First Quarter 2004 10-Q

UNITED STATES
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 March 31, 2004

OR

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

For the Transition Period from _____ to ______

Commission file number 0-24532

 
 

 
FLAG FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Georgia
58-2094179
(State of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3475 Piedmont Road N.E. Suite 550
 
Atlanta, Georgia
30305
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(404) 760-7700
(Telephone Number)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has (1) 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 XX NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES XX NO

Common stock, par value $1 per share: 8,510,981 shares
Outstanding as of April 15, 2004
 
     
 



Flag Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
Page
PART I Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
 
 
   Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2004 and
 
       December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2003
3
 
 
 
       Quarters Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
4
 
 
 
       Quarters Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
5
 
 
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months
 
       Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
6
 
 
7
 
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
 
       And Results of Operations
9
 
 
17
 
 
17
 
 
 
 
PART II Other Information
 
 
 
18
 
 
Item 2. Changes in Securities, Uses of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases
 
                               Of Equity Securities
18
 
 
18
 
 
18
 
 
18
 
 
18
 
 

 
     
 

Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Flag Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
 

 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 
December 31,

 

 
March 31,

 

 

 

 
2004

 

 
2003

 

 
2003
  
   
 
 
 
ASSETS
    
(UNAUDITED)
 
  
(AUDITED)
 
  
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
Cash and due from banks
  
$
14,518,444
    
17,454,122
    
15,260,779
  
Federal funds sold
    
-
    
7,100,000
    
48,113,000
  
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
    
12,329,254
    
12,183,454
    
6,000,000
  
   
 
 
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
    
26,847,698
    
36,737,576
    
69,373,779
  
   
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
    
2,575,935
    
2,674,935
    
12,453,149
  
Investment securities available-for-sale
    
120,814,506
    
122,565,456
    
126,777,199
  
Other investments
    
14,693,829
    
14,943,829
    
6,795,257
  
Mortgage loans held-for-sale
    
4,997,839
    
4,234,399
    
11,856,927
  
Loans, net
    
470,986,397
    
477,095,520
    
368,653,749
  
Premises and equipment, net
    
14,477,358
    
16,496,879
    
20,828,134
  
Other assets
    
29,429,501
    
29,108,190
    
31,577,762
  
   
 
 
 
           Total assets
  
$
684,823,063
    
703,856,784
    
648,315,956
  
   
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
LIABILITIES
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
Non interest-bearing deposits
  
$
42,498,544
    
51,086,794
    
40,977,116
  
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    
280,079,452
    
282,261,194
    
210,567,589
  
Savings
    
22,370,824
    
23,897,570
    
25,328,050
  
Time
    
203,518,011
    
213,323,645
    
243,688,411
  
   
 
 
 
Total deposits
    
548,466,831
    
570,569,203
    
520,561,166
  
   
 
 
 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
    
53,000,000
    
58,000,000
    
58,000,000
  
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings
    
9,361,747
    
4,097,529
    
1,475,102
  
Borrowings under line of credit
    
1,600,000
    
1,100,000
    
-
  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    
5,771,597
    
4,829,709
    
6,305,584
  
               
 
           Total liabilities
    
618,200,175
    
638,596,441
    
586,341,852
  
   
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
Preferred stock (10,000,000 shares authorized, none
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
issued and outstanding)
    
-
    
-
    
-
  
Common stock ($1 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
9,775,099, 9,775,099 and 9,664,751 shares issued at
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
March 31, 2004, December 31, 2003 and
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
March 31, 2003, respectively)
    
9,775,099
    
9,775,099
    
9,664,751
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
24,556,792
    
24,556,792
    
23,645,117
  
Retained earnings
    
40,877,898
    
39,293,900
    
36,226,996
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    
989,809
    
1,211,262
    
2,013,950
  
Less: Treasury stock at cost; 1,246,961 shares at March 31, 2004,
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
1,246,961 shares at December 31, 2003 and 1,246,961 shares
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
at March 31, 2003, respectively
   
(9,576,710
)
  
(9,576,710
)
  
(9,576,710
)
   
 
 
 
               Total stockholders' equity
    
66,622,888
    
65,260,343
    
61,974,104
  
   
 
 
 
       
  
$
684,823,063
    
703,856,784
    
648,315,956
 
   
 
 
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
     
 

 
 
  
 
 
  
Three Months Ended
 
  
March 31,
 
  
2004
2003
   
 
 
 
  
(UNAUDITED)
(UNAUDITED)
Interest Income
  
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
8,118,319
    
7,219,738
  
Interest on investment securities
    
1,455,325
    
1,663,063
  
Interest on federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits
    
100,355
    
198,537
  
   
 
 
   Total interest income
    
9,673,999
    
9,081,338
  
   
 
 
Interest Expense
    
 
    
 
  
Interest on deposits:
    
 
    
 
  
Demand
    
1,049,894
    
743,499
  
Savings
    
34,555
    
38,398
  
Time
    
1,237,752
    
1,847,887
  
Interest on other borrowings
    
219,077
    
213,396
  
   
 
