First Mutual Bancshares, Inc., (NASDAQ:FMSB) the holding company
for First Mutual Bank, today reported that sales of consumer loans
and a pre-tax mark-to-market gain of $447,000 as a result of
adopting SFAS 159 contributed to first quarter profits. For the
quarter ended March 31, 2007, net income was $2.7 million, or $0.39
per diluted share, compared to $2.7 million, or $0.40 per diluted
share in the first quarter of 2006. All share and per share data
has been adjusted for the five-for-four stock split distributed on
October 4, 2006. Financial highlights for the first quarter of
2007, compared to a year ago, include: 1. Return on average assets
improved to 1.02%. 2. Prime-based business banking loans increased
24%. 3. Gain on sale of loans increased 29%, reflecting strong
sales finance production. 4. Checking and money market accounts
increased 12%. 5. Time deposits decreased to 57% of total deposits,
compared to 62% a year ago. 6. Credit quality remains solid:
non-performing assets were just 0.19% of total assets at
quarter-end. Management will host an analyst conference call
tomorrow morning, April 25, at 7:00 a.m. PDT (10:00 a.m. EDT) to
discuss the results. Investment professionals are invited to dial
(303) 262-2211 to participate in the live call. All current and
prospective shareholders are invited to listen to the live call or
the replay through a webcast posted on www.firstmutual.com. Shortly
after the call concludes, a telephone replay will be available for
a month at (303) 590-3000, using passcode 11087107#. At the end of
March 2007, income property loans dropped to 27% of total loans,
compared to 31% a year earlier. Single-family home loans had grown
to 29% of First Mutual�s loan portfolio, compared to 26% a year
earlier. Business banking loans grew to 18% of total loans,
compared to 14% at the end of the first quarter of 2006, and
commercial construction loans edged up to 5% of total loans, from
4% a year ago. Consumer loans declined to 11% of total loans,
versus 12% a year earlier, reflecting continued sales finance loan
sales into the secondary market. Single-family custom construction
loans decreased to 7% of total loans, from 10% a year ago, and
speculative single-family construction loans remained at 3% of
total loans. �A majority of lending opportunities in our market are
speculative single-family residential construction and land
development loans,� said John Valaas, President and CEO. �While we
do lend in those lines, they are not the focus of our business
model and represent only 3% of our total portfolio. Custom built
single-family home loans is a niche that allows us to capitalize on
the continued strength of the local housing market with lower risk
than speculative single-family construction loans. In addition, our
single-family mortgage and construction loans typically generate
superior yields relative to traditional home loans.� New loan
originations were $95 million in the first quarter of 2007,
compared to $121 million a year ago. Net portfolio loans were $861
million, compared to $871 million at the end of the first quarter
last year. Total assets declined slightly to $1.06 billion, from
$1.09 billion at the end of March 2006. �As funding costs have
continued to climb, moderating our loan growth has allowed us to
pay down borrowings and let some costly time deposits run off,�
said Valaas. �Loan demand remains high, but we continue to manage
our portfolio growth by maintaining our underwriting standards and
continuing loan sales.� Reflecting the rising interest rate
environment, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 4.14% in
the first quarter of 2007, compared to 4.11% in the previous
quarter and 3.41% in the first quarter of 2006. The yield on
earnings assets was 7.67% in the first quarter of 2007, down
slightly from 7.70% in the preceding quarter but an improvement
from 7.17% in the first quarter a year ago. �In the first quarter,
our net interest margin remained under pressure as deposit costs
continued to escalate faster than loan yields,� Valaas said. �We
had an increase in money market accounts, which were typically a
relatively low-cost source of funds, but currently carry better
yields than interest-bearing checking accounts. When long- and
short-term rates begin to deviate, we should be better positioned
to capitalize on the growth in our low-cost deposit base. Until
that time, our net interest margin will likely remain under
pressure.� The net interest margin declined to 3.73% in the
quarter, compared to 3.78% in the preceding quarter and 4.02% in
the first quarter of 2006. Total deposits declined to $772 million
at the end of March 2007, compared to $784 million at the end of
the first quarter of 2006. Time deposits fell by 9% to $440
million, versus $485 million at the end of the first quarter a year
ago, while other deposits grew 11% to $332 million, from $299
million at the end of March 2006. At quarter-end, time deposits
were 57% of total deposits, compared to 62% at the end of March
2006. The number of business checking accounts increased by 12%
over the past year to 2,638 at quarter-end. Consumer checking
accounts increased 6% to 7,987 accounts at the end of March 2007.
In the first quarter of 2007, revenues totaled $12.0 million, about
even with the first quarter of 2006. Interest income was up 4%
during the first quarter of 2007, while interest expense increased
20% over the same quarter last year. As a result, net interest
income was $9.4 million, compared to $10.2 million in the first
quarter of 2006. Noninterest income grew 55% to $2.7 million,
compared to $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2006, largely due
to a mark-to-market gain of $447,000 resulting from the early
adoption of SFAS 159 as well as a $217,000 increase in gain on sale
of loans and a $102,000 growth in servicing fees, net of
amortization. First quarter noninterest expense was $7.7 million,
unchanged from the first quarter of 2006. �Solid credit quality
remains a priority, and our focus on building a conservative
portfolio is evident,� Valaas said. Non-performing loans (NPLs)
were $2.0 million, or 0.22% of gross loans at March 31, 2007,
compared to $3.5 million, or 0.38% of gross loans at the end of the
preceding quarter, and $468,000, or 0.05% of gross loans a year
earlier. Non-performing assets (NPAs) were 0.19% of total assets at
the end of March 2007, compared to 0.32% of total assets at the end
of the fourth quarter and 0.05% a year earlier. At quarter-end, the
loan loss reserve was $10.1 million (including a $277,000 liability
for unfunded commitments), or 1.13% of gross loans. First Mutual
generated a 15.25% return on average equity (ROE) in the first
quarter of 2007, compared to 17.79% a year earlier. Return on
average assets (ROA) was 1.02%, compared to 1.00% in the first
quarter of 2006. The efficiency ratio was 64.4% in the first
quarter of 2007, unchanged from the same period last year. First
Mutual�s performance has garnered attention from a number of
sources. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods named First Mutual to its
Honor Roll in 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 for the company�s 10-year
earnings per share growth rate. In April 2007, US Banker magazine
ranked First Mutual #31 in the Top 100 Publicly Traded Mid-Tier
Banks, which includes those with less than $10 billion in assets,
based on its three-year return on equity. First Mutual Bancshares,
Inc. is the parent company of First Mutual Bank, an independent,
community-based bank that operates 12 full-service banking centers
in the Puget Sound area and sales finance offices in Jacksonville,
Florida and Mt. Clemens, Michigan. www.firstmutual.com Income
