-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, OShxSkEYHaklrF6wCF6HOiM9mzNfVUD62TAZO/tAOupUXzYEkiarPyQmiwzoFLiA nariwNDAXq0InrijBmjWmg== 0001047469-08-003866.txt : 20080331 0001047469-08-003866.hdr.sgml : 20080331 20080331172421 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001047469-08-003866 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 8 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080331 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080331 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORP /GA/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000813640 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022] IRS NUMBER: 581631302 STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-14913 FILM NUMBER: 08726327 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 75 PIEDMONT AVENUE NE STREET 2: P O BOX 4485 CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30302 BUSINESS PHONE: 4046595959 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: P O BOX 4485 CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30303 10-K 1 a2184107z10-k.htm 10-K
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K


ý

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

or

o

Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from                                to                                 

Commission file number 0-14535

Citizens Bancshares Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Georgia   58-1631302
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

75 Piedmont Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia

 

30302
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(404) 659-5959
(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:

20,000,000 Shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value
(Title of class)

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes    ý No

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. o Yes    ý No

         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. ý Yes    o No

         Indicate by checkmark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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. ý

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

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. ý Yes    o No.

         The number of shares outstanding for each of the registrant's classes of common stock as of March 14, 2008 was: 2,006,445 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value and 90,000 shares of Non-Voting Common Stock, $1.00 par value.

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

         The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the last sale price of $10.50 per share on June 30, 2007, was approximately $13,317,300.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is incorporated: (1) any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933. The listed documents should be clearly described for identification purposes (e.g., annual report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 24, 1890).

Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 28, 2008




SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Some of the statements in this Report, including, without limitation, matters discussed under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation," of Citizens Bancshares Corporation (the "Company") are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements about the competitiveness of the banking industry, potential regulatory obligations, our entrance and expansion into other markets, integration of recently acquired banks, pending or proposed acquisitions, our other business strategies, our expectations with respect to our allowance for loan losses and impaired loans, anticipated capital expenditures for our operations center, and other statements that are not historical facts. When we use words like "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "expect", "estimate", "could", "should", "will", and similar expressions, you should consider them as identifying forward-looking statements, although we may use other phrasing. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on our beliefs and assumptions, and on the information available to us at the time that these disclosures were prepared. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment may reduce margins; (3) general economic conditions may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and/or a reduction in demand for credit; (4) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, may adversely affect the businesses in which we are engaged; (5) costs or difficulties related to the integration of our businesses, may be greater than expected; (6) deposit attrition, customer loss or revenue loss following acquisitions may be greater than expected; (7) competitors may have greater financial resources and develop products that enable such competitors to compete more successfully than us; and (8) adverse changes may occur in the equity markets.

        Many of such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict, and readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

        The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. For further information regarding the risk factors applicable to the Company, please see "Risk Factors" on page 11.



PART I

ITEM 1.    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

The Company

General

        Citizens Bancshares Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated as a Georgia business corporation in 1972 and became a bank holding company by acquiring all of the common stock of Citizens Trust Bank (the "Bank"). The Company was organized to facilitate the Bank's ability to serve its customers' requirements for financial services. The holding company structure provides flexibility for expansion of the Company's banking business through the possible acquisition of other financial service institutions and the provision of additional banking-related services that the traditional commercial bank may not provide under present laws. For example, banking regulations require that the Bank maintain a minimum ratio of capital to assets. In the event that the Bank's growth is such that this minimum ratio is not maintained, the Company may borrow funds, subject to capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve, and contribute them to the capital of the Bank and otherwise raise capital in a manner that is unavailable to the Bank under existing banking regulations.

        Over the years, the Company has completed several acquisitions. On January 30, 1998, the Company merged with First Southern Bancshares, Inc., whose banking subsidiary, First Southern Bank simultaneously merged into the Bank. On March 10, 2000, the Company acquired certain assets and all of the deposits of Mutual Federal Savings Bank, a failing minority bank, from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. On February 28, 2003, the Company acquired CFS Bancshares, Inc., a minority-owned savings and loan holding company located in Birmingham, Alabama, whose banking subsidiary, Citizens Federal Savings Bank, simultaneously merged into the Bank. This acquisition has resulted in a significant expansion of the Company's market area.

        The Company may make additional acquisitions in the future in the event that such acquisitions are deemed to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Such acquisitions, if any, will be subject to certain regulatory approvals and requirements. See "Business—Bank Holding Company Regulations."

The Bank

General

        The Bank, a state bank headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, was organized in 1921 and is a member of the Federal Reserve System.

        The Bank's home office is located at 75 Piedmont Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Including its main branch, the Bank operates ten branch offices located in Atlanta, East Point, Lithonia, Decatur, Stone Mountain and Columbus, Georgia, and Birmingham and Eutaw, Alabama. The Bank conducts a general commercial banking business that serves Fulton, DeKalb and Muscogee Counties, Georgia, as well as Jefferson and Greene Counties, Alabama, acts as an issuing agent for U.S. savings bonds, travelers checks and cashiers checks, and offers collection teller services. The Bank has no subsidiaries.

