Attached files

file filename
EX-31.2 - SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION - SELECT BANCORP, INC.dex312.htm
EX-31.1 - SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION - SELECT BANCORP, INC.dex311.htm
EX-32.2 - SECTION 906 CFO CERTIFICATION - SELECT BANCORP, INC.dex322.htm
EX-32.1 - SECTION 906 CEO CERTIFICATION - SELECT BANCORP, INC.dex321.htm
Table of Contents

 

 

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

 

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

For the transition period ended                     

Commission File Number 000-50400

 

 

New Century Bancorp, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

North Carolina   20-0218264

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

700 W. Cumberland Street  
Dunn, North Carolina   28334
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (910) 892-7080

 

 

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of November 12, 2009, the Registrant had outstanding 6,828,752 shares of Common Stock, $1 par value per share.

 

 

 


Table of Contents
         Page No.
Part I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1 -   Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008

   3
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

   4
 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

   5
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

   6
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   8
Item 2 -   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    18
Item 4T -   Controls and Procedures    26
Part II.   OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 6 -   Exhibits    27
  Signatures    28
  Exhibit Index    29

 

- 2 -


Table of Contents

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item  1 - Financial Statements

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

     September 30,
2009
(Unaudited)
    December 31,
2008*
 
     (In thousands, except share
and per share data)
 

ASSETS

    

Cash and due from banks

   $ 8,059      $ 8,124   

Interest-earning deposits in other banks

     24,758        13,770   

Federal funds sold

     7,740        9,961   

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

     95,152        82,932   

Loans

     472,578        460,626   

Allowance for loan losses

     (10,317     (8,860
                

NET LOANS

     462,261        451,766   

Accrued interest receivable

     2,667        2,519   

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, at cost

     1,133        1,154   

Other real estate owned (OREO)

     2,346        2,799   

Premises and equipment

     12,171        11,875   

Bank owned life insurance

     7,399        7,203   

Goodwill

     8,674        8,674   

Core deposit intangible

     891        1,006   

Other assets

     3,559        3,984   
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 636,810      $ 605,767   
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Deposits:

    

Demand

   $ 63,834      $ 62,856   

Savings

     27,530        27,223   

Money market and NOW

     88,013        74,138   

Time

     353,973        340,902   
                

TOTAL DEPOSITS

     533,350        505,119   

Short term debt

     25,693        23,175   

Long term debt

     12,372        12,372   

Accrued interest payable

     478        584   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     1,904        1,858   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     573,797        543,108   
                

Shareholder’s Equity

    

Common stock, $1 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 6,837,742 and 6,831,149 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively

     6,838        6,831   

Additional paid-in capital

     41,435        41,279   

Retained earnings

     12,896        13,110   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,844        1,439   
                

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     63,013        62,659   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 636,810      $ 605,767   
                

 

* Derived from audited consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes.

 

- 3 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

 

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2009     2008    2009     2008
     (In thousands, except share and per share data)

INTEREST INCOME

         

Loans

   $ 7,382      $ 7,633    $ 21,946      $ 23,474

Federal funds sold and interest-earning deposits in other banks

     16        122      30        564

Investments

     825        923      2,507        2,848
                             

TOTAL INTEREST INCOME

     8,223        8,678      24,483        26,886
                             

INTEREST EXPENSE

         

Money market, NOW and savings deposits

     313        403      1,016        1,187

Time deposits

     2,705        3,437      8,779        11,453

Short term debt

     69        50      212        241

Long term debt

     83        153      295        501
                             

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE

     3,170        4,043      10,302        13,382
                             

NET INTEREST INCOME

     5,053        4,635      14,181        13,504

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     2,377        895      4,477        2,141
                             

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     2,676        3,740      9,704        11,363
                             

NON-INTEREST INCOME

         

Fees from pre-sold mortgages

     49        111      282        401

Service charges on deposit accounts

     547        467      1,461        1,387

Other fees and income

     216        167      706        550
                             

TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME

     812        745      2,449        2,338
                             

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

         

Personnel

     2,105        2,154      6,447        6,586

Occupancy and equipment

     387        405      1,138        1,156

Deposit insurance

     310        143      949        367

Professional fees

     272        338      765        925

Information systems

     386        402      1,088        1,179

Loss on repurchase of loan participation

     —          —        —          357

Net loss on sale and write downs of OREO

     2        —        241        139

Refund of SBA Premiums

     —          125      —          125

Loss on impairment on non-marketable securities

     —          —        51        —  

Other

     613        666      1,902        2,146
                             

TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

     4,075        4,233      12,581        12,980
                             

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (587     252      (428     721

INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)

     (218     93      (214     248
                             

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ (369   $ 159    $ (214   $ 473
                             

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

         

Basic

   $ (.05   $ .02    $ (.03   $ .07
                             

Diluted

   $ (.05   $ .02    $ (.03   $ .07
                             

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

         

Basic

     6,837,292        6,826,481      6,833,494        6,808,914
                             

Diluted

     6,837,292        6,879,919      6,833,494        6,869,419
                             

See accompanying notes.

