrealized gains on hedging activities

     —        —         —         320       —         320  
                                           


Total comprehensive income

                                            86,069  

Dividends declared ($.79 per share)

     —        —         (36,842 )     —                 (36,842 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     —        —         —         —         (22,404 )     (22,404 )

Treasury stock issued to (purchased for) benefit plans

     —        4       —         —         (165 )     (161 )

Exercise of stock options

     —        (2,269 )     —         —         6,210       3,941  

Fair value adjustment to treasury stock held in grantor trust

     —        —         —         —         (16 )     (16 )
    

  


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

     569      68,755       650,128       32,656       (229,568 )     522,540  

Comprehensive Income:

                                               

Net income

     —        —         99,136       —                 99,136  

Other comprehensive income: (1)

                                               

Unrealized (losses) on securities

     —        —         —         (23,156 )             (23,156 )

Unrealized gains on hedging activities

     —        —         —         615               615  
                                           


Total comprehensive income

                                            76,595  

Dividends declared ($.90 per share)

     —        —         (41,829 )     —                 (41,829 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     —        —         —         —         (31,240 )     (31,240 )

Treasury stock issued to (purchased for) benefit plans

     —        (1 )     —         —         (212 )     (213 )

Exercise of stock options

     —        (6,836 )     —         —         13,021       6,185  
    

  


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

   $ 569    $ 61,918     $ 707,435     $ 10,115     $ (247,999 )   $ 532,038  
    

  


 


 


 


 



See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

(1) Net of taxes and reclassification adjustments.

 

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FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Operating Activities

                        

Net income

   $ 99,136     $ 92,778     $ 90,150  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Provision for loan losses

     12,923       10,805       15,410  

Depreciation of premises, furniture, and equipment

     8,845       8,423       8,690  

Net amortization of premium on securities

     6,902       17,482       9,812  

Net (gains) on securities

     (8,222 )     (2,988 )     (460 )

Net losses on early extinguishment of debt

     2,653       6,025       —    

Net (gains) on sales of other real estate owned

     (530 )     (312 )     (176 )

Net (gains) losses on sales of premises, furniture, and equipment

     (483 )     (498 )     92  

(Gain) on branch divestiture

     —         (4,635 )     —    

Net pension cost

     4,515       3,230       2,461  

Tax benefit from exercise of nonqualified stock options

     1,362       920       985  

Net decrease in deferred income taxes

     2,522       3,606       554  

Net amortization of other intangibles

     2,131       38       1,313  

Originations and purchases of mortgage loans held for sale

     (173,445 )     (472,076 )     (286,450 )

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale

     178,814       480,977       283,169  

Net (increase) in corporate owned life insurance

     (4,939 )     (5,059 )     (6,082 )

Net decrease in accrued interest receivable

     337       499       1,022  

Net increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable

     208       (1,675 )     (1,728 )

Net decrease (increase) in other assets

     1,753       (16,355 )     (7,841 )

Net increase in other liabilities

     14,111       3,325       21,771  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     148,593       124,510       132,692  
    


 


 


Investing Activities

                        

Securities available for sale:

                        

Proceeds from maturities, repayments, and calls

     568,727       1,036,514       575,629  

Proceeds from sales

     467,928       608,485       300,212  

Purchases

     (1,036,285 )     (1,878,797 )     (1,057,730 )

Securities held to maturity:

                        

Proceeds from maturities, repayments, and calls

     29,684       73,940       35,547  

Purchases

     (26,743 )     (71,655 )     (39,796 )

Net (increase) in loans

     (92,261 )     (657,943 )     (57,982 )

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned, net of purchases

     6,762       2,673       6,526  

Proceeds from sales of premises, furniture, and equipment

     1,211       1,484       1,446  

Proceeds from branch divestiture

     —         5,142       —    

Purchases of premises, furniture, and equipment

     (6,962 )     (19,824 )     (14,683 )

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     —         (82,909 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash (used in) investing activities

     (87,939 )     (982,890 )     (250,831 )
    


 


 


Financing Activities

                        

Net increase (decrease) in deposit accounts

     90,270       642,154       (20,967 )

Net (decrease) increase in borrowed funds

     (155,993 )     128,239       265,557  

Proceeds from the issuance of subordinated debt - trust preferred securities

     —         128,715       —    

Purchase of treasury stock

     (31,240 )     (22,404 )     (52,117 )

Proceeds from the issuance of treasury stock

     7       6       9  

Cash dividends paid

     (41,000 )     (35,560 )     (32,879 )

Exercise of stock options

     4,823       3,021       5,278  
    


 


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (133,133 )     844,171       164,881  
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (72,479 )     (14,209 )     46,742  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     192,689       206,898       160,156  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 120,210     $ 192,689     $ 206,898  
    


 


 



See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Nature of Operations - First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (“the Company”) is a Delaware corporation and bank holding company that was incorporated in 1982, began operations on March 31, 1983, and was formed through an exchange of common stock. The Company is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois and has operations primarily located in Northern Illinois, principally in the suburban metropolitan Chicago area. The Company operates two wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”): First Midwest Bank (the “Bank”) and First Midwest Insurance Company, which is largely inactive. The Company is engaged in commercial and retail banking and offers a comprehensive selection of financial products and services including lending, depository, trust, investment management, insurance, and other related financial services tailored to the needs of its individual, business, institutional, and governmental customers.

 

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. Assets held by its subsidiaries in a fiduciary or agency capacity are not assets of the subsidiaries and, accordingly, are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Basis of Presentation - Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents has been defined by management to include cash and due from banks, funds sold, and other short-term investments. The Company uses the accrual basis of accounting for financial reporting purposes, except for immaterial sources of income and expense, which are recorded when received or paid.

 

Use of Estimates - The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and general practice within the banking industry. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Business Combinations - In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations,” business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, are accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method, net assets of the business acquired are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition, with any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the effective date of acquisition.

 

Securities - Securities are classified as held to maturity or available for sale at the time of purchase. Securities classified as held to maturity, which management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are reported at amortized cost. The historical cost of debt securities classified as held to maturity or available for sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts over the estimated life of the security, using the level-yield method. In determining the estimated life of a mortgage-related security, certain judgments are required as to the timing and amount of future principal prepayments. These judgments are made based upon the actual performance of the underlying security and the general market consensus regarding changes in mortgage interest rates. Amortization of premium and accretion of discount is included in interest income from the related security.

 

Available for sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, included in stockholders’ equity as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Realized securities gains or losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary are included in investment securities gains (losses), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Any security for which there has been other than temporary impairment of value is written down to its estimated fair value through a charge to earnings.

 

Loans - Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding, including certain net deferred loan origination fees. Residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. Interest income on loans is accrued based on principal amounts outstanding. Loan and lease origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net amount amortized over the estimated life of the related loans or commitments as a yield adjustment. Other credit-related fees, including line of credit fees are recognized as fee income when earned.

 

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Nonaccrual loans - Generally, commercial loans and loans secured by real estate (including impaired loans) are designated as nonaccrual: (a) when either principal or interest payments are 90 days or more past due based on contractual terms unless the loan is sufficiently collateralized such that full repayment of both principal and interest is expected and is in the process of collection; or (b) when an individual analysis of a borrower’s creditworthiness indicates a credit should be placed on nonaccrual status. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against the reserve for loan losses. Future interest income may only be recorded on a cash basis after recovery of principal is reasonably assured. Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when the financial position of the borrower and other relevant factors indicate there is no longer doubt as to such collectibility.

 

Commercial loans and those secured by real estate are generally charged-off when deemed uncollectible and to the extent principal and interest due exceed the net realizable value of the collateral, with the charge-off occurring when the loss is reasonably quantifiable. Consumer loans are subject to mandatory charge-off at a specified delinquency date and are usually not classified as nonaccrual prior to being charged-off. Closed-end consumer loans, which include installment, automobile, and single payment loans are generally charged-off in full no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 120 days past due. Open-end unsecured consumer loans, such as credit card loans, are generally charged-off in full no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due.

 

Impaired Loans - A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest due according to the terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the value of the underlying collateral. The Company evaluates the collectibility of both principal and interest when assessing the need for loss accrual. All loans subject to evaluation and considered impaired are included in nonperforming assets.

 

Restructured Loans - In cases where a borrower experiences financial difficulties and the Company makes certain concessionary modifications to contractual terms, the loan is classified as a restructured loan. Loans restructured at a rate equal to or greater than that of a new loan with comparable risk at the time the contract is modified may be excluded from restructured loans in the calendar years subsequent to the restructuring if they are in compliance with modified terms. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains in nonaccrual for a period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower can meet the restructured terms. However, sustained payment performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the restructured terms. These factors may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of restructuring or upon satisfaction of a shorter performance period.

 

Reserve for Loan Losses - The reserve for loan losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The reserve takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature, volume, size and current risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, an assessment of individual problem loans, actual and anticipated loss experience; current economic conditions that affect the borrower’s ability to pay and other pertinent factors. Determination of the reserve is inherently subjective, as it requires significant estimates, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. Credit exposures deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off against the reserve, while recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the reserve. Additions to the reserve for loan losses are charged to operating expense through the provision for loan losses. The amount charged to operating expense in any given year is dependent on a number factors including historic loan growth and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, net charge-off levels, and the Company’s assessment of the reserve for loan losses based upon the methodology discussed below.

 

The reserve for loan losses is the accumulation of three components calculated based on independent methodologies. All components of the reserve for loan losses represent estimations performed pursuant to the requirements of SFAS Statement No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” and SFAS Nos. 114 and 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” and consists of: (i) specific reserves established for expected losses resulting from analysis developed through specific credit allocations on individual loans for which the recorded investment in the loan exceeds the measured value of the loan; (ii) reserves based on historical loan loss experience for each loan category; and (iii) reserves based on general, current economic conditions as well as specific economic factors believed to be relevant to the markets in which the Company operates.

 

The specific reserves component of the reserve for loan losses is based on a regular analysis of impaired loans over a fixed-dollar amount where the internal credit rating is at or below a predetermined classification. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest due according to the terms of the loan agreement. Loans subject to impairment valuation are defined as nonaccrual and restructured loans exclusive of

 

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smaller homogeneous loans such as home equity, installment, and 1-4 family residential loans. Impairment is measured by estimating the fair value of the loan based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s initial effective interest rate, the market price of the loan, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell, if repayment of the loan is collateral dependent. If the estimated fair value of the loan is less than the recorded book value, a valuation reserve is established as a component of the reserve for loan losses.

 

The component of the reserve for loan losses based on historical loan loss experience is determined statistically using a loss migration analysis that examines loss experience and the related internal grading of loans charged-off. The loss migration analysis is performed quarterly and loss factors are updated regularly based on actual experience.

 

The final component of the reserve for loan losses reflects management’s general estimate of probable inherent, but undetected, losses within the portfolio. The general component of the reserve for loan losses is determined based upon the Company’s assessment of economic conditions such as levels of unemployment and bankruptcy trends. The Company also assesses other risk factors such as changes in the characteristics of the loan portfolio, underwriting policies as well as delinquency and charge-off trends. The general allowance is determined by applying estimated loss factors to the credit exposures from outstanding loans due to uncertainties in economic conditions, delays in obtaining information, including unfavorable information about a borrower’s financial condition, the difficulty in identifying triggering events that correlate perfectly to subsequent loss rates, and risk factors that have not yet manifested themselves in loss allocation factors. In addition, this component includes a portion that explicitly accounts for the inherent imprecision in loan loss migration models. Because the general component of the reserve considers risk factors that may not have manifested themselves in the Company’s historical loss experience, it involves a high degree of subjectivity in its determination.