Statement Quarters Ended (Unaudited)(Dollars In Thousands, Except
Per Share Data) Three Month Change � March 31, 2007 � December 31,
2006 March 31, 2006 � One Year Change Interest Income Loans
Receivable $ 18,500� $ 19,101� $ 17,547� Interest on Available for
Sale Securities 54� 993� 1,193� Interest on Held to Maturity
Securities 77� 80� 90� Interest on Held for Trading Securities 945�
-� -� Interest Other � 206� � 267� � 118� Total Interest Income -3%
19,782� 20,441� 18,948� 4% � Interest Expense Deposits 7,710�
7,637� 5,916� FHLB and Other Advances � 2,721� � 3,142� � 2,801�
Total Interest Expense -3% 10,431� 10,779� 8,717� 20% � Net
Interest Income 9,351� 9,662� 10,231� Provision for Loan and Lease
Losses � (152) � (492) � (71) Net Interest Income After Provision
for Loan and Lease Losses 0% 9,199� 9,170� 10,160� -9% �
Noninterest Income Gain on Sales of Loans 973� 868� 756� Gain from
Mark to Market (SFAS 159) 447� -� -� Servicing Fees, Net of
Amortization 437� 346� 335� Fees on Deposits 188� 190� 182� Other �
618� � 635� � 442� Total Noninterest Income 31% 2,663� 2,039�
1,715� 55% � Noninterest Expense Salaries and Employee Benefits
4,509� 4,121� 4,446� Occupancy 982� 959� 1,010� Credit Insurance
Premiums 426� 447� 463� Other � 1,819� � 1,744� � 1,769� Total
Noninterest Expense 6% 7,736� 7,271� 7,688� 1% � Income Before
Provision for Federal Income Tax 4,126� 3,938� 4,187� Provision for
Federal Income Tax � 1,411� � 1,385� � 1,473� Net Income 6% $
2,715� $ 2,553� $ 2,714� 0% � EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (1): Basic
8% $ 0.41� $ 0.38� $ 0.41� 0% Diluted 5% $ 0.39� $ 0.37� $ 0.40�
-3% � WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (1): Basic 6,682,000�
6,671,927� 6,627,298� Diluted 6,933,269� 6,917,506� 6,758,785� �
(1) All per share data has been adjusted to reflect the
five-for-four stock split paid on October 4, 2006. Balance Sheet
(Unaudited) (Dollars In Thousands) March 31, December 31, March 31,
Three Month One Year � � 2007� � � 2006� � � 2006� � Change �
Change Assets: Interest-Earning Deposits $ 3,557� $ 6,990� $ 3,235�
Noninterest-Earning Demand Deposits and Cash on Hand � 13,385� �
18,372� � 23,037� Total Cash and Cash Equivalents: 16,942� 25,362�
26,272� -33% -36% � Mortgage-Backed and Other Securities, Available
for Sale (at fair value) 4,589� 89,728� 110,064� Mortgage-Backed
and Other Securities, Held for Trading (at fair value) 86,733� -�
-� Mortgage-Backed and Other Securities, Held to Maturity (at
amortized cost) (Fair Value of $5,176, $5,585, and $6,284
respectively) 5,208� 5,620� 6,342� Loans Receivable, Held for Sale
20,915� 13,733� 13,920� Loans Receivable 870,707� 893,431� 881,462�
-3% -1% Reserve for Loan and Lease Losses � (9,773) � (9,728) �
(10,087) 0% -3% Loans Receivable, Net 860,934� 883,703� 871,375�
-3% -1% � Accrued Interest Receivable 5,585� 5,534� 5,362� Land,
Buildings and Equipment, Net 35,696� 35,566� 34,269� Real Estate
Held-For-Sale -� -� 27� Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock, at
Cost 13,122� 13,122� 13,122� Servicing Assets 4,608� 4,011� 2,474�
Other Assets � 2,515� � 2,884� � 2,040� Total Assets $ 1,056,847� $
1,079,263� $ 1,085,267� -2% -3% � Liabilities and Stockholders�
Equity: Liabilities: Deposits: Non-Interest Bearing $ 56,022� $
56,566� $ 44,407� -1% 26% Interest Bearing Transactions and Savings
Accounts 275,997� 263,830� 254,492� 5% 8% Interest Bearing Time
Deposits � 439,640� � 485,399� � 484,715� -9% -9% Total Deposits
771,659� 805,795� 783,614� -4% -2% � Drafts Payable 911� 1,314�
1,172� Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities 9,600� 7,018� 6,980�
Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes and Insurance 2,601� 1,583�
2,878� FHLB Advances 178,067� 171,932� 206,969� Other Advances
4,600� 4,600� 4,600� Long term Debentures Payable (at fair value)
9,044� -� -� Long Term Debentures Payable � 8,000� � 17,000� �
17,000� Total Liabilities 984,482� 1,009,242� 1,023,213� -2% -4% �
Stockholders� Equity: Common Stock $1 Par Value-Authorized,
30,000,000 Shares Issued and Outstanding, 6,687,975, 6,673,528, and
6,643,883 Shares, Respectively 6,688� 6,674� 6,644� Additional
Paid-In Capital 45,538� 45,119� 45,631� Retained Earnings 20,148�
19,589� 11,733� Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: Unrealized
(Loss) on Securities Available for Sale and Interest Rate Swap, Net
of Federal Income Tax � (9) � (1,361) � (1,954) Total Stockholders�
Equity � 72,365� � 70,021� � 62,054� 3% 17% � Total Liabilities and
Stockholders' Equity $ 1,056,847� $ 1,079,263� $ 1,085,267� -2% -3%
Financial Ratios (1) Quarters Ended (Unaudited) March 31, December
31, March 31, 2007� � 2006� � 2006� Return on Average Equity 15.25%
14.85% 17.79% Return on Average Assets 1.02% 0.94% 1.00% Efficiency
Ratio 64.39% 62.15% 64.36% Annualized Operating Expense/Average
Assets 2.90% 2.68% 2.83% Yield on Earning Assets 7.67% 7.70% 7.17%
Cost of Interest-Bearing Liabilities 4.14% 4.11% 3.41% Net Interest
Spread 3.53% 3.59% 3.76% Net Interest Margin 3.73% 3.78% 4.02% �
March 31, December 31, March 31, � 2007� � � 2006� � � 2006� Tier 1
Capital Ratio 8.15% 7.97% 7.28% Risk Adjusted Capital Ratio 12.37%
12.14% 11.39% Book Value per Share $ 10.82� $ 10.49� $ 9.34� � (1)
All per share data has been adjusted to reflect the five-for-four
stock split paid on October 4, 20006. � Quarters Ended AVERAGE
BALANCES March 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 March 31, 2006
(Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands) � Average Net Loans (Including
Loans Held for Sale) $ 889,643� $ 908,636� $ 883,988� Average
Earning Assets $ 1,003,977� $ 1,023,614� $ 1,018,253� Average
Assets $ 1,068,055� $ 1,086,600� $ 1,085,716� Average Non-Interest
Bearing Deposits (quarterly only) $ 56,294� $ 51,952� $ 46,764�
Average Interest Bearing Deposits (quarterly only) $ 732,433� $
738,402� $ 725,404� Average Deposits $ 788,727� $ 790,354� $
772,168� Average Equity $ 71,194� $ 68,784� $ 61,041� LOAN DATA
March 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 March 31, 2006 (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands) � � Net Loans (Including Loans Held for
Sale) $ 881,849� $ 897,436� $ 885,295� Non-Performing/Non-Accrual
Loans $ 1,981� $ 3,462� $ 468� as a Percentage of Gross Loans 0.22%
0.38% 0.05% Real Estate Owned Loans and Repossessed Assets -� -�
27� Total Non-Performing Assets $ 1,981� $ 3,462� $ 495� as a
Percentage of Total Assets 0.19% 0.32% 0.05% Loan Loss Reserves as
a Percentage of Gross Loans (Includes Portion of Reserves
Identified for Unfunded Commitments) 1.13% 1.11% 1.13% � � �
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES Quarters Ended March 31, December 31,
March 31, (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands) � 2007� � � 2006� � �
� 2006� Reserve for Loan Losses: Beginning Balance $ 9,728� $
10,027� $ 10,069� Provision for Loan Losses 201� 511� 71� Less Net
Charge-Offs � (156) � (810) � (53) Balance of Reserve for Loan
Losses $ 9,773� $ 9,728� $ 10,087� � Reserve for Unfunded
Commitments: Beginning Balance $ 326� $ 345� $ 326� Provision for
Unfunded Commitments � (49) � (19) � -� Balance of Reserve for
Unfunded Commitments $ 277� $ 326� $ 326� � Total Reserve for Loan
Losses: Reserve for Loan Losses $ 9,773� $ 9,728� $ 10,087� Reserve
for Unfunded Commitments � 277� � 326� � 326� Total Reserve for
Loan Losses $ 10,050� $ 10,054� $ 10,413� FINANCIAL DETAILS For the
first quarter of 2007, our net interest income declined $880,000
relative to the same period last year, as improvements resulting
from changes in our earning assets and funding mix were more than
offset by the negative net impact of asset and liability repricing.