 

- 4 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

 

 

    

 

Common stock

   Additional
paid-in

capital
   Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive

income (loss)
    Total
shareholders’

equity
 
     Shares    Amount          
     (Amounts in thousands, except share data)  

Balance at December 31, 2007

   6,730,874    $ 6,731    $ 40,651    $ 13,579      $ 212      $ 61,173   

Adjustment related to the adoption of ASC 715

   —        —        —        (233     —          (233

Net income

   —        —        —        473        —          473   

Other comprehensive (loss)

   —        —        —        —          (417     (417

Exercise of stock options

   96,775      97      392      —          —          489   

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

   —        —        27      —          —          27   

Stock based compensation

   —        —        141      —          —          141   
                                           

Balance at September 30, 2008

   6,827,649    $ 6,828    $ 41,211    $ 13,819      $ (205   $ 61,653   
                                           

Balance at December 31, 2008

   6,831,149    $ 6,831    $ 41,279    $ 13,110      $ 1,439      $ 62,659   

Net loss

   —        —        —        (214     —          (214

Other comprehensive income

   —        —        —        —          405        405   

Exercise of stock options

   6,593      7      21      —          —          28   

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

   —        —        3      —          —          3   

Stock based compensation

   —        —        132      —          —          132   
                                           

Balance at September 30, 2009

   6,837,742    $ 6,838    $ 41,435    $ 12,896      $ 1,844      $ 63,013   
                                           

See accompanying notes.

 

- 5 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008  
     (In thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (214   $ 473   

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Provision for loan losses

     4,477        2,141   

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

     570        607   

Amortization and accretion of investment securities

     345        (51

Amortization of deferred loan fees and costs

     (129     (128

Amortization of core deposit intangible

     115        115   

Stock-based compensation

     132        141   

Loss on repurchase of loan participation

     —          357   

Loss on write down on other assets

     13        6   

Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance

     (196     (202

Net loss on sale and write-downs of OREO

     241        139   

Loss on sale of repossessed assets

     —          17   

Gain on mortgage-backed securities pay-downs

     (1     (59

Loss on impairment on non marketable securities

     51        —     

Change in assets and liabilities:

    

(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable

     (148     580   

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     32        (101

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (60     89   
                

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     5,228        4,124   
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Redemption (Purchase) of FHLB stock

     21        (67

Purchases of investment securities available for sale

     (30,292     (17,148

Maturities of investment securities available for sale

     9,106        10,360   

Mortgage-backed securities pay-downs

     9,282        7,433   

Proceeds from sale of investment securities available for sale

     —          500   

Net increase in net loans outstanding

     (16,040     (4,036

Repurchase of loan participations

     —          (11,197

Proceeds from sale of OREO

     1,410        173   

Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment

     65        18   

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (858     (504
                

NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (27,306     (14,468
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Increase in deposits

     28,231        3,701   

Increase in short term debt

     2,518        929   

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

     3        27   

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

     28        489   
                

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     30,780        5,146   
                

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     8,702        (5,198

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING

     31,855        38,196   
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ENDING

   $ 40,557      $ 32,998   
                

See accompanying notes.

 

- 6 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009    2008  
     (In thousands)  

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

     

Cash paid during the period for:

     

Interest paid

   $ 10,407    $ 13,583   

Income taxes paid

     50      77   

Non-cash transactions:

     

Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale, net of tax

     405      (417

Transfers from loans to OREO

     1,197      634   

Transfer from loans held for sale to loans

     —        3,905   

See accompanying notes.

 

- 7 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

New Century Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company whose principal business activity consists of ownership of New Century Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is engaged in general commercial and retail banking and operates under the banking laws of North Carolina and the rules and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks. The Bank undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. In management’s opinion, the financial information, which is unaudited, reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information as of and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the amounts of income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.

The organization and business of the Company, accounting policies followed by the Company and other relevant information are contained in the notes to the financial statements filed as part of the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 31, 2009. This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report.

NOTE B - PER SHARE RESULTS

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share includes the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding during the period. There were 419,806 and 134,901 anti-dilutive options as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2009    2008    2009    2008

Weighted average shares used for basic net income per share

   6,837,292    6,826,481    6,833,494    6,808,914

Effect of dilutive stock options

   —      53,438    —      60,505
                   

Weighted average shares used for diluted net income per share

   6,837,292    6,879,919    6,833,494    6,869,419
                   

 

- 8 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE C - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

A summary of comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Amounts in thousands)  

Net income (loss)

   $ (369   $ 159      $ (214   $ 473   

Other comprehensive loss:

        

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment

        

Securities - available for sale

     627        359        660        (678

Tax effect

     (238     (139     (255     261   
                                

Total

     389        220        405        (417
                                

Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 20      $ 379      $ 191      $ 56   
                                

NOTE D - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The following summarizes recent accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on the Company:

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 825, “Accounting Standards Codification”, requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies that were previously only required to be disclosed in annual financial statements. The provisions of ASC 825 are effective for the Company’s interim period ending on June 30, 2009. The Company adopted ASC 825 as of June 30, 2009. As ASC 825 amends only the disclosure requirements about fair value of financial instruments in interim periods, the adoption of ASC 825 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASC 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities”, amends current other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. ASC 320 does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairment of equity securities. ASC 320 replaces the assertion of intent and ability to hold an impaired debt security until fair value recovers with assertions that the holder does not intend to sell the security prior to recovery and that it is more likely than not the holder will not be required to sell the impaired security prior to recovery. The full impairment loss is recognized in earnings if the holder is unable to make these assertions. Otherwise, the credit loss portion of the impairment is recognized in earnings and the remaining impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income. Both the full impairment and credit loss portion are presented on the face of the statement of operations. ASC 320 also requires additional disclosure in interim periods. ASC 320 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted ASC 320 as of June 30, 2009. The adoption of ASC 320 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with ASC 820 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have decreased significantly. ASC 820 also provides guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. The provisions of ASC 820 are effective for the Company’s interim period ending on June 30, 2009. The Company adopted ASC 820 as of June 30, 2009. The adoption of ASC 820 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

- 9 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE D - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (continued)

 