        The Bank does not engage in any line of business other than normal commercial banking activities. The Bank does not engage in any operations in foreign countries nor is a material portion of the Bank's revenues derived from customers in foreign countries. The business of the Bank is not considered to be seasonal nor is the Bank's business dependent on any industry.

1


The Bank's Primary Service Area

        The Bank's primary service area consists of Fulton and DeKalb Counties, along with certain portions of Rockdale County; through its branch in Columbus, the Bank also serves Muscogee County, Georgia, and now through its branches in Birmingham and Eutaw, it serves Jefferson and Greene Counties, Alabama. The primary focus of the Bank is the small business and commercial/service firms in the area plus individuals and households who reside in or commute to the area. The majority of the Bank's customers are drawn from the described area.

Competition

        The Bank must compete for both deposit and loan customers with other financial institutions with greater resources than are available to the Bank. Currently, there are numerous branches of regional and local banks, as well as other types of entities offering financial services, located in the Bank's market area.

Deposits

        The Bank offers a wide range of commercial and consumer deposit accounts, including non-interest bearing checking accounts, money market checking accounts (consumer and commercial), negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW") accounts, individual retirement accounts, time certificates of deposit, sweep accounts, and regular savings accounts. The sources of deposits typically are residents and businesses and their employees within the Bank's market area, obtained through personal solicitation by the Bank's officers and directors, direct mail solicitation and advertisements published in the local media. The Bank pays competitive interest rates on time and savings deposits and has a service charge fee schedule competitive with other financial institutions in the Bank's market area, covering such matters as maintenance fees on checking accounts, per item processing fees on checking accounts, returned check charges and the like.

Loan Portfolio

        The Bank engages in a full complement of lending activities, including consumer/installment loans, mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, construction loans and commercial loans, with particular emphasis on small business loans. The Bank believes that the origination of short-term fixed rate loans and loans tied to floating interest rates is the most desirable method of conducting its lending activities.

Consumer Loans

        The Bank's consumer loans consist primarily of installment loans to individuals for personal, family and household purposes, including loans for automobiles, home improvements and investments. This category of loans also includes loans secured by second mortgages on the residences of borrowers.

Commercial Lending

        Commercial lending is directed principally toward businesses whose demands for funds fall within the Bank's legal lending limits and which are existing deposit customers of the Bank. This category of loans includes loans made to individual, partnership, or corporate borrowers and obtained for a variety of business purposes.

Investments

        As of December 31, 2007, investment securities comprised approximately 20% of the Bank's assets, with loans (net of loan loss reserves) comprising approximately 70% of assets. The Bank invests

2



primarily in obligations of the United States, obligations guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States, government-sponsored enterprises securities and other taxable securities.

Asset/Liability Management

        It is the objective of the Bank to manage assets and liabilities to provide a satisfactory, consistent level of profitability within the framework of established cash, loan, investment, borrowing and capital policies. Certain officers of the Bank are charged with the responsibility for developing and monitoring policies and procedures that are designed to ensure acceptable composition of the asset/liability mix. It is the overall philosophy of management to support asset growth primarily through the growth of core deposits, which include deposits of all categories made by individuals, partnerships and corporations. Management of the Bank seeks to invest the largest portion of the Bank's assets in consumer/installment, commercial and construction loans.

        The Bank's asset/liability mix is monitored on a daily basis and a report reflecting the interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities is prepared and presented to the Bank's Board of Directors every two months. The objective of this policy is to control interest-sensitive assets and liabilities so as to minimize the impact of substantial movements in interest rates on the Bank's earnings.

Correspondent Banking

        Correspondent banking involves the provision of services by one bank to another bank that cannot provide that service for itself from an economic or practical standpoint. The Bank purchases correspondent services offered by larger banks, including check collections, security safekeeping, investment services, wire transfer services, coin and currency supplies, overline and liquidity loan participation, and sales of loans to or participation with correspondent banks.

Employees

        As of December 31, 2007, the Bank had 126 full-time equivalent employees (the Company has no employees who are not also employees of the Bank). The Bank is not a party to any collective bargaining agreement and, in the opinion of management, the Bank enjoys excellent relations with its employees.

Website Address

        Our corporate website address is www.ctbconnect.com. From this website, select the "Investor Information" tab followed by selecting "Annual Reports/Financial Statements". Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports are available and accessible soon after we file them with the SEC.

Supervision and Regulation

        Both the Company and the Bank are subject to extensive state and federal banking regulations that impose restrictions on and provide for general regulatory oversight of their operations. These laws are generally intended to protect depositors and not shareholders. Legislation and regulations authorized by legislation influence, among other things:

    how, when and where we may expand geographically;

    into what product or service market we may enter;

    how we must manage our assets; and

3


    under what circumstances money may or must flow between the parent bank holding company and the subsidiary bank.