The following table illustrates the impacts to our net interest
income from balance sheet growth and rate changes on our assets and
liabilities, with the results attributable to the level of earning
assets classified as �volume� and the effect of asset and liability
repricing labeled �rate.� Rate/Volume Analysis Quarter Ended March
31, 2007 vs. March 31, 2006 Increase/(Decrease) due to Volume Rate
Total Interest Income (Dollars in thousands) Total Investments $
241� $ (360) $ (119) Total Loans � (79) � 1,032� � 953� Total
Interest Income $ 162� $ 672� $ 834� � Interest Expense Total
Deposits $ 90� $ 1,704� $ 1,794� FHLB and Other � (684) � 604� �
(80) Total Interest Expense $ (594) $ 2,308� $ 1,714� � � � Net
Interest Income $ 756� $ (1,636) $ (880) Earning Asset Growth
(Volume) For the first quarter of 2007, changes in our earning
asset levels contributed an additional $162,000 in interest income
compared to the first quarter of last year, as movement in our mix
of funding sources contributed an additional $594,000.
Consequently, the net impact was an improvement in net interest
income of $756,000 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
Quarter Ending Earning Assets Net Loans (incl. LHFS) Deposits
(Dollars in thousands) March 31, 2006 $ 1,018,058� $ 885,295� $
783,614� June 30, 2006 $ 1,036,750� $ 919,418� $ 760,344� September
30, 2006 $ 1,034,332� $ 919,837� $ 774,914� December 31, 2006 $
1,012,896� $ 897,436� $ 805,795� March 31, 2007 $ 995,058� $
881,849� $ 771,659� As can be seen in the table above, our earning
assets have been following a declining trend since the third
quarter of last year, with our loan portfolio contracting in the
two most recent quarters. The decline observed in the loan
portfolio during the first quarter was disappointing and contrary
to our expectation for the quarter of flat to modest growth in loan
balances. During the quarter, we experienced declines in our income
property, consumer, and all categories of construction loans, which
include spec, custom, and commercial construction. On a positive
note, our balances of business banking loans and single-family
residential mortgages ended the quarter at levels higher than those
observed at the 2006 year-end. Additionally, while consumer loan
balances declined relative to the year-end, they did so largely as
a result of first-quarter loan sales totaling nearly $16 million.
Were it not for these sales, growth would likely have been observed
in this portfolio segment as well. Historically, we have generally
relied upon growth in our deposit balances, including certificates
issued in institutional markets through deposit brokerage services,
to support our asset growth. When our deposit growth has been
insufficient to fully support our asset growth, we have utilized
advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle (FHLB) as an
alternative funding source. For the quarter, our total deposit
balances declined $34.1 million, as non-maturity deposit balances
rose $11.6 million, while time deposits, including certificates
issued through brokerage services, declined nearly $45.8 million.
Brokered and other institutional certificates of deposit accounted
for approximately $29.0 million of this reduction. With the
quarter�s reduction in deposit balances exceeding the decline in
assets, we experienced a modest increase in our utilization of FHLB
advances relative to the year-end level. Asset Yields and Funding
Costs (Rate) Adjustable-rate loans accounted for approximately 78%
of our loan portfolio as of March 31, 2007, and the effects of
interest rate movements and repricing accounted for $672,000 in
additional interest income relative to the first quarter of last
year. On the liability side of the balance sheet, however, the
effects of interest rate movements and repricing increased our
interest expense on deposits and wholesale funding by $2.3 million
for the quarter. As a result, the net effects of rate movements and
repricing negatively impacted our net interest income by $1.6
million relative to the first quarter of 2006. Quarter Ended Net
Interest Margin March 31, 2006 4.02% June 30, 2006 3.91% September
30, 2006 3.94% December 31, 2006 3.78% March 31, 2007 3.73% While
we had indicated in our 2006 year-end press release that we
expected to see continued pressure on our net interest margin, our
actual first-quarter net interest margin fell short of the 3.75% to
3.80% range in our forecast. This forecast had been based on the
assumptions that we would experience no significant change in our
loan portfolio in the first quarter, with estimated growth of $0 to
$5 million, and approximately $19 million in retail deposit growth.
Instead, as previously noted, we experienced a substantial decrease
in our loan portfolio during the quarter, including balance
reductions among some of our higher-yielding loan types.
Specifically, one of the factors contributing to the compression in
our net interest margin has been the increased sales over the last
several quarters of sales finance loans, which are generally among
our highest-yielding assets. While sales of these loans negatively
impacts our net interest margin, they result in substantial
noninterest income, including gains on loan sales recognized at the
times of the transactions, as well as servicing fee income earned
on an ongoing basis following the sales. In addition to the decline
in our loan portfolio, the expected growth in retail deposits
failed to materialize. At the same time that we were experiencing a
net reduction in our level of retail deposits, our funding costs
continued to rise as a result of competition for deposit balances
in our local market. Net Interest Income Simulation The results of
our income simulation model constructed using data as of February
28, 2007 indicate that relative to a �base case� scenario described
below, our net interest income over the following 12 months would
be expected to rise by 3.21% in an environment where interest rates
gradually increase by 200 bps over the subject timeframe, and
decline by 1.31% in a scenario in which rates fall 200 bps. The
magnitudes of these changes suggest that there is fairly modest
sensitivity in net interest income from the �base case� level over
the 12-month horizon, with relatively consistent net interest
income in all three scenarios. The changes indicated by the
simulation model represent variances from a �base case� scenario,
which is our forecast of net interest income assuming interest
rates remain unchanged from their levels as of the model date and
that no balance sheet growth, contraction, or significant changes
in composition occur over the forecasted timeframe regardless of
interest rate movements. The base model does, however, illustrate
the future effects of rate changes that have already occurred but
have not yet flowed through to all the assets and liabilities on
our balance sheet. These changes can either increase or decrease
net interest income, depending on the timing and magnitudes of
those changes. Gap Report Based on our February 28, 2007 model, our
one-year gap position totaled 2.2%, implying a modest level of
asset sensitivity, with slightly more assets than liabilities
expected to mature, reprice, or prepay over the following 12
months. NONINTEREST INCOME Our noninterest income for the first
quarter of 2007 increased $948,000, or 55% relative to the same
quarter last year. While mark-to-market gains related to the early
adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
157, Fair Value Measurements, and No. 159, The Fair Value Options
for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, made the greatest
contribution to the additional income, all major categories of
noninterest income showed improvement relative to the prior year.