 

Foreclosed Real Estate - Foreclosed real estate includes properties acquired in partial or total satisfaction of certain loans and is included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Condition. Properties are recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loans for which the properties previously served as collateral or the fair value, which represents the estimated sales price of the properties on the date acquired less estimated selling costs. Management periodically reviews the carrying value of foreclosed real estate properties. Any write-downs in the carrying value of a property within 180 days of acquisition are charged against the reserve for loan losses, otherwise they are recognized in operating results in the period realized. Gains or losses on disposition and income or expense from the operations of foreclosed real estate are recognized in operating results in the period they are realized. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, foreclosed real estate totaled $3.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively.

 

Depreciable Assets - Premises, furniture and equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is determined by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the life of the asset or the lease term. Rates of depreciation are generally based on the following useful lives: buildings - 25 to 40 years; building improvements - 3 to 15 years; and furniture and equipment - - 3 to 10 years. Gains and losses on dispositions are reflected in other income and other expense, respectively. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred, while improvements that extend the useful life are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life.

 

Long-lived depreciable assets are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment exists when the expected undiscounted future cash flows of a long-lived asset are less than its carrying value. In that event, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset based on a quoted market price, if applicable, or a discounted cash flow analysis. Impairment losses are recorded in other noninterest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Corporate Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”) - COLI represents life insurance policies on the lives of certain Company officers for which the Company is the beneficiary. These policies are recorded as an asset on the Consolidated Statements of Condition at their cash surrender value, or the amount that could be realized currently. The change in cash surrender value and insurance proceeds received are recorded as COLI income on the Consolidated Statements of Income in noninterest income and is not subject to income taxes based on the Company’s intent and ability to hold the policies.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired using the purchase method of accounting. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. The Company follows SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that there may be impairment. Identified intangible assets that have a finite useful life are amortized over that life in a manner that reflects the estimated decline in the economic value of the identified intangible asset. Identified intangible assets that have a finite useful life are periodically

 

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reviewed to determine whether there have been any events or circumstances to indicate that the recorded amount is not recoverable from projected undiscounted net operating cash flows. If the projected undiscounted net operating cash flows are less than the carrying amount, a loss is recognized to reduce the carrying amount to fair value, and, when appropriate, the amortization period is also reduced. Unamortized intangible assets associated with disposed assets are included in the determination of gain or loss on sale of the disposed assets. All of the Company’s other intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized over varying periods not exceeding 11 years.

 

Trust Assets and Assets Under Management - Assets held in fiduciary or agency capacity for customers are not included in the consolidated financial statements as they are not assets of the Company or its subsidiaries. Fee income is recognized on an accrual basis for financial reporting purposes and is included as a component of noninterest income.

 

Advertising Costs - All advertising costs incurred by the Company are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments - In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into derivative transactions as part of its overall interest rate risk management strategy to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings and cash flows caused by interest rate volatility. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 133”), as amended, all derivative instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Condition at fair value. The Company includes the fair value of derivative instruments in other assets and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Subsequent changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

 

On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, it designates the derivative instrument as either a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or as a freestanding derivative instrument. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to changes in fair value of an asset or liability attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered to be fair value hedges. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows to be received or paid related to an asset or liability or other types of forecasted transactions are considered to be cash flow hedges. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking each hedge transaction.

 

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings during the period of the change in fair values. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For all hedge relationships, derivative gains and losses not effective in hedging the change in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings during the period of change.

 

At the hedge’s inception and at least quarterly thereafter, a formal assessment is performed to determine whether changes in the fair values or cash flows of the derivative instruments have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of the hedged item and whether they are expected to be highly effective in the future. If it is determined that the derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. SFAS No. 133 basis adjustments recorded on interest - bearing hedged assets and liabilities are amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item beginning no later than when the hedge terminates. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

Income Taxes - The Company and its banking subsidiary file a consolidated Federal income tax return. First Midwest Insurance Company files a separate Federal life insurance company tax return. The provision for income taxes is based upon income in the financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the Company’s income tax return.

 

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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established for any deferred tax asset for which recovery or settlement is unlikely. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) - Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted - average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The basic EPS computation excludes the dilutive effect of all common stock equivalents. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted - average number of common shares outstanding plus all potential common shares. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue

 

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common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The Company’s potential common shares represent shares issuable under its long-term incentive compensation plans. Such common stock equivalents are computed based on the treasury stock method using the average market price for the period.

 

Treasury Stock - Treasury stock acquired is recorded at cost and is carried as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Treasury stock issued is valued based on the “last in, first out” inventory method. The difference between the consideration received upon issuance and the carrying value is charged or credited to additional paid-in capital.

 

Stock-Based Compensation - The Company’s stock-based compensation plans are accounted for based on the intrinsic value method set forth in Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”), and related interpretations. Under APB 25, no compensation expense is recognized, as the exercise price of the Company’s stock options is equal to the fair market value of its common stock on the date of the grant.

 

Pursuant to SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”), as amended by SFAS No. 148, disclosure requirements, pro forma net income, and earnings per share are presented in the following table as if compensation cost for stock options, net of related tax effects, was determined under the fair value method and amortized to expense over the options’ vesting periods. (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data.)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 99,136     $ 92,778     $ 90,150  

Less: pro forma expense related to options, net of tax

     (1,295 )     (1,564 )     (2,499 )
    


 


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 97,841     $ 91,214     $ 87,651  
    


 


 


Basic Earnings Per Share:

                        

As reported

   $ 2.13     $ 1.99     $ 1.88  

Pro forma

   $ 2.11     $ 1.95     $ 1.82  

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

                        

As reported

   $ 2.12     $ 1.97     $ 1.86  

Pro forma

   $ 2.09     $ 1.94     $ 1.81  

Weighted-average assumptions used in the model to determine the fair value of the options granted:

                        

Risk-free interest rate

     2.61 %     2.27 %     4.69 %

Expected life of the option (in years)

     3.0       3.5       7.8  

Expected dividend yield

     2.66 %     2.72 %     2.72 %

Expected stock volatility

     19 %     22 %     22 %

Weighted-average fair value of options at their grant date

   $ 3.90     $ 3.58     $ 6.99  

 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models such as the Black-Scholes require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Periodically, management will review and adjust the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of an option in order to realign them with current experience. In 2003, management adjusted the expected life of an option and the correlating risk-free interest rate to better reflect historical and expected trends. The Company’s stock options have characteristics significantly different from traded options. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and, as a result, the existing models may not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

 

For additional details on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans see Note 17, “Stock Option Plans,” commencing on page 68 of this Form 10-K.

 

Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income is the total of reported net income and all other revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under U.S. GAAP bypass reported net income. The Company includes changes in unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, on securities available for sale and changes in the fair value of derivatives designated under cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income and is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity.

 

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Segment Disclosures - Operating segments are components of a business about which separate financial information is available and that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. Public companies are required to report certain financial information about operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates the operations of the Company as one operating segment, commercial banking, due to the materiality of the commercial banking operation to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, taken as a whole, and as a result, separate segment disclosures are not required. The Company offers the following products and services to external customers: deposits, loans, and trust services. Revenues for each of these products and services are disclosed separately in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation”, supersedes APB 25 and amends FASB Statement No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” SFAS No. 123R establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity (i) exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, or (ii) incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of the equity instruments. SFAS No. 123R eliminates the ability to account for stock-based compensation using APB 25 and requires that such transactions be recognized as compensation cost in the income statement based on their fair values on the date of the grant. The effective date of SFAS No. 123R is the first reporting period beginning after June 15, 2005, which is third quarter 2005 for calendar year companies, although early adoption is allowed. SFAS No. 123R permits companies to adopt the recognition requirements using either a “modified prospective” method or a “modified retrospective” method. Under the “modified prospective” method, compensation cost is recognized in the financial statements beginning with the effective date, based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123R for all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all unvested awards granted prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 123R. Under the “modified retrospective” method, the requirements are the same as under the “modified prospective” method, but also permits entities to restate financial statements of previous periods based on pro forma disclosures made in accordance with SFAS No. 123.

 

The Company currently utilizes a standard option-pricing model (i.e., Black-Scholes) to measure the fair value of stock options granted. While SFAS No. 123R permits entities to continue to use such a model, the standard also permits the use of a “lattice” model. The Company is currently evaluating the alternative models, including the underlying valuation assumptions and has not yet determined which model it will use to measure the fair value of stock options upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

 

SFAS No. 123R also requires that the benefits associated with the tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after the effective date. These future amounts cannot be estimated, because they depend on, among other things, when stock options are exercised. However, the amount of operating cash flows recognized in prior periods for such excess tax deductions, as shown in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, were $1.4 million, $.9 million, and $1.0 million, respectively, for 2004, 2003, and 2002.

 

The Company currently expects to adopt SFAS No. 123R effective July 1, 2005; however, the Company has not yet determined which of the aforementioned recognition methods it will use. The Company currently uses the intrinsic value method as permitted by APB 25 to account for its share-based payments to employees, and as such, generally recognizes no compensation expense for employee stock options. Accordingly, adopting SFAS No. 123R will result in the Company recording compensation cost for employee stock options. Subject to a complete review of the requirements of SFAS No. 123R, based on stock options granted through December 31, 2004, and stock options expected to be granted during 2005, the Company expects that the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on July 1, 2005, would reduce both third quarter 2005 and fourth quarter 2005 net income by approximately $.4 million ($.008 per diluted share) each. Future levels of compensation cost recognized related to share-based compensation awards (including the aforementioned expected costs during the period of adoption) may be impacted by new awards and/or modifications, repurchases and cancellations of existing awards before and after the adoption of this standard. Had the Company adopted stock option expensing in prior periods, the impact would have approximated that as presented in the SFAS No. 123 disclosure of pro-forma net income and earnings per share in Note 1, “Summary of Accounting Policies,” commencing on page 47 of this Form 10-K. For additional information regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, refer to Note 17, “Stock-Based Compensation,” commencing on page 68 of this Form 10-K.

 

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In March 2004, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force on Issue 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (“EITF 03-1”). EITF 03-1 provides guidance for determining when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other-than-temporary, and measuring an impairment loss. An investment is considered impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its cost. Generally, an impairment is considered other-than-temporary unless: (a) the investor has the ability and intent to hold an investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value up to (or beyond) the cost of the investment; and (b) evidence indicating that the cost of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs evidence to the contrary. If impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference between the investment’s cost and its fair value. The guidance also includes accounting considerations subsequent to recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments.

 

With the release of FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) EITF Issue 03-1-1 on September 30, 2004, the FASB staff delayed the effective date of the other-than-temporary impairment evaluation guidance of EITF 03-1 (which was initially to be applied prospectively to all current and future investments in interim and annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004). FSP EITF 03-1 delays the effective date of the measurement and recognition guidance until certain implementation issues are addressed and a final FSP providing implementation guidance is issued. The disclosure requirements of EITF 03-1 remain in effect and are presented in Note 4, “Securities,” commencing on page 54 of this From 10-K for the periods ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003. The amount of any other-than-temporary impairment that may need to be recognized in the future will be dependent on market conditions, the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances relative to an investee, the final guidance issued by the FASB, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the impaired investments at the time of the valuation.