 
   Total interest expense
    
2,541,278
    
2,843,180
  
   
 
 
   Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    
7,132,721
    
6,238,158
  
Provision for Loan Losses
    
720,000
    
256,000
  
   
 
 
   Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    
6,412,721
    
5,982,158
  
   
 
 
Other Income
    
 
    
 
  
Fees and service charges on deposit accounts
    
892,211
    
903,644
  
Mortgage banking activities
    
529,640
    
860,532
  
Insurance commissions and brokerage fees
    
113,152
    
211,974
  
Gain on sale of branch
    
3,000,000
    
-
  
Gain on sale of securities
    
7,465
    
86,995
  
Other income
    
149,973
    
390,027
  
   
 
 
   Total other income
    
4,692,441
    
2,453,172
  
   
 
 
Other Expenses
    
 
    
 
  
Salaries and employee benefits
    
4,790,126
    
3,812,492
  
Occupancy
    
909,700
    
782,020
  
Professional fees
    
299,988
    
276,653
  
Postage, printing and supplies
    
235,392
    
252,962
  
Amortization of intangibles
    
22,500
    
15,000
  
Communications and data
    
583,762
    
513,588
  
Other operating
    
1,147,008
    
636,083
  
   
 
 
   Total other expenses
    
7,988,476
    
6,288,798
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
   Earnings before provision for income taxes
    
3,116,686
    
2,146,532
  
Provision for income taxes
   
1,021,000
    
639,254
  
   
 
 
   Net earnings
 
$
2,095,686
    
1,507,278
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
Basic earnings per share
  
$
0.25
    
0.18
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
Diluted earnings per share
  
$
0.23
    
0.17
  
   
 
 

 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 
     
 
 
 
 
   (UNAUDITED)
 
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
  
              2004
                  2003
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
2,095,686
    
1,507,278
  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
    
 
    
 
  
Unrealized (losses) gains on investment
    
 
    
 
  
   securities available-for-sale:
    
 
    
 
  
   Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period,
    
 
    
 
  
   net of tax of $132,892 and $88,003, respectively
    
(216,825
)
  
143,584
  
   Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in
   
 
    
 
  
       net earnings net of tax of $2,837 and $33,058, respectively
   
(4,628
)
  
(53,937
)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $45,840
    
-
    
(74,791
)
 
    
 
    
 
  
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    
(221,453
)
  
14,856
  
   
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
1,874,233
    
1,522,134
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


 
     
 

 
  
Three Months Ended
 
  
March 31,
 
  
2004
2003
   
 
 
   
 
  
(UNAUDITED)
(UNAUDITED)
 
  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
2,095,686
    
1,507,278
  
Adjustment to reconcile net earnings to net
    
 
    
 
  
   cash provided by operating activities:
    
 
    
 
  
 Depreciation, amortization and accretion
    
863,815
    
607,747
  
 Provision for loan losses
    
720,000
    
256,000
  
         Gain on sale of branch office
    
(3,000,000
)
  
-
  
 Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities
    
(7,465
)
  
(86,995
)
         Gain on sale of loans
    
(336,272
)
  
(407,968
)
 Loss (Gain) on sale of fixed assets
    
25,460
    
(1,650
)
 Loss (Gain) on sale of other real estate
    
2,839
    
(106,387
)
    Change in:
    
 
    
 
  
         Mortgage loans held-for-sale
    
(427,168
)
  
1,157,121
  
         Other
    
521,649
    
(718,876
)
                 Net cash provided by operating activities
    
458,544
    
2,206,270
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    
 
    
 
  
Cash paid in branch sale
    
(14,140,760
)
  
-
  
Net change in interest-bearing deposits
    
99,000
    
(41,657
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment
    
 
    
 
  
   securities available-for-sale
    
18,346,231
    
29,472,787
  
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale
    
(17,306,294
)
  
(17,204,835
)
Purchases of other investments
   
-
    
-
  
        Proceeds from sale of other investments
    
250,000
    
-
  
Net change in loans
   
(11,300,688
)
  
5,874,148
  
Proceeds from sale of other real estate
    
11,161
    
587,946
  
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
    
440
    
1,650
  
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(174,606
)
  
(317,589
)
Purchases of cash surrender value life insurance
   
(37,137
)
  
(48,628
)
             Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    
(24,252,653
)
  
18,323,822
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    
 
    
 
  
Net change in deposits
   
13,651,701
    
10,830,242
  
Change in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    
5,264,218
    
-
  
Change in other borrowed funds
    
500,000
    
-
  
Payments of FHLB advances
   
(5,000,000
)
  
-
  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    
-
    
208,234
  
Cash dividends paid
   
(511,688
)
  
(505,217
)
              Net cash provided by financing activities
   
13,904,231
    
10,533,259
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
                   Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(9,889,878
)
  
31,063,351
  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
36,737,576
    
38,310,428
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
26,847,698
    
69,373,779
  
   
 
 


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   
 
     
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have not been audited. The results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year or any other interim periods.

Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Flag Financial Corporation (“Flag”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Flag Bank (Atlanta, Georgia). All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The consolidated financial information furnished herein represents all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the results of operations, and financial position for the periods covered herein and are normal and recurring in nature. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in Flag’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Note 2. Earnings Per Share
Net earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:


 
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
  
                         2004
                            2003
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
  
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
2,095,686
    
1,507,278
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
8,528,138
    
8,396,207
  
Basic earnings per share
  
$
0.25
    
0.18
  
 
    
 
    
 
  
Diluted earnings per share:
    
 
    
 
  
Net earnings
 
$
2,095,686
    
1,507,278
  
Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants
    
566,466
    
478,808
  
Diluted earnings per share
  
$
0.23
    
0.17
  
 
    
 
    
 
  

Note 3. Stock-based Compensation
Flag sponsors stock-based compensation plans. Flag accounts for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net earnings, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share if Flag had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financing Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation.

 
  
Three months ended
 
  
March 31,
 
  
2004
2003
   
 
 
Net earnings as reported
  
$
2,095,686
    
1,507,278
  
Compensation expense determined by fair value method
    
(27,671
)
  
(76,546
)
   
 
 
Pro forma net earnings
 
$
2,068,015
    
1,430,732
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
Basic earnings per share:
    
 
    
 
  
As reported
  
$
0.25
    
0.18
  
   
 
 
Pro forma
    
0.24
    
0.17
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
Diluted earnings per share:
    
 
    
 
  
As reported
  
$
0.23
    
0.17
  
   
 
 
Pro forma
    
0.23
    
0.16
  
   
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  

 
     
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 4. Loans
Flag engages in a full complement of lending activities, including real estate-related, commercial and financial loans and consumer installment loans. Flag generally concentrates lending efforts on real estate related loans. As of March 31, 2004, Flag’s loan portfolio consisted of 86.2% real estate-related loans, 10.7% commercial and financial loans, and 3.1% consumer installment loans. While risk of loss is primarily tied to the credit quality of the various borrowers, risk of loss may also increase due to factors beyond Flag’s control, such as local, regional and/or national economic downturns. General conditions in the real estate market may also impact the relative risk in the real estate portfolio. Of the target areas of lending activities, commercial and financial loans are generally considered to have a greater risk of loss than real estate loans or consumer installment loans.

Loans are stated at unpaid balances, net of unearned income and deferred loan fees. Balances within the major loans receivable categories are represented in the following table: (in thousands)


 
  
March 31,
December 31,
March 31,
 
  
2004
2003
2003
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
Commercial/financial/agricultural
  
$
50,900
    
50,435
    
47,485
  
Real estate – construction
    
121,051
    
100,108
    
75,172
  
Real estate – mortgage
    
291,211
    
315,610
    
235,722
  
Installment loans to individuals
    
14,582
    
17,287
    
15,338
  
Lease financings
    
294
    
340
    
1,339
  
   
 
 
 
Total loans
  
$
478,038
    
483,780
    
375,056
  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    
7,052
    
6,685
    
6,402
  
   
 
 
 
Total net loans
  
$
470,986
    
477,095
    
368,654
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Operating Results
 
Comparing Flag’s current quarter to the same quarter in 2003 highlights strong growth in net interest income and continued improvement in credit quality ratios. Net interest income grew 14.3% to $7.1 million during the first quarter of 2004. This improvement over the first quarter of 2003 resulted from 25.9% growth in average loans outstanding as well as a reduction in Flag’s cost of funds of 19.3% from 1.97% to 1.59%. Growth in loans outstanding comes as Flag continues to develop a stronger presence in Metro Atlanta and through its Atlanta based lending lines of businesses. Decrease in overall cost of funds resulted from Flag’s success in growing demand deposits and placing less funding dependency on time deposits.

Credit quality trends also improved. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets decreased to 0.99% at March 31, 2004 compared to 1.72% at March 31, 2003. The allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2004 was 1.48% of total loans outstanding compared to 1.71% at March 31, 2003.

In the first quarter of 2004, Flag completed the sale of its Thomaston, Georgia branch which included approximately $17 million in loans and $36 million in deposits. Flag recorded an after tax gain on the sale of the branch of approximately $1.47 million.

Forward-Looking Statements
The following discussion and comments contain "forward-looking statements" relating to, without limitation, future economic performance, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and projections of revenues and other financial items that are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. The words “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, and “believe”, as well as similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, and our operating performance each quarter is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) the strength of the U.S. economy as well as the strength of the local economies in which operations are conducted; (ii) the effects of changing interest rates which could lower margins; (iii) inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; (iv) unanticipated regulatory proceedings or legal actions, or changes in accounting policies and practices as adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board; (v) issues involved in the integration of acquisitions; and (vi) the timely development of products and services that position Flag to succeed in an increasingly competitive industry. If we are unsuccessful in managing the risks relating to these factors, together with other risks incident to the operation of our business, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.


Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting principles we follow and our methods of applying these principles conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with general practices within the banking industry. In connection with the application of those principles, we have made judgments, estimates and assumptions which, in the case of the determining our allowance for loan losses (ALL), have been critical to the determination of our financial position and results of operations. Management assesses the adequacy of the ALL regularly during the year, and formally prior to the end of each calendar quarter. This assessment includes procedures to estimate the allowance and test the adequacy and appropriateness of the resulting balance.
 
This estimation process can affect our estimated loan loss expense for a given period. Generally, the allowance for loan losses increases as the outstanding balance of loans or the level of classified or impaired loans increases. Loans or portions of loans that are deemed uncollectible are charged against and reduce the allowance. The allowance is replenished by means of a provision for loan losses that is charged as an expense against income. As a result, our estimate of the allowance for loan losses affects our earnings directly.
 
The ALL consists of two portions (1) allocated amounts representing the potential exposures on specifically identified credits and other exposures readily predictable by historical or comparative experience; and (2) an unallocated amount representative of inherent loss which is not readily identifiable. Even though the ALL is composed of two components, the entire ALL is available to absorb any credit losses. Allocated amounts are used on loans where management has determined that there is an increased probability or severity of loss than on the loan portfolio as a whole. We base the allocation for these unique loans primarily on risk rating grades assigned to each of these loans as a result of our loan management and review processes. We then assign each risk-rating grade a loss ratio, which is determined based on the experience of management, discussions with banking regulators and our independent loan review process. We estimate losses on impaired loans based on estimated cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate or based on the underlying collateral value. To the extent that management does not believe that a certain loan's risk is appropriately represented by the risk rating grades, a specific review of the credit is performed which would result in a less subjective allocation for that particular loan.


Unallocated amounts are particularly subjective and do not lend themselves to exact mathematical calculation. The unallocated amount represents estimated inherent credit losses which may exist, but have not yet been identified, as of the balance sheet date. In estimating the unallocated amount, such matters as changes in the local or national economy, the depth or experience in the lending staff, any concentrations of credit in any particular industry group, and new banking laws or regulations. After we assess applicable factors, we evaluate the aggregate unallocated amount based on our management's experience. We then test the resulting ALL balance by comparing the balance in the ALL to historical trends and peer information. Our management then evaluates the result of the procedures performed, including the result of our testing, and concludes on the appropriateness of the balance of the ALL in its entirety.

The audit committee of our board of directors reviews the assessment prior to the filing of quarterly and annual financial information. In assessing the adequacy of the ALL, we also rely on an ongoing independent loan review process. We undertake this process both to ascertain whether there are loans in the portfolio whose credit quality has weakened over time and to assist in our overall evaluation of the risk characteristics of the entire loan portfolio. Our loan review process includes the judgment of management, the input from our independent loan reviewer, and reviews that may have been conducted by bank regulatory agencies as part of their usual examination process.
 
Summary Financial Data
The following table presents summary financial data for the previous five quarters.


 
    
2004
  
2003
(unaudited)
    
First Quarter
    
Fourth Quarter
    
Third Quarter
    
  Second Quarter
    
   First Quarter
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME SUMMARY
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
Interest income
  
$
9,673,999
    
9,460,913
    
9,267,035
    
8,725,651
    
9,081,338
  
Interest expense
    
2,541,278
    
2,608,198
    
2,489,682
   
2,606,388
    
2,843,180
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
   
7,132,721
    
6,852,715
    
6,777,353
   
6,119,263
    
6,238,158
 
Provision for loan losses
    
720,000
    
375,000
    
375,000
   
315,000
    
256,000
 
Other income
    
4,692,441
    
2,042,377
    
2,332,310
   
3,536,695
    
2,453,172
 
Other expenses
   
7,988,476
    
6,326,758
    
6,503,306
   
7,083,158
   
6,288,798
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income before taxes
    
3,116,686
    
2,193,334
    
2,231,357
   
2,257,800
   
2,146,532
 
Income taxes
    
1,021,000
    
663,802
    
684,971
   
735,972
   
639,254
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
  
$
2,095,686
    
1,529,532
    
1,546,386
    
1,521,828
    
1,507,278
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
PERFORMANCE RATIOS 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
Earnings per common share:
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
    Basic
  
$
0.25
    
0.18
  
$
0.18
  
$
0.18
  
$
0.18
  
    Diluted 
   
0.23
    
0.17
    
0.17
   
0.17
    
0.17
  
Return on average equity
   
12.68
%
  
9.30
%
  
9.70
%
  
9.65
%
  
9.94
%
Return on average assets
    
1.19
%
  
0.89
%
  
0.98
%
  
0.97
%
  
0.95
%
Net interest margin
    
4.40
%
  
4.31
%
  
4.67
%
  
4.52
%
  
4.36
%
Yield on Earning Assets
    
5.96
%
  
5.94
%
  
6.39
%
  
6.13
%
  
6.23
%
Cost of Funds
    
1.59
%
  
1.68
%
  
1.77
%
  
1.85
%
  
1.97
%
Efficiency ratio
    
67.33
%
  
71.13
%
  
71.82
%
  
73.22
%
  
72.35
%
Net overhead ratio
    
1.87
%
  
2.50
%
  
2.65
%
  
2.27
%
  
2.40
%
Dividend payout ratio 
   
24.42
%
  
33.45
%
  
33.02
%
  
33.47
%
  
33.51
%
ASSET QUALITY
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
Allowance for loan losses
  
