FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002

 


 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

x   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, OR

 

¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED] FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                          TO                          .

 

Commission file number: 0-25160

 

ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

63-1114426

(State of incorporation

 

(I.R.S. Employer

or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

1927 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203-4009

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(205) 583-3600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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

None

 

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

Common Stock, $1.00 par value

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes  x     No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   ¨

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 28, 2002 was $425,954,249.

 

As of March 12, 2003 the registrant had outstanding 12,369,274 shares of its common stock.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS FORM 10-K:

 

The definitive Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Alabama National BanCorporation’s Stockholders is incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item No.


      

Page No.


 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

  

2

 

   

PART I

      

1.

 

Business

  

3

 

   

Executive Officers

  

11

 

2.

 

Properties

  

12

 

3.

 

Legal Proceedings

  

12

 

4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  

12

 

   

PART II

      

5.

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

  

13

 

6.

 

Selected Financial Data

  

14

 

7.

 

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

  

15

 

7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  

49

 

8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

  

50

 

9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

  

51

 

   

PART III

      

10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

  

51

*

11.

 

Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors

  

51

*

12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters

  

51

*

13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

  

53

*

14.

 

Controls and Procedures

  

53

 

   

PART IV

      

15.

 

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

  

54

 

SIGNATURES

  

55

 

CERTIFICATIONS

  

57

 


*   Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 30, 2003 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, other periodic reports filed by Alabama National BanCorporation (the “Company” or “Alabama National”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of Alabama National may include “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which reflect Alabama National’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such forward looking statements are based on general assumptions and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the views, beliefs and projections expressed in such statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to:

 

(1)    Possible changes in economic and business conditions that may affect the prevailing interest rates, the prevailing rates of inflation, or the amount of growth, stagnation, or recession in the global, U.S., and southeastern U.S. economies, the value of investments, collectibility of loans and the profitability of business entities;

 

(2)    Possible changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations, and other activities of governments, agencies and similar organizations;

 

(3)    The effects of easing of restrictions on participants in the financial services industry, such as banks, securities brokers and dealers, investment companies and finance companies, and changes evolving from the enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which became effective in 2000, and attendant changes in patterns and effects of competition in the financial services industry;

 

(4)    The cost and other effects of legal and administrative cases and proceedings, claims, settlements and judgments;

 

(5)    The impact of terrorist activities on the national economy and money markets, particularly in light of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.; and

 

(6)    The ability of Alabama National to achieve the expected operating results related to the acquired operations of recently-completed and future acquisitions (if any), which depends on a variety of factors, including (i) the ability of Alabama National to achieve the anticipated cost savings and revenue enhancements with respect to the acquired operations, (ii) the assimilation of the acquired operations to Alabama National’s corporate culture, including the ability to instill Alabama National’s credit practices and efficient approach to the acquired operations, (iii) the continued growth of the markets in which Alabama National operates consistent with recent historical experience, (iv) the absence of material contingencies related to the acquired operations, including asset quality and litigation contingencies, and (v) Alabama National’s ability to expand into new markets and to maintain profit margins in the face of pricing pressures.

 

The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project” and similar expressions signify forward looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of Alabama National. Any such statement speaks only as of the date the statement was made. Alabama National undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

 

Alabama National BanCorporation (“Alabama National” or “ANB”) is a Delaware bank holding company with its principal place of business in Birmingham, Alabama, and its main office located at 1927 First Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 (Telephone Number: (205) 583-3600). Alabama National is currently the parent of three national banks, National Bank of Commerce of Birmingham (“NBC”) (Birmingham, Alabama and the Birmingham metropolitan area), Citizens & Peoples Bank, National Association (Pensacola, Florida), and Community Bank of Naples, National Association (Naples, Florida); three state member banks, Alabama Exchange Bank (Tuskegee, Alabama), Bank of Dadeville (Dadeville, Alabama) and First Gulf Bank (Baldwin County, Alabama); and five state nonmember banks, First American Bank (Decatur/Huntsville and Auburn/Opelika, Alabama), Public Bank (Metropolitan Orlando and Vero Beach, Florida), Georgia State Bank (Mableton, Georgia), First Citizens Bank, (Talladega, Alabama) and Peoples State Bank of Groveland (Lake County, Florida) (collectively the “Banks”). In addition, Alabama National is currently the ultimate parent of one securities brokerage firm, NBC Securities, Inc. (Birmingham, Alabama); one receivables factoring company, Corporate Billing, Inc. (Decatur, Alabama); and one insurance agency, ANB Insurance Services, Inc. (headquartered in Decatur, Alabama).

 

Recent Developments

 

Potential Acquisition of Millennium Bank.

 

On January 28, 2002, Alabama National entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Millennium Bank of Gainesville, Florida (the “Millennium Merger Agreement”). Millennium Bank had assets of approximately $99 million and deposits of approximately $83 million as of December 31, 2002. Pursuant to the Millennium Merger Agreement, Millennium Bank will merge with a newly formed subsidiary of Alabama National and will thereby become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alabama National. The Millennium Merger Agreement provides that upon the merger, Millennium Bank shareholders will receive approximately $1.52 in cash and 0.63115 shares of Alabama National common stock for each Millennium Bank share. Upon a decline in Alabama National’s share price and subject to certain limits, Millennium Bank shareholders will receive additional cash consideration. In addition, Millennium Bank shareholders have the option to receive additional cash, subject to certain limits, rather than shares of Alabama National common stock. Assuming no such share price decline and assuming no Millennium Bank shareholders elect to receive cash rather than Alabama National’s common stock, Millennium Bank shareholders will receive in the aggregate approximately $1.12 million in cash and 520,000 Alabama National shares and share equivalents. The merger is subject to regulatory approval, Millennium Bank shareholder approval and certain other conditions. Alabama National expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2003.

 

Subsidiary Banks

 

Alabama National operates through eleven subsidiary Banks which have a total of 66 banking offices and three insurance offices (where no banking is conducted) in the states of Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The Banks focus on traditional consumer, residential mortgage, commercial and real estate construction lending, and equipment leasing to customers in their market areas. The Banks also offer a variety of deposit programs to individuals and small businesses and other organizations at interest rates generally consistent with local market conditions. NBC offers trust services, investment services and securities brokerage services. In addition, the Banks offer individual retirement and KEOGH accounts, safe deposit and night depository facilities and additional services such as the sale of traveler’s checks, money orders and cashier’s checks.

 

 

Lending Activities

 

General

 

Through the Banks, Alabama National offers a range of lending services, including real estate, consumer and commercial loans, to individuals and small businesses and other organizations that are located in or conduct a substantial portion of their business in the Banks’ market areas. Alabama National’s total loans and leases, net

 

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of unearned interest, at December 31, 2002, were approximately $2.2 billion, or approximately 72.2% of total earning assets. The interest rates charged on loans vary with the degree of risk, maturity and amount of the loan and are further subject to competitive pressures, money market rates, availability of funds and government regulations. Alabama National has no “foreign loans” or loans for “highly leveraged transactions,” as such terms are defined by applicable banking regulations.

 

Loan and Lease Portfolio

 

Real Estate Loans.    Loans secured by real estate are the primary component of Alabama National’s loan portfolio, constituting approximately $1.6 billion, or 74.4 % of total loans and leases, net of unearned interest, at December 31, 2002. The Banks often take real estate as an additional source of collateral to secure commercial and industrial loans. Such loans are classified as real estate loans rather than commercial and industrial loans if the real estate collateral is considered significant as a secondary source of repayment for the loan. The Banks’ real estate loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and residential mortgages. Residential mortgages held in the Banks’ loan portfolio, both fixed and variable, are made based upon amortization schedules of up to 30 years but generally have maturity dates of five years or less. The Banks’ commercial mortgages accrue at either variable or fixed rates. The variable rates approximate current market rates. Construction loans are made on a variable rate basis. Origination fees are normally charged for most loans secured by real estate. The Banks’ primary type of residential mortgage loan is the single-family first mortgage, typically structured with fixed or adjustable interest rates, based on market conditions. These loans usually have terms of five years, with payments through the date of maturity generally based on a 15 or 30 year amortization schedule.

 

The Banks originate residential loans for sale into the secondary market. Such loans are made in accordance with underwriting standards set by the purchaser of the loan, normally as to loan-to-value ratio, interest rate and documentation. Such loans are generally made under a commitment to purchase from a loan purchaser. The Banks generally collect from the borrower or purchaser a combination of the origination fee, discount points and/or service release fee. During 2002, the Banks sold approximately $600 million in loans to such purchasers.

 

The Banks’ nonresidential mortgage loans include commercial, industrial and unimproved real estate loans. The Banks generally require nonresidential mortgage loans to have an 80% loan-to-value ratio and usually underwrite their commercial loans on the basis of the borrower’s cash flow and ability to service the debt from earnings, rather than on the basis of the value of the collateral. Terms on construction loans are usually less than twelve months, and the Banks typically require real estate mortgages and personal guarantees supported by financial statements and a review of the guarantor’s personal finances.

 

Consumer Loans.    Consumer lending includes installment lending to individuals in the Banks’ market areas and generally consists of loans to purchase automobiles and other consumer durable goods. Consumer loans constituted $78.3 million, or 3.6% of Alabama National’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2002. Consumer loans are underwritten based on the borrower’s income, current debt level, past credit history and collateral. Consumer rates are both variable and fixed, with terms negotiable. Terms generally range from one to five years depending on the nature and condition of the collateral. Periodic amortization, generally monthly, is typically required.

 

Commercial and Financial Loans.    The Banks make loans for commercial purposes in various lines of business. These loans are typically made on terms up to five years at fixed or variable rates. The loans are secured by various types of collateral including accounts receivable, inventory or, in the case of equipment loans, the financed equipment. The Banks attempt to reduce their credit risk on commercial loans by underwriting the loan based on the borrower’s cash flow and its ability to service the debt from earnings, and by limiting the loan to value ratio. Historically, the Banks have typically loaned up to 80% on loans secured by accounts receivable, up to 50% on loans secured by inventory, and up to 100% on loans secured by equipment. The Banks also make some unsecured commercial loans and offer equipment leasing. Commercial and financial loans constituted $253.6 million, or 11.6% of Alabama National’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2002. Interest rates are negotiable based upon the borrower’s financial condition, credit history, management stability and collateral.

 

4


 

Credit Procedures and Review

 

Loan Approval.    Certain credit risks are inherent in making loans. These include prepayment risks, risks resulting from uncertainties in the future value of collateral, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions and risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers. In particular, longer maturities increase the risk that economic conditions will change and adversely affect collectibility.

 

Alabama National attempts to minimize loan losses through various means and uses standardized underwriting criteria. Alabama National has established a standardized loan policy for all of the Banks that may be modified based on local market conditions. In particular, on larger credits, Alabama National generally relies on the cash flow of a debtor as the source of repayment and secondarily on the value of the underlying collateral. In addition, Alabama National attempts to utilize shorter loan terms in order to reduce the risk of a decline in the value of such collateral.

 

Alabama National addresses repayment risks by adhering to internal credit policies and procedures which all of the Banks have adopted. These policies and procedures include officer and customer lending limits, a multi-layered loan approval process for larger loans, documentation examination and follow-up procedures for any exceptions to credit policies. The point in each Bank’s loan approval process at which a loan is approved depends on the size of the borrower’s credit relationship with such Bank. Each of the lending officers at each of the Banks has the authority to approve loans up to an approved loan authority amount as approved by each Bank’s Board of Directors. Loans in excess of the highest loan authority amount at each Bank must be approved by Alabama National’s President and Chief Operating Officer. In addition, loans in excess of a particular loan officer’s approval authority must be approved by a more senior officer at the particular Bank, the loan committee at such Bank, or both.

 

Loan Review.    Alabama National maintains a continuous loan review system for each of NBC and First American Bank and a scheduled review system for the other Banks. Under this system, each loan officer is directly responsible for monitoring the risk in his portfolio and is required to maintain risk ratings for each credit assigned. The risk rating system incorporates the basic regulatory rating system as set forth in the applicable regulatory asset quality examination procedures.

 

Alabama National’s Loan Review Department (“LRD”), which is wholly independent of the lending function, serves as a validation of each loan officer’s risk monitoring and rating system. LRD’s primary function is to provide the Board of Directors of each Bank with a thorough understanding of the credit quality of such Bank’s loan portfolio. Other review requirements are in place to provide management with early warning systems for problem credits as well as compliance with stated lending policies. LRD’s findings are reported, along with an asset quality review, to the Alabama National Board of Directors at each bi-monthly meeting.