 

In December 2003, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued AICPA Statement of Position No. 03-3, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer” (“SOP 03-3”). SOP 03-3 was issued to address accounting for differences between the contractual cash flows and the cash flows expected to be collected of certain loans and debt securities (structured as loans) when acquired in a transfer, if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. As such, SOP 03-3 applies to such loans and debt securities acquired in purchase business combinations and does not apply to originated loans. The application of SOP 03-3 could reduce the interest income that is recognized for certain loans and debt securities by requiring that acquired loans and debt securities be recorded at their fair value defined as the present value of future cash flows net of expected credit losses. As a result, an allowance for loan losses would not be recognized at acquisition. Subsequent to the initial acquisition, increases in expected cash flows generally would be recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the loan or debt security over its remaining life. Decreases in expected cash flows would be recognized as impairment. SOP 03-3 is effective for loans and debt securities acquired in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004, with early application encouraged. The Company will continue to evaluate the applicability of this SOP for prospective acquisitions.

 

3. ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE ACTIVITY

 

On June 13, 2003, the Company acquired from The Northern Trust Company a single retail branch office located in Chicago, Illinois, which had $102.9 million of deposits and $13.9 million of loans. This acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and resulted in the recognition of $18.4 million and $0.9 million in goodwill and core deposit intangibles, respectively. Both the goodwill and core deposit intangibles resulting from the transaction are deductible for income tax purposes.

 

On November 17, 2003, the Company completed the sale of two retail branch offices in Streator, Illinois, which included $69.1 million of deposits and other liabilities, $11.3 million of loans, and $500,000 of premises and equipment. The Company received a deposit premium of 7%, or $4.9 million. The pre-tax gain from the sale was $4.6 million, net of associated costs, and was reflected in other non-interest income.

 

On December 31, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of CoVest Bancshares, Inc. (the “CoVest Acquisition”), a single bank holding company, in a cash transaction valued at $27.45 per CoVest share, or approximately $102.2 million in the aggregate. CoVest provided retail and commercial banking services to customers through three full service locations in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The transaction, which is accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, included the recognition of $12.9 million of identifiable intangible assets to be amortized over a weighted-average life of 7.1 years and the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets (“goodwill”) of $49.7 million. The goodwill and intangibles resulting from this transaction are not deductible for income tax purposes.

 

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In connection with the CoVest Acquisition, the Company accrued $6.0 million for direct merger-related costs, which was included in the purchase price of the transaction and in the determination of goodwill. The merger-related charges consisted of $4.6 million in employee severance and benefit related costs, $583,000 in contract termination costs, and $777,000 in professional fees. Cash payments totaled $4.5 million and noncash accrual adjustments totaled $351,000. The noncash accrual adjustments were offset to goodwill and were associated with reduced contract termination fees and severance payments. As of December 31, 2004, the remaining $1.1 million accrual represents change-in-control payments, which are in the process of distribution and scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2006.

 

In addition to the direct merger-related charges, the Company incurred $650,000 during first quarter 2004 related to integrating CoVest operations into the Company, including salaries, retention bonuses, customer product transition brochures, and various system conversion costs.

 

4. SECURITIES

 

The aggregate amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and market value of securities as of December 31 were as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

     Amortized
Cost


   Gross Unrealized

    Market
Value


   Amortized
Cost


   Gross Unrealized

    Market
Value


        Gains

   Losses

          Gains

   Losses

   

Securities Available for Sale

                                                         

U.S. Agency

   $ 141,928    $ 357    $ (263 )   $ 142,022    $ 219,406    $ —      $ (2 )   $ 219,404

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     898,565      2,378      (8,177 )     892,766      901,998      6,175      (5,952 )     902,221

Other mortgage-backed securities

     393,353      4,843      (1,479 )     396,717      255,586      6,142      (266 )     261,462

State and municipal

     566,425      20,369      (1,794 )     585,000      706,741      53,832      (793 )     759,780

Other

     163,057      28      (152 )     162,933      91,848      35      (5,100 )     86,783
    

  

  


 

  

  

  


 

Total

   $ 2,163,328    $ 27,975    $ (11,865 )   $ 2,179,438    $ 2,175,579    $ 66,184    $ (12,113 )   $ 2,229,650
    

  

  


 

  

  

  


 

Securities Held to Maturity

                                                         

U.S. Treasury

   $ 1,025    $ —      $ (4 )   $ 1,021    $ 1,376    $ 1    $ —       $ 1,377

U.S. Agency

     449      —        (1 )     448      176      —        —         176

State and municipal

     63,102      47      —         63,149      65,894      67      —         65,961
    

  

  


 

  

  

  


 

Total

   $ 64,576    $ 47    $ (5 )   $ 64,618    $ 67,446    $ 68    $ —       $ 67,514
    

  

  


 

  

  

  


 

 

Other securities available for sale include Federal Home Loan Bank stock, Federal Reserve Bank stock, Federal National Mortgage Association stock, and other marketable equity securities. The Federal Home Loan Bank stock and the Federal Reserve Bank stock are carried at cost.

 

The following table presents the aggregate amount of unrealized losses and the aggregate related fair values of investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2004 and 2003. The securities presented are grouped according to the time periods during which the investments have been in a continuous unrealized loss position. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     Less Than 12 Months

   12 Months or Longer

   Total

     Fair
Value


   Unrealized
Losses


   Fair
Value


   Unrealized
Losses


   Fair
Value


   Unrealized
Losses


As of December 31, 2004

                                         

U.S. Treasury

   $ 1,021    $ 4    $ —      $ —      $ 1,021    $ 4

U.S. Agency

     52,269      264      —        —        52,269      264

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     536,989      4,644      166,315      3,533      703,304      8,177

Other mortgage-backed securities

     120,847      1,430      3,668      49      124,515      1,479

State and municipal

     42,567      594      49,075      1,200      91,642      1,794

Other

     23,605      152      —        —        23,605      152
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 777,298    $ 7,088    $ 219,058    $ 4,782    $ 996,356    $ 11,870
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

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     Less Than 12 Months

   12 Months or Longer

   Total

     Fair
Value


   Unrealized
Losses


   Fair
Value


   Unrealized
Losses


   Fair
Value


   Unrealized
Losses


As of December 31, 2003

                                         

U.S. Treasury

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

U.S. Agency

     99,861      2      —        —        99,861      2

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     537,323      5,947      41      5      537,364      5,952

Other mortgage-backed securities

     77,534      204      7,299      62      84,833      266

State and municipal

     53,215      793      —        —        53,215      793

Other

     —        —        24,900      5,100      24,900      5,100
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 767,933    $ 6,946    $ 32,240    $ 5,167    $ 800,173    $ 12,113
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

At December 31, 2004, gross unrealized losses for the securities portfolio totaled $11.9 million, with $7.1 million or 60% in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. At December 31, 2004, 81% of total unrealized losses were comprised of securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government-sponsored agencies with price movements in these securities dependent upon movement in the market interest rates, given the negligible inherent credit risk for these securities. The Company has both the intent and ability to hold the securities with unrealized losses for a period of time necessary to recover the amortized cost. Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss as of December 31, 2004 represents an other-than-temporary impairment.

 

The following table presents securities available for sale and held to maturity as of December 31, 2004, by remaining contractual maturity. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     Available for Sale

   Held to Maturity

     Amortized
Cost


   Market
Value


   Amortized
Cost


   Market
Value


One year or less

   $ 191,851    $ 192,535    $ 23,776    $ 23,788

One year to five years

     292,014      299,763      25,229      25,248

Five years to ten years

     165,836      171,274      1,470      1,471

After ten years

     143,152      147,846      14,101      14,111

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     898,565      892,766      —        —  

Other mortgage-backed securities

     393,353      396,717      —        —  

Equity securities

     78,557      78,537      —        —  
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 2,163,328    $ 2,179,438    $ 64,576    $ 64,618
    

  

  

  

 

The following table presents proceeds from sales of securities and the components of net security gains for the years ended December 31. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Proceeds from sales

   $ 467,928     $ 608,485     $ 300,212  

Gross realized gains

   $ 14,725     $ 4,134     $ 1,921  

Gross realized losses

     (6,503 )     (1,146 )     (1,461 )
    


 


 


Net realized gains

   $ 8,222     $ 2,988     $ 460  
    


 


 


Income taxes on net realized gains

   $ 3,207     $ 1,165     $ 179  

 

Included in gross realized losses for 2004 is $5.4 million in other-than-temporary impairment recognized on the Company’s investment in the Federal National Mortgage Association preferred stock.

 

The carrying value of securities available for sale, securities held to maturity, and securities purchased under agreements to resell, which were pledged to secure deposits and for other purposes as permitted or required by law at December 31, 2004 and 2003 totaled $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.

 

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Excluding securities issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies and corporations, there were no investments in securities from one issuer that exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity on December 31, 2004 or 2003.

 

For additional details of the securities available for sale portfolio and the related impact of unrealized gains/(losses) thereon, see Note 14, “Comprehensive Income,” commencing on page 64 of this Form 10-K.

 

5. LOANS

 

Total loans, net of deferred loan fees of $5.2 million at December 31, 2004 and $3.2 million at December 31, 2003, were as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

Commercial and industrial

   $ 1,146,168    $ 1,052,117

Agricultural

     107,059      94,983

Real estate – commercial

     1,493,855      1,393,420

Real estate – construction

     427,248      453,429

Consumer

     868,436      895,588

Real estate - 1-4 family

     92,512      170,245
    

  

Total loans

   $ 4,135,278    $ 4,059,782
    

  

 

The Company primarily lends to consumers and small to mid-sized businesses in the market areas in which the Company operates. Within these areas, the Company diversifies its loan portfolio by loan type, industry, and borrower. The Company believes that such diversification reduces the exposure to economic downturns that may occur in different segments of the economy or in different industries. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, there were no significant loan concentrations with any single borrower, industry, or geographic segment.

 

It is the Company’s policy to review each prospective credit in order to determine the appropriateness and, when required, the adequacy of security or collateral to obtain prior to making a loan. In the event of borrower default, the Company seeks restitution through adherence to state lending laws and the Company’s lending standards and credit monitoring procedures.

 

The following table summarizes the book value of loans that were pledged to secure deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law at December 31, 2004 and 2003. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

Loans pledged to secure:

             

Deposits

   $ 25,864    $ 54,455

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

     256,141      326,620
    

  

Total

   $ 282,005    $ 381,075
    

  

 

Securitization Activity

 

During November 2004, the Company securitized $74.2 million of real estate 1-4 family loans, converting the loans into mortgage-backed securities issued through the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Accordingly, the securitized amounts were reclassified from loans to securities available-for-sale. The Company retained servicing responsibilities for the mortgages supporting these securities and collects servicing fees equal to a percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the loans being serviced. Subsequent to the securitization, the Company sold $56.4 million of the securities and recorded a pre-tax gain of $1.9 million from the sale. The gain on the sale is included in security gains, net, and the servicing income is included in other service charges, commissions, and fees on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Mortgage loans serviced for and owned by third parties are not included in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The unpaid principal balance of these loans totaled $73.5 million as of December 31, 2004. The Company retains limited recourse, through November 30, 2011, for credit losses on $26.4 million of the loans securitized during 2004. The dollar amount of the potential recourse to the Company is capped at a certain percentage of the initial balance of the loans for which recourse exists. Accordingly, the Company recorded a liability of $148,000 for the expected costs related to this recourse agreement. Changes in the carrying value of mortgage servicing rights for the year ended December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

 

 

 

 

     2004

 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ —    

New servicing assets

     824  

Amortization

     (26 )
    


Balance at end of year

   $ 798  
    


 

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Mortgage servicing rights retained by the Company in a sale or securitization of loans are reported at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Fair value is initially measured based on allocating the previous carrying amount of the assets sold or securitized between the assets sold and the retained interests based on their relative fair values on the date of sale or securitization. Fair value is subsequently determined by estimating the present value of the future cash flows associated with the mortgage loans serviced. Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of mortgage servicing rights at December 31, 2004 include prepayment and discount rates. The Company uses market-based data for assumptions related to the valuation of mortgage servicing rights. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing revenues. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses its capitalized mortgage servicing rights for impairment based on their current fair value. The Company stratifies its servicing rights based on loan type, which it believes is the predominant risk characteristic of the underlying loans. The impairment recognized, if any, is the amount by which the capitalized mortgage servicing rights exceeds the fair value of each individual loan type.