$
7,051,874
    
6,684,822
    
6,787,138
    
6,441,458
    
6,402,226
  
Non-performing assets
   
6,785,392
    
7,426,271
    
7,658,223
   
9,412,217
   
11,297,126
  
Allowance for loan losses to loans
    
1.48
%
  
1.38
%
  
1.56
%
  
1.64
%
  
1.71
%
Non-performing assets to total assets
    
0.99
%
  
1.06
%
  
1.17
%
  
1.50
%
  
1.72
%
Net charge-offs to average loans
   
0.29
%
  
0.42
%
  
0.03
%
  
0.29
%
  
0.77
%
AVERAGE BALANCES
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
  Loans
  
$
485,527,813
    
459,405,138
    
406,258,330
   
381,157,519
    
385,493,430
  
  Earning assets
    
652,311,931
    
631,399,109
    
575,303,708
   
564,456,772
   
578,720,591
  
  Total assets
    
706,763,160
    
686,421,592
    
628,899,360
   
626,368,024
   
639,847,976
  
  Deposits
    
577,211,540
    
551,657,960
    
499,709,951
   
500,347,369
   
512,553,229
  
  Stockholders’ equity
    
66,093,140
    
65,005,432
    
63,797,914
   
62,799,562
   
61,287,471
  
  Common shares outstanding:
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
    Basic
    
8,528,138
    
8,515,858
    
8,500,030
   
8,470,308
   
8,396,207
 
    Diluted
    
9,094,604
    
9,120,823
    
9,164,931
   
9,130,266
   
8,875,015
 
AT PERIOD END
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
  Loans
  
$
478,038,271
    
483,780,342
    
435,078,864
    
393,515,141
    
375,055,976
  
  Earning assets
    
633,449,634
    
647,482,416
    
598,201,486
   
564,220,499
   
587,051,508
  
  Total assets
    
684,823,063
    
703,856,784
    
654,651,925
   
623,426,376
   
648,315,956
  
  Deposits
    
548,466,831
    
570,569,203
    
511,591,084
   
496,722,408
   
520,561,166
  
  Stockholders’ equity
    
66,622,888
    
65,260,343
    
64,195,425
   
63,655,111
   
61,974,104
  
  Common shares outstanding
    
8,528,138
    
8,528,138
    
8,510,043
   
8,489,472
   
8,417,790
 
 
 
     
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Overview of Financial Condition
Total assets were $684.8 million at March 31, 2004, a decrease of $19.0 million or 2.7% from December 31, 2003. Earning assets (consisting of loans, investment securities and short-term investments) totaled $633.4 million or 92.5% of total assets at March 31, 2004, compared to $647.5 million or 92.0% of total assets at December 31, 2003. During the same period, stockholders’ equity increased $1.4 million or 2.1% to $66.6 million at March 31, 2004. During the first quarter of 2004, Flag completed the sale of its Thomaston, Georgia branch, including approximately $17 million in loans and $36 million in deposits.

Loans
Gross loans outstanding at March 31, 2004, totaled $478.0 million, a decrease of $5.7 million or 1.2% from December 31, 2003. Excluding the effects of approximately $17 million in loans transferred in the sale of the Thomaston, Georgia branch sale, Flag’s loans outstanding increased $11.3 million or 2.3% during the first quarter. Mortgage loans held-for-sale increased slightly from $4.2 million at December 31, 2003 to $5.0 million at March 31, 2004. Loans outstanding, including mortgage loans held-for-sale, comprised 76.3% of earning assets at March 31, 2004, compared to 75.4% at December 31, 2003.

Investment Securities
Investment securities at March 31, 2004, totaled $135.5 million, a decrease of $2.0 million or 1.5% from December 31, 2003. Investment securities comprised 21.4% and 21.2% of earning assets at March 31, 2004, and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Federal Funds Sold and Interest Bearing Deposits
Short-term investments (federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits) totaled $12.3 million at March 31, 2004, a decrease of $7.0 million from December 31, 2003. Historically, Flag has maintained lower levels of short-term investments, choosing instead to invest more heavily in loans and investment securities. The decrease in short-term investments during the first quarter resulted primarily from the sale of the Thomaston, Georgia branch as well as reliably strong loan demand. Short-term investments amounted to 1.9% of earning assets at March 31, 2004, and 3.0% of earning assets at December 31, 2003.

Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment at March 31, 2004, totaled $14.5 million compared to $16.5 million at December 31, 2003. The primary reason for the decrease in premises and equipment was the sale of approximately $1.8 million of premises and equipment included in the Thomaston, Georgia branch.