ASC 855, “Subsequent Events”, sets forth the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events occurring after the balance sheet date and the disclosures that should be made. Also, ASC 855 requires disclosure of the date through which the entity has evaluated subsequent events (for public companies, and other companies that expect to widely distribute their financial statements, this date is the date of financial statement issuance, and for nonpublic companies, the date the financial statements are available to be issued). The effective date is for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted ASC 855 during the second quarter of 2009, and the adoption did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. For the financial statements and footnotes included in this Form 10Q, subsequent events occurring prior to November 16, 2009 have been considered.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets (SFAS No. 166), which eliminates the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE), changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures, including information about continuing exposure to risks related to transferred financial assets. SFAS No. 166 is effective for financial asset transfers occurring after the beginning of fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The disclosure requirements must be applied to transfers that occurred before and after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements of adopting SFAS No. 166. No codification cross reference is currently available for SFAS No. 166.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). (SFAS No. 167), which contains new criteria for determining the primary beneficiary, eliminates the exception to consolidating QSPE’s, requires continual reconsideration of conclusions reached in determining the primary beneficiary, and requires additional disclosures. SFAS No. 167 is effective as of the beginning of fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009 and is applied using a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for any carrying amount adjustments (e.g., for newly- consolidated VIE’s). The Company has not evaluated the effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 167 on its consolidated financial statements. No codification cross reference is currently available for SFAS 167.

ASC 105, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, will become the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities and will supersede all non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual financial statements ending after September 15, 2009.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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

 

- 10 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

NOTE E - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 does not require any new fair value measurements, but clarifies and standardizes some divergent practices that have emerged since prior guidance was issued. ASC 820 creates a three-level hierarchy under which individual fair value estimates are to be ranked based on the relative reliability of the inputs used in the valuation.

Financial instruments include cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits with banks, investments, loans, deposit accounts and borrowings. Fair value estimates are made at a specific moment in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no active market readily exists for a portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Fair Value Hierarchy

The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

 

   

Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

 

   

Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

 

   

Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flows models and similar techniques.

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale

Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage- backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

 

- 11 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE E - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables summarize quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurement for each category of assets carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (dollars in thousands):

 

Investment securities available for sale September 30, 2009

   Fair value    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

U.S. government agencies

   $ 49,468    $ —      $ 49,468    $ —  

U.S. agency sponsored mortgage-backed securities

     38,043      —        38,043      —  

Municipal bonds

     7,641      —        7,641      —  
                           

Total

   $ 95,152    $ —      $ 95,152    $ —  
                           

Investment securities available for sale December 31, 2008

   Fair value    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

U.S. government agencies

   $ 37,403    $ —      $ 37,403    $ —  

U.S. agency sponsored mortgage-backed securities

     38,863      —        38,863      —  

Municipal bonds

     6,666      —        6,666      —  
                           

Total

   $ 82,932    $ —      $ 82,932    $ —  
                           

Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC 310, “Receivables”. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At September 30, 2009, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

 

- 12 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE E - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued)

 

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned are properties recorded at the balance of the loan or an estimated fair value less estimated selling costs, whichever is less, at the date acquired. Inputs include appraised values on the properties or recent sales activity for similar assets in the property’s market. Therefore, other real estate owned is classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. At September 30, 2009 total assets classified as other real estate owned totaled $2.3 million.

The following tables summarize quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurement for each category of assets carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (dollars in thousands):

 

Asset Category September 30, 2009

   Fair value    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Impaired loans

   $ 6,783    $ —      $ —      $ 6,783

OREO

     2,346      —        —        2,346
                           

Total

   $ 9,129    $ —      $ —      $ 9,129
                           

Asset Category December 31, 2008

   Fair value    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Impaired loans

   $ 846    $ —      $ —      $ 846

OREO

     2,799      —        —        2,799
                           

Total

   $ 3,645    $ —      $ —      $ 3,645
                           

As of September 30, 2009, the Bank identified $17.5 million in impaired loans, of which $10.6 million required a specific allowance of $3.8 million. As of December 31, 2008, the Bank identified $9.1 million in impaired loans, of which $4.2 million required a specific allowance of $3.4 million.

 

- 13 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

NOTE F - INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale, with gross unrealized gains and losses, follow:

 

     September 30, 2009
     Amortized
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
   Fair
value
     (In thousands)

Securities available for sale:

           

U.S. government agencies

           

Within 1 year

   $ 12,186    $ 226    $ —      $ 12,412

After 1 year but within 5 years

     36,254      803      1      37,056

U.S. agency sponsored mortgage-backed

           

Securities

           

Within 1 year

     425      14      —        439

After 1 year but within 5 years

     34,329      1,539      —        35,868

After 5 years but within 10 years

     1,659      77         1,736

Municipal bonds

           

After 1 year but within 5 years

     1,261      46      —        1,307

After 5 years but within 10 years

     4,136      213      —        4,349

After 10 years

     1,898      87      —        1,985
                           
   $ 92,148    $ 3,005    $ 1    $ 95,152
                           

As of September 30, 2009, accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes, included unrealized net gains of $3.0 million, net of deferred income taxes of $1.2 million.

No investment securities have had continuous unrealized losses for more than twelve months as of September 30, 2009. None of the unrealized losses identified as of September 30, 2009 related to marketability of the securities or the issuer’s ability to honor redemption obligations. Consequently, the securities were not deemed to be other than temporarily impaired. Securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2009 not recognized in income were as follows:

 

     September 30, 2009
     Less Than 12 Months    12 Months or More    Total
     Fair
value
   Unrealized
losses
   Fair
value
   Unrealized
losses
   Fair
value
   Unrealized
losses
     (In thousands)

Securities available for sale:

                 

U.S. government agencies

   $ 1,582    $ 1    $ —      $ —      $ 1,582    $ 1
                                         

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 1,582    $ 1    $ —      $ —      $ 1,582    $ 1
                                         

 

- 14 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE F - INVESTMENT SECURITIES (continued)

 

Declines in the fair value of available for sale securities that are deemed to be other than temporarily impaired (OTTI) are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating OTTI losses, management considers, among other things: the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of unrealized loss.