 

Deposits

 

The principal sources of funds for the Banks are core deposits, consisting of demand deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, money market accounts, savings deposits and certificates of deposit. Transaction accounts include checking and negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) accounts which customers use for cash management and which provide the Banks with a source of fee income and cross-marketing opportunities, as well as a low-cost source of funds. Time and savings accounts also provide a relatively stable and low-cost source of funding. The largest source of funds for the Banks are certificates of deposit. Certificates of deposit in excess of $100,000 are held primarily by customers in the Banks’ market areas.

 

Deposit rates are reviewed weekly by senior management of each of the Banks. Management believes that the rates the Banks offer are competitive with those offered by other institutions in the Banks’ market areas. Alabama National focuses on customer service to attract and retain deposits.

 

 

5


 

Investment Services

 

NBC operates an investment department devoted primarily to handling correspondent banks’ investment needs. Services provided by the investment department include the sale of securities, asset/liability consulting, safekeeping and bond accounting.

 

Securities Brokerage and Trust Division

 

NBC’s wholly owned subsidiary, NBC Securities, Inc. (“NBC Securities”), is licensed as a broker-dealer. Started in 1995, NBC Securities provides investment services to individuals and institutions. These services include the sale of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, margin loans, other insurance products and financial planning. NBC Securities has a total of 58 investment advisors located in the following markets: Auburn/Opelika, Birmingham, Decatur, Fairhope, Foley, Gadsden, Gulf Shores, Huntsville, and Mobile, Alabama; Clermont, Naples, Pensacola, and Tallahassee, Florida; Atlanta and Mableton, Georgia; Central City, Kentucky; and Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. NBC also operates a trust division that manages the assets of both corporate and individual customers located primarily in the Birmingham, Alabama market. The division’s corporate trust services include managing and servicing retirement plan accounts such as pension, profit sharing and 401(k) plans.

 

Mortgage Lending Division

 

Substantially all of the Banks operate mortgage lending divisions that make home loans to individuals located in the markets served by the Banks. The majority of these loans are sold to corporate investors, who also service the loans.

 

Insurance Services Division

 

Alabama National’s First American Bank subsidiary purchased an existing insurance agency, Rankin Insurance Services, Inc., in 1999. Rankin Insurance, now operating under the name ANB Insurance Services Inc., is a full service independent property and casualty insurance agency headquartered in Decatur, Alabama.

 

Competition

 

The Banks encounter strong competition in making loans, acquiring deposits and attracting customers for investment and trust services. Competition among financial institutions is based upon interest rates offered on deposit accounts, interest rates charged on loans, other credit and service charges relating to loans, the quality and scope of the services rendered, the convenience of banking facilities and, in the case of loans to commercial borrowers, relative lending limits. The Banks compete with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, brokerage and investment banking companies, and other financial intermediaries operating in Alabama and elsewhere. Many of these competitors, some of which are affiliated with large bank holding companies, have substantially greater resources and lending limits, and may offer certain services that the Banks do not currently provide. In addition, many of Alabama National’s non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive federal regulations that govern bank or thrift holding companies and federally insured banks or thrifts.

 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, effective March 11, 2000, permits bank holding companies to become financial holding companies and thereby affiliate with securities firms and insurance companies and engage in other activities that are financial in nature. See Supervision and Regulation.” Under the Act, securities firms and insurance companies that elect to become financial holding companies may acquire banks and other financial institutions. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which represents the most sweeping reform of financial services regulation in over sixty years, may significantly change the competitive environment in which Alabama National and the Banks conduct business. At this time, however, it is not possible to predict the full effect that the Act will have on Alabama National. One consequence may be increased competition from large financial services companies that will be permitted to provide many types of financial services, including bank products, to their customers.

 

6


 

The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. These technological advances may diminish the importance of depository institutions and other financial intermediaries in the transfer of funds between parties.

 

The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the “IBBEA”) authorized bank holding companies to acquire banks and other bank holding companies without geographic limitations beginning September 30, 1995. In addition, beginning on June 1, 1997, the IBBEA authorized interstate mergers and consolidations of existing banks, provided that neither bank’s home state had opted out of interstate branching by May 31, 1997. The States of Alabama, Georgia and Florida have opted in to interstate branching. Interstate branching provides that once a bank has established branches in a state through an interstate merger, the bank may establish and acquire additional branches at any location in the state where any bank involved in the interstate merger could have established or acquired branches under applicable federal or state law.

 

Size gives the larger banks certain advantages in competing for business from large corporations. These advantages include higher lending limits and the ability to offer services in other areas of Alabama and the southeast region. Some of Alabama National’s competitors still maintain substantially greater resources and lending limits than Alabama National. As a result, Alabama National has not generally attempted to compete for the banking relationships of large corporations, and generally concentrates its efforts on small to medium-sized businesses and individuals to which Alabama National believes it can compete effectively by offering quality, personal service. However, management believes it may be able to compete more effectively for the business of some large corporations, given its current growth pattern.

 

Management believes that the Banks’ commitment to their respective primary market areas, as well as their commitment to quality and personalized banking services, are factors that contribute to the Banks’ competitiveness. Management believes that Alabama National’s decentralized community banking strategy positions the Banks to compete successfully in their market areas.

 

Market Areas and Growth Strategy

 

Through NBC, Alabama National serves the metropolitan Birmingham market, which includes portions of Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair Counties. Alabama National’s First American Bank subsidiary serves Morgan, Limestone and Madison Counties in north Alabama and Lee County in east central Alabama. First American’s largest market presence is in Decatur, Alabama, which has demonstrated a growing economic base in recent years. First American also acquired two branches in Huntsville, Alabama from another bank holding company during 2000 and has experienced significant growth in this market. First American entered the Lee County market, which includes the communities of Auburn and Opelika, with the December 2001 acquisition of Farmers National Bancshares, Inc. Lee County is also one of Alabama’s higher growth counties. Through First Gulf Bank, Alabama National serves Baldwin County, Alabama. Located between Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida, Baldwin County has a broad base of economic activity in the retail and service, agriculture, seafood, tourism and manufacturing industries. Baldwin County includes the popular tourism and retirement resort communities of Gulf Shores and Fairhope. Shelby, Baldwin, Lee and St. Clair Counties have been named in statistical surveys as four of the fastest growing counties in Alabama.

 

In 1997, Alabama National expanded outside of Alabama with the opening of Citizens & Peoples Bank, N.A. in Escambia County, Florida. In 1998, Alabama National further expanded its presence in markets outside of Alabama with two acquisitions in Florida and one in Georgia. Public Bank is located in the fast-growing greater Orlando area, with offices in Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee and St. Cloud, Florida. Public Bank also expanded to the Atlantic Coast in September 2001 with the opening of its first branch office in Vero Beach, Florida, followed by the opening of a second branch office in Vero Beach in late 2002. Community Bank of Naples, N.A., located in Collier County, Florida, and Georgia State Bank, located in the greater-Atlanta counties of Cobb, Douglas and Paulding, are located in markets that are among the fastest growing in their respective states. Effective January 31, 2001, Alabama National expanded its presence in the greater-Orlando area with the

 

7


acquisition of Peoples State Bank of Groveland (“Peoples State Bank”). Peoples State Bank serves customers in the communities of Groveland, Leesburg and Clermont, Florida. The other Banks, First Citizens, Alabama Exchange Bank and Bank of Dadeville, are located in non-metropolitan areas. Each of these three Banks, while experiencing minimal growth due to market growth that has not been significant, typically operates at a high level of profitability. As a result, these Banks tend to produce capital for growth in many of the high growth markets served by the other Banks. Alabama National’s strategy is to focus on growth in profitability for these non-metropolitan banks, since market growth has not been as significant.

 

Due to continuing consolidation within the banking industry, as well as in the Southeastern United States, Alabama National may in the future seek to combine with other banks or thrifts (or their holding companies) that may be of smaller, equal or greater size than Alabama National. Alabama National currently intends to concentrate on acquisitions of additional banks or thrifts (or their holding companies) which operate in attractive market areas in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. In addition to price and terms, the factors considered by Alabama National in determining the desirability of a business acquisition or combination are financial condition, asset quality, earnings potential, quality of management, market area and competitive environment. As noted above under the heading “Recent Developments,” Alabama National has entered into a Merger Agreement for the acquisition of Millennium Bank of Gainesville, Florida. The Gainesville market is the home of the University of Florida and has shown substantial growth over the last several years.

 

In addition to expansion through combinations with other banks or thrifts, Alabama National intends to continue to expand where possible through growth of its existing banks in their respective market areas. During 1998, NBC formed a commercial leasing division which currently focuses on machinery and equipment leases to business customers. Also, Alabama National is exploring expansion into lines of business closely related to banking and will pursue such expansion if it believes such lines could be profitable without causing undue risk to Alabama National. During 1999, First American Bank acquired Rankin Insurance Services, Inc. (now known as ANB Insurance Services, Inc.), a full service independent property and casualty insurance agency located in Decatur, Alabama. ANB Insurance Services completed the acquisition of two additional insurance agencies in 2002, one headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and one headquartered in Groveland, Florida. ANB Insurance Services has agents in most of the markets serviced by the Banks. While Alabama National plans to continue its growth as described above, there is no assurance that its efforts will be successful.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2002, Alabama National and the Banks together had approximately 1,195 full-time equivalent employees. None of these employees is a party to a collective bargaining agreement. Alabama National considers its relations with its employees to be good.

 

Supervision and Regulation

 

Alabama National and the Banks are subject to state and federal banking laws and regulations which impose specific requirements and restrictions on, and provide for general regulatory oversight with respect to, virtually all aspects of operations. These laws and regulations are generally intended to protect depositors, not stockholders. To the extent that the following summary describes statutory or regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions. Any change in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on the business and prospects of Alabama National.

 

Beginning with the enactment of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”) and following in December 1991 with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Act (“FDICIA”), numerous additional regulatory requirements have been placed on the banking industry and additional changes have been proposed. The operations of Alabama National and the Banks may be affected by legislative changes and the policies of various regulatory authorities. Alabama National is unable to predict the nature or the extent of the effect on its business and earnings that fiscal or monetary policies, economic control, or new federal or state legislation may have in the future.

 

8


 

As a bank holding company, Alabama National is subject to the regulation, examination and supervision of the Federal Reserve. The Banks are subject to supervision, examination and regulation by applicable state and federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Banks are also subject to various requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain allowances against deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that may be granted and the interest that may be charged thereon, and limitations on the types of investments that may be made and the types of services that may be offered. Various consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of the Banks. In addition to the impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve as it attempts to control the money supply and credit availability in order to influence the economy.

 

Pursuant to the IBBEA, bank holding companies from any state may now acquire banks located in any other state, subject to certain conditions, including concentration limits. A bank may establish branches across state lines by merging with a bank in another state (unless applicable state law prohibits such interstate mergers), provided certain conditions are met. A bank may also establish a de novo branch in a state in which the bank does not maintain a branch if that state expressly permits such interstate de novo branching and certain other conditions are met.

 

There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries by federal law and regulatory policy that are designed to reduce potential loss exposure to the depositors of such depository institutions and to the FDIC insurance fund in the event the depository institution becomes in danger of default or is in default. For example, under a policy of the Federal Reserve with respect to bank holding company operations, a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so absent such policy. In addition, the “cross-guarantee” provisions of federal law require insured depository institutions under common control to reimburse the FDIC for any loss suffered or reasonably anticipated as a result of the default of a commonly controlled insured depository institution or for any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled insured depository institution in danger of default.

 

The federal banking agencies have broad powers under current federal law to take prompt corrective action to resolve problems of insured depository institutions. The extent of these powers depends upon whether the institutions in question are “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized” as such terms are defined under regulations issued by each of the federal banking agencies. In general, the agencies measure capital adequacy within a framework that makes capital requirements sensitive to the risk profiles of individual banking companies. The guidelines define capital as either Tier 1 (primarily common shareholders’ equity) or Tier 2 (certain debt instruments and a portion of the allowance for loan losses). Alabama National and the Banks are subject to a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets) of 4%, a total capital ratio (Tier 1 plus Tier 2 to risk-weighted assets) of 8% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 to average quarterly assets) of 3%. To be considered a “well capitalized” institution, the Tier 1 capital ratio, the total capital ratio, and the Tier 1 leverage ratio must equal or exceed 6%, 10% and 5%, respectively.