Deposits and Other Funding
Total deposits at March 31, 2004, were $548.5 million, a decrease of $22.1 million from December 31, 2003. This decrease is due almost entirely to the sale of the Thomaston, Georgia branch consisting of approximately $36 million in deposits. Excluding the effect of the branch sale, total deposits increased $13.9 million or 2.4% during the first quarter.

Federal funds purchased and other borrowings of $9.4 million at March 31, 2004, represented an increase of $5.3 million from December 31, 2003. The majority of these borrowings were federal funds purchased under lines with various financial institutions and resulted from the sale of the branch. Flag expects to replace most of this funding during the second quarter with more traditional funding from demand and time deposits.

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) amounted to $53 million at March 31, 2004, compared to $58 million at December 31, 2003.


 
     
 

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

Liquidity and Market Risk Sensitivity
Liquidity management involves Flag’s ability to maintain adequate short-term assets to meet the cash flow expectations of depositors and other lending institutions, and to provide funds for the growth in earning assets. Liquidity is managed daily by understanding the cash flow expectations of depositors and other lending institutions and maintaining enough liquid assets to meet these expectations. As of March 31, 2004, Flag had $344.9 million of deposits due on demand and $179.9 million of time deposits and other borrowings due within one year. Potential liquidity needs of these liabilities are met with liquid assets (assets that can be easily converted to cash). Liquid assets at March 31, 2004, totaled $169.9 million and included cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits with other banks, investment securities available-for-sale, other investments and mortgage loans held-for-sale. In addition to using liquid assets to meet potential liquidity needs, Flag maintains available lines of credit with other financial institutions. These include federal funds and other lines of credit totaling $46 million and a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank totaling $104.7 million. At March 31, 2004, $61.3 million of the available $150.7 million in total lines was advanced to Flag.

Market rate sensitivity is the tendency for changes in the interest rate environment to be reflected in Flag’s net interest income and results of operations. Flag seeks to balance maturities and rates on earning assets and the corresponding funding such that interest rate fluctuations have a minimal impact on earnings and the value of Flag’s equity.

Historically, the average term to maturity or repricing (rate changes) of assets (primarily loans and investment securities) has exceeded the average repricing period of liabilities (primarily deposits and borrowings). Flag’s liabilities over the past year have shifted from mostly time deposits with longer maturities to demand deposits, which reprice daily. This shift in funding results from sales and pricing disciplines that in the long run will prove profitable, but currently shows Flag with more liabilities repricing in the early months of a rate change than do earning assets. This would indicate that Flag’s net interest income would be negatively impacted by rising rates. Flag believes, however, that the growing demand deposit base will not reprice upwards to the same degree and intensity as Flag’s assets and that there is opportunity for improvement in net interest income should rates begin to rise.

Management carefully measures and monitors market rate sensitivity and believes that its operating strategies offer protection against interest rate risk. As required by various regulatory authorities, Flag’s Board of Directors established an interest rate risk policy, which sets specific limits on interest rate risk exposure. Adherence to this policy is reviewed by Flag's executive committee and presented at least annually to the Board of Directors.

Capital
At March 31, 2004, the capital ratios of Flag and Flag Bank (the “Bank”) were adequate compared to the minimum regulatory capital requirements.  Minimum regulatory capital levels for banks and holding companies require Tier one capital (core capital accounts less intangible assets) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4%, total capital (tier one capital plus a portion of the allowance for loan losses) to risk-weighted assets of 8%, and tier one capital to average assets of at least 4%. The following table reflects Flag’s capital position with respect to the regulatory minimums as of March 31, 2004:


 
  
Actual
 
Required
 
Excess
 
 
  
Amount
 % 
Amount
 % 
Amount
 % 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
  
$
59,507
    
11.15
%
  
55,520
    
8.00
%
  
3,987
    
3.15
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
  
$
52,820
    
9.89
%
  
27,760
    
4.00
%
  
25,060
    
5.89
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
  
$
52,820
    
7.61
%
  
21,355
    
4.00
%
  
31,465
    
3.61
%
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
 
 
     
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets (nonaccrual loans, loans over 90 days past due and still accruing, real estate owned and repossessions) totaled approximately $6.8 million at March 31, 2004, compared to $7.4 million at December 31, 2003. These levels as a percentage of total assets represented 0.99% and 1.06% respectively.

Flag continues to work non-performing loans diligently through its loan review function that continually monitors internal loan trends as well as economic trends that are thought to have a potentially positive or negative impact on credit quality. The loan review function also monitors selected accruing loans for which general economic conditions or changes within a particular industry could cause the borrowers financial difficulties. The loan review function also identifies loans with high degrees of credit or other risks. The focus of loan review is to maintain a low level of non-performing assets and to return current non-performing assets to earning status.