NOTE G - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following table presents the carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2009.

 

     September 30, 2009  
     Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
 
     (In thousands)  

Financial assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 40,557    $ 40,557   

Investment securities available for sale

     95,152      95,152   

Loans, net

     462,261      482,430   

Market risk/liquidity adjustment

     —        (24,122

Net loans

     462,261      458,308   

Accrued interest receivable

     2,667      2,667   

Stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank

     1,133      1,133   

Non-marketable securities

     900      900   

Bank owned life insurance

     7,399      7,399   

Financial liabilities:

     

Deposits

   $ 533,350    $ 539,860   

Short term debt

     25,693      25,693   

Long term debt

     12,372      12,372   

Accrued interest payable

     478      478   

Cash and Due from Banks, Interest-Earning Deposits in Other Banks and Federal Funds Sold

The carrying amounts for cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits in other banks and federal funds sold approximate fair value because of the short maturities of those instruments.

Investment Securities Available for Sale

Fair value for investment securities available for sale equals quoted market price if such information is available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities. See Note F, Investment Securities.

 

- 15 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE G - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

 

Loans

Fair value for the loan portfolio is based on estimated future cash flows discounted at current origination rates for loans with similar terms and credit quality. The values of impaired loans are determined by either the collateral value or by the present value of the expected cash flows.

For September 30, 2009, the fair value for loans, net of allowance for loan and lease losses included an adjustment of approximately 5.0% of gross loans or $24.1 million to reflect the unfavorable liquidity conditions that existed in various financial markets.

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

The fair value for FHLB of Atlanta (“FHLB Atlanta”) stock approximates carrying value of $1.1 million at September 30, 2009. The cash dividends beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008 were discontinued as a capital preservation decision by FHLB Atlanta during continued uncertain economic conditions accompanied by volatile financial markets. On August 12, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta reinstated the dividend and approved an annualized dividend rate of 0.84% for the second quarter of 2009. Management believes that its investment in FHLB Atlanta stock was not other than temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2009, as it is considered a long-term investment, and its value is based on the ultimate recoverability of par value. However, there can be no assurances that the impact of recent or future legislation on Federal Home Loan Banks will not adversely impact the value of the Company’s investment in FHLB Atlanta stock.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

The carrying value of life insurance approximates fair value because this investment is carried at cash surrender value, as determined by the insurer.

Deposits

The fair value of demand deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair values of time deposits are estimated using the rates currently offered for instruments of similar remaining maturities.

Short Term Debt

The fair values of short term debt (sweep accounts that re-price weekly) are based on discounting expected cash flows at the interest rate for debt with the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.

Long Term Debt

The fair values of long term debt are based on discounting expected cash flows at the interest rate for debt with the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.

 

- 16 -


Table of Contents

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE G - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

 

Accrued Interest Receivable and Accrued Interest Payable

The carrying amounts of accrued interest receivable and payable approximate fair value, because of the short maturities of these instruments.

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

With regard to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of future financing commitments.

NOTE H - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 9, 2009 the Bank closed its existing branch at Southeast Boulevard and combined its loans and deposits with the Sunset Avenue branch in Clinton, NC which was then closed and reopened into a newly constructed branch in Clinton on October 13, 2009.

According to ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”, the Company incurred certain one time items to be expensed in October 2009 relating to the closure of the two branches. Twenty four months remain on the lease for the Southeast Boulevard location. It is not anticipated that the landlord will renegotiate the lease and therefore according to ASC 420, a liability of $39,182 will be recorded in October 2009 to reflect the net present value of all future lease payments remaining over the term of this contract.

Also, $27,426 in building and lot improvements at both closed branch locations have been determined to have no future economic value to the Company and will be written off in October 2009. There were no personnel or severance costs or other contract termination costs pertaining to these closures.

The Company also opened a loan production office in Greenville, NC in October 2009. A one year lease agreement was entered into for this office space.

For the financial statements and notes included in this Form 10-Q, subsequent events occurring prior to November 16, 2009 have been considered.

 

- 17 -


Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s discussion and analysis is intended to assist readers in the understanding and evaluation of the financial condition and results of operations of New Century Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”). This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to, without limitation, our future economic performance, plans and objectives for future operations, and projections of revenues and other financial items that are based on our beliefs, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. The words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” and “intend,” as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Factors that could influence actual results, performance or achievements include changes in national, regional and local market conditions, legislative and regulatory conditions, and the interest rate environment.

Overview

The Company is a commercial bank holding company and has one banking subsidiary, New Century Bank (referred to as the “Bank”) and one unconsolidated subsidiary, New Century Statutory Trust I, which issued trust preferred securities to provide additional capital for general corporate purposes, including the current and future expansion of the Bank. The Company’s only business activity is the ownership of the Bank and New Century Statutory Trust I. This discussion focuses primarily on the financial condition and operating results of the Bank.

The Bank’s lending activities are oriented to the consumer/retail customer as well as to the small-to medium-sized businesses located in Harnett, Hoke, Cumberland, Johnston, Robeson, Sampson, Wayne, and Pitt counties. The Bank offers the standard complement of commercial, consumer, and mortgage lending products, as well as the ability to structure products to fit specialized needs. The deposit services offered by the Bank include small business and personal checking, savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The Bank concentrates on customer relationships in building its customer deposit base and competes aggressively in the area of transaction accounts.