 

6. RESERVE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND IMPAIRED LOANS

 

Reserve For Loan Losses

 

A summary of the transactions in the reserve for loan losses follows for the years ended December 31. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 56,404     $ 47,929     $ 47,745  

Loans charged-off

     (15,081 )     (12,105 )     (18,177 )

Recoveries of loans previously charged-off

     2,472       2,555       2,951  
    


 


 


Net loans charged-off

     (12,609 )     (9,550 )     (15,226 )

Provision for loan losses

     12,923       10,805       15,410  

Reserve of acquired bank

     —         7,220       —    
    


 


 


Balance at end of year

   $ 56,718     $ 56,404     $ 47,929  
    


 


 


 

Impaired Loans

 

A portion of the Company’s reserve for loan losses is allocated to loans deemed impaired. All impaired loans are included in non-performing assets. A summary of these loans and their related reserve for loan losses is as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Impaired loans:

                    

With valuation reserve required(1)

   $ 6,851    $ 12,230    $ 1,587

With no valuation reserve required

     10,349      7,508      7,736
    

  

  

Total impaired loans

   $ 17,200    $ 19,738    $ 9,323
    

  

  

Valuation reserve related to impaired loans

   $ 5,524    $ 4,167    $ 1,336

Average impaired loans

   $ 19,207    $ 13,924    $ 10,855

Interest income recognized on impaired loans(2)

   $ 107    $ 218    $ 345

 

(1) These impaired loans require a valuation reserve because the value of the loans is less than the recorded investment in the loans.

 

(2) Interest income recognized on impaired loans is recorded using the cash basis of accounting.

 

No additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans.

 

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7. PREMISES, FURNITURE, AND EQUIPMENT

 

Premises, furniture, and equipment at December 31 are summarized as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

 

Land

   $ 29,969     $ 29,983  

Premises

     96,020       98,644  

Furniture and equipment

     69,841       71,518  
    


 


Total cost

     195,830       200,145  

Accumulated depreciation

     (106,827 )     (108,610 )
    


 


Net book value

   $ 89,003     $ 91,535  
    


 


 

Depreciation expense on premises, furniture, and equipment for the years 2004, 2003, and 2002 totaled, $8.8 million, $8.4 million, and $8.7 million, respectively.

 

Operating Leases

 

At December 31, 2004, the Company and the Bank were each obligated under certain noncancellable operating leases for premises and equipment, which expire at various dates through the year 2015. Many of these leases contain renewal options, and certain leases provide options to purchase the leased property during or at the expiration of the lease period at specific prices. Some leases contain escalation clauses calling for rentals to be adjusted for increased real estate taxes and other operating expenses, or proportionately adjusted for increases in the consumer or other price indices. The following summary reflects the future minimum rental payments, by year, required under operating leases that, as of December 31, 2004, have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     Total

Year-ending December 31,

      

2005

   $ 1,065

2006

     1,262

2007

     1,516

2008

     1,468

2009

     1,437

2010 and thereafter

     8,490
    

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 15,238
    

 

Rental expense charged to operations in 2004, 2003, and 2002, amounted to approximately $2.2 million, $2.0 million, and $1.9 million, respectively, including amounts paid under short-term cancelable leases. Occupancy expense has been reduced by rental income from premises leased to others in the amount of $274,000 for 2004, $217,000 for 2003, and $222,000 for 2002.

 

8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 142 which provides that intangible assets with finite lives be amortized and that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives not be amortized, but rather tested at least annually for impairment. During fourth quarter 2004, the Company performed its annual impairment test, resulting in no impairment for 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2004 is as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 83,735    $ 16,397

Goodwill from business combinations

     —        67,338

Purchase accounting adjustments

     812      —  
    

  

Balance at end of year

   $ 84,547    $ 83,735
    

  

 

Purchase accounting adjustments are the adjustments to the initial goodwill recorded at the time an acquisition is completed. Such adjustments generally consist of adjustments to the assigned fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulting from the completion of appraisals or other valuations and adjustments to initial estimates recorded for transaction costs or exit liabilities.

 

The Company has other intangible assets capitalized on its Consolidated Statements of Condition in the form of core deposit premiums and a noncompete agreement. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, these intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 12 years. The Company reviews intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. A summary of the Company’s other intangible assets follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

     Gross
Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Net Carrying
Amount


  

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life

(in years)


   Gross
Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Net Carrying
Amount


  

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life

(in years)


Other intangible assets:

                                                   

Core deposit premium

   $ 13,834    $ 2,002    $ 11,832    6.4    $ 15,071    $ 38    $ 15,033    7.3

Noncompete agreement

     500      167      333    2.0      500      —        500    3.0
    

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

Total other intangible assets

   $ 14,334    $ 2,169    $ 12,165    6.2    $ 15,571    $ 38    $ 15,533    7.1
    

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

 

Amortization expense of other intangible assets totaled $2.1 million, $38,000, and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Amortization expense on other intangible assets is expected to total $2.1 million in 2005 and 2006, $2.0 million in 2007, $1.9 million in 2008, and $1.5 million in 2009.

 

9. DEPOSITS

 

The following is a summary of deposits at December 31. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

Demand deposits

   $ 922,540    $ 859,080

Savings deposits

     644,664      629,505

NOW accounts

     891,378      890,461

Money market deposits

     691,648      740,009

Time deposits less than $100,000

     1,236,370      1,119,495

Time deposits of $100,000 or more

     518,778      576,558
    

  

Total deposits

   $ 4,905,378    $ 4,815,108
    

  

 

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The scheduled maturities of time deposits as of December 31, 2004, for the years 2005 through 2010 and thereafter, were as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     Total

Year ending December 31,

      

2005

   $ 1,145,875

2006

     457,119

2007

     84,936

2008

     32,509

2009

     34,521

2010 and thereafter

     188
    

Total

   $ 1,755,148
    

 

10. BORROWED FUNDS

 

The following is a summary of borrowed funds for the years ended December 31. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   $ 404,589    $ 564,709

Federal funds purchased

     300,000      315,000

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     513,743      491,373

Other borrowed funds

     —        590
    

  

Total borrowed funds

   $ 1,218,332    $ 1,371,672
    

  

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and Federal funds purchased generally mature within 1 to 90 days from the transaction date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are treated as financings, and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Repurchase agreements are secured by U.S. Treasury and U.S. Agency securities and, if required, are held in third party pledge accounts. The securities underlying the agreements remain in the respective asset accounts. As of December 31, 2004, the Company did not have amounts at risk under repurchase agreements with any individual counterparty or group of counterparties that exceed 10% of stockholders’ equity.

 

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and has access to term financing from the FHLB. These advances are secured by qualifying residential and multi-family mortgages and mortgage-related securities. At December 31, 2004, all advances from the FHLB are fixed rate with interest payable monthly. As of December 31, 2004, the maturity and rate schedule for FHLB advances is as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

Maturity


   Advance
Amount


   Rate (%)

March 16, 2005

   $ 25,000    1.23

March 31, 2005

     48,000    1.27

April 15, 2005

     67,000    1.47

April 29, 2005

     25,000    1.78

May 2, 2005

     50,000    1.76

May 13, 2005

     50,000    1.58

October 3, 2005

     50,000    1.85

October 3, 2005

     50,000    1.82

October 31, 2005

     75,000    2.10

December 19, 2005

     25,000    2.17

December 19, 2005

     12,000    2.03

March 15, 2006

     14,900    1.70

May 30, 2006

     3,000    2.06

July 24, 2006

     5,151    4.17

January 15, 2008(1)

     10,692    4.63

May 28, 2008

     3,000    2.77
    

  
     $ 513,743    1.81
    

  
(1) Callable quarterly, in whole or in part, at the discretion of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

 

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Other borrowed funds consist of term Federal funds purchased, treasury tax and loan deposits, and short-term credit arrangements with unaffiliated banks and are generally repaid daily. None of the Company’s borrowings have any related compensating balance requirements that restrict the usage of Company assets.

 

Exclusive of the Federal Reserve Bank’s primary credit program, the Company had $917.8 million of unused short-term credit lines available for use at December 31, 2004.

 

11. SUBORDINATED DEBT – TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES

 

In November 2003 the Company formed First Midwest Capital Trust I (“FMCT I”), a statutory business trust, organized for the sole purpose of issuing trust securities and investing the proceeds thereof in junior subordinated debentures of the Company, the sole assets of the trust. The preferred trust securities of the trust represent preferred beneficial interests in the assets of the trust and are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon payment of the junior subordinated debentures held by the trust. The common securities of the trust are wholly owned by the Company. The trust’s ability to pay amounts due on the trust preferred securities is solely dependent upon the Company making payment on the related junior subordinated debentures. The Company’s obligations under the junior subordinated debentures and other relevant trust agreements, in aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the trust’s obligations under the trust securities issued by the trust. The guarantee covers the distributions and payments on liquidation or redemption of the trust preferred securities, but only to the extent of funds held by the trust.

 

In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46R”), FMCT I qualifies as a variable interest entity for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary and therefore ineligible for consolidation. Accordingly, the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements and is accounted for using the equity method. The subordinated debentures issued by the Company to the trust are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Condition as “Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities” with the corresponding interest distributions recorded as interest expense. The common shares issued by the trust are included in other assets in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition.

 

The trust preferred securities are tax-advantaged issues and currently qualify for Tier 1 capital treatment under the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) guidelines. As a result of the issuance of FIN 46R, the FRB is currently evaluating whether de-consolidation of the trust will affect the qualification of the trust preferred securities as Tier 1 capital. Refer to Note 2, “Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” and Note 19, “Regulatory and Capital Matters,” commencing on pages 52 and 70, respectively, of this Form 10-K for additional details regarding risk-based capital ratios.

 

The common stock, preferred securities, and related debentures as of December 31 are summarized as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

Issuance Trust


   Issuance
Date


   Common
Shares
Issued


   Trust
Preferred
Securities
Issued(1)


   Coupon
Rate(2)


    Maturity

   Principal Amount of
Debentures(3)


                 2004

   2003

First Midwest Capital Trust I

   Nov. 2003    $ 3,866    125,000    6.95 %   Dec. 1, 2033    $ 129,294    $ 128,716

 

(1) The trust preferred securities accrue distributions at a rate equal to the interest rate and maturity identical to that of the related debentures. The trust preferred securities will be redeemed upon maturity of the related debentures.

 

(2) The coupon rate is fixed with distributions payable semi-annually. The Company has the right to defer payment of interest on the debentures at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding five years provided no extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity of the debentures. During such extension period, distributions on the trust preferred securities will also be deferred, and the Company’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock will be restricted.