 

The Federal Reserve has adopted rules to incorporate market and interest rate risk components into its risk-based capital standards. Amendments to the risk-based capital requirements, incorporating market risk, became effective January 1, 1998. Under these market risk requirements, capital will be allocated to support the amount of market risk related to a financial institution’s ongoing trading activities.

 

The Banks are subject to the provisions of Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act, which place limits on the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, investments in or certain other transactions with affiliates, and on the amount of advances to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates. In general, the Banks’ “affiliates” are Alabama National and Alabama National’s non-bank subsidiaries.

 

 

9


The Banks are also subject to the provisions of Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act that, among other things, prohibit a bank from engaging in certain transactions with affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated companies.

 

The Banks are also subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, certain principal stockholders and their related interests. Such extensions of credit (i) must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties and (ii) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

 

The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) requires that, in connection with examinations of financial institutions within their respective jurisdictions, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC or the OCC shall evaluate the record of the financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those institutions. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. These factors are considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. The CRA also requires all institutions to make public disclosure of their CRA ratings. Each of the Banks received at least a satisfactory rating in its most recent evaluation.

 

There are various legal and regulatory limits on the extent to which the Banks may pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to Alabama National. In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies also have the authority to prevent a bank or bank holding company from paying a dividend or engaging in any other activity that, in the opinion of the agency, would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

 

FDIC regulations require that management report on its responsibility for preparing its institution’s financial statements and for establishing and maintaining an internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting and compliance with designated laws and regulations concerning safety and soundness.

 

The FDIC currently uses a risk-based assessment system for insured depository institutions that takes into account the risks attributable to different categories and concentrations of assets and liabilities. The FDIC recently has proposed changes to its assessment system that are designed to require premium payments by a greater number of banks and other FDIC-insured depository institutions and that also would provide rebates to some institutions. If any of these changes were to take effect, the assessment obligations of the Banks could change.

 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which became effective in 2000, permits bank holding companies to become financial holding companies and thereby affiliate with securities firms and insurance companies and engage in other activities that are financial in nature. A bank holding company may become a financial holding company by filing a declaration if each of its subsidiary banks is well capitalized under the FDICIA prompt corrective action provisions, is well managed, and has at least a satisfactory rating under the CRA. No regulatory approval will be required for a financial holding company to acquire a company, other than a bank or savings association, engaged in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to activities that are financial in nature, as determined by the Federal Reserve. At this time, Alabama National has not registered to become a financial holding company.

 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act broadly defines “financial in nature” to include securities underwriting, dealing and market making; sponsoring mutual funds and investment companies; insurance underwriting and agency; merchant banking; and activities that the Federal Reserve has determined to be closely related to banking. The Act also permits the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the Department of Treasury, to determine that other activities are “financial in nature” and therefore permissible for financial holding companies. A national bank also may engage, subject to limitations on investment, in activities that are financial in nature

 

10


(other than insurance underwriting, insurance company portfolio investment, merchant banking, real estate development and real estate investment) through a financial subsidiary of the bank, if the bank is well capitalized, well managed and has at least a satisfactory CRA rating. Subsidiary banks of a financial holding company or national banks with financial subsidiaries must continue to be well capitalized and well managed in order to continue to engage in activities that are financial in nature without regulatory actions or restrictions, which could include divestiture of the financial subsidiary or subsidiaries. In addition, a financial holding company or a bank may not acquire a company that is engaged in activities that are financial in nature unless each of the subsidiary banks of the financial holding company or the bank at issue has a CRA rating of satisfactory or better. Bank holding companies that have not become financial holding companies are prohibited from engaging in activities other than banking or managing or controlling banks or other permissible subsidiaries and from acquiring or retaining direct or indirect control of any company engaged in any activities other than those activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.

 

The Act preserves the role of the Federal Reserve as the umbrella supervisor for holding companies while at the same time incorporating a system of functional regulation designed to take advantage of the strengths of the various federal and state regulators. In particular, the Act replaces the broad exemption from Securities and Exchange Commission regulation that banks previously enjoyed with more limited exemptions, and it reaffirms that states are the regulators for the insurance activities of all persons, including federally-chartered banks.

 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act also establishes a minimum federal standard of financial privacy. In general, the applicable regulations issued by the various federal regulatory agencies prohibit affected financial institutions (including banks, insurance agencies and broker/dealers) from sharing information about their customers with non-affiliated third parties unless (1) the financial institution has first provided a privacy notice to the customer; (2) the financial institution has given the customer an opportunity to opt out of the disclosure; and (3) the customer has not opted out after being given a reasonable opportunity to do so.

 

On October 26, 2001, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA Patriot Act) was signed into law. The USA Patriot Act broadened the application of anti-money laundering regulations to apply to additional types of financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, and strengthened the ability of the U.S. government to detect and prosecute international money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The principal provisions of Title III of the USA Patriot Act require that regulated financial institutions, including state member banks: (i) establish an anti-money laundering program that includes training and audit components; (ii) comply with regulations regarding the verification of the identity of any person seeking to open an account; (iii) take additional required precautions with non-U.S. owned accounts; and (iv) perform certain verification and certification of money laundering risk for their foreign correspondent banking relationships. The USA Patriot Act also expanded the conditions under which funds in a U.S. interbank account may be subject to forfeiture and increased the penalties for violation of anti-money laundering regulations. Failure of a financial institution to comply with the USA Patriot Act’s requirements could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution. Alabama National has adopted policies, procedures and controls to address compliance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act under the existing regulations and will continue to revise and update its policies, procedures and controls to reflect changes required by the USA Patriot Act and implementing regulations.

 

NBC Securities is a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

The Executive Officers of Alabama National serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Set forth below are the current Executive Officers of Alabama National and a brief explanation of their principal employment during the last five (5) years.

 

John H. Holcomb, III—Age 51—Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Holcomb has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alabama National since 1996. Mr. Holcomb has been Chief Executive Officer of NBC since 1990.

 

11


 

Richard Murray, IV—Age 40—President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Murray has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Alabama National since 2000. Prior to such time, Mr. Murray served as Executive Vice President of Alabama National beginning 1998 and Executive Vice President of NBC beginning 1997. Mr. Murray served as Senior Vice President of NBC from 1990 until 1997.

 

William E. Matthews, V—Age 38—Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Matthews has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alabama National and NBC since 1998. Prior to that date, Mr. Matthews served as Senior Vice President of NBC beginning in 1996.

 

Victor E. Nichol, Jr.—Age 56—Vice Chairman. Mr. Nichol has served as Vice Chairman of Alabama National since 2000. Prior to such time, Mr. Nichol served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Alabama National beginning in 1996. Mr. Nichol has been Executive Vice President of NBC since 1994.

 

Dan M. David—Age 57—Vice Chairman. Mr. David has served as Vice Chairman of Alabama National since November 30, 1997 when First American Bancorp merged with and into Alabama National. Mr. David serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First American Bank, positions he has held since 1995. Mr. David served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First American Bancorp from 1995 through 1997.

 

John R. Bragg—Age 41—Executive Vice President. Mr. Bragg has served as Executive Vice President of Alabama National since 1998 and Executive Vice President of NBC since 1997. Mr. Bragg served as Senior Vice President of NBC from 1992 until 1997.

 

Shelly S. Williams—Age 40—Senior Vice President and Controller. Ms. Williams has served as Senior Vice President and Controller of Alabama National and NBC since 2000. Prior to such time, Ms. Williams served as Vice President and Controller of NBC from 1997 through 2000, and as Assistant Vice President and Assistant Controller of NBC from 1996 to 1997.

 

Company Website

 

Alabama National’s website address is www.alabamanational.com. Alabama National makes available free of charge through its website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material has been filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

 

Alabama National, through the Banks, currently operates 66 banking offices and three insurance offices. Of these offices, Alabama National, through the Banks, owns 56 banking offices without encumbrance and leases an additional 10 banking offices and its three insurance offices. Alabama National, through NBC, leases its principal administrative offices, which are located at 1927 First Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama. See Notes 7 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Alabama National and Subsidiaries included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning at page F-1 for additional information regarding Alabama National’s premises and equipment.

 

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Alabama National, in the normal course of business, is subject to various pending and threatened litigation. Although it is not possible to determine at this point in time, based on consultation with legal counsel, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from such litigation will have a material effect on Alabama National’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS

 

None.

 

12


PART II

 

ITE[]M 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

At March 12, 2003 Alabama National had 1,496 stockholders of record (including shares held in “street” names by nominees who are record holders) and 12,369,274 shares of Alabama National Common Stock outstanding. Alabama National Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and prices are quoted on the NASDAQ/NMS under the symbol “ALAB.”

 

The reported sales price range for Alabama National Common Stock and the dividends declared during each calendar quarter of 2001 and 2002 are shown below:

 

    

High


  

Low


  

Dividends

Declared


2001

                    

First Quarter

  

$

32.00

  

$

22.50

  

$

.23

Second Quarter

  

 

32.45

  

 

27.50

  

 

.23

Third Quarter

  

 

34.99

  

 

25.51

  

 

.23

Fourth Quarter

  

 

35.68

  

 

30.04

  

 

.23

2002

                    

First Quarter

  

$

37.00

  

$

31.60

  

$

.25

Second Quarter

  

 

44.27

  

 

35.45

  

 

.25

Third Quarter

  

 

46.46

  

 

35.52

  

 

.25

Fourth Quarter

  

 

48.23

  

 

39.74

  

 

.25

 

As a bank holding company, Alabama National, except under extraordinary circumstances, will not generate earnings of its own, but will rely solely on dividends paid to it by the Banks as the source of income to meet its expenses and pay dividends. Under normal circumstances, Alabama Nationals’ ability to pay dividends will depend entirely on the ability of the Banks to pay dividends to Alabama National. The Banks are subject to state and federal banking regulations, and the payment of dividends by the Banks is governed by such regulations.

 

The last reported sales price of Alabama National Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ/NMS on March 12, 2003 was $42.00. The prices shown do not reflect retail mark-ups and mark-downs. The market makers for Alabama National Common Stock as of December 31, 2002, were Morgan, Stanley & Co., Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc., Speer, Leeds & Kellogg, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Trident Securities, Inc., Herzog, Heine, Geduld, Inc., Instinet Corporation, RediBook ECN LLC, Knight Securities L.P., Archipelago L.L.C., Island System Corporation, MARKETXT, Inc., Hoefer & Arnett, Incorporated, THE BRUT ECN, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Weeden and Co., Inc., Cincinnati Stock Exchange, The Robinson Humphrey Co., Goldman, Sachs & Co., FTN Financial Securities Corp., NDB Capital Markets, B-Trade Services LLC, Deutsche Banc Alex Brown, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, Susquehanna Capital Group, Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co., MarketTXT—Special Account, and Sterne, Agee & Leach.