Comparison of Financial Condition at

September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008

During the first nine months of 2009, total assets grew by $31.0 million to $636.8 million as of September 30, 2009. Earning assets at September 30, 2009 totaled $592.0 million and consisted of $462.3 million in net loans, $95.2 million in investment securities, $32.4 million in overnight investments and interest-bearing deposits in other banks and $2.1 million in non-marketable equity securities. Total deposits and shareholders’ equity at the end of the third quarter were $533.4 million and $63.0 million, respectively.

Since the end of 2008, gross loans have increased by $12.0 million to $472.6 million as of September 30, 2009. Gross loans consisted of $73.3 million in commercial and industrial loans, $184.2 million in commercial real estate loans, $20.3 million in multi-family residential loans, $14.7 million in consumer loans, $109.8 million in residential real estate, and $70.3 million in construction loans.

At September 30, 2009, the Company had nearly $4.6 million in loans that were 30-89 days past due. This represented 0.97% of gross loans outstanding on that date. This is an increase from December 31, 2008 when there were $1.2 million in loans that were 30-89 days past due, or 0.27% of gross loans outstanding. The increase in past dues is spread throughout each category of the loan portfolio and is due

 

- 18 -


Table of Contents

primarily to the continued weakening of economic conditions both locally and nationally. Non-accrual loans increased $7.4 million during the first nine months of 2009 to $16.0 million as of September 30, 2009, primarily as a result of ten loan relationships of $500,000 or more totaling $9.0 million that were reclassified from past due status to non-accrual.

The percentage of non-performing loans (non-accrual loans and loans that were 90 days or more past due but still in accruing status) to total loans increased 182 basis points from 1.88% at December 31, 2008 to 3.70% at September 30, 2009. The Company had no loans that were considered troubled debt restructured loans.

As of September 30, 2009, there were $17.5 million of loans that were considered to be impaired as a result of $16.0 million being placed in non-accrual status and another $1.5 million continuing to accrue interest but delinquent less than 90 days. $10.6 million of these impaired loans required a specific reserve of $3.8 million at September 30, 2009. At December 31, 2008, $9.1 million in loans were classified as impaired of which $4.2 million required a specific reserve of $3.4 million. The allowance for loan losses was $10.3 million at September 30, 2009 or 2.18% of gross loans outstanding. This is an increase of 26 basis points from the 1.92% of gross loans at December 31, 2008. The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2009 represented 58.9% of impaired loans compared to 97.4% at December 31, 2008. This increase in the allowance for the first nine months of 2009 resulted from provisions for loan losses of $4.5 million, partially offset by net charge-offs of $3.0 million. Most of the loans charged-off in 2009 were classified as impaired at December 31, 2008 and had been specifically reserved for as part of the allowance for loan loss calculation. It is management’s assessment that the allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2009 is appropriate in light of the risk inherent within the Company’s loan portfolio. No assurances, however, can be made that further adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may not be deemed necessary.

The total non-performing assets, (non-accrual loans and OREO), at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were $18.3 million and $11.4 million. The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2009 represented 56.4% of non-performing assets compared to 77.7% at December 31, 2008.

The following is a roll forward of the Company’s allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Amounts in thousands)  

Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period

   $ 8,519      $ 6,483      $ 8,860      $ 8,314   

Provision for loan losses

     2,377        895        4,477        2,141   

Charge-offs

     (771     (489     (3,393     (3,816

Recoveries

     192        251        373        501   
                                

Allowance for loan losses at end of period

   $ 10,317      $ 7,140      $ 10,317      $ 7,140   
                                

Management strives to maintain a position of liquidity sufficient to fund future loan demand and to satisfy fluctuations in deposit levels. This is achieved primarily in the form of federal funds sold on an overnight basis and an investment portfolio that includes a laddered maturity schedule. At September 30, 2009, the Company held $7.7 million in federal funds sold, a decrease of $2.2 million from December 31, 2008. The Company also holds an investment of $1.1 million in the form of Federal Home Loan Bank stock. Interest-earning deposits in other banks were $24.8 million at September 30, 2009, an $11.0 million increase from December 31, 2008. The Company’s investment securities at September 30, 2009 were $95.2 million, an increase of $12.2 million from December 31, 2008. The investment portfolio as of September 30, 2009 consisted of $48.5 million in government agency debt securities, $36.4 million in mortgage-backed securities and $7.3 million in municipal securities. The unrealized gain on these securities was $3.0 million.

 

- 19 -


Table of Contents

The Company also has an investment in bank owned life insurance of $7.4 million at September 30, 2009, which increased $196,000 from December 31, 2008 due to an increase in cash surrender value. Since the income on this investment is included in non-interest income, the asset is not included in the Company’s calculation of earning assets.

At September 30, 2009, non-earning assets were $44.8 million, which reflects a decrease of $500,000 from the $45.3 million as of December 31, 2008. Non-earning assets as of September 30, 2009 included $8.1 million in cash and due from banks, bank premises and equipment of $12.2 million, goodwill of $8.7 million, core deposit intangible of $0.9 million, accrued interest receivable of $2.7 million, foreclosed real estate of $2.3 million, and other assets totaling $2.6 million. As indicated previously, goodwill amounted to $8.7 million at September 30, 2009.

Under the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other”, the Company is required to perform an impairment test each year to determine if goodwill is impaired. Since we adopted ASC 350, the annual impairment tests have been conducted as of June 30 each year, and have not indicated impairment exists.