SFAS 159 Related Gains/(Losses) We have elected early adoption of
SFAS No. 157 and 159, effective January 1, 2007. SFAS No. 159,
which was issued in February 2007, generally permits the
mark-to-market of selected eligible financial instruments. The
affected securities totaled $87.1 million (principal only),
representing 89% of our securities portfolio at December 31, 2006.
As a result of the fair value measurement election for these
securities, the Bank recorded gains in the first-quarter earnings
of $402,000. We also elected the adoption of SFAS No. 159 for a $9
million trust preferred security (long term debenture payable). In
the first quarter of 2007, we recorded $45,000 in pre-tax
mark-to-market gains related to this instrument for total pre-tax,
SFAS No. 159-related, mark-to-market gains of $447,000 for the
first quarter. Gains/(Losses) on Sales of Loans Quarter Ended March
31, 2007 March 31, 2006 Gains/(Losses) Sales: Consumer $ 933,000� $
749,000� Residential 40,000� (20,000) Commercial � 0� � 27,000�
Total Gains on Loan Sales $ 973,000� $ 756,000� � Loans Sold:
Consumer $ 15,649,000� $ 13,016,000� Residential 10,878,000�
9,395,000� Commercial � 0� � 1,010,000� Total Loans Sold $
26,527,000� $ 23,421,000� Continuing the trend observed throughout
2006, our first quarter gains on loan sales, primarily consumer
loans, significantly exceeded those of the prior year, increasing
$217,000, or 29% over the prior year�s level. For the first quarter
of 2007, consumer loan sales totaled nearly $16 million, which was
within the $12 million to $18 million range estimated in the
outlook presented in our 2006 year-end press release. Based on our
current levels of loan production and market demand, our
expectation is for our second-quarter 2007 consumer loan sales to
total in the same $12 million to $18 million range. Note that these
expectations may be subject to change based on changes in loan
production, market conditions, and other factors. After selling
participations in several commercial real-estate loans during the
second, third, and fourth quarters of 2006, no participations were
sold in the first quarter of 2007. Despite the lack of sales in the
most recent quarter, we expect to continue our sales of commercial
real-estate loan participations and reiterate our comment made in
previous quarters that commercial real-estate loan transactions,
particularly those that are candidates for sales of participations
to other institutions, tend to be larger-dollar credits and
unpredictable in their timing and frequency of occurrence. As a
result, the volumes of commercial real-estate loans sold, and gains
thereon, will vary considerably from one quarter to the next
depending on the timing of the loan and sales transactions.
Compared to the markets for our consumer and commercial loan sales,
the market for residential loan sales is significantly larger and
more efficient. As a result, residential loan sales are typically
sold for very modest gains or potentially even at slight losses
when interest rates are rising quickly. We believe the construction
phase to be the most profitable facet of residential lending and
the primary objective in a residential lending relationship.
Following the construction process, our practice is to retain in
our portfolio those residential mortgages that we consider to be
beneficial to the bank, but to sell those that we consider less
attractive assets. Included in these less attractive assets would
be those mortgages with fixed rates, which we offer for competitive
reasons. Additionally, as residential loans are typically sold
servicing released, sales do not result in future servicing income.
Service Fee Income/(Expense) Quarter Ended March 31, 2007 March 31,
2006 Consumer Loans $ 462,000� $ 332,000� Commercial Loans (26,000)
9,000� Residential Loans � 1,000� � (6,000) Service Fee Income $
437,000� $ 335,000� Servicing fee income represents the net of
servicing income received less the amortization of servicing
assets, which are recorded when we sell loans from our portfolio to
other investors. The values of these servicing assets are
determined at the time of the sale using a valuation model that
calculates the present value of future cash flows for the loans
sold, including cash flows related to the servicing of the loans.
The servicing rights are then amortized in proportion to, and over
the period of, the estimated future servicing income. For first
quarter of 2007, service fee income earned on consumer loans
serviced for other investors exceeded that earned in the same
period of the prior year. This improvement was based on a
significant increase in the balances of consumer loans serviced,
which was in turn a product of the increased volume of loan sales
in 2006 and the first quarter of 2007. In the case of commercial
loans serviced, payoffs during the quarter of balances sold to and
serviced for other institutional investors required us to
immediately write-off the related servicing assets, which resulted
in the loss presented above. In contrast to consumer and commercial
loans, residential loans are typically sold servicing released,
which means we no longer service those loans once they are sold.
Consequently, we do not view these loans as a significant source of
servicing fee income. Fees on Deposits Fee income earned on our
deposit accounts increased approximately $6,000, or 3%, compared to
the first quarter of last year. The improvement over the prior year
level is attributable to increased checking account service
charges, which have grown as we have continued our efforts to
expand our base of business and consumer checking accounts. The
reduction in time deposit balances during the quarter did not have
an impact on deposit fees as these balances do not represent a
significant source of fee income. Other Noninterest Income Quarter
Ended March 31, 2007 March 31, 2006 Debit Card/Wire/Safe Deposit
Fees $ 88,000� $ 74,000� Late Charges 72,000� 51,000� Loan Fee
Income 217,000� 96,000� Rental Income 168,000� 157,000�
Miscellaneous � 73,000� � 64,000� Other Noninterest Income $
618,000� $ 442,000� Noninterest income from sources other than
those previously described rose $176,000, or 40% relative to the
first quarter of last year. The improvement relative to the prior
year was largely attributable to a substantial increase in loan
fees. Loan fee income increased relative to the prior year based on
a higher level of non-deferred loan fees. These typically include
fees collected in connection with loan modifications or extensions,
non-conversion of construction loans to permanent mortgages, and
letters of credit originated for commercial borrowers. Further
contributing to the additional income were increases of $31,000 in
loan brokerage fees and approximately $8,000 in loan prepayment
fees relative to the first quarter of last year. Rental income
increased $11,000, or 7%, relative to the prior year, based on the
arrival of new lessees to the First Mutual Center building
following the first quarter of last year. We continued to observe
significant growth in our Debit Card/Wire/Safe Deposit Fees, which
totaled $88,000 for the quarter, representing an increase of 19%
over the prior year. Most of this growth is attributable to debit
card fee income, which we expect to continue rising as checking
accounts become a greater piece of our overall deposit mix.