 

(3) The Company has the right to redeem its debentures: (i) in whole or in part at any time and (ii) in whole at any time within 90 days after the occurrence of a “Tax Event,” an “Investment Company Act Event,” or a “Regulatory Capital Event,” (as defined in the indenture pursuant to which the debentures were issued), subject to regulatory approval. If the debentures are redeemed before they mature, the redemption price will be the greater of: (a) the principal amount, plus any accrued but unpaid interest or (b) the sum of the present values of principal and interest payments from the redemption date to the maturity date discounted at the Adjusted Treasury Rate (as defined in the indenture), plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Included in the carrying value are unamortized discounts of $144,900 at December 31, 2004 and $149,900 at December 31, 2003 and a basis adjustment related to fair value hedges of $572,400 as of December 31, 2004. Refer to Note 12, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” commencing on page 62 of this Form 10-K.

 

During January 2004, the Company effectively converted $25 million of the debentures to a floating-rate basis with the use of an interest rate swap. The swap qualifies as a fair value hedge, and, in accordance with SFAS No. 133, the carrying value of

 

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the debentures was adjusted by the change in its fair value since designation as a hedged liability. Refer to Note 12, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” commencing on page 62 of this Form 10-K.

 

12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

The Company maintains an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings and cash flows caused by interest rate volatility. Derivatives are also implicit in certain contracts and commitments. SFAS No. 133 requires all derivative instruments to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet and provides special hedge accounting provisions that permit the change in fair value of the hedged item related to the risk being hedged to be recognized in earnings in the same period and in the same income statement line as the change in fair value of the derivative. Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” commencing on page 47 of this Form 10-K, provides further detail on how derivative instruments are accounted for in the financial statements. The Company usually designates derivative instruments used to manage interest rate risk into SFAS No. 133 hedge relationships with the specific assets, liabilities, or cash flows being hedged. Some derivative instruments used for interest rate risk management may not be designated in a SFAS No. 133 hedge relationship. Such will be the case if the derivative instrument is being used to offset risk related to an asset or liability that is accounted for at fair value in the financial statements, if the derivative instrument has been moved out of a SFAS No. 133 relationship because the hedge was deemed not effective, or if operational or cost constraints make it prohibitive to apply hedge accounting.

 

Management uses derivative instruments to protect against the risk of interest rate movements on the value of certain assets and liabilities and on future cash flows. The derivative instruments the Company primarily uses are interest rate swaps with indices that relate to the pricing of specific assets and liabilities. The nature and volume of the derivative instruments used to manage interest rate risk depend on the level and type of assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and the risk management strategies for the current and anticipated rate environment.

 

As with any financial instrument, derivative instruments have inherent risks, primarily market and credit risk. Market risk is the adverse effect a change in interest rates, currency, equity prices, or implied volatility has on the value of a financial instrument. Market risk associated with changes in interest rates is managed by establishing and monitoring limits as to the degree of risk that may be undertaken as part of the Company’s overall market risk monitoring process, which includes the use of net interest income and economic value of equity simulation methodologies. This process is carried out by the Company’s Asset Liability Management Committee. See further discussion of this process in Item 7a, “Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” commencing on page 38 of this Form 10-K.

 

Credit risk occurs when the counterparty to a derivative contract with an unrealized gain fails to perform according to the terms of the agreement. Credit risk is managed by limiting the aggregate amount of net unrealized gains in agreements outstanding, monitoring the size and the maturity structure of the derivatives, applying uniform credit standards maintained for all activities with credit risk, and collateralizing gains. The Company maintains a policy limiting credit exposure to any one counterparty to not more than 2.5% of stockholders’ equity. Additionally, the Company has established bilateral collateral agreements with its major derivative dealer counterparties that provide for exchanges of marketable securities or cash to collateralize either party’s net gains. On December 31, 2004, these collateral agreements covered 100% of the notional amount of the Company’s interest rate swaps outstanding. Net losses with counterparties must be collateralized, at the Company’s discretion, with either cash or U.S. Government and U.S. Government sponsored agency securities. The Company had pledged cash of $123,000 as of December 31, 2004 and $914,000 as of December 31, 2003 to collateralize net losses with counterparties.

 

Derivative contracts are valued using observable market prices, if available, or cash flow projection models acquired from third parties. Pricing models used for valuing derivative instruments are regularly validated by testing through comparison with other third parties. The valuations and expected lives presented in the following table are based on yield curves, forward yield curves, and implied volatilities that were observable in the cash and derivatives markets on December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

Fair Value Hedge - During 2004 and 2003, the Company hedged the fair value of fixed rate commercial real estate loans through the use of pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swaps. Also in 2004, the Company hedged the fair value of fixed rate, subordinated debt – trust preferred securities, through the use of pay variable, receive fixed interest rate swaps. The Company recognized no ineffectiveness on its fair value hedges, and no gains or losses were recognized related to components of derivative instruments that were excluded from the assessment of hedge ineffectiveness during 2004 and 2003.

 

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Cash Flow Hedges - During 2004 and 2003, the Company hedged cash flow variability related to certain indexed deposit and loan accounts through the use of interest rate swaps. The Company recognized no ineffectiveness on its cash flow hedges, and no gains or losses were recognized related to components of derivative instruments that were excluded from the assessment of hedge ineffectiveness during 2004 and 2003.

 

Gains and losses on derivative instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to current period earnings are included in the line item in which the hedged cash flows are recorded. Accumulated other comprehensive income included a deferred after-tax net gain of $287,000 at December 31, 2004 and a deferred after-tax net loss of $328,000 at December 31, 2003 for the derivatives used to hedge changes in cash flows. See Note 14, “Comprehensive Income,” commencing on page 65 of this Form 10-K, for further detail of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The net after-tax derivative gain included in other comprehensive income at December 31, 2004 related to the derivatives used to hedge changes in cash flows is projected to be reclassified into interest expense (income) in conjunction with the recognition of interest payments (receipts) on funding products through June 2006, with $437,000 of the net gain expected to be reclassified within the next year. During 2004 and 2003, pretax losses of $611,000 and $1.0 million, respectively, were reclassified into interest expense as adjustments to interest payments on variable-rate funding products.

 

Other Derivative Activities - The Company’s derivative portfolio also includes derivative instruments not designated in a SFAS No. 133 hedge relationship. Those instruments include commitments for real estate 1-4 family mortgage loans held for sale and an interest rate cap. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for purely speculative purposes. The effect of the mortgage loan commitments was not material for any period presented.

 

Summary information regarding the interest rate derivatives portfolio used for interest-rate risk management purposes and designated as accounting hedges under SFAS No. 133 at December 31 were as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Fair Value Hedges

                        

Notional amount outstanding

   $ 42,527     $ 1,923     $ —    

Weighted-average interest rate paid

     4.23 %     2.75 %     —    

Weighted-average interest rate received

     5.26 %     1.32 %     —    

Weighted-average maturity (in years)

     18.97       4.38       —    

Derivative asset fair value

   $ 443     $ 38     $ —    

Cash Flow Hedges

                        

Notional amount outstanding

   $ 120,000     $ 75,000     $ 125,000  

Weighted-average interest rate paid

     2.34 %     2.30 %     4.76 %

Weighted-average interest rate received

     1.92 %     1.14 %     1.39 %

Weighted-average maturity (in years)

     0.91       1.66       0.64  

Derivative asset (liability) fair value

   $ 471     $ (538 )   $ (1,063 )

 

13. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Basic earnings per share:

                    

Net income

   $ 99,136    $ 92,778    $ 90,150

Average common shares outstanding

     46,469      46,671      48,074

Basic earnings per share

   $ 2.13    $ 1.99    $ 1.88

Diluted earnings per share:

                    

Net income

   $ 99,136    $ 92,778    $ 90,150

Average common shares outstanding

     46,469      46,671      48,074

Dilutive effect of stock options

     391      311      341
    

  

  

Diluted average common shares outstanding

     46,860      46,982      48,415
    

  

  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.12    $ 1.97    $ 1.86

 

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During 2004, 2003, and 2002, options to purchase 21,200 shares, 369,700 shares, and 353,800 shares, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of these options was greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock, and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.

 

14. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive income includes net income as well as certain items that are reported directly within a separate component of stockholders’ equity that are not considered part of net income. Currently, the Company’s components of other comprehensive income are the unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale and on certain derivatives. The following table summarizes the related before and after tax amounts for the years ended December 31. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available for sale securities arising during the period:

                        

Unrealized net (losses) gains

   $ (29,857 )   $ (8,534 )   $ 54,185  

Related tax (benefit) expense

     (11,644 )     (3,327 )     21,132  
    


 


 


Net

     (18,213 )     (5,207 )     33,053  
    


 


 


Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized during the period:

                        

Realized net gains on available for sale securities

     8,104       2,988       206  

Related tax expense

     3,161       1,166       81  
    


 


 


Net

     4,943       1,822       125  
    


 


 


Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on available for sale securities

     (23,156 )     (7,029 )     32,928  
    


 


 


Unrealized holding gains (losses) on derivatives used in cash flow hedging relationships arising during the year:

                        

Unrealized net gains (losses)

     398       (502 )     (1,107 )

Related tax expense (benefit)

     155       (195 )     (432 )
    


 


 


Net

     243       (307 )     (675 )
    


 


 


Less: Amounts reclassified to interest expense:

                        

Realized net (losses) on cash flow hedges

     (611 )     (1,027 )     (3,028 )

Realized tax (benefit)

     (239 )     (400 )     (1,181 )
    


 


 


Net

     (372 )     (627 )     (1,847 )
    


 


 


Net unrealized holding gains on derivatives used in cash flow hedging relationships

     615       320       1,172  
    


 


 


Total other comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (22,541 )   $ (6,709 )   $ 34,100  
    


 


 


 

Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2002 through 2004 was as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     Accumulated
Unrealized
Gains on
Securities
Available for Sale


    Accumulated
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Hedging
Activities


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income


 

Balance, December 31, 2001

   $ 7,085     $ (1,820 )   $ 5,265  

2002 change

     32,928       1,172       34,100  
    


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2002

     40,013       (648 )     39,365  

2003 change

     (7,029 )     320       (6,709 )
    


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2003

     32,984       (328 )     32,656  

2004 change

     (23,156 )     615       (22,541 )
    


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2004

   $ 9,828     $ 287     $ 10,115  
    


 


 


 

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15. INCOME TAXES

 

Total income taxes (benefits) reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 include the following components. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

Current tax expense (benefit):

                      

Federal

   $ 32,318     $ 28,850     $ 30,874

State

     (1,992 )     (26 )     705
    


 


 

Total

     30,326       28,824       31,579
    


 


 

Deferred tax expense (benefit):

                      

Federal

     1,012       907       512

State

     1,510       1,158       42
    


 


 

Total

     2,522       2,065       554
    


 


 

Total income tax expense

   $ 32,848     $ 30,889     $ 32,133
    


 


 

 

Differences between the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the tax bases of assets and liabilities result in temporary differences for which deferred tax assets and liabilities have been recorded. Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Reserve for loan losses

   $ 19,851     $ 19,742  

Unrealized losses

     2,405       951  

Accrued retirement benefits

     1,523       1,306  

State tax benefits

     345       1,327  

Other

     2,095       1,890  
    


 


Total deferred tax assets

     26,219       25,216  
    


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                

Purchase accounting adjustments and intangibles

     (3,645 )     (3,767 )

Dividends receivable

     (6,386 )     (4,966 )

Deferred loan fees

     (4,530 )     (3,230 )

Other

     (2,544 )     (1,617 )
    


 


Total deferred tax liabilities

     (17,105 )     (13,580 )
    


 


Net deferred tax assets

     9,114       11,636  

Tax effect of adjustments related to other comprehensive income

     (6,467 )     (20,878 )
    


 


Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets including adjustments

   $ 2,647     $ (9,242 )
    


 


 

Net deferred tax assets are included in other assets and net deferred tax liabilities are included in other liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Condition. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be fully realized, therefore no valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2004 or 2003.