ASC 350 provides a two-step method to evaluate and calculate impairment which is currently employed by the Company. The first step requires estimation of the Company’s fair value. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further testing is required. The step one internal process includes both the income and market approaches to value the Company. The income approach consists of discounting projected long-term future cash flows, which are derived from internal forecasts and economic expectations for the Company. The significant inputs to the income approach include the long-term target tangible equity to tangible assets ratio and discount rate, which is determined utilizing the Company’s cost of capital adjusted for a company-specific risk factor. The company-specific risk factor is used to address the uncertainty of growth estimates and earnings projections of management. Under the market approach, a value is calculated from an analysis of comparable acquisition transactions based on earnings, book value, assets and deposit premium multiples from the sale of similar financial institutions. After completing this first step, if the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we are required to proceed to step two to determine whether an impairment charge must be recorded and, if so, the amount of such charge. Based on the results provided from the first step of the Company’s yearly analysis performed on June 30, 2009, there was no indication that further testing of goodwill was required and performing step two was not required. As a result of the yearly impairment analysis, the Company’s goodwill was determined not to be impaired as of June 30, 2009 and no impairment of goodwill was recorded. However, based on the analysis performed, an unfavorable variance of 10% or more from the Company’s forecasted income projections used in the impairment testing may indicate that impairment exists. As it was determined that no triggering events occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2009, an analysis was not performed as of September 30, 2009. If it is determined that any triggering events have arisen during the three months ended December 31, 2009, the Company will assess the need to evaluate their goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2009.

Total deposits at September 30, 2009 were $533.4 million and consisted of $63.9 million in non-interest-bearing demand deposits, $88.0 million in money market and NOW accounts, $27.5 million in savings accounts, and $354.0 million in time deposits. Total deposits grew by $28.3 million from $505.1 million as of December 31, 2008. Brokered deposits totaled $753,000 or 0.14% of quarter-end deposits.

As of September 30, 2009, the Company had $25.7 million in short-term debt and $12.4 million in long-term debt. Short-term debt consisted of repurchase agreements with local customers. Long-term debt consisted of $12.4 million of junior subordinated debentures that were issued in September 2004. The proceeds of the junior subordinated debentures have provided capital for the expansion of the Bank.

 

- 20 -


Table of Contents

Total shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2009 was $63.0 million, an increase of $354,000 from $62.7 million as of December 31, 2008. Other comprehensive income relating to available for sale securities increased $405,000 to $1.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. There was $31,000 in stock options exercised for the nine months ending September 30, 2009. Other changes in shareholders’ equity included $132,000 in stock-based compensation, and a net loss of $214,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2009.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the

Three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

General. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company had a net loss of $369,000 as compared with net income of $159,000 for the same quarter in 2008. Net loss per share for the quarter was $(.05) per share, basic and diluted, compared with a net income per share of $.02 per share, basic and diluted, for the third quarter of 2008. Third quarter 2009 results were impacted by a higher provision for loan losses of $2.4 million, compared to $895,000 for the same period in 2008. The Company did experience an increase in net interest margin of 18 basis points to 3.52% for the period ending September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased by $418,000 to $5.1 million for the third quarter of 2009. The Company’s total interest income was affected by a reduction in the yield on interest-earning assets, partially offset by growth in those assets. Average total interest-earning assets were $570.1 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared with $551.4 million during the same period in 2008 and the yield on those assets decreased 52 basis points from 6.24% to 5.72%. Total interest income reversed on loans transferred to non-accrual status for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was $43,000 and $125,000, respectively, or 3 and 9 basis points on average interest-earning assets for the respective periods mentioned.

The Company’s average interest-bearing liabilities grew by $40.3 million to $501.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 from $461.5 million for the same period one year earlier and the cost of those funds decreased from 3.48% to 2.51% or 97 basis points. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company’s net interest margin was 3.52% and net interest spread was 3.22%. For the quarter ended September 30, 2008, net interest margin was 3.34% and net interest spread was 2.77%

Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to income to bring the allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management. In evaluating the allowance for loan losses, management considers factors that include growth, composition and industry diversification of the portfolio, historical loan loss experience, current delinquency levels, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, prevailing economic conditions and other relevant factors. The Company recorded a $2.4 million provision for loan losses in the third quarter of 2009, representing an increase of $1.5 million from the $895,000 provision made in the same period of 2008, primarily as a result of one large loan relationship totaling $3.0 million being reclassified from past due status to non-accrual. In the third quarter of 2009, the Company had a higher level of net charge-offs, $579,000 compared to the same period in 2008, when $238,000 was charged-off. Part of the provision for loan losses in 2009 was due to additional reserves for homogenous pools of loans that management felt were prudent in light of prevailing economic conditions.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 was $812,000, an increase of $67,000 from the third quarter of 2008. Service charges on deposit accounts increased to $547,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $80,000 from the $467,000 for the same period in 2008. This is primarily the result of an increase of $30,000 in “NSF” (not sufficient

 

- 21 -


Table of Contents

funds) and return check charges and a $35,000 increase in account analysis charges over the same period in 2008. Mortgage fee income declined $62,000 to $49,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, primarily as a result of changes in the mortgage industry lending and credit requirements. Other non-deposit fees and income increased $49,000 to $216,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.

Non-Interest Expenses. Non-interest expenses decreased by $158,000 to $4.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $4.2 million for the same period in 2008. The following are highlights of the significant changes in non-interest expenses from the second quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009:

 

   

Personnel expenses decreased to $2.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $2.2 million for the same quarter in 2008.

 

   

FDIC insurance expense was $310,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared to $143,000 for the same quarter in 2008.

 

   

There were no refunds of SBA premiums for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared to $125,000 for the same quarter in 2008.

 

   

Professional fees were $66,000 less or $272,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared to $338,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, primarily as a result of a reduction of $36,000 legal fees pertaining to lending and a reduction of $34,000 in expenses pertaining to the merger of New Century Bank and New Century South in 2008.