NONINTEREST EXPENSE Our first quarter noninterest expense remained
virtually unchanged from that of the same period last year, rising
approximately $48,000, or less than 1%, as reductions in occupancy
and credit insurance expenses largely offset increases in personnel
and other noninterest expenses. Salaries and Employee Benefits
Expense Our personnel-related expenses remained well contained in
the first quarter of 2007, increasing slightly more than 1%
relative to the first quarter of last year, as the majority of a 6%
increase in compensation expense was offset by improvements across
other expense categories. Quarter Ended March 31, 2007 March 31,
2006 Salaries $ 3,161,000� $ 2,973,000� Commissions and Incentive
Bonuses 526,000� 540,000� Employment Taxes and Insurance 290,000�
300,000� Temporary Office Help 78,000� 95,000� Benefits � 454,000�
� 538,000� Total $ 4,509,000� $ 4,446,000� The increase in overall
personnel-related expenses was attributable to salaries expense,
which increased 6% relative to the first quarter of 2006. The most
significant contribution to the increase came from regular
compensation expense, which grew largely as a result of annual
increases in staff salaries, which took effect in April 2006 and
generally fell within the 2% to 4% range. Also contributing to the
increase in salaries expense was a higher level of stock option
compensation expense, which rose from $135,000 in the first quarter
of 2006 to $184,000 this year, and a $17,000 increase in Board of
Directors compensation. Commissions and incentive compensation
declined relative to the prior year level, based in large part on
the elimination of the general staff bonus. For those personnel not
participating in a specified commission or incentive compensation
plan, we maintain a separate bonus pool, with accruals made to the
pool at the end of each quarter based on our year-to-date
performance. Based on our results in the first quarter of 2006,
expenses related to this bonus totaled $32,000 for the year. By
comparison, in the first quarter of 2007, we elected to forego the
staff bonus, resulting in a reduction relative to the prior year�s
incentive compensation expense. Among the other categories of
incentive compensation, loan officer commissions declined $48,000,
or 12%, for the quarter while other incentive compensation
increased $67,000. The incentive compensation plans for loan
production staff tend to vary directly with the production of the
business lines. Other incentive compensation includes payments to
all areas of the bank, but consists primarily of bonuses paid to
banking center personnel. Expenditures on temporary office help
declined significantly relative to the first quarter of 2006.
Temporary office help is frequently used to staff positions left
vacant as a result of employee turnover. As permanent employees
were placed in these positions, reliance upon temporary staff was
reduced. Employee benefit expense also declined significantly
relative to the first quarter of last year, falling nearly $84,000,
or 16%. The reduction was largely attributable to a decision to
forego a contribution to our 401(k) profit sharing plan for the
first quarter. By comparison, a $50,000 contribution had been made
for the first quarter of 2006. Also contributing to the improvement
were a reduction in director and officer insurance expense and a
decline in 401(k) matching contributions. Occupancy Expense
Occupancy expense declined by more than $27,000, or nearly 3%,
compared to the first quarter of last year, as reductions in
depreciation and rent expenses more than offset increases in
utilities, maintenance, and other occupancy expenses. Quarter Ended
March 31, 2007 March 31, 2006 Rent Expense $ 70,000� $ 79,000�
Utilities and Maintenance 228,000� 204,000� Depreciation Expense
461,000� 509,000� Other Occupancy Expenses � 223,000� � 218,000�
Total Occupancy Expense $ 982,000� $ 1,010,000� The reduction in
rent expense was attributable to the closings of Income Property
lending offices as well as the relocation of the West Seattle
Banking Center from a leased space to a new building that we own,
all of which occurred in 2006. Utilities and maintenance expenses
increased $24,000, or nearly 12% relative to the same quarter in
2006, due in large part to higher than expected utilities costs for
December 2006. Utilities expense for that month exceeded our
accrual by approximately $11,000, with the difference being posted
in January 2007. Depreciation expense for the first quarter
declined $48,000, or nearly 10% relative to the same period last
year. This reduction was largely attributable to the correction of
a booking error associated with the purchase of our Juanita Banking
Center. In that transaction, the value of the land had been
included in the cost of the building and consequently depreciated
based on the building�s amortization schedule. As land is not
depreciable, this error was corrected upon its discovery and
resulted in a one-time $40,000 credit to depreciation for the
quarter. Other Noninterest Expense (including Credit Insurance)
Totaling $2.2 million, our other operating expenses (including
credit insurance) for the first quarter of 2007 were little changed
from 2006 increasing less than 1% from the prior year�s level, as
reductions in marketing, credit insurance, and legal expenses
nearly offset higher outside service, information systems, taxes,
and other miscellaneous operating expenses. Quarter Ended March 31,
2007 March 31, 2006 Marketing and Public Relations $ 222,000� $
252,000� Credit Insurance 426,000� 463,000� Outside Services
182,000� 168,000� Information Systems 242,000� 204,000� Taxes
163,000� 145,000� Legal Fees 173,000� 186,000� Other � 837,000� �
814,000� Total Other Noninterest Expense $ 2,245,000� $ 2,232,000�
Our marketing and investor relations costs for the first quarter
declined $30,000 relative to the same period last year. We expect
this level of expense to be in line with expenditures in future
quarters. Credit insurance premium costs fell nearly 8% in the
first quarter compared to the same period in 2006. As we stated in
our 2006 year-end press release, it was our expectation that
expenditures for credit insurance would decline in the first
quarter of 2007 and continue to decline in future quarters. The
majority of credit insurance premiums are attributable to our sales
finance loans, including both those loans retained in our portfolio
as well as those loans serviced for other institutions. In
mid-2006, after evaluating our use of credit insurance, we
concluded that the benefits of the insurance no longer outweighed
the costs and chose to forego the insurance and assume the credit
risk on future sales finance loan production. Those loans insured
prior to August 1, 2006 remain insured under their existing
policies. Additionally, some loans originated on or after August 1,
2006 were sold to institutional investors with insurance placed
prior to sale and remain insured under the policy effective August
1, 2006. All other loan volumes originated on or after August 1
have not been insured. To a much lesser extent, residential land
loans and a small percentage of the consumer and income property
loan portfolios are also insured. While these insured balances may
continue to increase in future quarters, the premiums paid on these
balances are sufficiently small relative to those paid on sales
finance loans such that total premiums paid are still expected to
decline. These expense reductions were offset, in part, by
increases in expenditures for outside services, information
systems, taxes, and other operating costs. The most significant
contributor to the increase in other operating expense was
expenditures for employee recruiting, which increased $59,000, or
690%, relative to the prior year as a result of expenses associated
with our search for a new CFO as well as the hiring of a new
commercial loan officer. ADOPTION OF SFAS 159 We elected early
adoption of Statements of Financial Accounting Stand (SFAS) 159 and
157, effective January 1, 2007. SFAS 159 permits the measurement of
selected financial instruments at fair value at specified election
dates. With the adoption of SFAS 159 we marked-to-market most of
our securities, a trust preferred security (long term debenture
payable) and two interest-rate swaps. Our securities portfolio
totaled $97.6 million (principal only) at year end 2006, of which
$87.1 million (principal only), or 89%, was marked-to-market with
the adoption of SFAS 159. Securities with a remaining balance less
than one million dollars and instruments held for Community
Reinvestment Act (CRA) investments were not included in the
adoption of SFAS 159. The net of tax impact of that fair value
measurement was a loss of $1,334,000, which was charged directly to
retained earnings and not recognized in net income. In the first
quarter of 2007 the change in fair value of the securities
portfolio was $402,000, pre tax, and that amount was recognized in
net income. The securities portfolio selected with the adoption of
SFAS 159 is recorded in the balance sheet as a �trading� portfolio
and as such will be marked-to-market each quarter with the change
in value recognized in earnings. We are considering hedging part,
or all, of that trading portfolio as a means of reducing the
volatility in net income from the quarterly fair value
measurements. Subsequent to March 31, 2007 we have sold
approximately $30 million of the long-term securities and purchased
3/1 and 5/1 hybrid ARM securities. The balance of the securities in
the trading portfolio are instruments with remaining maturities, or
repricing terms, of 1-3 years (about $25 million) and hybrid ARM
securities that are due for repricing between April and August of
this year (about $36 million). The loans sold had coupon rates
ranging from 4%-4.5% and they were replaced with securities
yielding 5%-5.5%. The new securities will be classified in our
trading portfolio on the balance sheet and carried at fair value.