 

13


ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(Amounts in thousands, except ratios and per share data)

 

    

Year Ended December 31,


 
    

2002


    

2001(1)


    

2000(1)


    

1999(1)


    

1998(1)


 

Income Statement Data:

                                            

Interest income

  

$

178,147

 

  

$

179,537

 

  

$

171,222

 

  

$

133,106

 

  

$

121,713

 

Interest expense

  

 

65,313

 

  

 

90,393

 

  

 

90,987

 

  

 

62,307

 

  

 

59,064

 

    


  


  


  


  


Net interest income

  

 

112,834

 

  

 

89,144

 

  

 

80,235

 

  

 

70,799

 

  

 

62,649

 

Provision for loan and lease losses

  

 

7,956

 

  

 

3,946

 

  

 

2,506

 

  

 

2,107

 

  

 

1,796

 

    


  


  


  


  


Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses

  

 

104,878

 

  

 

85,198

 

  

 

77,729

 

  

 

68,692

 

  

 

60,853

 

Net securities gains (losses)

  

 

35

 

  

 

246

 

  

 

(119

)

  

 

196

 

  

 

187

 

Noninterest income

  

 

61,129

 

  

 

48,461

 

  

 

33,466

 

  

 

31,120

 

  

 

29,963

 

Noninterest expense

  

 

113,577

 

  

 

92,233

 

  

 

74,111

 

  

 

65,860

 

  

 

64,401

 

    


  


  


  


  


Income before income taxes

  

 

52,465

 

  

 

41,672

 

  

 

36,965

 

  

 

34,148

 

  

 

26,602

 

Provision for income taxes

  

 

16,735

 

  

 

13,232

 

  

 

11,421

 

  

 

10,817

 

  

 

8,504

 

    


  


  


  


  


Income before minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiary

  

 

35,730

 

  

 

28,440

 

  

 

25,544

 

  

 

23,331

 

  

 

18,098

 

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiary

  

 

28

 

  

 

25

 

  

 

26

 

  

 

25

 

  

 

23

 

    


  


  


  


  


Net income

  

$

35,702

 

  

$

28,415

 

  

$

25,518

 

  

$

23,306

 

  

$

18,075

 

    


  


  


  


  


Balance Sheet Data:

                                            

Total assets

  

$

3,316,168

 

  

$

2,843,467

 

  

$

2,358,285

 

  

$

2,025,503

 

  

$

1,751,724

 

Earning assets

  

 

3,034,980

 

  

 

2,612,806

 

  

 

2,140,562

 

  

 

1,811,312

 

  

 

1,563,967

 

Securities

  

 

700,333

 

  

 

567,688

 

  

 

386,059

 

  

 

353,923

 

  

 

333,898

 

Loans held for sale

  

 

51,030

 

  

 

36,554

 

  

 

5,226

 

  

 

8,615

 

  

 

19,047

 

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

  

 

2,191,394

 

  

 

1,964,169

 

  

 

1,710,810

 

  

 

1,403,489

 

  

 

1,147,100

 

Allowance for loan and lease losses

  

 

32,704

 

  

 

28,519

 

  

 

22,368

 

  

 

19,111

 

  

 

17,465

 

Deposits

  

 

2,330,395

 

  

 

2,066,759

 

  

 

1,807,095

 

  

 

1,529,251

 

  

 

1,345,017

 

Short-term debt

  

 

152,100

 

  

 

68,350

 

  

 

91,439

 

  

 

24,389

 

  

 

21,700

 

Long-term debt

  

 

240,065

 

  

 

209,631

 

  

 

83,926

 

  

 

124,005

 

  

 

32,328

 

Stockholders’ equity

  

 

234,492

 

  

 

207,886

 

  

 

171,604

 

  

 

146,280

 

  

 

138,515

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding—Diluted(2)

  

 

12,683

 

  

 

12,141

 

  

 

11,973

 

  

 

12,008

 

  

 

11,908

 

Per Common Share Data:

                                            

Net income—diluted

  

$

2.81

 

  

$

2.34

 

  

$

2.13

 

  

$

1.94

 

  

$

1.52

 

Book value (period end)

  

 

18.95

 

  

 

16.84

 

  

 

14.56

 

  

 

12.40

 

  

 

11.83

 

Tangible book value (period end)

  

 

17.28

 

  

 

15.31

 

  

 

13.34

 

  

 

11.49

 

  

 

11.13

 

Dividends declared

  

 

1.00

 

  

 

0.92

 

  

 

0.84

 

  

 

0.72

 

  

 

0.60

 

Performance Ratios:

                                            

Return on average assets

  

 

1.18

%

  

 

1.12

%

  

 

1.17

%

  

 

1.26

%

  

 

1.09

%

Return on average equity

  

 

16.01

 

  

 

15.40

 

  

 

16.29

 

  

 

16.11

 

  

 

13.57

 

Net interest margin(3)

  

 

4.07

 

  

 

3.83

 

  

 

4.03

 

  

 

4.23

 

  

 

4.28

 

Net interest margin (taxable equivalent) (3)

  

 

4.11

 

  

 

3.88

 

  

 

4.08

 

  

 

4.30

 

  

 

4.35

 

Asset Quality Ratios:

                                            

Allowance for loan and lease losses to period end loans(4)

  

 

1.49

%

  

 

1.45

%

  

 

1.31

%

  

 

1.36

%

  

 

1.52

%

Allowance for loan and lease losses to period end nonperforming loans(5)

                                            
  

 

318.07

 

  

 

377.09

 

  

 

614.17

 

  

 

431.11

 

  

 

330.78

 

Net charge-offs to average loans and leases(4)

  

 

0.18

 

  

 

0.09

 

  

 

0.04

 

  

 

0.04

 

  

 

0.01

 

Nonperforming assets to period end loans and leases and foreclosed property(4)(5)

  

 

0.59

 

  

 

0.47

 

  

 

0.30

 

  

 

0.38

 

  

 

0.57

 

Capital and Liquidity Ratios:

                                            

Average equity to average assets

  

 

7.36

%

  

 

7.28

%

  

 

7.16

%

  

 

7.80

%

  

 

8.03

%

Leverage (4.00% required minimum)(6)

  

 

7.52

 

  

 

7.61

 

  

 

6.83

 

  

 

7.23

 

  

 

7.51

 

Risk-based capital

                                            

Tier 1 (4.00% required minumum)(6)

  

 

10.00

 

  

 

9.92

 

  

 

8.86

 

  

 

9.46

 

  

 

10.18

 

Total (8.00% required minimum)(6)

  

 

11.26

 

  

 

11.17

 

  

 

10.11

 

  

 

10.70

 

  

 

11.43

 

Average loans and leases to average deposits

  

 

96.44

 

  

 

97.74

 

  

 

94.04

 

  

 

89.00

 

  

 

83.00

 

 

14



(1)   On January 31, 2001, Peoples State Bank of Groveland (“PSB”) merged with a newly formed subsidiary of Alabama National, whereby PSB became a wholly owned subsidiary of Alabama National (“the PSB Merger”). On December 31, 1998, Community Bank of Naples, N.A. (“Naples”) merged with and into a subsidiary of Alabama National (the “Naples Merger”). On October 2, 1998, Community Financial Corporation (“CFC”) merged with and into Alabama National (the “CFC Merger”). On May 29, 1998, Public Bank Corporation (“PBC”) merged with and into Alabama National (the “PBC Merger”). Because these mergers were accounted for as pooling-of-interests, the historical Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data for all periods have been restated to include the results of operations of PSB, Naples, CFC, and PBC from the earliest period presented, except for dividends per common share. (See Note 2 to Alabama National’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report).

 

(2)   The weighted average common shares include those of PSB, Naples, CFC and PBC at the applicable exchange ratios.

 

(3)   Net interest income divided by average earning assets.

 

(4)   Does not include loans held for sale.

 

(5)   Nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets include loans past due 90 days or more that are still accruing interest. It is Alabama National’s policy to place all loans on nonaccrual status when over ninety days past due.

 

(6)   Based upon fully phased-in requirements.

 

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

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The following is a discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition of Alabama National BanCorporation (“Alabama National”) and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods indicated. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies of Alabama National conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general financial service industry practices.

 

The historical consolidated financial statements of Alabama National and the “FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA” derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of Alabama National are set forth elsewhere herein. This discussion should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements and selected consolidated financial data and the other financial information included in this Annual Report.

 

15


Selected Bank Financial Data

 

Alabama National’s success is dependent upon the financial performance of its subsidiary banks (the “Banks”). Alabama National, with input from the management of each Bank, establishes operating goals for each Bank. The following tables summarize selected financial information for 2002 and 2001 for each of the Banks.

 

SELECTED BANK FINANCIAL DATA

(Amounts in thousands, except ratios)

 

   

December 31, 2002


 
   

National Bank of Commerce


    

Alabama Exchange Bank


    

Bank of Dadeville


    

Citizens & Peoples Bank, N.A.


   

First American Bank


   

First Citizens Bank


   

First Gulf Bank


   

Peoples State Bank


   

Public Bank


   

Georgia State Bank


    

Community Bank of Naples, N.A.


 

Summary of Operations:

                                                                                           

Interest income

 

$

56,945

 

  

$

4,794

 

  

$

4,605

 

  

$

5,129

 

 

$

46,662

 

 

$

6,008

 

 

$

11,965

 

 

$

9,437

 

 

$

7,861

 

 

$

14,708

 

  

$

10,858

 

Interest expense

 

 

21,387

 

  

 

1,193

 

  

 

1,465

 

  

 

1,733

 

 

 

17,387

 

 

 

2,055

 

 

 

4,083

 

 

 

3,366

 

 

 

2,891

 

 

 

5,412

 

  

 

3,717

 

Net interest income

 

 

35,558

 

  

 

3,601

 

  

 

3,140

 

  

 

3,396

 

 

 

29,275

 

 

 

3,953

 

 

 

7,882

 

 

 

6,071

 

 

 

4,970

 

 

 

9,296

 

  

 

7,141

 

Provision for loan and lease losses

 

 

3,763

 

  

 

133

 

  

 

40

 

  

 

270

 

 

 

400

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

630

 

 

 

789

 

 

 

700

 

 

 

490

 

  

 

721

 

Securities gains

 

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

—  

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

—  

 

 

 

—  

 

 

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

Noninterest income

 

 

36,464

 

  

 

643

 

  

 

733

 

  

 

795

 

 

 

12,624

 

 

 

917

 

 

 

3,668

 

 

 

1,284

 

 

 

2,131

 

 

 

2,569

 

  

 

1,233

 

Noninterest expense

 

 

47,392

 

  

 

2,370

 

  

 

1,823

 

  

 

2,349

 

 

 

27,850

 

 

 

2,334

 

 

 

7,108

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

3,952

 

 

 

6,601

 

  

 

3,552

 

Net income

 

 

14,292

 

  

 

1,190

 

  

 

1,402

 

  

 

988

 

 

 

9,258

 

 

 

1,901

 

 

 

2,524

 

 

 

1,733

 

 

 

1,525

 

 

 

3,179

 

  

 

2,581

 

Balance Sheet Highlights:

                                                                                           

At Period-End:

                                                                                           

Total assets

 

$

1,283,862

 

  

$

78,193

 

  

$

73,029

 

  

$

92,564

 

 

$

769,660

 

 

$

103,371

 

 

$

218,568

 

 

$

151,804

 

 

$

141,564

 

 

$

228,543

 

  

$

206,947

 

Securities

 

 

340,013

 

  

 

26,300

 

  

 

20,715

 

  

 

13,180

 

 

 

96,168

 

 

 

45,817

 

 

 

28,240

 

 

 

35,412

 

 

 

21,830

 

 

 

52,420

 

  

 

20,158

 

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

 

 

746,271

 

  

 

39,564

 

  

 

45,008

 

  

 

69,189

 

 

 

571,066

 

 

 

42,366

 

 

 

161,793

 

 

 

100,255

 

 

 

102,750

 

 

 

142,404

 

  

 

169,808

 

Allowance for loan and lease losses

 

 

10,417

 

  

 

668

 

  

 

644

 

  

 

975

 

 

 

9,335

 

 

 

615

 

 

 

2,263

 

 

 

1,810

 

 

 

1,564

 

 

 

2,013

 

  

 

2,400

 

Deposits

 

 

691,675

 

  

 

66,157

 

  

 

59,839

 

  

 

75,037

 

 

 

618,990

 

 

 

84,418

 

 

 

171,784

 

 

 

134,088

 

 

 

120,922

 

 

 

176,295

 

  

 

143,897

 

Short-term debt

 

 

60,000

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

4,000

 

 

 

28,000

 

 

 

7,000

 

 

 

17,000

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

—  

 

 

 

—  

 

  

 

13,000

 

Long-term debt

 

 

111,056

 

  

 

5,000

 

  

 

5,000

 

  

 

3,000

 

 

 

37,009

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

11,000

 

 

 

—  

 

 

 

8,000

 

 

 

15,000

 

  

 

16,000

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

88,270

 

  

 

6,396

 

  

 

5,765

 

  

 

6,578

 

 

 

70,200

 

 

 

7,297

 

 

 

15,927

 

 

 

11,225

 

 

 

11,254

 

 

 

18,412

 

  

 

15,081

 

Performance Ratios:

                                                                                           

Return on average assets

 

 

1.28

%

  

 

1.51

%

  

 

1.93

%

  

 

1.17

%

 

 

1.28

%

 

 

1.95

%

 

 

1.21

%

 

 

1.20

%

 

 

1.22

%

 

 

1.39

%

  

 

1.41

%

Return on average equity

 

 

16.70

 

  

 

18.18

 

  

 

23.66

 

  

 

16.62

 

 

 

13.95

 

 

 

25.19

 

 

 

16.79

 

 

 

16.01

 

 

 

15.76

 

 

 

18.31

 

  

 

20.54

 

Net interest margin

 

 

3.44

 

  

 

5.05

 

  

 

4.75

 

  

 

4.39

 

 

 

4.46

 

 

 

4.41

 

 

 

4.13

 

 

 

4.51

 

 

 

4.30

 

 

 

4.41

 

  

 

4.48

 

Capital and Liquidity Ratios:

                                                                                           

Average equity to average assets

 

 

7.69

 

  

 

8.33

 

  

 

8.17

 

  

 

7.02

 

 

 

9.19

 

 

 

7.72

 

 

 

7.23

 

 

 

7.52

 

 

 

7.73

 

 

 

7.57

 

  

 

6.86

 

Leverage (4.00% required minimum)

 

 

7.51

 

  

 

7.27

 

  

 

7.91

 

  

 

7.17

 

 

 

7.48

 

 

 

7.00

 

 

 

7.30

 

 

 

7.15

 

 

 

8.05

 

 

 

7.45

 

  

 

7.40

 

Risk-based capital

                                                                                           

Tier 1 (4.00% required minimum)

 

 

9.96

 

  

 

13.35

 

  

 

12.54

 

  

 

9.74

 

 

 

9.14

 

 

 

13.50

 

 

 

10.06

 

 

 

11.00

 

 

 

9.88

 

 

 

11.59

 

  

 

9.60

 

Total (8.00% required minimum)

 

 

11.14

 

  

 

14.61

 

  

 

13.79

 

  

 

11.00

 

 

 

10.39

 

 

 

14.71

 

 

 

11.31

 

 

 

12.26

 

 

 

11.13

 

 

 

12.85

 

  

 

10.85

 

Average loans and leases to average deposits

 

 

119.67

 

  

 

59.27

 

  

 

75.73

 

  

 

88.42

 

 

 

92.72

 

 

 

52.22

 

 

 

96.14

 

 

 

81.81

 

 

 

86.16

 

 

 

75.56

 

  

 

112.07

 

 

16


SELECTED BANK FINANCIAL DATA

(Amounts in thousands, except ratios)

 

   

December 31, 2001


 
   

National Bank of Commerce


    

Alabama Exchange Bank


    

Bank of Dadeville


    

Citizens & Peoples Bank, N.A.