 

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The differences between the statutory Federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate on income for the years ended December 31 are as follows.

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Statutory Federal income tax rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Tax-exempt income, net of interest expense disallowance

   (8.2 %)   (8.9 %)   (7.1 %)

State income tax, net of Federal tax effect

   (0.2 %)   0.1 %   0.4 %

Other, net

   (1.7 %)   (1.2 %)   (2.0 %)
    

 

 

Effective tax rate

   24.9 %   25.0 %   26.3 %
    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company’s retained earnings includes an appropriation for an acquired thrift’s tax bad debt reserves of approximately $2.5 million for which no provision for Federal or state income taxes has been made. If, in the future, this portion of retained earnings were distributed as a result of the liquidation of the Company or its subsidiaries, Federal and state income taxes would be imposed at the then applicable rates.

 

16. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Savings and Profit Sharing Plan - The Company has a defined contribution retirement savings plan (the “Plan”) which allows qualified employees, at their option, to make contributions up to 15% of pre-tax base salary through salary deductions under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. At the employees’ direction, employee contributions are invested among a variety of investment alternatives. For employees who make voluntary contributions to the Plan, the Company contributes an amount equal to 2% of the employee’s compensation. At the Company’s discretion, an additional profit sharing amount may also be contributed up to a maximum of 6%. The Company’s matching contribution vests immediately, while the discretionary component gradually vests over 7 years based on the employee’s years of service. The cost of providing this plan was $4.3 million, $4.1 million, and $4.0 million in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. The number of shares of the Company common stock held by the Plan was 1,784,808 at December 31, 2004 and 1,964,540 at December 31, 2003. The fair value of Company shares held by the Plan at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $64.8 million and $63.7 million, respectively. The Plan received $1.6 million in dividends during 2004 and $1.5 million during 2003.

 

Pension Plan - The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan (the “Pension Plan”) covering substantially all full-time employees that provides for retirement benefits based upon years of service and compensation levels of the participants. Actuarially determined pension costs are charged to current operations. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to its plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, plus such additional amounts as the Company determines to be appropriate.

 

Pursuant to the disclosure requirements of revised FASB Statement No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures About Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits,” the following table summarizes the Pension Plan’s costs and obligations to participants for the years ended December 31. Amounts are based on an actuarial measurement date of December 31. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

   $ 27,007     $ 22,454  
    


 


Change in benefit obligation:

                

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 33,561     $ 26,316  

Service cost

     4,123       3,218  

Interest cost

     2,090       1,770  

Actuarial losses

     2,867       4,145  

Benefits paid

     (2,203 )     (1,888 )
    


 


Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 40,438     $ 33,561  
    


 


 

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     2004

    2003

 

Change in plan assets:

                

Fair value of plan assets of beginning of year

   $ 24,367     $ 17,949  

Actual return on plan assets

     2,468       2,906  

Benefits paid

     (2,203 )     (1,888 )

Employer contributions

     4,885       5,400  
    


 


Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 29,517     $ 24,367  
    


 


Reconciliation of funded status:

                

Funded status

   $ (10,921 )   $ (9,194 )

Unamortized prior service cost

     32       41  

Unrecognized net actuarial losses

     15,693       13,587  
    


 


Net amount recognized

   $ 4,804     $ 4,434  
    


 


Amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of condition consist of:

                

Prepaid benefit cost

   $ 4,804     $ 4,434  
    


 


Weighted-average assumptions at the end of the year used to determine the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation:

                

Discount rate

     6.00 %     6.25 %

Rate of compensation increase

     4.50 %     4.50 %

 

Net periodic benefit pension expense for the years ended December 31 included the following components. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

                        

Service cost

   $ 4,123     $ 3,218     $ 2,797  

Interest cost

     2,090       1,770       1,539  

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,474 )     (2,168 )     (1,945 )

Recognized net actuarial loss

     768       402       96  

Amortization of prior service cost

     8       8       (26 )
    


 


 


Net periodic cost

   $ 4,515     $ 3,230     $ 2,461  
    


 


 


Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic cost:

                        

Discount rate

     6.25 %     6.75 %     7.25 %

Expected return on plan assets

     8.50 %     8.75 %     9.00 %

Rate of compensation increase

     4.50 %     4.50 %     4.50 %

 

The asset allocation for the Pension Plan assets as of the measurement date, by asset category, is as follows.

 

    

Target
Allocation

2005


    Percentage of Plan Assets

 
     2004

    2003

 

Asset Category:

                  

Equity securities

   50-60 %   59 %   50 %

Fixed income

   30-45 %   28 %   44 %

Cash equivalents

   2-10 %   13 %   6 %
          

 

Total

         100 %   100 %
          

 

 

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At December 31, 2004, asset category allocations were outside the target range due to a December employer contribution included in cash equivalents. On January 31, 2005, subsequent to investing this contribution, allocations were 60% equity, 34% fixed income, and 6% cash equivalents.

 

Unrecognized net actuarial losses –To the extent the cumulative actuarial losses exceed 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of the Pension Plan assets, the Company’s policy for recognizing the Pension Plan’s unrecognized net actuarial losses into income is to amortize the actuarial losses over the future working life of the Pension Plan participants. The recognized net actuarial loss is a component of the net periodic benefit cost. Amortization of the unrecognized net actuarial losses is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s future results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.

 

Determination of expected long-term rate of return - The expected long-term rate of return for the Pension Plan’s total assets is based on the expected return of each of the above categories, weighted based on the median of the target allocation for each class. Equity securities are expected to return 10% - 11% over the long-term, while cash and fixed income is expected to return between 4% and 6%. Based on historical experience, the Company’s Retirement Plans Committee (the “Committee”) expects that the Plan’s asset managers will provide a modest (.5% - 1% per annum) premium to their respective market benchmark indices.

 

Investment policy and strategy – The investment objective of the Plan is to maximize the return on Plan assets over a long time horizon, while meeting the Plan obligations. In establishing its investment policies and asset allocation strategies, the Company considers expected returns and the volatility associated with different strategies. The policy, as established by the Committee, is to provide for growth of capital with a moderate level of volatility by investing assets per the target allocations stated above. The Committee decided to invest in traditional (i.e., publicly traded securities) and not alternative asset classes (e.g., private equity, hedge funds, real estate, etc.) The assets are reallocated as needed by the fund manager to meet the above target allocations, and the investment policy is reviewed on a quarterly basis, under the advisement of a certified investment advisor, to determine if the policy should be changed.

 

Based on the actuarial assumptions, the Company expects to make $6.5 million in employer contributions to the Pension Plan in 2005. Estimated pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, for fiscal years 2005 through 2014, are as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

2005

   $ 324

2006

     412

2007

     570

2008

     816

2009

     946

2010-2014

     9,952

 

17. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) - In February 1989, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Omnibus Plan, which allows for the granting of both incentive and non-statutory (“nonqualified”) stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, and performance shares to certain key employees. The total number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for awards under the Omnibus Plan, as amended, is 6,431,641 of which 325,000 shares may be granted in restricted stock.

 

Since the inception of the Omnibus Plan, in February of each year certain key employees have been granted nonqualified stock options. The option exercise price is set at the fair market value of the Company common stock on the date the options are granted. All options have a term of ten years from the date of grant and vest over three years (subject to accelerated vesting in connection with death, disability or a change-in-control, as defined in the Omnibus Plan), with 50% exercisable after two years from the date of grant and the remaining 50% exercisable three years after the grant date.

 

Nonemployee Directors Stock Option Plan (the “Directors Plan”) - In 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Directors Plan, which provides for the granting of nonqualified options for shares of common stock to nonmanagement Board members of the Company. A maximum of 281,250 nonqualified options for shares of common stock are authorized for grant under the Directors Plan. The timing, amounts, recipients, and other terms of the option grants are determined by the provisions of, or formulas in, the Directors Plan. The exercise price of the options is equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. All options have a term of ten years from the date of grant and become exercisable one year from the grant date subject to accelerated vesting in the event of retirement, death, disability, or a

 

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change-in-control, as defined in the Directors Plan. Directors elected during the service year are granted options on a pro-rata basis to those granted to the directors at the start of the service year.

 

Both the Omnibus Plan and the Directors Plan have been submitted to and approved by the stockholders of the Company.

 

A summary of the nonqualified stock option transactions under the Omnibus Plan and Directors Plan for the periods noted are as follows. (Number of shares in thousands.)

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     Options

    Average
Exercise
Price


   Options

    Average
Exercise
Price


   Options

    Average
Exercise
Price


Outstanding at beginning of year

   2,130     $ 23.17    2,063     $ 21.88    2,069     $ 19.34

Granted

   634       33.91    575       26.55    596       28.86

Exercised

   (659 )     21.63    (469 )     21.33    (580 )     19.84

Forfeited

   (49 )     29.65    (31 )     26.26    (16 )     25.01

Expired

   (4 )     32.43    (8 )     27.95    (6 )     28.72
    

        

        

     

Outstanding at end of year

   2,052     $ 26.82    2,130     $ 23.17    2,063     $ 21.88
    

        

        

     

Exercisable at end of year

   899     $ 22.31    1,074     $ 19.87    989     $ 19.55
    

        

        

     

 

The following is a summary of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2004. (Number of shares in thousands.)

 

     Options Outstanding

   Exercisable Options

Range of Exercise Prices


   Number
Outstanding


   Average
Life (1)


   Average
Exercise
Price


   Number
Exercisable


   Average
Exercise
Price


$10.77 - $22.40

   459    3.77    $ 18.29    459    $ 18.29

$22.41 - $26.26

   643    7.45      25.09    218      22.83

$26.27 - $32.72

   723    7.83      30.90    193      29.47

$32.73 - $38.02

   227    5.49      35.97    29      34.49
    
              
      

Total

   2,052    6.54    $ 26.82    899    $ 22.31
    
              
      

 

(1) Represents the average contractual life remaining in years.

 

18. STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

 

On February 15, 1989, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan. Pursuant to that Plan, the Company declared a dividend, paid March 1, 1989, of one right (“Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company common stock held on record on March 1, 1989 pursuant to a Rights Agreement dated February 15, 1989. The Rights Agreement was amended and restated on November 15, 1995 and again on June 18, 1997 to exclude an acquisition. As amended, each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company 1/100 of a share of Series A Preferred Stock for a price of $100, subject to adjustment. The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group has acquired, or announces the intention to acquire, 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The Company is entitled to redeem each for $0.01, subject to adjustment, at any time prior to the earlier of the tenth business day following the acquisition by any person or group of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company common stock, or the expiration of the Rights in November, 2005.

 

As a result of the Rights distribution, 600,000 of the 1,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock were reserved for issuance as Series A Preferred Stock.

 

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19. REGULATORY AND CAPITAL MATTERS

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory requirements that impose restrictions on cash, loans or advances, and dividends. The Bank is required to maintain reserves against deposits. Reserves are held either in the form of vault cash or non-interest bearing balances maintained with the Federal Reserve Bank and are based on the average daily balances and statutory reserve ratios prescribed by the type of deposit account. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, reserve balances of $75.9 million and $69.2 million, respectively, were maintained in fulfillment of these requirements.

 

Under current Federal Reserve regulations, the Bank is limited in the amount it may loan or advance to the Parent Company and its nonbank subsidiaries. Loans or advances to a single subsidiary may not exceed 10% and loans to all subsidiaries may not exceed 20% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus, as defined. Loans from subsidiary banks to nonbank subsidiaries, including the Parent Company, are also required to be collateralized.