 

   

Other non-interest expenses decreased $53,000 to $613,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 from $666,000 for the same period in 2008, primarily as a result of general cost containment throughout the Company during this period of economic downturn.

Provision for Income Taxes. The Company’s effective tax rate was a (37.1%) benefit and 36.9% expense for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2009 was impacted by the net loss during the period.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the

Nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

General. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company had a net loss of approximately $214,000 as compared with net income of approximately $473,000 for the same period in 2008. Net loss per share for the first nine months of 2009 was $.03 per share, basic and diluted, compared with net income of $.07 per share, basic and diluted, for the same period in 2008. The first nine months of 2009 results were impacted by a higher provision for loan losses of $4.5 million compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2008. The Company experienced an increase in net interest margin of 5 basis points to 3.31% for the nine months ending September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, as a result of the cost of interest bearing liabilities repricing faster than the yield on interest earning assets. Also in the first three quarters of 2009, there was $241,000 in write downs and losses on OREO as compared to $139,000 for the same period 2008. For the nine months ending on September 30, 2008, there was a $357,000 loss on the repurchase of participation loans. In addition, during the second quarter of 2009, there was a special industry wide FDIC deposit insurance assessment of which the Company’s share was an assessment of $286,000.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased by $680,000 to $14.2 million for the first three quarters of 2009. The Company’s total interest income was affected by a reduction in the yield on interest-earning assets, partially offset by growth in those assets. Average total interest-earning assets were $572.7 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared with $552.2 million during the same period in 2008 and the yield on those assets decreased 77 basis points from 6.49% to 5.72%. Total interest income reversed on loans transferred to non-accrual status for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was 292,000 and $507,000, respectively, or 6 and 12 basis points on average interest-earning assets for the period mentioned.

 

- 22 -


Table of Contents

The Company’s average interest-bearing liabilities grew by $31.0 million to $496.7 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 from $465.7 million for the same period one year earlier and the cost of those funds decreased from 3.83% to 2.77% or 106 basis points. During the first nine months of 2009, the Company’s net interest margin was 3.31% and net interest spread was 2.94%. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2008, net interest margin was 3.26% and net interest spread was 2.66%.

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company recorded a $4.5 million provision for loan losses in the first nine months of 2009, representing an increase of $2.4 million from the $2.1 million provision made in the same period of 2008. In the first three quarters of 2009, the Company had a lower level of net charge-offs, $3.0 million as compared to the same period in 2008, when $3.3 million was charged-off. As mentioned previously, most of the loans that were charged off in the first three quarters of 2009 were impaired loans with reserves provided for at December 31, 2008. Part of the increase in the provision for loan losses in 2009 was due to additional reserves provided throughout 2009 for homogenous pools of loans that management felt were prudent in light of prevailing economic conditions.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $2.4 million, as compared to $2.3 million the first nine months of 2008. Service charges on deposit accounts increased to $1.5 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2009 as compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2008. Mortgage fee income declined $119,000 to $282,000 for the three quarters ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, primarily as a result of changes in the mortgage industry lending and credit requirements, and slowdowns in processing time of mortgage applications as a result of unprecedented record mortgage refinancing activity. Other non deposit fees and income increased $156,000 to $706,000 for the three quarters ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.

Non-Interest Expenses. Non-interest expenses decreased by $399,000 to $12.6 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2009, from $13.0 million for the same period in 2008. The following are highlights of the significant changes in non-interest expenses from the first nine months of 2009 compared to the first nine months of 2008:

 

   

Personnel expenses decreased to $6.4 million for the nine month period ending on September 30, 2009 compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 2008.

 

   

Professional service expenses decreased from $925,000 in 2008 to $765,000 in 2009, due to a decrease in outsourced services and other consulting fees that were incurred in 2008.

 

   

Deposit insurance increased to $949,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $367,000 for the same period in 2008, primarily as a result of the special assessment of $286,000, previously mentioned.

 

   

Information systems expense was $1.1 million or $91,000 less than in 2008.

 

   

A loss on the repurchase of a loan participation of $357,000 occurred in 2008. No such loss has been incurred in 2009.

 

   

The net losses on sales and write downs on OREO increased $102,000 to $241,000 in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.

 

   

The Bank’s investment of $51,000 in Silverton Financial Services, Inc. stock was written off in 2009.

 

   

Other non-interest expenses decreased $244,000 to $1.9 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2009 from $2.1 million for the same period in 2008, primarily as a result of general cost containment throughout the Company during this period of economic downturn.

Provision for Income Taxes. The Company’s effective tax rate was (50.0) % and 34.4% for the three quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months of 2009 was impacted by a $42,000 tax benefit adjustment for prior periods and the net loss experienced during this period.

 

- 23 -


Table of Contents

Liquidity

The Company’s liquidity is a measure of its ability to fund loans, withdrawals and maturities of deposits, and other cash outflows in a cost effective manner. The principal sources of liquidity are deposits, scheduled payments and prepayments of loan principal, maturities of investment securities, access to liquid deposits, and funds provided by operations. While scheduled loan payments and maturing investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Liquid assets (consisting of cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits with other banks, federal funds sold and investment securities classified as available for sale) comprised 21.3% of total assets at September 30, 2009.

The Company has been a net seller of federal funds since its inception and strives to maintain a position of liquidity sufficient to fund future loan demand and to satisfy fluctuations in deposit levels. Should the need arise the Company would have the capability to sell securities classified as available for sale or to borrow funds as necessary. The Company has established, as of September 30, 2009, new credit lines with other financial institutions to purchase up to $44.0 million in federal funds. Also, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB), the Company may obtain advances of up to 10% of total assets, subject to available collateral. A floating lien of $23.6 million of qualifying loans is pledged to the FHLB to secure borrowings. Another source of short-term borrowings is securities sold under agreements to repurchase. At September 30, 2009, total borrowings consisted of securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $25.7 million and junior subordinated debentures of $12.4 million. In addition, the Company has $3.0 million of securities pledged to the Federal Reserve to be able to access the discount window.