    

First American Bank


    

First Citizens Bank


    

First Gulf Bank


    

Peoples State Bank


    

Public Bank


    

Georgia State Bank


    

Community Bank of Naples, N.A.


 

Summary of Operations:

                                                                                                 

Interest income

 

$

66,266

 

  

$

5,326

 

  

$

5,254

 

  

$

4,340

 

  

$

37,547

 

  

$

6,653

 

  

$

12,897

 

  

$

10,417

 

  

$

7,222

 

  

$

14,936

 

  

$

10,144

 

Interest expense

 

 

35,830

 

  

 

1,811

 

  

 

2,285

 

  

 

2,529

 

  

 

18,537

 

  

 

3,189

 

  

 

5,936

 

  

 

4,903

 

  

 

3,480

 

  

 

7,305

 

  

 

4,607

 

Net interest income .

 

 

30,436

 

  

 

3,515

 

  

 

2,969

 

  

 

1,811

 

  

 

19,010

 

  

 

3,464

 

  

 

6,961

 

  

 

5,514

 

  

 

3,742

 

  

 

7,631

 

  

 

5,537

 

Provision for loan and lease losses

 

 

1,100

 

  

 

160

 

  

 

87

 

  

 

242

 

  

 

510

 

  

 

20

 

  

 

537

 

  

 

225

 

  

 

340

 

  

 

350

 

  

 

375

 

Securities gains

 

 

140

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

15

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

11

 

  

 

80

 

Noninterest income

 

 

29,745

 

  

 

681

 

  

 

660

 

  

 

422

 

  

 

8,065

 

  

 

804

 

  

 

2,900

 

  

 

1,040

 

  

 

1,406

 

  

 

2,149

 

  

 

1,038

 

Noninterest expense

 

 

41,513

 

  

 

2,252

 

  

 

1,651

 

  

 

1,578

 

  

 

17,915

 

  

 

2,124

 

  

 

5,924

 

  

 

4,251

 

  

 

3,131

 

  

 

5,343

 

  

 

3,152

 

Net income

 

 

12,299

 

  

 

1,225

 

  

 

1,353

 

  

 

275

 

  

 

5,918

 

  

 

1,638

 

  

 

2,224

 

  

 

1,293

 

  

 

1,051

 

  

 

2,733

 

  

 

2,000

 

Balance Sheet Highlights:

                                                                                                 

At Period-End:

                                                                                                 

Total assets

 

$

1,080,094

 

  

$

75,982

 

  

$

69,833

 

  

$

76,518

 

  

$

691,692

 

  

$

93,907

 

  

$

189,176

 

  

$

133,143

 

  

$

111,825

 

  

$

219,461

 

  

$

159,297

 

Securities

 

 

238,484

 

  

 

25,459

 

  

 

14,108

 

  

 

14,307

 

  

 

95,977

 

  

 

41,340

 

  

 

16,638

 

  

 

19,522

 

  

 

19,637

 

  

 

66,616

 

  

 

15,520

 

Loans and leases, net of unearned income .

                                                                                                 
 

 

710,418

 

  

 

39,063

 

  

 

48,770

 

  

 

52,852

 

  

 

496,079

 

  

 

43,348

 

  

 

144,033

 

  

 

102,305

 

  

 

76,860

 

  

 

118,987

 

  

 

129,769

 

Allowance for loan and lease losses

 

 

9,449

 

  

 

579

 

  

 

641

 

  

 

702

 

  

 

8,745

 

  

 

590

 

  

 

1,960

 

  

 

1,527

 

  

 

1,031

 

  

 

1,613

 

  

 

1,682

 

Deposits

 

 

579,350

 

  

 

64,033

 

  

 

58,120

 

  

 

58,117

 

  

 

584,337

 

  

 

79,924

 

  

 

150,256

 

  

 

116,690

 

  

 

94,579

 

  

 

168,724

 

  

 

117,892

 

Short-term debt

 

 

25,000

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

4,000

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

6,000

 

  

 

4,000

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

13,000

 

Long-term debt

 

 

106,077

 

  

 

5,000

 

  

 

5,000

 

  

 

2,000

 

  

 

28,020

 

  

 

6,000

 

  

 

16,000

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

5,000

 

  

 

15,000

 

  

 

6,000

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

82,061

 

  

 

6,323

 

  

 

5,677

 

  

 

5,006

 

  

 

63,013

 

  

 

7,190

 

  

 

13,660

 

  

 

9,902

 

  

 

8,623

 

  

 

15,399

 

  

 

10,942

 

Performance Ratios:

                                                                                                 

Return on average assets

 

 

1.22

%

  

 

1.60

%

  

 

1.90

%

  

 

0.43

%

  

 

1.23

%

  

 

1.72

%

  

 

1.24

%

  

 

0.99

%

  

 

1.05

%

  

 

1.33

%

  

 

1.37

%

Return on average equity

 

 

15.52

 

  

 

18.68

 

  

 

22.92

 

  

 

6.35

 

  

 

13.36

 

  

 

22.08

 

  

 

17.75

 

  

 

13.51

 

  

 

13.98

 

  

 

18.83

 

  

 

20.14

 

Net interest margin

 

 

3.23

 

  

 

5.01

 

  

 

4.54

 

  

 

3.09

 

  

 

4.34

 

  

 

3.93

 

  

 

4.25

 

  

 

4.49

 

  

 

4.10

 

  

 

4.06

 

  

 

4.37

 

Capital and Liquidity Ratios:

                                                                                                 

Average equity to average assets

 

 

7.83

 

  

 

8.55

 

  

 

8.30

 

  

 

6.75

 

  

 

9.24

 

  

 

7.80

 

  

 

7.01

 

  

 

7.32

 

  

 

7.53

 

  

 

7.07

 

  

 

6.82

 

Leverage (4.00% required minimum)

 

 

7.72

 

  

 

7.36

 

  

 

8.17

 

  

 

6.90

 

  

 

9.69

 

  

 

7.17

 

  

 

7.21

 

  

 

7.35

 

  

 

7.97

 

  

 

6.88

 

  

 

6.91

 

Risk-based capital

                                                                                                 

Tier 1 (4.00% required minimum)

 

 

10.60

 

  

 

13.42

 

  

 

11.69

 

  

 

8.85

 

  

 

9.73

 

  

 

13.67

 

  

 

10.12

 

  

 

10.25

 

  

 

9.88

 

  

 

11.12

 

  

 

8.85

 

Total (8.00% required minimum)

 

 

11.83

 

  

 

14.67

 

  

 

12.94

 

  

 

10.10

 

  

 

10.98

 

  

 

14.86

 

  

 

11.37

 

  

 

11.50

 

  

 

11.06

 

  

 

12.28

 

  

 

10.10

 

Average loans and leases to average deposits

 

 

118.73

 

  

 

63.58

 

  

 

83.20

 

  

 

74.35

 

  

 

97.39

 

  

 

55.12

 

  

 

99.65

 

  

 

89.02

 

  

 

81.22

 

  

 

75.73

 

  

 

104.72

 

 

17


 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Alabama National’s accounting policies are critical to understanding the results of operations and financial position as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Significant accounting policies utilized by Alabama National are discussed in more detail in the notes to the consolidated financial statements set forth beginning on page F-1 herein.

 

Some of the more complex technical accounting policies require management to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the valuation of reported assets and liabilities, including associated revenues, expenses, and disclosure. The following briefly describes the more complex policies involving a significant amount of judgments about valuation and the application of complex accounting standards and interpretations.

 

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

Alabama National records estimated probable inherent credit losses in the loan and lease portfolios as an allowance for loan and lease losses. The methodologies and assumptions for determining the adequacy of the overall allowance for loan and lease losses involve significant judgments to be made by management. Some of the more critical judgments supporting the amount of Alabama National’s allowance for loan and lease losses include judgments about: credit worthiness of borrowers, estimated value of underlying collateral, assumptions about cash flow, determination of loss factors for estimating credit losses, and the impact of current events, conditions, and other factors impacting the level of probable inherent losses. Under different conditions or using different assumptions, the actual amount of credit losses ultimately confirmed by Alabama National may be different than management’s estimates provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

For a more complete discussion of the methodology employed to calculate the allowance for loan and lease losses, see Note 1 to Alabama National’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report and “Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.”

Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Alabama National’s growth in business and profitability over the past several years has been enhanced significantly by mergers and acquisitions. Prior to July 2001, Alabama National’s acquisitions were accounted for using the pooling-of-interests and purchase business combination methods of accounting. Effective July 1, 2001, Alabama National adopted SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” which allows only the use of the purchase method of accounting. For purchase acquisitions, Alabama National is required to record the assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, and liabilities assumed at their fair value, which in many instances involves estimates based on third party valuations, such as appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques. The determination of the useful lives of intangible assets is subjective as is the appropriate amortization period for such intangible assets. These estimates also include the establishment of various accruals and allowances based on planned facilities dispositions and employee severance considerations, among other acquisition-related items. In addition, purchase acquisitions typically result in goodwill, which is subject to ongoing periodic impairment tests based on the fair value of net assets acquired compared to the carrying value of goodwill.

 

Income Taxes

 

The calculation of Alabama National’s income tax provision is complex and requires the use of estimates and judgments in its determination. As part of Alabama National’s overall business strategy, management must consider tax laws and regulations that apply to the specific facts and circumstances under consideration. This analysis includes evaluating the amount and timing of the realization of income tax liabilities or benefits. Management closely monitors tax developments in order to evaluate the effect they may have on Alabama National’s overall tax position.

 

18


 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Alabama National offers various pension plans and postretirement benefit plans to employees. The calculation of obligations and related expenses under these plans requires the use of actuarial valuation methods and assumptions. Actuarial valuations and the determination of future market values of plan assets are subject to management judgment and may differ significantly if different assumptions are used. Please refer to Note 12 to Alabama National’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report for disclosures related to Alabama National’s benefit plans.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

Alabama National uses a fair value based method of accounting for stock based compensation costs. Compensation costs for stock-based compensation arrangements are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the related service period. Accounting for stock-based compensation requires the use of an option-pricing model that takes into account the stock price at the grant date, the exercise price, the expected life of the option, the volatility of the underlying stock and the expected dividends on it, and the risk-free interest rate over the expected life of the option. Please refer to Note 12 to Alabama National’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report for disclosures related to Alabama National’s stock-based compensation awards.

 

Other

 

There are other complex accounting standards that require Alabama National to employ significant judgment in interpreting and applying certain of the principles proscribed by those standards. These judgments include, but are not limited to, determination of whether a financial instrument or other contract meets the definition of a derivative in accordance with SFAS No. 133, the accounting for a transfer of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities in accordance with SFAS No. 140, and the determination of asset impairment, including when such impairment is other-than-temporary. For a more complete discussion of the accounting policies, see Note 1 to Alabama National’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.