We also elected to mark-to-market a $9 million dollar trust
preferred security (TPS). That security is hedged with an
interest-rate swap that is carried at fair value, with the change
in value reflected in our earnings. The election to fair value the
TPS matches the change in value of the interest-rate swap with the
change in value of the TPS - - effectively reducing the volatility
in earnings. That security is eligible for prepayment on June 27,
2007 and it is our current intention to prepay the instrument and
replace it with another TPS. The current interest rates on trust
preferred securities are about 1.80% lower than our security. The
impact on retained earnings from the adoption of SFAS 159 for the
TPS was $220,000, net of tax. Like the securities portfolio the
charge to retained earnings was not reflected in net income. The
change in value, however, in the first quarter 2007 was included in
earnings and amounted to $45,000 gain before tax. The interest-rate
swaps were included in the early adoption of SFAS 159 for
administrative reasons. We have two fair value swaps that are
hedged with commercial loans and are evaluated quarterly in
accordance with SFAS 133, the hedge accounting statement. The
inclusion of these two swaps in the adoption of SFAS 159 did not
impact retained earnings or net income, however, the administrative
burden associated with accounting for these instruments will be
greatly reduced under the new accounting statement. ASSET QUALITY
The provision for loan loss for the first quarter was $152,000
compared to a provision of $71,000 in the same quarter of last
year. The increase in the loan loss provision was prompted by a
rise in net charge-offs from $53,000 in the first quarter of 2006
to $156,000 in the first quarter of 2007. As has typically been the
case, our sales finance loan portfolio accounted for the majority
of charged-off balances in the first quarter. Please see the �Sale
Finance (Home Improvement) Loans� segment in the �Portfolio
Information� section for detail on this area�s borrowers� credit
scores, charge-offs, delinquencies, and credit insurance coverage.
Also adding to the need for a larger provision in the fourth
quarter was an increase in nonperforming assets from $496,000 as of
March 31, 2006, to nearly $2.0 million at the most recent
quarter-end. Partially offsetting the effects of the growth in
charge-offs and nonperforming assets, however, was a substantial
decline in the loan portfolio during the first quarter.
Nonperforming Assets divided by Assets declined from 0.32% at
year-end 2006 to 0.19% at the end of the first quarter. That level
of nonperforming assets is well below industry standards and
consistent with our historical experience. Noted below are the
ratios from 1998 and the comparative industry ratios. Year First
Mutual Bank FDIC Insured Commercial Banks 1998� 0.07% 0.65% 1999�
0.06% 0.63% 2000� 0.38% 0.74% 2001� 0.08% 0.92% 2002� 0.28% 0.94%
2003� 0.06% 0.77% 2004� 0.10% 0.55% 2005� 0.08% 0.48% 2006� 0.32%
0.51% First Quarter 2007 0.19% N/A� At the end of the first
quarter, our nonperforming assets totaled slightly less than $2.0
million, down from $3.5 million at the 2006 year-end. Included in
the quarter-end total are two custom construction loans in the
Oregon market for which we have already taken impairment charges
and do not anticipate further losses. An additional residential
loan, also in that market, in the amount of $825,000 appears to be
fully collectable and the borrowers are current on their monthly
payments. We have one other residential loan in the Puget Sound
area with a loan balance of $167,000, on which we do not expect any
loss. The remaining loans are sales finance loans, most of which
are covered by credit insurance, and one land loan. Listed below is
a compilation of the loans that comprise our non-performing assets:
One single-family residential loan in the Oregon market. No
anticipated loss. $ 825,000� Two custom construction loans in the
Oregon market. Impairment charges taken in 2006. No further losses
anticipated. 660,000� Thirty-six consumer loans. Full recovery
expected from insurance claims. 178,000� One single-family
residential loan in the Puget Sound market. No anticipated loss.
167,000� One land loan in Western WA. No anticipated loss. 86,000�
Six insured consumer loans from insured pools that have exceeded
the credit insurance limit. Possible loss of $33,000. 33,000� Eight
consumer loans. No anticipated loss. 30,000� Two consumer loans.
Possible loss of $2,000. � 2,000� Total Non-Performing Assets $
1,981,000� PORTFOLIO INFORMATION Commercial Real Estate Loans The
average loan size (excluding construction loans) in the Commercial
Real Estate portfolio was $693,000 as of March 31, 2007, with an
average loan-to-value ratio of 62%. At quarter-end, one of these
commercial loans was delinquent for over 60 days. Small individual
investors or their limited liability companies and business owners
typically own the properties securing these loans. At quarter-end,
the portfolio was 35% residential (multifamily or mobile home
parks) and 65% commercial. The loans in our commercial real estate
portfolio are well diversified, secured by small retail shopping
centers, office buildings, warehouses, mini-storage facilities,
restaurants and gas stations, as well as other properties
classified as general commercial use. To diversify our risk and to
continue serving our customers, we sell participation interests in
some loans to other financial institutions. About 15% of commercial
real estate loan balances originated by the Bank have been sold in
this manner. We continue to service the customer�s loan and are
paid a servicing fee by the participant. Likewise, we occasionally
buy an interest in loans originated by other lenders. About $15
million of the portfolio, or 5%, has been purchased in this manner.
Sales Finance (Home Improvement) Loans Our Sales Finance loan
portfolio consists of two sub-portfolios: Loans owned by the bank,
i.e., the �bank-owned� portfolio. This includes both loan accounts
wholly owned by the bank and the 10% ownership stake in loan
accounts sold to investors. In the first quarter, the bank-owned
Sales Finance balance decreased by $6 million to $65 million based
on $17 million in new loan production, $16 million in loan sales,
and loan prepayments of between 30% and 40% annualized. Loans owned
by investors, i.e., the �investor-owned� portfolio. The loans that
make up this segment are serviced by First Mutual. In the first
quarter, the investor-owned portfolio increased by $7 million to
$83 million. Combined, the bank-owned and investor-owned
sub-portfolios comprise the Sales Finance servicing portfolio. The
Sales Finance servicing portfolio increased by $1 million in the
first quarter to a total of $148 million. Our average new loan
amount was $10,900 in the first quarter. The average loan balance
in the servicing portfolio is currently $9,200, and the yield on
this portfolio is 10.64%. Loan Sales When we sell Sales Finance
loans, we offer investors two purchase options: one that includes
limited credit recourse to First Mutual Bank and the other with no
credit recourse. The limited recourse option includes a lower
pass-through rate on the purchased pool, designed to approximate
the insurance coverage previously offered to investors, and is
limited to an agreed-upon level of losses. If the loss limit is
reached on a pool of loans, the investor is solely responsible for
losses beyond the limit. During the first quarter 2007 we sold
$510,000 with limited recourse (approximately 3% of the $16 million
sold), with an exposure limit of 10% of the balance of the loans.
The impact of these limited recourse agreements was an expense of
$35,000 which was offset against the gain on loan sale. We ended
the quarter with a limited recourse obligation on the balance sheet
of $270,000. Portfolio Credit Score Breakdown, Servicing Portfolio
The following table shows the current credit score breakdown in the
Sales Finance servicing portfolio. The credit score table contains,
when available, the most recent update to our credit score
information for each loan (approximately 99% of the portfolio).