Total deposits were $533.4 million at September 30, 2009. Time deposits, which are the only deposit accounts that have stated maturity dates, are generally considered to be rate sensitive. Time deposits represented 66.4% of total deposits at September 30, 2009. Time deposits of $100,000 or more represented 31.4% of the Company’s total deposits at September 30, 2009. At quarter end, the Company had $753,000 in brokered time deposits through the CDAR’s program. Management believes most other time deposits are relationship-oriented. While the Bank will need to pay competitive rates to retain these deposits at their maturities, there are other subjective factors that will determine their continued retention. Based upon prior experience, the Company anticipates that a substantial portion of outstanding certificates of deposit will renew upon maturity.

Management believes that current sources of funds provide adequate liquidity for our current cash flow needs. However, the Bank Holding Company’s primary source of funds is dividends from its sole subsidiary, the Bank, and is dependent on these dividends as a cash flow requirement to service debt obligations.

Capital Resources

A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its capital base. Federal regulations have classified and defined capital into the following components: (1) Tier 1 capital, which includes common shareholders’ equity and qualifying preferred equity, and (2) Tier 2 capital, which includes a portion of the allowance for loan losses, certain qualifying long-term debt and preferred stock which does not qualify as Tier 1 capital. Minimum capital levels are regulated by risk-based capital adequacy guidelines, which require a financial institution to maintain capital as a percentage of its assets, and certain off-balance sheet items adjusted for predefined credit risk factors (risk-adjusted assets). A financial institution is required to maintain, at a minimum, Tier 1 capital as a percentage of risk-adjusted assets of 4.0% and combined Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital as a percentage of risk-adjusted assets of 8.0%. In addition to the risk-based guidelines, federal regulations require that we maintain a minimum leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital as a percentage of tangible assets) of 4.0%. The Company’s equity to assets ratio was 9.90% at September 30, 2009.

 

- 24 -


Table of Contents

As the following table indicates, at September 30, 2009, the Company and its bank subsidiary exceeded regulatory capital requirements.

 

New Century Bancorp, Inc.

   Actual
Ratio
    Minimum
Requirement
 

Total risk-based capital ratio

   14.08   8.00

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

   12.82   4.00

Leverage ratio

   10.18   4.00

 

New Century Bank

   Actual
Ratio
    Minimum
Requirement
    Well-Capitalized
Requirement
 

Total risk-based capital ratio

   13.74   8.00   10.00

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

   12.48   4.00   6.00

Leverage ratio

   9.90   4.00   5.00

During 2004, the Company issued $12.4 million of junior subordinated debentures to a newly formed subsidiary, New Century Statutory Trust I, which in turn issued $12.0 million of trust preferred securities. The proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities provided additional capital for the growth and expansion of the Bank. Under the current applicable regulatory guidelines, all of the trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital as of September 30, 2009. Management expects that the Company and the Bank will remain “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes, although there can be no assurance that additional capital will not be required in the near future due to greater-than-expected growth, or otherwise.

REGULATORY MATTERS

Effective December 27, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Bank entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the FDIC and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks. The Memorandum of Understanding represents an agreement between the Board of Directors of the Bank, the Regional Director of the FDIC’s Atlanta Regional Office and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks and requires that the Bank’s management take certain actions to improve the Bank’s lending function. Specifically, the Memorandum of Understanding required the Bank to address problem loans by charging off certain classified assets within 30 days and also required that the Bank accomplish the following within a 90 day time frame: formulate a proposal for the reduction or improvement of any classified lines of credit: conduct a reevaluation of the performance and abilities of the bank’s loan officers and credit administration staff; improve loan documentation, policies and procedures; and correct known violations of rules, regulations and policies. The Memorandum of Understanding also required management to file various reports with the FDIC and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks within 90 days, including a budget, earnings forecast and capital plan, with quarterly progress reports thereafter.

To date, the Bank has filed all reports required by the Memorandum of Understanding and has taken all actions required to be taken, with the exception of (i) two credits that have not been charged off due to improved collateral positions and/or credit risk profiles; and (ii) the correction of certain violations, which the Bank is actively addressing.

Specific additional actions taken have included the hiring of a new Chief Credit Officer with substantial experience, who started in 2008; evaluation and reorganization of lending and credit administration

 

- 25 -


Table of Contents

personnel; assessment and revision of lending and credit administration policies and procedures; and more effective processes for identification and valuation of problem credits. This included centralization of loan documentation preparation and credit administration functions. In addition, the consolidation of the Company’s wholly owned banking subsidiaries, New Century Bank and New Century Bank South, was accomplished pursuant to a merger on March 28, 2008.

 

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective (1) to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. Management of the Company has evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the third quarter of 2009. In connection with such evaluation, the Company has determined that there have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

- 26 -


Table of Contents

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Exhibit

31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act (Filed herewith)
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act (Filed herewith)
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act (Filed herewith)
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act (Filed herewith)

 

- 27 -


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Under the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.
   
Date: November 16, 2009   By:  

/S/    WILLIAM L. HEDGEPETH II        

    William L. Hedgepeth II
    President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date: November 16, 2009   By:  

/S/    LISA F. CAMPBELL        

    Lisa F. Campbell
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
    Chief Operating Officer

 

- 28 -


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Exhibit

31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Filed herewith)
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Filed herewith)
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Filed herewith)
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Filed herewith)

 

- 29 -