 

Results of Operations

 

Year ended December 31, 2002, compared with year ended December 31, 2001

 

Alabama National’s net income increased by $7.3 million, or 25.6%, to $35.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2002, from $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. Return on average assets during 2002 was 1.18%, compared with 1.12% during 2001, and return on average equity was 16.01% during 2002, compared with 15.40% during 2001.

 

Net interest income increased $23.7 million, or 26.6%, to $112.8 million in 2002, from $89.1 million in 2001, as interest income decreased by $1.4 million and interest expense decreased $25.1 million. The increase in net interest income is attributable to a decrease in the interest rate paid on deposits and a $311.1 million increase in average loans to $2.12 billion during 2002, from $1.81 billion in 2001. The increase in average loans is a result of continued management emphasis on loan growth and continued strength in some of the economies in the markets served by Alabama National. In general, loans are Alabama National’s highest yielding earning asset. Alabama National also experienced growth in its securities portfolio that contributed to the increase in net interest income in 2002. Average securities totaled $589.3 million in 2002, compared to $449.9 in 2001. Average interest bearing liabilities increased $394.1 million, to $2.44 billion in 2002. Despite the increase in average interest bearing liabilities, interest expense decreased $25.1 million during 2002. All categories of average interest-bearing liabilities increased during 2002. Average time deposits increased $140.0 million, to $1.09 billion in 2002, compared to $948.2 million in 2001. The interest rate paid on time deposits decreased 209 basis points to 3.59% in 2002. Also, average interest-bearing transaction accounts and savings and money market deposits increased a combined $153.1 million while the rate paid on these types of accounts decreased 139 basis points.

 

Alabama National’s net interest spread and net interest margin were 3.79% and 4.07%, respectively, in 2002, compared to 3.33% and 3.83%, respectively, in 2001. The increased net interest margin during 2002 is due to Alabama National’s ability to reprice most of its time deposits at lower rates during 2002. The Federal Reserve

 

19


Bank reduced rates repeatedly during 2001, causing the rates paid on time deposits originated in higher interest rate environments to be significantly above current rates. As those time deposits matured, the funds either moved into transaction type deposit accounts or into other time deposit accounts at the lower current rates. The result is that the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 175 basis points while the rate earned on earning assets decreased by only 129 basis points. See “Net Interest Income.”

 

Alabama National recorded a provision for loan and lease losses of $8.0 million during 2002, compared to $3.9 million in 2001. Management believes that both loan loss experience and asset quality indicate that the allowance for loan losses is maintained at an adequate level, although there can be no assurance that economic or regulatory factors will not require further increases in the allowance. Alabama National’s allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of period-end loans and leases (excluding loans held for sale) was 1.49% at December 31, 2002, compared with 1.45% at December 31, 2001. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of period-end nonperforming assets was 254.49% at December 31, 2002, compared with 308.55% at December 31, 2001. Alabama National experienced net charge-offs of $3.8 million in 2002, equating to a ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and leases of 0.18%, compared with net charge-offs of $1.7 million in 2001, equating to a ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and leases of 0.09%. See “Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.”

 

Noninterest income, including net securities gains and losses, increased $12.5 million, or 25.6%, to $61.2 million in 2002, compared with $48.7 million in 2001. Each component of noninterest income experienced increases during 2002, except for investment services income which had a slight decrease. The most significant increases were recorded in service charge income, the securities and trust division, and the mortgage division. Total revenue earned from the mortgage division increased $3.4 million, or 46.1%, to $10.9 million in 2002, from $7.4 million in 2001. The securities brokerage and trust division experienced a revenue increase of $4.8 million, or 54.4%, to $13.6 million in 2002, from $8.8 million in 2001. The commissions generated by the insurance division totaled $2.8 million in 2001, compared with $2.1 million recorded in 2001. Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $2.6 million, or 27.2%, to $12.1 million in 2002, from $9.5 million in 2001. Earnings on bank owned life insurance totaled $3.0 million in 2002, compared with $2.4 million in 2001. Noninterest expense increased $21.3 million, or 23.1%, to $113.6 million in 2002, compared with $92.3 million during 2001. For a detailed discussion of these income and expense categories, see “Noninterest Income and Expense.”

 

Alabama National, through two of its subsidiary banks, sponsors two defined benefit pension plans. Each of these plans has been frozen with regard to future benefit accruals and participation by new employees. During 2002, due to the current interest rate environment and poor performance of the equity markets, the discount rate and expected return on plan assets were lowered by management. The discount rate and expected return on plan assets were 6.00% and 7.00%, respectively, for 2002, compared to 6.50% and 9.00%, respectively for 2001. Due to these changes, the pension plans’ obligations exceeded the fair value of the plan assets and Alabama National chose to fully fund the obligations and contributed $1.4 million to the plans. As of December 31, 2002, the fair value of plan assets exceeds the projected and accumulated benefit obligation for each pension plan. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 included in this Annual Report on Form 10K.

 

Income before the provision for income taxes increased $10.8 million, or 25.9%, to $52.4 million in 2002, from $41.6 million in 2001. Net income totaled $35.7 million in 2002, an increase of $7.3 million, or 25.6%, compared to $28.4 million during 2001.

 

Year ended December 31, 2001, compared with year ended December 31, 2000

 

Alabama National’s net income increased by $2.9 million, or 11.4%, to $28.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2001, from $25.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. Return on average assets during 2001 was 1.12%, compared with 1.17% during 2000, and return on average equity was 15.40% during 2001, compared with 16.29% during 2000.

 

20


 

Net interest income increased $8.9 million, or 11.1%, to $89.1 million in 2001, from $80.2 million in 2000, as interest income increased by $8.3 million and interest expense decreased $0.6 million. The increase in net interest income is attributable to a $233.8 million increase in average loans to $1.81 billion during 2001, from $1.58 billion in 2000, as a result of continued management emphasis on loan growth. In general, loans are Alabama National’s highest yielding earning asset. Alabama National also experienced a growth in its securities portfolio that also contributed to the increase in net interest income in 2001. Average securities totaled $449.9 million in 2001, compared to $365.3 in 2000. Despite an increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $285.8 million, to $2.04 billion in 2001, interest expense decreased slightly during 2001. This is a result of the interest rate cuts during 2001 by the Federal Reserve Bank and the effect these cuts had on rates paid on Alabama National’s deposits and other funding sources. Except for other short-term borrowings, all categories of average interest-bearing liabilities increased during 2001. Average time deposits increased $88.9 million, to $948.2 million in 2001, compared to $859.4 million in 2000. The interest rate paid on time deposits decreased 32 basis points to 5.68% in 2001. Also, average long-term and short-term debt increased a combined $49.5 million, to $211.7 million during 2001, from $162.2 million in 2000. The increases in the above liability categories are due to Alabama National’s need to fund loan and asset growth. These funding sources generally bear higher interest rates than interest-bearing transaction accounts, resulting in higher interest expense.

 

Alabama National’s net interest spread and net interest margin were 3.33% and 3.83%, respectively, in 2001, compared to 3.47% and 4.03%, respectively, in 2000. These decreases resulted because the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities did not reprice as rapidly as the yield earned on average loans. During 2001, as the Federal Reserve cut interest rates, Alabama National’s loans repriced more rapidly than the deposits and other funding sources used to fund loans and other earning assets.

 

Alabama National recorded a provision for loan and lease losses of $3.9 million during 2001, compared to $2.5 million in 2000. Management believes that both loan and lease loss experience and asset quality indicate that the allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at an adequate level, although there can be no assurance that economic or regulatory factors will not require further increases in the allowance. Alabama National’s allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of period-end loans and leases (excluding loans held for sale) was 1.45% at December 31, 2001, compared with 1.31% at December 31, 2000. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of period-end nonperforming assets was 308.55% at December 31, 2001, compared with 437.73% at December 31, 2000. Alabama National experienced net charge-offs of $1.7 million in 2001, equating to a ratio of net charge-offs to average loans of 0.09%, compared with net charge-offs of $0.6 million in 2000, equating to a ratio of net charge-offs to average loans of 0.04%. See “Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.”

 

Noninterest income, including net securities gains and losses, increased $15.4 million, or 46.1%, to $48.7 million in 2001, compared with $33.3 million in 2000. Each component of noninterest income experienced increases during 2001. The most significant increases were recorded in the investment services division and mortgage division. Revenue from the investment services division increased $7.9 million, or 133.8%, to $13.7 million in 2001, from $5.9 million in 2000. Total revenue earned from the mortgage division increased $3.9 million, or 110.5%, to $7.4 million in 2001, from $3.5 million in 2000. The securities brokerage and trust division experienced a revenue increase of $1.1 million, or 14.4%, to $8.8 million in 2001, from $7.7 million in 2000. The commissions generated by the insurance division totaled $2.1 million in each of 2001 and 2000. Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $1.2 million, or 14.4%, to $9.5 million in 2001, from $8.3 million in 2000. Earnings on bank owned life insurance totaled $2.4 million in 2001, compared with $2.1 million in 2000. The increase reflects earnings on a larger bank owned life insurance asset base due to reinvestment of policy earnings and additional investments in bank owned life insurance policies during 2001. Noninterest expense increased $18.1 million, or 24.5%, to $92.2 million in 2001, compared with $74.1 million during 2000. For a detailed discussion of these income and expense categories, see “Noninterest Income and Expense.”

 

Income before the provision for income taxes increased $4.7 million, or 12.8%, to $41.7 million in 2001, from $37.0 million in 2000. Net income totaled $28.4 million in 2001, an increase of $2.9 million, or 11.4%, compared to $25.5 million during 2000.

 

21


 

Net Interest Income

 

The largest component of Alabama National’s net income is its net interest income — the difference between the income earned on assets and interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds used to support its assets. Net interest income is determined by the yield earned on Alabama National’s earning assets and rates paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, the relative amounts of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the maturity and repricing characteristics of its earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income divided by average earning assets represents Alabama National’s net interest margin.

 

Average Balances, Income, Expenses and Rates

 

The following table depicts, on a taxable equivalent basis for the periods indicated, certain information related to Alabama National’s average balance sheet and its average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields or costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average daily balances of the associated assets or liabilities.

 

22


 

AVERAGE BALANCES, INCOME AND EXPENSES AND RATES

(Amounts in thousands, except yields and rates)

 

   

Year ended December 31,


 
   

2002


   

2001


   

2000


 
   

Average Balance


   

Income/
Expense


  

Yield/
Rate


   

Average Balance


   

Income/
Expense


  

Yield/
Rate


   

Average Balance


   

Income/
Expense


  

Yield/
Rate


 

ASSETS:


                                                              

Earning assets:

                                                              

Loans and leases(1)(3)

 

$

2,123,778

 

 

$

143,770

  

6.77

%

 

$

1,812,715

 

 

$

148,239

  

8.18

%

 

$

1,578,940

 

 

$

143,883

  

9.11

%

Securities:

                                                              

Taxable .

 

 

558,052

 

 

 

32,116

  

5.76

 

 

 

420,582

 

 

 

27,593

  

6.56

 

 

 

332,717

 

 

 

22,876

  

6.88

 

Tax exempt

 

 

31,216

 

 

 

2,339

  

7.49

 

 

 

29,340

 

 

 

2,215

  

7.55

 

 

 

32,617

 

 

 

2,459

  

7.54

 

Cash balances in other banks

 

 

9,607

 

 

 

165

  

1.72

 

 

 

15,137

 

 

 

510

  

3.37

 

 

 

3,781

 

 

 

214

  

5.66

 

Funds sold

 

 

45,348

 

 

 

743

  

1.64

 

 

 

46,630

 

 

 

1,931

  

4.14

 

 

 

41,856

 

 

 

2,721

  

6.50

 

Trading account securities

 

 

2,059

 

 

 

81

  

3.93

 

 

 

2,021

 

 

 

119

  

5.89

 

 

 

1,795

 

 

 

124

  

6.91

 

   


 

        


 

        


 

      

Total earning assets(2)

 

 

2,770,060

 

 

 

179,214

  

6.47

 

 

 

2,326,425

 

 

 

180,607

  

7.76

 

 

 

1,991,706

 

 

 

172,277

  

8.65

 

   


 

        


 

        


 

      

Cash and due from banks

 

 

89,935

 

              

 

81,705

 

              

 

74,276

 

            

Premises and equipment .