Non-performing assets
  
March 31,
December 31,
March 31,
 
  
2004
2003
2003
   
 
 
 
   
Loans on nonaccrual
 
$
3,973
    
4,685
    
7,914
  
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing
   
143
    
309
    
234
  
Other real estate owned and repossessions
    
2,670
    
2,432
    
3,149
  
   
 
 
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
6,786
    
7,426
    
11,297
  
   
 
 
 
Total non-performing assets as a percentage of
   
 
    
 
    
 
  
total assets
    
0.99
%
  
1.06
%
  
1.74
%


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

Provision and Allowance for Possible Loan and Lease Losses

Flag maintains an allowance for loan losses appropriate for the quality of the loan portfolio and sufficient to meet anticipated future loan losses. Flag also utilizes a comprehensive loan review and risk identification process and the analysis of Flag’s financial trends to determine the adequacy of the allowance. Many factors are considered when evaluating the allowance. The analysis is based on historical loss trends; trends in criticized and classified loans in the portfolio; trends in past due and non-accrual loans; trends in portfolio volume, composition, maturity, and concentrations; changes in local and regional economic market conditions; the accuracy of the loan review and risk identification system, and the experience, ability, and depth of lending personnel and management.

In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for Flag, management relies primarily on analysis of the major components of the loan portfolio such as commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer loans, construction loans, residential real estate loans, and all other loans and unfunded commitments. Flag has established a minimum loss factor for certain problem loan grade categories and for general categories of all other loans. All significant problem loans are reviewed individually to establish either the minimum loss factor (formula) or a specific reserve higher than the formula. All significant non-problem loans are reserved at the greater of the minimum loss rate for the category of loans or the weighted average historical loss rate over a defined loss horizon. Other homogenous loan pools such as the consumer loans, construction loans, and residential mortgage loans are reserved at the greater of the minimum loss rate or the weighted average historical loss rate as computed in the historical analysis.

Management evaluates the allowance on a quarterly basis. Through this evaluation, the appropriate provision for loan losses is determined by considering the current allowance level, actual loan losses and loan recoveries.

The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003: (in thousands)

 
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
  
2004
2003
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
Balance of allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
  
$
6,685
    
6,888
  
Provision charged to operating expense
    
720
    
256
  
Charge offs:
    
 
    
 
  
Real estate – mortgage
    
6
    
-
  
Real estate – other
    
364
    
791
  
Consumer
    
81
    
57
  
   
 
 
   Total charge-offs
    
451
    
848
  
Recoveries:
    
 
    
 
  
Commercial
    
47
    
25
  
Real estate – mortgage
    
4
    
7
  
Real estate – other
    
22
    
30
  
Consumer
    
25
    
44
  
   
 
 
   Total recoveries
    
98
    
106
  
   Net charge-offs
    
353
    
742
  
   
 
 
Balance of allowance for loan losses at end of period
    $
7,052
  
 
6,402
  
   
 
 


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

Results of Operations for the Three Month Periods Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

Net income – Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, was $2.1 million or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to $1.5 million or $0.17 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Flag’s return on average assets was 1.19% and .95% for the first quarters of 2004 and 2003, respectively, while return on average equity was 12.68% and 9.94% on average equity of $66.1 million and $61.3 million for the same quarters.

Interest income - Interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 was $9.7 million, an increase of $593,000 compared to levels for the same quarter in 2003. Interest income and fees on loans in the current quarter increased $899,000, or 12.5%, to $8.1 million compared to the same quarter in 2003. Yields on loans during the first quarter of 2004 were 6.7%, a decrease from the first quarter of 2003 level of 7.4%. This decrease in yield was more than offset by a 25.9% increase in average loans outstanding to $485.5 million in the first quarter of 2004.

Interest on investment securities declined from $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2003 to $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2004. This decline was in part due to the lower rate environment as well as Flag’s investment strategy. Flag adopted an investment strategy that focuses mainly on shorter maturities due to an expectation of continued strong loan demand and an unwillingness to invest for longer periods in the current environment. Yields on investment opportunities that meet this strategy are lower than levels where Flag has historically been able to invest excess funds.

Interest on federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits in other banks decreased $98,000 to $100,000 when comparing the first quarters of 2003 and 2004, respectively. Interest on federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits in other banks decreased during the first quarter of 2004 as Flag maintained lower levels of short-term deposits than in the past.

Yields on earning assets decreased to 5.96% during the quarter ended March 31, 2004 compared to 6.23% for the first quarter of 2003.

Interest expense – Interest expense for the first quarter of 2004 was $2.5 million, a decrease of $302,000 over the same quarter in 2003. Average funding during the first quarter of 2004 increased 11.1% to $637.5 million when compared to the first quarter of 2003. This increase in average funding was more than offset by a decrease in Flag’s total cost of funds decreased from 1.97% to 1.59% over the same periods. This decrease in cost of funds is attributable to Flag’s continued focus on growing demand deposits (interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) as opposed to time deposits. Average demand deposits during the first quarter of 2004 were $330.0 million, representing an increase of 42.1% over the first quarter of 2003.

Net interest income – Net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 was $7.1 million, an increase of 14.3% from the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Flag’s net interest margin (net interest income divided by average earning assets) increased from 4.36% to 4.40% on average earning assets of $578.7 million and $652.3 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2003, and March 31, 2004, respectively.