 

The principal source of cash flow for the Company is dividends from its banking and other subsidiaries. Various Federal and state banking regulations and capital guidelines limit the amount of dividends that may be paid to the Company by its subsidiary bank. Future payment of dividends by the subsidiaries is dependent on individual regulatory capital requirements and levels of profitability. Without prior regulatory approval, the subsidiary bank can initiate aggregate dividend payments in 2005 of $19.7 million plus an additional amount equal to their net profits for 2005, as defined by statute, up to the date of any such dividend declaration. Since the Company is a legal entity, separate and distinct from its subsidiaries, the dividends of the Company are not subject to such bank regulatory guidelines.

 

The Company and the Bank are also subject to various capital requirements set up and administered by the Federal banking agencies. Under capital adequacy guidelines, the Company and the Bank must meet specific guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components of capital and assets, risk weightings, and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possible additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. As of December 31, 2004, the Company and its subsidiary bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

 

The Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”), the primary regulator of the Company and its subsidiary bank, establishes minimum capital requirements that must be met by member institutions. As of December 31, 2004, the most recent regulatory notification classified the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the subsidiary bank’s classification.

 

The following table presents the actual capital ratios for the Company and its subsidiary banks as of the dates presented and the capital guidelines established by the FRB to be categorized as adequately capitalized and “well capitalized.” (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     First Midwest
Actual


    For Capital
Adequacy Purposes


    Well Capitalized for
FDICIA


 
     Capital

   Ratio

    Capital

   Ratio

    Capital

   Ratio

 

As of December 31, 2004:

                                       

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):

                                       

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc

   $ 607,028    11.52 %   $ 421,402    8.00 %   $ 526,753    10.00 %

First Midwest Bank

     554,449    10.58       419,391    8.00       524,239    10.00  

Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):

                                       

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc

     550,310    10.45       210,701    4.00       316,052    6.00  

First Midwest Bank

     497,731    9.49       209,695    4.00       314,543    6.00  

Tier 1 leverage (to average assets):

                                       

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc

     550,310    8.16       202,312    3.00       337,186    5.00  

First Midwest Bank

     497,731    7.41       201,496    3.00       335,826    5.00  

 

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     First Midwest
Actual


    For Capital
Adequacy Purposes


    Well Capitalized for
FDICIA


 
     Capital

   Ratio

    Capital

   Ratio

    Capital

   Ratio

 

As of December 31, 2003:

                                       

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):

                                       

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc

   $ 572,815    11.41 %   $ 401,620    8.00 %   $ 502,025    10.00 %

First Midwest Bank

     494,221    10.82       365,526    8.00       456,907    10.00  

CoVest Banc

     50,317    12.01       33,524    8.00       41,904    10.00  

Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):

                                       

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc

     516,411    10.29       200,810    4.00       301,215    6.00  

First Midwest Bank

     445,037    9.74       182,763    4.00       274,144    6.00  

CoVest Banc

     45,006    10.74       16,762    4.00       25,143    6.00  

Tier 1 leverage (to average assets):

                                       

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc

     516,411    8.49       182,481    3.00       304,135    5.00  

First Midwest Bank

     445,037    7.26       183,774    3.00       306,290    5.00  

CoVest Banc

     45,006    7.55       17,887    3.00       29,812    5.00  

 

As discussed in Note 11, “Subordinated Debt – Trust Preferred Securities,” commencing on page 61 of this Form 10-K, the capital securities held by FMCT I qualify as Tier 1 capital for the Company under FRB guidelines. In calculating the amount of Tier 1 qualifying capital, the FRB currently allows the inclusion in Tier 1 capital securities such as the capital securities issued by FMCT I up to an amount not to exceed 25% of core capital components, as defined by the FRB. As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s core capital components totaled $647.0 million, of which $125.0 million, or 19.3% would have been attributable to the capital securities.

 

20. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES, AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

Credit Extension Commitments and Guarantees

 

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into a variety of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers, to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and to conduct lending activities. These instruments principally include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and commercial 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 Statements of Condition. The contractual or notional amounts of these financial instruments at December 31 were as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

Commitments to extend credit:

             

Home equity lines

   $ 282,247    $ 252,892

All other commitments

     1,099,025      913,517

Letters of credit:

             

Standby

     128,799      105,709

Commercial

     4,981      755

Recourse on assets securitized

     26,365      —  

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend funds to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses, have variable interest rates tied to prime rate, and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash-flow requirements.

 

Standby and commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally are contingent upon the failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of the underlying contract with the third party and are most often issued in favor of a municipality where construction is taking place to ensure that the borrower adequately completes the construction. Commercial letters of credit are issued specifically to facilitate commerce and typically result in the commitment being drawn on when the underlying transaction is consummated between the customer and the third party. This type of letter of credit is issued

 

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through a correspondent bank on behalf of a customer who is involved in an international business activity such as the importing of goods.

 

In the event of a customer’s nonperformance, the Company’s credit loss exposure is represented by the contractual amount of those commitments. The credit risk is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers and is subject to normal credit policies. The Company uses the same credit policies in making credit commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments, with such exposure to credit loss minimized due to various collateral requirements in place.

 

The maximum potential future payments guaranteed by the Company under standby letters of credit arrangements is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment. The carrying value of the Company’s standby letters of credit, which is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Condition, totaled $770,000 as of December 31, 2004 and $449,000 as of December 31, 2003. The current liability reflects the fair value of the guarantee associated with standby letters of credit originated since January 1, 2003, the implementation date of the recognition provisions of FIN 45. As of December 31, 2004, standby letters of credit had a remaining weighted-average term of approximately 16.3 months, with remaining actual lives ranging from less than 1 year to 10.9 years. If a commitment is funded, the Company may seek recourse through the underlying collateral provided including real estate, physical plant and property, marketable securities, or cash.

 

The Company is obligated under recourse provisions related to the securitization of certain loans. The contract amount of these loans was $26.4 million as of December 31, 2004. For additional discussion regarding the securitization of the loans, refer to Note 5, “Loans,” commencing on page 56 of this Form 10-K.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

As of December 31, 2004, there were certain legal proceedings pending against the Company and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, arising from these proceedings, if any, would have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of December 31, 2004.

 

21. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

 

A variable interest entity (“VIE”) is a partnership, limited liability company, trust or other legal entity that does not have sufficient equity to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or whose investors lack one of three characteristics associated with owning a controlling financial interest. Those characteristics are: (i) the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity’s activities through voting rights or similar rights; (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of an entity if they occur; and (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, if they occur.

 

FIN 46R addresses the consolidation of VIEs. Under FIN 46R, VIEs are consolidated by the party who is exposed to a majority of the VIE’s expected losses and/or residual returns (i.e., the primary beneficiary). Effective December 31, 2003, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 46R for all interests held in a VIE. The following summarizes the VIEs in which the Company has a significant interest and discusses the accounting changes that resulted from the adoption of FIN 46R.

 

The Company owns 100% of the common stock of a business trust that was formed in November 2003 to issue trust preferred securities to third party investors. The trust’s only assets as of December 31, 2004 were the $128.7 million principal balance of the debentures issued by the Company and the related interest receivable of $746,000 that were acquired by the trust using proceeds from the issuance of preferred securities and common stock. The trust meets the FIN 46R definition of a VIE, but the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the trust. Accordingly, the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements and is accounted for using the equity method. The subordinated debentures issued by the Company to the trust are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition as “Subordinated debt—trust preferred securities.”

 

As part of the CoVest Acquisition, the Company acquired interests in 20 trust preferred capital security issuances. Although these investments may meet the FIN 46R definition of a VIE, the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for its interest in these investments as available for sale securities. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is limited to its investment in these VIEs, which at December 31, 2004 had a total book and market value of $1.8 million.

 

The Company has a significant limited partner interest in 12 low-income housing tax credit partnerships and limited liability corporations, which were acquired at various times from 1997 to 2004. These entities meet the FIN 46R definition of a VIE. Since the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the entities, it will continue to account for its interest in these

 

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partnerships on the cost method. Exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these entities is limited to the approximately $5.2 million book basis of the Company’s investment, $4.0 million of which the Company is obligated to pay but has not yet funded.

 

22. ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require disclosure of the estimated fair values of certain financial instruments, both assets and liabilities, on and off-balance sheet, for which it is practical to estimate the fair value. Because the estimated fair values provided herein exclude disclosure of the fair value of certain other financial instruments and all non-financial instruments, any aggregation of the estimated fair value amounts presented would not represent the underlying value of the Company. Examples of non-financial instruments having significant value include the future earnings potential of significant customer relationships and the value of the Company’s trust division operations and other fee-generating businesses. In addition, other significant assets including property, plant and equipment, and goodwill are not considered financial instruments and, therefore, have not been valued.

 

Various methodologies and assumptions have been utilized in management’s determination of the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, which are detailed below. The fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time based upon relevant market information. Because no market exists for a significant portion of these financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected economic conditions and loss experience and risk characteristics of the financial instruments. These estimates are subjective, involve uncertainties, and cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments.

 

Short-Term Financial Assets and Liabilities – For financial instruments with a short or no stated maturity, prevailing market rates, and limited credit risk, the carrying amounts approximate fair value. Those financial instruments include cash and due from banks, funds sold and other short-term investments, mortgages held for sale, corporate owned life insurance, accrued interest receivable, and accrued interest payable.

 

Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity - The fair value of securities is based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

 

Loans - The fair value of loans was estimated using present value techniques by discounting the future cash flows of the remaining maturities of the loans, and, if applicable, prepayment assumptions were considered based on historical experience and current economic and lending conditions. The discount rate was based on the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) yield curve, with rate adjustments for liquidity and credit risk. The primary impact of credit risk on the present value of the loan portfolio, however, was accommodated through the use of the reserve for loan losses, which is believed to represent the current fair value of probable future losses for purposes of the fair value calculation.

 

Deposit Liabilities - The fair values disclosed for demand deposits, savings deposits, NOW accounts, and money market deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The fair value for fixed-rate time deposits was estimated using present value techniques by discounting the future cash flows based on the LIBOR yield curve.

 

Borrowed Funds - The fair value of repurchase agreements and FHLB advances is estimated by discounting the agreements based on maturities using the rates currently offered for repurchase agreements of similar remaining maturities. The carrying amounts of funds purchased and other borrowed funds approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature.

 

Subordinated Debt-Trust Preferred Securities - The fair value of subordinated debt was determined using available market quotes.

 

Derivative Assets and Liabilities - The fair value of derivative instruments are based either on cash flow projection models acquired from third parties or observable market price.

 

Standby Letters of Credit – The fair value of standby letters of credit represent deferred fees arising from the related off-balance sheet financial instruments. These deferred fees approximate the fair value of these instruments and are based on several factors, including the remaining terms of the agreement and the credit standing of the customer.

 

Commitments - Given the limited interest rate exposure posed by the commitments outstanding at year-end due to their general variable nature, coupled with the general short-term nature of the commitment periods entered into, termination

 

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clauses provided in the agreements, and the market rate of fees charged, the Company has estimated the fair value of commitments outstanding to be immaterial.