 

 

66,802

 

              

 

53,716

 

              

 

49,156

 

            

Other assets

 

 

134,192

 

              

 

97,829

 

              

 

93,489

 

            

llowance for loan losses

 

 

(31,183

)

              

 

(23,284

)

              

 

(20,747

)

            
   


              


              


            

Total assets

 

$

3,029,806

 

              

$

2,536,391

 

              

$

2,187,880

 

            
   


              


              


            

LIABILITIES:


                                                              

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                              

Interest-bearing transaction accounts

 

$

404,587

 

 

 

5,228

  

1.29

 

 

$

316,004

 

 

 

8,166

  

2.58

 

 

$

255,534

 

 

 

8,383

  

3.28

 

Savings and money market deposits

 

 

391,008

 

 

 

5,457

  

1.40

 

 

 

326,474

 

 

 

9,355

  

2.87

 

 

 

322,590

 

 

 

11,612

  

3.60

 

Time deposits

 

 

1,087,937

 

 

 

39,087

  

3.59

 

 

 

948,242

 

 

 

53,891

  

5.68

 

 

 

859,366

 

 

 

51,575

  

6.00

 

Funds purchased

 

 

272,689

 

 

 

4,187

  

1.54

 

 

 

239,293

 

 

 

8,696

  

3.63

 

 

 

156,204

 

 

 

9,305

  

5.96

 

Other short-term borrowings

 

 

78,958

 

 

 

2,246

  

2.84

 

 

 

42,850

 

 

 

1,842

  

4.30

 

 

 

65,021

 

 

 

4,518

  

6.95

 

Long-term debt

 

 

200,686

 

 

 

9,108

  

4.54

 

 

 

168,857

 

 

 

8,443

  

5.00

 

 

 

97,162

 

 

 

5,594

  

5.76

 

   


 

        


 

        


 

      

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

2,435,865

 

 

 

65,313

  

2.68

 

 

 

2,041,720

 

 

 

90,393

  

4.43

 

 

 

1,755,877

 

 

 

90,987

  

5.18

 

   


 

        


 

        


 

      

Demand deposits

 

 

318,724

 

              

 

263,876

 

              

 

241,527

 

            

Accrued interest and other liabilities

 

 

52,170

 

              

 

46,244

 

              

 

33,795

 

            

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

223,047

 

              

 

184,551

 

              

 

156,681

 

            
   


              


              


            

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

3,029,806

 

              

$

2,536,391

 

              

$

2,187,880

 

            
   


              


              


            

Net interest spread

                

3.79

%

                

3.33

%

                

3.47

%

                  

                

                

Net interest income/margin on a taxable equivalent basis

         

 

113,901

  

4.11

%

         

 

90,214

  

3.88

%

         

 

81,290

  

4.08

%

                  

                

                

Tax equivalent adjustment(2)

         

 

1,067

                

 

1,070

                

 

1,055

      
           

                

                

      

Net interest income/margin

         

$

112,834

  

4.07

%

         

$

89,144

  

3.83

%

         

$

80,235

  

4.03

%

           

  

         

  

         

  


(1)   Average loans include nonaccrual loans. All loans and deposits are domestic.

 

(2)   Tax equivalent adjustments are based on the assumed rate of 34%, and do not give effect to the disallowance for Federal income tax purposes of interest expense related to certain tax-exempt assets.

 

(3)   Fees in the amount of $5,267,000, $4,427,000, and $3,574,000 are included in interest and fees on loans for 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

 

23


 

During 2002, Alabama National experienced an increase in net interest income of $23.7 million, or 26.6%, to $112.8 million, compared with $89.1 million in 2001. Net interest income increased due to an increase in the net interest spread of 46 basis points to 3.79% in 2002, from 3.33% in 2001, and an increase in the net interest margin of 24 basis points to 4.07% in 2002, compared with 3.83% in 2001. The net interest margin for 2001 was negatively impacted by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate deductions. During 2002 Alabama National’s time deposits repriced at the current interest rates and this repricing improved the net interest margin. The net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2002 was 3.85%, as compared to 4.13% recorded in the third quarter of 2002. The fourth quarter of 2002 was negatively impacted by the Federal Reserve’s 50 basis point rate reduction during the quarter and by the accelerated repayment on securities owned by Alabama National. As the securities being repaid were at higher interest rates than the rates earned on Federal funds sold and new securities purchased, the net interest margin declined. Alabama National did not fully invest the cash flow received from the accelerated repayment on securities owned immediately upon its receipt in an attempt to reinvest appropriately given the changing rate environment. Much of the reinvestment of this cash flow did not take place until the end of December. This is reflected in higher ending securities balances than average securities balances in the 2002 fourth quarter. As management wishes to be more conservative on the maturity and average life extension risk of new securities purchases in the current environment (due to the low absolute level of interest rates), Alabama National is willing to accept lower yields on new securities purchases in return for reduced extension risk. Management anticipates the net interest margin to remain at reduced levels absent any additional rate reductions by the Federal Reserve or significant changes in the general interest rate environment. During 2002, net average earning assets increased by $443.6 million, or 19.1%, to $2.77 billion, from $2.33 billion in 2001. The major components of this increase included average loans and leases, which increased $311.1 million, or 17.2%, to $2.12 billion in 2002, from $1.81 billion in 2001, and securities, which increased $139.3 million, or 31.0%, to $589.3 million in 2002, from $449.9 million in 2001.

 

24


 

Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

 

The following table sets forth, on a taxable equivalent basis, the effect which varying levels of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the applicable rates had on changes in net interest income for 2002 and 2001. For purposes of this table, changes that are not solely attributable to volume or rate are allocated to volume and rate on a pro rata basis.

 

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME

(Amounts in thousands)

 

   

December 31,


 
   

2002 Compared to 2001
Variance Due to


   

2001 Compared to 2000
Variance Due to


 
   

Volume


   

Yield/Rate


   

Total


   

Volume


   

Yield/Rate


   

Total


 

Earning assets:

                                               

Loans and leases

 

$

23,272

 

 

$

(27,741

)

 

$

(4,469

)

 

$

19,961

 

 

$

(15,605

)

 

$

4,356

 

Securities:

                                               

Taxable

 

 

8,195

 

 

 

(3,672

)

 

 

4,523

 

 

 

5,821

 

 

 

(1,104

)

 

 

4,717

 

Tax exempt

 

 

142

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

124

 

 

 

(247

)

 

 

3

 

 

 

(244

)

Cash balances in other banks

 

 

(147

)

 

 

(198

)

 

 

(345

)

 

 

413

 

 

 

(117

)

 

 

296

 

Funds sold

 

 

(52

)

 

 

(1,136

)

 

 

(1,188

)

 

 

283

 

 

 

(1,073

)

 

 

(790

)

Trading account securities

 

 

2

 

 

 

(40

)

 

 

(38

)

 

 

15

 

 

 

(20

)

 

 

(5

)

   


 


 


 


 


 


Total interest income

 

 

31,412

 

 

 

(32,805

)

 

 

(1,393

)

 

 

26,246

 

 

 

(17,916

)

 

 

8,330

 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                               

Interest-bearing transaction accounts

 

 

1,873

 

 

 

(4,811

)

 

 

(2,938

)

 

 

1,767

 

 

 

(1,984

)

 

 

(217

)

Savings and money market deposits

 

 

1,587

 

 

 

(5,485

)

 

 

(3,898

)

 

 

137

 

 

 

(2,394

)

 

 

(2,257

)

Time deposits

 

 

7,100

 

 

 

(21,904

)

 

 

(14,804

)

 

 

5,157

 

 

 

(2,841

)

 

 

2,316

 

Funds purchased

 

 

1,072

 

 

 

(5,581

)

 

 

(4,509

)

 

 

3,845

 

 

 

(4,454

)

 

 

(609

)

Other short-term borrowings

 

 

1,180

 

 

 

(776

)

 

 

404

 

 

 

(1,263

)

 

 

(1,413

)

 

 

(2,676

)

Long-term debt

 

 

1,491

 

 

 

(826

)

 

 

665

 

 

 

3,670

 

 

 

(821

)

 

 

2,849

 

   


 


 


 


 


 


Total interest expense

 

 

14,303

 

 

 

(39,383

)

 

 

(25,080

)

 

 

13,313

 

 

 

(13,907

)

 

 

(594

)

   


 


 


 


 


 


Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis

 

$

17,109

 

 

$

6,578

 

 

 

23,687

 

 

$

12,933

 

 

$

(4,009

)

 

 

8,924

 

   


 


         


 


       

Taxable equivalent adjustment

                 

 

3

 

                 

 

(15

)

                   


                 


Net interest income

                 

$

23,690

 

                 

$

8,909

 

                   


                 


 

Interest Sensitivity and Market Risk

 

Interest Sensitivity

 

Alabama National monitors and manages the pricing and maturity of its assets and liabilities in order to diminish the potential adverse impact that changes in interest rates could have on net interest income. The principal monitoring technique employed by Alabama National is simulation analysis, which technique is augmented by “gap” analysis.

In simulation analysis, Alabama National reviews each individual asset and liability category and their projected behavior in various different interest rate environments. These projected behaviors are based upon management’s past experiences and upon current competitive environments, including the various environments in the different markets in which Alabama National competes. Using this projected behavior and differing rate scenarios as inputs, the simulation analysis generates as output projections of net interest income. Alabama National also periodically verifies the validity of this approach by comparing actual results with those that were projected in previous models. See “—Market Risk.”

 

25


 

Another technique used by Alabama National in interest rate management is the measurement of the interest sensitivity “gap,” which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets and liabilities, selling securities available for sale or trading securities, replacing an asset or liability at maturity or by adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability.

 

Alabama National evaluates interest sensitivity risk and then formulates guidelines regarding asset generation and repricing, and sources and prices of off-balance sheet commitments in order to decrease interest sensitivity risk. Alabama National uses computer simulations to measure the net income effect of various interest rate scenarios. The modeling reflects interest rate changes and the related impact on net income over specified periods of time.

 

26


 

The following table illustrates Alabama National’s interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 2002, assuming the relevant assets and liabilities are collected and paid, respectively, based upon historical experience rather than their stated maturities.

 

INTEREST SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

(Amounts in thousands, except ratios)

 

    

December 31, 2002


    

Within One Month


    

After One Through Three Months


    

After Three Through Twelve Months


    

Within One

Year


    

One Through Three Years


    

Greater Than Three Years


    

Total


ASSETS:


                                                            

Earning assets:

                                                            

Loans and leases(1)

  

$

1,063,340

 

  

$

224,081

 

  

$

402,752

 

  

$

1,690,173

 

  

$

397,315

 

  

$

144,654

 

  

$

2,232,142

Securities(2)

  

 

85,466

 

  

 

150,602

 

  

 

146,703

 

  

 

382,771

 

  

 

93,453

 

  

 

204,562

 

  

 

680,786

Trading securities

  

 

1,645

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

1,645

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

1,645

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

  

 

12,621

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

12,621

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

12,621

Funds sold

  

 

77,957

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

77,957

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

77,957

    


  


  


  


  


  


  

Total interest-earning assets

  

$

1,241,029

 

  

$

374,683

 

  

$

549,455

 

  

$

2,165,167

 

  

$

490,768

 

  

$

349,216

 

  

$

3,005,151

LIABILITIES:


                                                            

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                            

Interest-bearing deposits:

                                                            

Demand deposits

  

$

156,589

 

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

  

$

156,589

 

  

$

—  

 

  

$

320,132

 

  

$

476,721

Savings and money market deposits

  

 

148,259

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

148,259

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

230,102

 

  

 

378,361

Time deposits(3)

  

 

178,230

 

  

 

203,682

 

  

 

481,870

 

  

 

863,782

 

  

 

218,777

 

  

 

56,582

 

  

 

1,139,141

Funds purchased

  

 

290,637

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

290,637

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

290,637

Short-term borrowings(4)

  

 

133,100

 

  

 

15,000

 

  

 

4,000

 

  

 

152,100

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

152,100

Long-term debt

  

 

204,630

 

  

 

12,003

 

  

 

9,012

 

  

 

225,645

 

  

 

10,018

 

  

 

5,031

 

  

 

240,694

    


  


  


  


  


  


  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  

$

1,111,445

 

  

$

230,685

 

  

$

494,882

 

  

$

1,837,012

 

  

$

228,795

 

  

$

611,847

 

  

$

2,677,654

    


  


  


  


  


  


  

Period gap

  

$

129,584

 

  

$

143,998

 

  

$

54,573

 

  

$

328,155

 

  

$

261,973

 

  

$

(262,631

)

      
    


  


  


  


  


  


      

Cumulative gap

  

$

129,584

 

  

$

273,582

 

  

$

328,155

 

  