When a current credit score is unavailable, or when the loan was
originated too recently to have been re-scored, the credit score at
the time of origination is used. We plan to update the credit
scores in our portfolio semi-annually, though we may change the
frequency as circumstances dictate. Loans with full recourse to
another party are excluded from this table. Credit Score Range � %
of Servicing Portfolio Balance � Cumulative % of Servicing
Portfolio Balance 780+� 16.1% 16.1% 720-779� 30.4% 46.5% 660-719�
29.1% 75.6% 600-659� 14.4% 90.0% < 600 10.0% 100.0% Total 100.0%
Charge-Offs and Delinquency, Bank-Owned Portfolio We are
responsible for losses on uninsured loans in the bank-owned
portfolio. Uninsured, bank-owned balances totaled $42 million at
the end of the first quarter, while the insured balance amounted to
$23 million. As illustrated in the following table, the charge-offs
for this portion of the bank-owned portfolio during the last five
quarters have ranged between a low of $55,000 in net recoveries in
second-quarter 2006 to a high of $344,000 in charge-offs in the
fourth quarter 2006. BANK-OWNED PORTFOLIO � Total Balance Uninsured
Balance Net Charge-Offs Charge-offs (% of Uninsured Balance)
Delinquent Loans (% of Uninsured Balance) Charge-offs (% of Total
Balance) Delinquent Loans (% of Total Balance) March 31, 2006 $79
million $47 million $ 223,000� 0.47% 0.77% 0.28% 1.86% June 30,
2006 $82 million $50 million ($55,000) (0.11%) 0.87% (0.07%) 1.81%
September 30, 2006 $78 million $48 million $63,000� 0.13% 1.22%
0.08% 3.05% December 31, 2006 $71 million $45 million $344,000�
0.76% 1.28% 0.48% 2.87% March 31, 2007 $65 million $42 million
$153,000� 0.36% 0.84% 0.24% 1.95% Claims and Delinquency, Insured
Loans Until the fourth quarter of 2006, the bank insured a portion
of the servicing portfolio against credit default. New production
is no longer insured, but loans with credit insurance in place
still account for 32% of our servicing portfolio balance, or $47
million. Losses sustained in the insured bank and investor-owned
portfolios are reimbursed by an insurance carrier. As shown in the
following table, the claims to the insurance carriers have varied
in the last five quarters from a low of $483,000 to a high of
$1,012,000 in the current quarter 2007. The standard limitation on
loss coverage for this portion of the portfolio is 10% of the
original pool of loans for any given pool year. INSURED PORTFOLIO:
BANK AND INVESTOR-OWNED BALANCES � � Claims Paid � Claims (% of
Insured Balance) � Delinquent Loans (% of Bank-Owned Portfolio
Balance)(b) March 31, 2006 $ 985,000� 1.81% 3.46% June 30, 2006 $
483,000� 0.86% 3.22% September 30, 2006 $ 555,000� 0.97% 5.97%
December 31, 2006 $ 946,000� 1.83% 5.69% March 31, 2007 $
1,012,000� 2.15% 3.95% The tables below show the details of the
insurance policies in place for both bank-owned and investor-owned
loans. In March 2006, the pool for the policy year 2002/2003
reached the 10% cap from Insurer #1. Periodically, as Insurer #1
experiences recoveries on losses, a portion of those recoveries is
added back to the remaining loss limit on both pools. Insured Pools
by Insurer #1 Policy Year Loans Insured Current Loan Balance
Original Loss Limit Claims Paid Remaining Loss Limit Remaining
Limit as % of Current Balance Current Delinquency Rate 2002/2003� $
21,442,000� $ 6,292,000� $ 2,144,000� $ 2,217,000� $ 0� 0.00% 4.60%
2003/2004� $ 35,242,000� $ 13,147,000� $ 3,524,000� $ 3,504,000� $
20,000� 0.15% 3.55% 2004/2005� $ 23,964,000� $ 12,594,000� $
2,396,000� $ 1,639,000� $ 757,000� 6.01% 4.14% Policy years closed
on 9/30 of each year. Insured Pools by Insurer #2 Policy Year Loans
Insured Current Loan Balance Original Loss Limit Claims Paid
Remaining Loss Limit Remaining Limit as % of Current Balance
Current Delinquency Rate 2005/2006� $ 19,992,000� $ 12,815,000�
$2,985,000� (a) $ 772,000� $2,213,000� (a) 17.27% (a) 2.06% 2006� $
2,965,000� $ 2,560,000� $ 297,000� $ 0� $ 297,000� 11.60% 2.47%
Policy years closed on 7/31 of each year. (a) The 2005/2006 policy
with Insurer #2 provides insurance for sales finance loans along
with lot loans and home equity loans. The �Original Loss Limit�
shown is the full 10% loss limit associated with the 2005/2006
policy, which was calculated on the balances of the sales finance
loans plus the other loans covered by the policy (calculations not
shown). We disclose the higher �Original Loss Limit� here because
we have the ability, under certain circumstances, to access the
insurance coverage for lot loans or home equity loans to pay sales
finance claims if we determine that such action is in the bank�s
best interest. To date, we have submitted no claims on the
2005/2006 policy for loan types other than sales finance loans.
Note that the �Remaining Loss Limit� and the �Remaining Limit as %
of Current Balance� calculations are based on the disclosed
�Original Loss Limit�. (b) This delinquency rate is limited to the
bank-owned portion of delinquent loans divided by the total
bank-owned portion of the insured segment of the portfolio.
Balances not owned by the bank are not included. Residential
Lending The residential lending portfolio (including loans held for
sale) totaled $336 million on March 31, 2007. This represents an
increase of $1 million from the end of the fourth quarter, 2006.
The breakdown of that portfolio at quarter-end was: Total Bank
Balance Less Loans Held for Sale Net Bank Balance % of Portfolio
(Dollars in thousands) Adjustable rate permanent loans $ 195,000�
($5,000) $ 190,000� 60% Fixed rate permanent loans $ 41,000�
($3,000) $ 38,000� 12% Residential building lots $ 37,000� ($9,000)
$ 28,000� 9% Disbursed balances on custom construction loans $
63,000� ($2,000) $ 61,000� 19% Total $ 336,000� ($19,000) $
317,000� 100% As of March 31, 2007, of the 1,630 loans in the
residential portfolio, there were nine loans, or 1.50% of loan
balances, delinquent more than one payment and another two loans
representing 0.28% of the overall balances that were one month past
due for their March payment. The remaining 1,619 residential loans
representing 98.2% of the balances were current on their monthly
payments. Since quarter end (as of April 12th), two of those past
due loans representing $2.3 million (or 0.69% of balances) have
paid current. The average loan balance in the permanent-loan
portfolio is $214,000, and the average balance in the building-lot
portfolio is $120,000. Owner-occupied properties, excluding
building lots, constitute 70% of the portfolio. First Mutual Bank�s
portfolio lending strategy is to provide credit to borrowers who
typically possess at minimum, average to better-than-average credit
profiles (see �Credit Score� table below). These are borrowers who
have residential real estate financing needs that do not typically
fit within the traditional Agency (FHLMC/FNMA) guidelines. With
that in mind we take a more hands-on, qualitative approach to
making lending decisions. Unlike the current trend toward automated
underwriting systems, our lending decisions are made manually by
experienced residential underwriters who possess knowledge of our
geographic lending territory. We also tend to look critically at
the appraised value and order appraisal reviews on a higher
percentage of loan requests than is customary in the industry.