Non-interest income – Non-interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, totaled $4.7 million, an increase of 91.3% compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2003. The primary component of this increase was a $3.0 million gain on the sale of Flag’s Thomaston, Georgia branch. Flag’s decision to sell this branch was due to its continued focus on developing its banking presence where Flag maintains high market share and in developing its metro Atlanta presence. Income from mortgage banking activities decreased $331,000 to $530,000 during the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003. Management anticipated slower mortgage activity in 2004 and took steps to reduce operating expenses and headcount that accompanied the record levels of mortgage refinancing that took place during 2003.

Non-interest expense - Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2004 totaled $8.0 million compared to $6.3 million in the same quarter of 2003. Included in the $8.0 million of operating expenses were expenses totaling $635,000 directly related to the sale of Flag’s Thomaston, Georgia branch. In addition, Flag accrued $376,000 of benefit plan expense that related to director and officer plans related to a recent accounting interpretation by various regulatory agencies.

Excluding the effect of charges described above, Flag’s salaries and employee benefits increased to $4.4 million, an increase of 15.8% from the same period in 2003. This increase relates primarily to Flag’s hiring successes around its Atlanta expansion efforts.

Income taxes – Income tax expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, totaled $1.0 million compared to $639,000 for the same quarter of 2003. Flag’s effective tax rate rose to 32.8% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to 29.8% in the same quarter in 2003.

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

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As of March 31, 2004, there were no substantial changes in the composition of Flag’s market-sensitive assets and liabilities or their related market values from that reported as of December 31, 2003. The foregoing disclosures related to the market risk of Flag should be read in conjunction with Flag’s audited consolidated financial statements, related notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003, included in Flag’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, Flag carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Flag’s management, including Flag’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Flag’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, Flag’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Flag’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to Flag (including its consolidated subsidiary) that is required to be included in Flag’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no significant changes in Flag’s internal controls or, to Flag’s knowledge, in other factors that could significantly affect those internal controls subsequent to the date Flag carried out its evaluation, and there have been no corrective actions with respect to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.

 
     
 

Part 2. Other Information
Flag Financial Corporation and Subsidiary


PART II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings - None

Item 2. Changes in Securities, Uses of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s purchases of its common stock on a monthly basis during the first quarter of 2004.

 
 
 
Total Number of
Maximum Number (or
 
 
 
Shares (or Units)
Appropriate Dollar Value)
 
Total
Average
Purchased as Part
Of Shares (or Units) that
 
Number of
Price
Of Publicly
May Yet Be Purchased
 
Shares
Paid Per
Announced Plans or
Under the Plans or
Period
Purchased
Share
Programs (1)
Programs
 
 
 
 
 
January 1 through
 
 
 
 
January 31, 2004
                     $                       -
-
-
-
 
 
 
 
 
February 1 through
 
 
 
 
February 29, 2004
-
-
-
-
 
 
 
 
 
March 1 through
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2004
-
-
-
852,814
 
 
 
 
 
Total
                     $                       -
-
-
852,814

(1) On March 19, 2004, Flag Financial Corporation announced a stock repurchase plan. The Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 10% of the company’s outstanding shares of common stock. No expiration date was specified, and no shares were repurchased under or outside of the plan during the first quarter of 2004.


Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities – None

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders - None

Item 5. Other Information
 
Pursuant to Rule 14a-14(c)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, shareholders desiring to present a proposal for consideration at the Company’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must notify the Company in writing to the Secretary of the Company, at 3475 Piedmont Road, N.E., Suite 550, Atlanta, Georgia, 30305, of the contents of such proposal no later than November 10, 2004, to be included in the 2005 Proxy Materials. A shareholder must notify the Company before January 24, 2005 of a proposal for the 2005 Annual Meeting that the shareholder intends to present other than by inclusion in the Company’s proxy material. If the Company does not receive such notice prior to January 24, 2005, proxies solicited by the management of the Company will confer discretionary authority upon the management of the Company to vote upon any such matter.



 
 
 
 
(a)
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
31.1
Section 302 Certification by Chief Executive Officer
 
31.2
Section 302 Certification by Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
32.1
Section 906 Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(b)
Reports on Form 8-K
 
 
 
 
Reports on Form 8-K filed during the First Quarter of 2004:
 
 
 
March 30, 2004: Report on Form 8-K announcing the consummation of Flag’s sale of its Thomaston,
 
Georgia branch (Item 5).
 
 
 
March 23, 2004: Report on Form 8-K announcing the commencement of Flag’s stock repurchase
 
program (Item 5).
 
 
 
January 26, 2004: Report on Form 8-K announcing the fourth quarter and annual earnings for 2003
 
(Item 12).





 
     
 

Flag Financial Corporation and Subsidiary




 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to 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.


 
Flag Financial Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Joseph W Evans
 
Joseph W. Evans
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
May 4, 2004



 
/s/ J. Daniel Speight, Jr.
 
J. Daniel Speight, Jr.
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
May 4, 2004