$

328,155

 

  

$

590,128

 

  

$

327,497

 

  

$

327,497

    


  


  


  


  


  


  

Ratio of cumulative gap to total interest-earning assets

  

 

4.31

%

  

 

9.10

%

  

 

10.92

%

  

 

10.92

%

  

 

19.64

%

  

 

10.90

%

      

(1)   Excludes nonaccrual loans of $10,282,000
(2)   Excludes investment in equity securities with a fair market value of $19,547,000
(3)   Excludes matured certificates which have not been redeemed by the customer and on which no interest is accruing
(4)   Includes treasury, tax and loan accounts of $629,000

 

Alabama National generally benefits from increasing market rates of interest when it has an asset-sensitive gap (a positive number) and generally benefits from decreasing market interest rates when it is liability sensitive (a negative number). As shown in the table above, Alabama National is asset sensitive from the one month through three year periods. It is only beyond the three year period that Alabama National is liability sensitive. Alabama National has traditionally been liability sensitive through the one year time frame. It is now asset sensitive due to a reduction in the average life of the securities and loan portfolios. Also, the loan portfolio contains an increased proportion of variable rate loans and these loans generally reprice more quickly than fixed

 

27


rate loans. The analysis presents only a static view of the timing and repricing opportunities, without taking into consideration that changes in interest rates do not affect all assets and liabilities equally. For example, rates paid on a substantial portion of core deposits may change contractually within a relatively short time frame, but those are viewed by management as significantly less interest sensitive than market-based rates such as those paid on non-core deposits. For this and other reasons, management relies more upon the simulation analysis (as noted above) in managing interest rate risk. Net interest income may be impacted by other significant factors in a given interest rate environment, including changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

Market Risk

 

Alabama National’s earnings are dependent on its net interest income which is the difference between interest income earned on all earning assets, primarily loans and securities, and interest paid on all interest bearing liabilities, primarily deposits. Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Alabama National’s market risk arises primarily from inherent interest rate risk in its lending, investing and deposit gathering activities. Alabama National seeks to reduce its exposure to market risk through actively monitoring and managing its interest rate risk. Management relies upon static “gap” analysis to determine the degree of mismatch in the maturity and repricing distribution of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities which quantifies, to a large extent, the degree of market risk inherent in Alabama National’s balance sheet. Gap analysis is further augmented by simulation analysis to evaluate the impact of varying levels of prevailing interest rates and the sensitivity of specific earning assets and interest bearing liabilities to changes in those prevailing rates. Simulation analysis consists of evaluating the impact on net interest income given changes from 200 basis points below to 200 basis points above the current prevailing rates. Management makes certain assumptions as to the effect varying levels of interest rates have on certain earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, which assumptions consider both historical experience and consensus estimates of outside sources.

 

With respect to the primary earning assets, loans and securities, certain features of individual types of loans and specific securities introduce a level of uncertainty as to their expected performance at varying levels of interest rates. In some cases, imbedded options exist whereby the borrower may elect to repay the obligation at any time. These imbedded prepayment options make anticipating the performance of those instruments difficult given changes in prevailing rates. At December 31, 2002, mortgage backed securities with a carrying value totaling $501.7 million, or 15.1% of total assets and essentially every underlying loan, net of unearned income, (totaling $2.19 billion, or 66.1% of total assets), carry such imbedded options. Management believes that assumptions used in its simulation analysis about the performance of financial instruments with such imbedded options are appropriate. However, the actual performance of these financial instruments may differ from management’s estimates due to several factors, including the diversity and sophistication of the customer base, the general level of prevailing interest rates and the relationship to their historical and expected levels, and general economic conditions. The difference between those assumptions and actual results, if significant, could cause the actual results to differ from those indicated by the simulation analysis.

 

Deposits totaled $2.33 billion, or 70.3% of total assets, at December 31, 2002. Since deposits are the primary funding source for earning assets, the associated market risk is considered by management in its simulation analysis. Generally, it is anticipated that deposits will be sufficient to support funding requirements. However, the rates paid for deposits at varying levels of prevailing interest rates have a significant impact on net interest income and therefore, must be quantified by Alabama National in its simulation analysis. Specifically, Alabama National’s spread, the difference between the rates earned on earning assets and rates paid on interest bearing liabilities, is generally higher when prevailing rates are higher than current levels. Alabama National’s spread is also impacted by the shape of the yield curve, which is a measure of the difference between rates at different maturities. A steep yield curve, implying higher long term rates and lower short term rates, would generally result in a higher net interest margin for Alabama National. As prevailing rates reduce, the spread tends to compress as rates paid on deposit and other liability categories approach their lower limits, with severe compression at very low prevailing interest rates. This characteristic is called “spread compression” and adversely affects net interest income in the simulation analysis when anticipated prevailing rates are reduced

 

28


from current rates. Management relies upon historical experience to estimate the degree of spread compression in its simulation analysis. Management believes that such estimates of possible spread compression are reasonable. However, if the degree of spread compression varies from that expected, the actual results could differ from those indicated by the simulation analysis.

 

The following table illustrates the results of simulation analysis used by Alabama National to determine the extent to which market risk would affect net interest margin for the next twelve months if prevailing interest rates increased or decreased the specified amounts from rates in effect during 2002. Alabama National’s simulation analysis indicates limited reduction in net interest margin from a 25 basis point reduction in interest rates from current rate levels. Rate reductions beyond this point, however, would reduce the net interest margin significantly due to the current low interest rate environment. Alabama National’s net interest income would decrease significantly if prevailing interest rates were to further decrease 100 or 200 basis points. The current rates paid on interest-bearing accounts cannot decrease below zero, yet rates earned on loans can experience a decrease in the falling rate scenarios, and the interest rate spread would therefore compress. Because of the inherent use of estimates and assumptions in the simulation model used to derive this information, the actual results of the future impact of market risk on Alabama National’s net interest margin, may differ from that found in the table.

 

MARKET RISK

(Amounts in thousands)

 

    

Year ended December 31, 2002


    

Year ended December 31, 2001


 

Change in
Prevailing
Interest Rates(1)


  

Net Interest Income Amount


    

Change from Income Amount


    

Net Interest

Income Amount


    

Change from Income Amount


 

+200 basis points

  

$

132,477

    

9.85

%

  

$

117,465

    

5.47

%

+100 basis points

  

 

126,884

    

5.21

 

  

 

115,562

    

3.76

 

0 basis points

  

 

120,599

    

—  

 

  

 

111,375

    

—  

 

–100 basis points

  

 

107,155

    

(11.15

)

  

 

101,536

    

(8.83

)

–200 basis points

  

 

100,608

    

(16.58

)

  

 

96,871

    

(13.02

)


(1)   Assumes an immediate and parallel rate change of this magnitude.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

Alabama National has policies and procedures for evaluating the overall credit quality of its loan and lease portfolio including timely identification of potential problem credits. On a monthly basis, management reviews the appropriate level for the allowance for loan and lease losses. This review and analysis is based on the results of the internal monitoring and reporting system, analysis of economic conditions in its markets and a review of historical statistical data, current trends regarding the volume and severity of past due and problem loans and leases, the existence and effect of concentrations of credit, and changes in national and local economic conditions for both Alabama National and other financial institutions. Management also considers in its evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses the results of regulatory examinations conducted for each Bank, including evaluation of Alabama National’s policies and procedures and findings from Alabama National’s independent loan review department.

 

The provision for loan and lease losses increased by $4.0 million, or 101.6%, to $8.0 million in 2002, from $3.9 million in 2001. The increased provision expense during 2002 is primarily attributable to an increase in net charge-offs. During 2002, net charge-offs increased by $2.1 million, or 126.2% to $3.7 million, from $1.7 million in 2001. Recoveries for 2002 include approximately $1.1 million in recoveries from loans that Farmers National Bancshares had charged off prior to its acquisition by Alabama National. In spite of these recoveries, management’s assessment is that the loans purchased in this acquisition continue to pose a higher overall risk than the Alabama National loan and lease portfolio as a whole, consistent with management’s assessment prior to the acquisition. A significant portion of the net charge-offs for 2002 related to one loan relationship which

 

29


management had previously identified as a potential problem loan. Also contributing to the increased provision expense for 2002 is an increase in the level of nonperforming loans, the current economic environment, and general growth in the loan and lease portfolio.

 

Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses is based on Alabama National’s past loan and lease loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and an analysis of current economic conditions. Management believes the allowance for loan and lease losses, at its current level, adequately covers Alabama National’s exposure to loan and lease losses. While management believes that it has established the allowance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and has taken into account the views of its regulators and the current economic environment, there can be no assurance that in the future Alabama National’s regulators or its economic environment will not require further increases in the allowance.

 

Additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses, which are expensed as the provision for loan and lease losses on Alabama National’s income statement, are made periodically to maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses at an appropriate level as determined by management. Loan and lease losses and recoveries are charged or credited directly to the allowance for loan and lease losses.

 

The following table presents the information associated with Alabama National’s allowance and provision for loan and lease losses for the dates indicated.

 

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)

 

   

Year ended December 31,


 
   

2002


   

2001


   

2000


   

1999


   

1998


 

Total loans and leases outstanding at end of period, net of unearned income(1)

 

$

2,191,394

 

 

$

1,964,169

 

 

$

1,710,810

 

 

$

1,403,489

 

 

$

1,147,100

 

   


 


 


 


 


Average amount of loans and leases outstanding, net of unearned income(1)

 

$

2,092,829

 

 

$

1,790,083

 

 

$

1,571,760

 

 

$

1,264,689

 

 

$

1,058,770

 

   


 


 


 


 


Allowance for loan and lease losses at beginning of period

 

$

28,519

 

 

$

22,368

 

 

$

19,111

 

 

$

17,465

 

 

$

15,780

 

Charge-offs:

                                       

Commercial, financial and agricultural

 

 

1,573

 

 

 

1,875

 

 

 

397

 

 

 

215

 

 

 

424

 

Real estate—mortgage

 

 

1,463

 

 

 

730

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

403

 

 

 

215

 

Consumer

 

 

3,200

 

 

 

754

 

 

 

884

 

 

 

694

 

 

 

1,254

 

   


 


 


 


 


Total charge-offs

 

 

6,236

 

 

 

3,359

 

 

 

1,426

 

 

 

1,312

 

 

 

1,893

 

   


 


 


 


 


Recoveries:

                                       

Commercial, financial and agricultural

 

 

991

 

 

 

949

 

 

 

167

 

 

 

188

 

 

 

1,027

 

Real estate—mortgage

 

 

754

 

 

 

226

 

 

 

228

 

 

 

348

 

 

 

298

 

Consumer

 

 

720

 

 

 

517

 

 

 

382

 

 

 

315

 

 

 

457

 

   


 


 


 


 


Total recoveries

 

 

2,465

 

 

 

1,692

 

 

 

777

 

 

 

851

 

 

 

1,782

 

   


 


 


 


 


Net charge-offs

 

 

3,771

 

 

 

1,667

 

 

 

649

 

 

 

461

 

 

 

111

 

Provision for loan and lease losses

 

 

7,956

 

 

 

3,946

 

 

 

2,506

 

 

 

2,107

 

 

 

1,796

 

Additions to allowance through acquisition

 

 

—  

 

 

 

3,872

 

 

 

1,400

 

 

 

—  

 

 

 

—  

 

   


 


 


 


 


Allowance for loan and lease losses at
period-end

 

$

32,704

 

 

$

28,519

 

 

$

22,368

 

 

$

19,111

 

 

$

17,465

 

   


 


 


 


 


Allowance for loan and lease losses to period-end loans(1)

 

 

1.49

%

 

 

1.45

%

 

 

1.31

%

 

 

1.36

%

 

 

1.52

%

Net charge-offs to average loans and leases(1)

 

 

0.18

 

 

 

0.09

 

 

 

0.04

 

 

 

0.04

 

 

 

0.01

 


(1)   Does not include loans held for sale.

 

30


 

Allocation of Allowance

 

There is no formal allocation of the allowance for loan and lease losses by loan category.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

The following table presents Alabama National’s nonperforming assets for the dates indicated.

 

NONPERFORMING ASSETS

(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)

 

    

At December 31,


 
    

2002


      

2001


      

2000


      

1999


      

1998


 

Nonaccrual loans

  

$

10,282

 

    

$

7,563

 

    

$

3,642

 

    

$

4,428

 

    

$

4,768

 

Restructured loans

  

 

—  

 

    

 

—  

 

    

 

—  

 

    

 

5

 

    

 

499