Additionally, we aggressively employ the application of the
available credit enhancement tools (i.e. Private Mortgage Insurance
and Credit Insurance) to reduce the Bank�s overall exposure on the
loan. We do not currently originate portfolio loans with
interest-only payment plans nor do we originate an �Option ARM�
product, where borrowers are given a variety of monthly payment
options that allow for the possibility of negative amortization. We
have virtually no Option ARM and Interest Only loans in the Bank�s
portfolio. These risk mitigation tactics coupled with our hands-on,
common sense approach to portfolio residential lending have led to
historical delinquency rates well below industry averages. The
following are detailed Credit Score and LTV tables on the
residential portfolio. The credit score table contains, when
available, the current credit score information on the portfolio
(approximately 90% of the portfolio), or when unavailable, the
credit score at the time of origination. Credit Percent Score of
Cumulative Range Dollars Percent 800-820� 6.5% 6.5% 780-799� 12.4%
18.9% 760-779� 13.8% 32.7% 740-759� 12.3% 45.0% 720-739� 10.0%
55.0% 700-719� 12.0% 67.0% 680-699� 11.3% 78.3% 660-679� 7.9% 86.2%
640-659� 4.6% 90.8% 620-639� 4.0% 94.8% 600-619� 1.8% 96.6%
580-599� 1.0% 97.6% < 580 2.4% 100.0% Total 100.0% Loan-to-Value
Information Residential Mortgages � � � � � � � FMB Current Bank
LTV Range(a) � Balance � LTV(a) � Exposure(b) 95.1%-100% $
2,107,000� 98% 69% 90.1% - 95% $ 10,002,000� 93% 71% 85.1% - 90% $
19,815,000� 88% 73% 80.1% - 85% $ 8,452,000� 83% 74% 75.1% - 80% $
99,750,000� 78% 78% to 75.0% � $ 159,000,000� � 63% � 63% Total $
299,126,000� � 72% � 69% � � Lot Loans � � � � � � � FMB Current
Bank LTV Range(a) � Balance � LTV(a) � Exposure(b) 90.1% - 95% $
10,037,000� 94% 60% 85.1% - 90% $ 6,280,000� 89% 60% 80.1% - 85% $
1,079,000� 84% 66% 75.1% - 80% $ 4,251,000� 80% 59% 70.1% - 75% $
5,752,000� 73% 69% to 70% $ 9,966,000� 58% 57% Total $ 37,365,000�
79% 61% � (a) Current LTV is the current principal balance divided
by the original appraised value (or sales price if lower) � (b)
Bank exposure reflects the private mortgage insurance and credit
risk insurance purchased on these loans. Portfolio Distribution The
loan portfolio distribution at the end of the fourth quarter was as
follows: � Single Family (including loans held-for-sale) 29% Income
Property 27% Business Banking 18% Commercial Construction 5%
Single-Family Construction: Spec 3% Custom 7% Consumer 11% 100%
Adjustable-rate loans accounted for 78% of our total portfolio.
DEPOSIT INFORMATION The number of business checking accounts
increased by 12%, from 2,354 at March 31, 2006, to 2,638 as of
March 31, 2007, a gain of 284 accounts. The deposit balances for
those accounts grew 24%. Consumer checking accounts also increased,
from 7,521 in the first quarter of 2006 to 7,987 this year, an
increase of 466 accounts, or 6%. Our total balances for consumer
checking accounts rose 4%. The following table shows the
distribution of our deposits. Time Deposits Checking Money Market
Accounts Savings March 31, 2006 62% 13% 24% 1% June 30, 2006 62%
13% 24% 1% September 30, 2006 63% 13% 23% 1% December 31, 2006 60%
14% 25% 1% March 31, 2007 57% 15% 27% 1% OUTLOOK FOR SECOND-QUARTER
2007 Net Interest Margin Our forecast for the first quarter was a
range of 3.75%-3.80%; the margin for the quarter was below that
forecast at 3.73%. We expected loan growth in the $0-$5 million
range and deposits to increase by $19 million. The loan portfolio
declined by $15.5 million and deposits fell by $34.1 million. The
good news is that the drop in deposits was exclusively in time
deposits, while transaction accounts increased by $11.6 million.
Our current view is that net loan growth will be flat in the second
quarter, in the range of $0-$5 million. We believe that deposits
will be up slightly, again in the $0-$5 million range, although
that assumption is tenuous as April is notorious for funds outflow
because of property and income tax payments. We are also assuming
that the yield curve will retain its current slope. If these
assumptions prove to be reasonably correct, we anticipate that the
margin will improve slightly to a range of 3.80%-3.85% in the
second quarter. Loan Portfolio Growth The loan portfolio fell $15.5
million, well below the $0-$5 million growth that we had
forecasted. Loan originations were $95 million, down from $147
million in the fourth quarter and $121 million in the first quarter
of 2006. Loan prepayments continued their blistering pace averaging
41% through March. So even though we experienced reasonably good
loan origination activity, the level of loan prepayments more than
offset that result. We are once again optimistic regarding our
forecast for the second quarter of 2007, with an estimated net
increase of $0-$5 million. We anticipate modest growth in the
Business Banking portfolio, with the other business lines
maintaining their current portfolio levels. Noninterest Income Our
estimate for the first quarter was a range of $1.8-$2.2 million.
The result for the quarter exceeded that forecast at $2.7 million.
Excluding the $447,000 gain from the early adoption of SFAS 159,
fee income would have been $2.2 million, at the top end of the
forecast. We anticipate that fee income in the second quarter of
2007 will fall within a range of $2-$2.2 million. We expect loan
sales from sales finance loans to be in the $12-$18 million range.
A variable not included in the forecast is the earnings volatility
that has been introduced into the securities portfolio with the
adoption of SFAS 159. That portfolio, totaling approximately $87
million, is now subject to mark-to-market accounting and is
currently not hedged. Although we intend to hedge that portfolio in
the second quarter, there is still the risk that the securities
portfolio and the hedging derivatives will not move in total sync.
Noninterest Expense Our noninterest expense for first quarter was
$7.7 million, which is within our forecast for the quarter of
$7.5-$7.8 million. Our forecast for second-quarter 2007 is a range
of $8.2-$8.5 million, which is up from the last two sequential
quarters, as well as the second quarter of 2006. The increase in
costs is associated with the annual salary adjustments, and in part
to one-time expenses. The non-recurring costs include $165,000 in
consulting costs to evaluate the operating effectiveness of the
Bank, $132,000 in recruiting expenses for a CFO and loan officers,
and a $75,000 retention bonus for a key employee. This press
release contains forward-looking statements, including, among
others, the information set forth in the section on �Outlook for
Second Quarter 2007�, statements about our net interest income
simulation and gap models, our anticipated fluctuations in net
interest income and margins, our anticipated sales of commercial
real estate and consumer loans, our intent to hedge our trading
portfolio and to refinance a trust preferred security, and�other
matters that are forward-looking statements for the purposes of the
safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe that the expectations
expressed in these forward-looking statements are based on
reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our
business, operations, and prospects, these forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, and
actual events, results, and developments will ultimately differ
from the expectations and may differ materially from those
expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Factors
that could affect actual results include the various factors
affecting our acquisition and sales of various loan products,
general interest rate and net interest changes and the fiscal and
monetary policies of the government, economic conditions in our
market area and the nation as a whole; our ability to continue to
develop new deposits and loans; our ability to control our
expenses; the impact of competitive products, services, and
pricing; and our credit risk management. There are other risks and
uncertainties that could affect us which are discussed from time to
time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating
the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be
placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation to update or
publicly announce future events or developments that might affect
the forward-looking statements herein or to conform these
statements to actual results or to announce changes in our
expectations.
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