 

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31 are as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

     Carrying
Amount


   Estimated
Fair Value


   Carrying
Amount


   Estimated
Fair Value


Financial Assets:

                           

Cash and due from banks

   $ 119,880    $ 119,880    $ 186,900    $ 186,900

Funds sold and other short-term investments

     330      330      5,789      5,789

Mortgages held for sale

     4,251      4,251      9,620      9,620

Securities available for sale

     2,179,438      2,179,438      2,229,650      2,229,650

Securities held to maturity

     64,576      64,618      67,446      67,514

Loans, net of reserve for loan losses

     4,078,560      4,075,674      4,003,378      4,018.977

Accrued interest receivable

     30,169      30,169      30,506      30,506

Investment in corporate owned life insurance

     151,359      151,359      146,421      146,421

Derivative assets

     914      914      38      38

Financial Liabilities:

                           

Deposits

   $ 4,905,378    $ 4,904,777    $ 4,815,108    $ 4,825,683

Borrowed funds

     1,218,332      1,215,089      1,371,672      1,373,032

Subordinated debt-trust preferred securities

     129,294      140,451      128,716      130,721

Accrued interest payable

     7,036      7,036      6,828      6,828

Derivative liabilities

     —        —        538      538

Standby letters of credit

     770      770      449      449

 

23. SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Supplemental disclosures to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31 are as follows. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Income taxes paid

   $ 24,543    $ 30,573    $ 27,495

Interest paid to depositors and creditors

     86,270      82,988      112,638

Non-cash transfers of loans to foreclosed real estate

     4,156      2,677      8,216

Dividends declared but unpaid

     11,093      10,264      8,982

Non-cash transfer of loans to securities available-for-sale

     74,191      —        —  

 

24. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company, through its subsidiary bank, has made loans and had transactions with certain of its directors and executive officers. However, all such loans and transactions were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. The Securities and Exchange Commission has determined that, with respect to the Company and its significant subsidiaries, disclosure of borrowings by directors and executive officers and certain of their related interests should be made if the loans are greater than 5% of stockholders’ equity, in the aggregate. These loans aggregating $2.3 million at December 31, 2004 and $1.1 million at December 31, 2003 were not greater than 5% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2004 or 2003, respectively.

 

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25. CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following represents the condensed financial statements of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc., the Parent Company. (Dollar amounts in thousands.)

 

Statements of Condition

(Parent Company only)

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Assets

             

Cash and interest-bearing deposits

   $ 59,867    $ 31,936

Investment in and advances to subsidiaries

     596,428      554,585

Goodwill

     8,943      56,955

Other intangible assets

     334      14,612

Other assets

     24,765      29,679
    

  

Total assets

   $ 690,337    $ 687,767
    

  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

             

Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities

   $ 129,294    $ 128,716

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     29,005      36,511

Stockholders’ equity

     532,038      522,540
    

  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 690,337    $ 687,767
    

  

 

Statements of Income

(Parent Company only)

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Income

                    

Dividends from subsidiaries

   $ 99,320    $ 54,160    $ 92,310

Interest income

     636      477      376

Security transactions and other income

     1,512      15      319
    

  

  

Total income

     101,468      54,652      93,005
    

  

  

Expenses

                    

Interest expense

     9,015      1,082      —  

Salaries and employee benefits

     4,337      4,215      3,155

Amortization of intangible assets

     324      —        149

Other expenses

     4,591      2,812      2,659
    

  

  

Total expenses

     18,267      8,109      5,963
    

  

  

Income before income tax expense and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

     83,201      46,543      87,042

Income tax benefit

     6,249      2,948      1,831
    

  

  

Income before undistributed income of subsidiaries

     89,450      49,491      88,873

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

     9,686      43,287      1,277
    

  

  

Net income

   $ 99,136    $ 92,778    $ 90,150
    

  

  

 

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Statements of Cash Flows

(Parent Company only)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Operating Activities

                        

Net income

   $ 99,136     $ 92,778     $ 90,150  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Equity in undistributed income from subsidiaries

     (9,686 )     (43,287 )     (1,277 )

Depreciation of premises, furniture, and equipment

     48       49       57  

Net (gains) losses on sales of securities

     (47 )     —         (254 )

Tax benefit from employee exercises of nonqualified stock options

     1,362       920       985  

Net amortization of goodwill and other intangibles

     323       —         149  

Net (increase) decrease in other assets

     1,825       (17,462 )     397  

Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     2,388       15,818       (380 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     95,349       48,816       89,827  
    


 


 


Investing Activities

                        

Purchases of securities available for sale

     (236 )     (9,035 )     (1,346 )

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

     233       —         954  

Purchase of other assets, net of sales

     (5 )     (28 )     833  

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

     —         (108,658 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

     (8 )     (117,721 )     441  
    


 


 


Financing Activities

                        

Proceeds from the issuance of subordinated debt

     —         128,715       —    

Net purchases of treasury stock

     (31,240 )     (22,404 )     (52,117 )

Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock

     7       6       9  

Cash dividends paid

     (41,000 )     (35,560 )     (32,879 )

Exercise of stock options

     4,823       3,021       5,278  
    


 


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (67,410 )     73,778       (79,709 )
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     27,931       4,873       10,559  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     31,936       27,063       16,504  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 59,867     $ 31,936     $ 27,063  
    


 


 


 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9a. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, (the “Evaluation Date”), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Accordingly, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 is effective based on the specified criteria.

 

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears below.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 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 (the COSO criteria). First Midwest Bancorp’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 opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally

 

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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 Midwest Bancorp, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statement of condition as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. and our report dated March 4, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

 

Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 4, 2005

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The Company’s executive officers are elected annually by the Company’s Board of Directors. Certain information regarding the Company’s executive officers is set forth below.

 

Name (Age)


  

Position or Employment for Past Five Years


   Executive
Officer
Since


John M. O’Meara (59)    President and, since 2003, Chief Executive Officer of the Company; prior to 2003, Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank    1987
Terry G. Beaudry (56)    Group President Trust Division, Chief Operating Officer since 2001; prior thereto, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Midwest Trust Company    2004
Kent S. Belasco (53)    Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer    2004
Mark M. Dietrich (57)    Group Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Bank    2002
Michael J. Kozak (53)    Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank since 2004; prior thereto, Senior Vice President, Regional Credit Officer    2004
Thomas J. Schwartz (55)    Group President, Commercial Banking of the Bank    2002
Michael L. Scudder (44)    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company since 2002; prior thereto, Group Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank    2002
Steven H. Shapiro (46)    Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary since 2003; prior thereto, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of FMC Technologies, Inc.; prior thereto, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of FMC Corporation    2003
Janet M. Viano (49)    Group President, Retail Banking of the Bank    2002
Stephanie R. Wise (37)    Executive Vice President, Business and Institutional Services since 2003; prior thereto, Executive Vice President E-Commerce Division Manager    2004

 

The information required by this item concerning Directors is incorporated herein by reference to the caption “ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

The information required by this item concerning Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance is incorporated herein by reference to the caption “SECTION 16 (a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the caption “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

The Compensation Committee’s Report on Executive Compensation and Stock Performance graph contained in the “Executive Compensation” section of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference the Registrant’s Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent the Registrant specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed “filed” under such Acts.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Security ownership information of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to the caption “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS & MANAGEMENT” of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the caption “CERTAIN RELATIONS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS” of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the caption “PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES” of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a) (1)   Financial Statements
    The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are filed as a part of this document under “Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.”
    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
    Consolidated Statements of Condition as of December 31, 2004 and 2003.
    Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002.
    Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(a) (2)   Financial Statement Schedules
    The schedules for the Registrant and its subsidiaries are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required, or because the information is set forth in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

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(a ) (3)   Exhibits
      See Exhibit Index commencing on page 82.
(b )   Reports on Form 8-K
      The following Current Reports on Form 8-K were filed or furnished during the fourth quarter of 2004:
      On October 20, 2004, the Company announced its earning results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004.
      On November 11, 2004, the Company made available the slide presentation presented at the Sandler O’Neil & Partners, L.P. 2004 Financial Services conference.
      On November 19, 2004, the Company announced the appointment of John E. Rooney to its Board of Directors and the retirement of director O. Ralph Edwards.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number


  

Description of Documents


3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2002.
3.2    Restated Bylaws of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2003.
4.1    Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, Form of Rights Certificate and Designation of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company, dated November 15, 1995, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits (1) through (3) of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 1995.
4.2    First Amendment to Rights Agreements, dated June 18, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Company’s Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 1997.
4.3    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 18, 2003 by and between First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. and First Midwest Capital Trust I is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2003.
4.4    Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of First Midwest Capital Trust I dated November 18, 2003 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2003.
4.5    Indenture dated as of November 18, 2003 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2003.
4.6    Series A Capital Securities Agreement dated November 18, 2003 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2003.
10.1    Outsourcing Agreement by and between First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. and Metavante Corporation dated April 28, 2004 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2004.
10.2    Revolving Credit Agreement by and between First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. and M&I Marshall & Illsley Bank dated April 26, 2004 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2004.
10.3    Restated Savings and Profit Sharing Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2002.
10.4    Amendments 1 to 7 to the Restated Savings and Profit Sharing Plan.
10.5    Short-term Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.6    Restated Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2002.
10.7    Amended and Restated Non-Employee Directors’ 1997 Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2000.
10.8    Amendment to the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Directors’ 1997 Stock Option Plan is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2003.
10.9    Restated Nonqualified Stock Option-Gain Deferral Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2002.

 

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10.10    Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2002.
10.11    Restated Nonqualified Retirement Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2002.
10.12    Form of Letter Agreement for Nonqualified Stock Option Grant executed between the Company and the executive officers of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan.
10.13    Form of Letter Agreement for Nonqualified Stock Option Grant executed between the Company and the directors of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan.
10.14    Form of Letter Agreement for Nonqualified Stock Option Grant executed between the Company and former executive of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2003.
10.15    Form of Indemnification Agreements executed between the Company and executive officers and directors of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 1991.
10.16    Form of Employment Agreements executed between the Company and certain executive officers of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 1997.
10.17    Retirement and Consulting Agreement and Continuing Participant Agreement to the Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan executed between the Company and former executive of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2002.
10.18    Retirement and Consulting Agreement and Continuing Participant Agreement to the Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan executed between the Company and former executive of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2002.
10.19    Form of Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements executed between the Company and certain executive officers of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 1991.
10.20    Form of Amendment to Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements executed between the Company and certain executive officers of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 1992.
10.21    Summary of Executive Compensation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Periodic Report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 2005.
11         Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings - The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is included in Note 13 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this document.
12         Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
14.1      Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2003.
14.2      Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2003.
21         Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23         Consents of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

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31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
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 for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
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 for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Exhibits 10.5 through 10.20 are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to item 14(a)3.

 

All other Exhibits that are required to be filed with this form are not applicable.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.

Registrant

By   /S/ JOHN M. O’MEARA
    John M. O’Meara
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in their capacities on March 4, 2005.

 

Signatures


        

/S/ ROBERT P. O’MEARA


   Chairman of the Board    
Robert P. O’Meara         

/S/ JOHN M. O’MEARA


   President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director    
John M. O’Meara         

/S/ MICHAEL L. SCUDDER


Michael L. Scudder

  

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and

Principal Accounting Officer

   

/S/ VERNON A. BRUNNER


Vernon A. Brunner

   Director    

/S/ BRUCE S. CHELBERG


Bruce S. Chelberg

   Director    

/S/ JOSEPH W. ENGLAND


Joseph W. England

   Director    

/S/ BROTHER JAMES GAFFNEY, FSC


Brother James Gaffney, FSC

   Director    

Thomas M. Garvin

   Director    

/S/ PATRICK J. MCDONNELL


Patrick J. McDonnell

   Director    

/S/ JOHN E. ROONEY


John E. Rooney

   Director    

/S/ JOHN L. STERLING


John L. Sterling

   Director    

/S/ J. STEPHEN VANDERWOUDE


J. Stephen Vanderwoude

   Director    

 

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