        Set forth below is an explanation of the major pieces of legislation affecting our industry and how that legislation affects our actions. The following summary is qualified by reference to the statutory and regulatory provisions discussed. Changes in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on our business and prospects, and legislative changes and the policies of various regulatory authorities may significantly affect our operations. We cannot predict the effect that fiscal or monetary policies, or new federal or state legislation may have on our business and earnings in the future.

The Company

        Since the Company owns all of the capital stock of the Bank, it is a bank holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. As a result, the Company is primarily subject to the supervision, examination, and reporting requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act and the regulations of the Federal Reserve.

        Acquisitions of Banks.    The Bank Holding Company Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the Federal Reserve's prior approval before:

    Acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if, after the acquisition, the bank holding company will directly or indirectly own or control more than 5% of the bank's voting shares;

    Acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of any bank; or

    Merging or consolidating with any other bank holding company.

        Additionally, the Bank Holding Company Act provides that the Federal Reserve may not approve any of these transactions if it would result in or tend to create a monopoly or, substantially lessen competition or otherwise function as a restraint of trade, unless the anticompetitive effects of the proposed transaction are clearly outweighed by the public interest in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve is also required to consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the bank holding companies and banks concerned and the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve's consideration of financial resources generally focuses on capital adequacy, which is discussed below.

        Under the Bank Holding Company Act, if adequately capitalized and adequately managed, the Company or any other bank holding company located in Georgia may purchase a bank located outside of Georgia. Conversely, an adequately capitalized and adequately managed bank holding company located outside of Georgia may purchase a bank located inside Georgia. In each case, however, restrictions may be placed on the acquisition of a bank that has only been in existence for a limited amount of time or will result in specified concentrations of deposits. For example, Georgia law prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring control of a financial institution until the target financial institution has been incorporated for three years. Because the Bank has been incorporated for more than three years, this limitation does not apply to the Bank or the Company.

        Change in Bank Control.    Subject to various exceptions, the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, together with related regulations, require Federal Reserve approval prior to any person or company acquiring "control" of a bank holding company. Control is conclusively presumed to exist if an individual or company acquires 25% or more of any class of voting securities of the bank holding company. Control is rebuttably presumed to exist if a person or company acquires 10% or more, but less than 25%, of any class of voting securities and either:

    the bank holding company has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Act of 1934; or

4


    no other person owns a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the transaction.

        The regulations provide a procedure for challenge of the rebuttable control presumption.

        Permitted Activities.    The Bank Holding Company Act has generally prohibited a bank holding company 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 determined by the Federal Reserve to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Provisions of the Gramm-Leach- Bliley Act have expanded the permissible activities of a bank holding company that qualifies as a financial holding company. Under the regulations implementing the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, a financial holding company may engage in additional activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complementary to financial activity. Those activities include, among other activities, certain insurance and securities activities.

        To qualify to become a financial holding company, the Bank and any other depository institution subsidiary of the Company must be well capitalized and well managed and must have a Community Reinvestment Act rating of at least "satisfactory." Additionally, the Company must file an election with the Federal Reserve to become a financial holding company and must provide the Federal Reserve with 30 days' written notice prior to engaging in a permitted financial activity. While the Company meets the qualification standards applicable to financial holding companies, we have not elected to become a financial holding company at this time.

        Support of Subsidiary Institutions.    Under Federal Reserve policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial strength for the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank. This support may be required at times when, without this Federal Reserve policy, the Company might not be inclined to provide it. In addition, any capital loans made by the Company to the Bank will be repaid only after its deposits and various other obligations are repaid in full. In the unlikely event of the Company's bankruptcy, any commitment by it to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of the Bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

The Bank

        Since the Bank is a commercial bank chartered under the laws of the State of Georgia and is a Federal Reserve member bank, it is primarily subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta regularly examine the Bank's operations and have the authority to approve or disapprove mergers, the establishment of branches and similar corporate actions. Both regulatory agencies have the power to prevent the continuance or development of unsafe or unsound banking practices or other violations of law. Additionally, the Bank's deposits are insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent provided by law. The Bank is also subject to numerous state and federal statutes and regulations that affect its business, activities and operations.

        Branching.    Under current Georgia law, the Bank may open branch offices throughout Georgia with the prior approval of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. In addition, with prior regulatory approval, the Bank may acquire branches of existing banks located in Georgia. The Bank and any other national or state-chartered bank generally may branch across state lines by merging with banks in other states if allowed by the applicable states' laws. Georgia law, with limited exceptions, currently permits branching across state lines through interstate mergers.

        Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, states may "opt-in" and allow out-of-state banks to branch into their state by establishing a new start-up branch in the state. Currently, Georgia has not

5



opted-in to this provision. Therefore, interstate merger is the only method through which a bank located outside of Georgia may branch into Georgia. This provides a limited barrier of entry into the Georgia banking market, which protects the Company from an important segment of potential competition. However, because Georgia has elected not to opt-in, our ability to establish a new start-up branch in another state may be limited. Many states that have elected to opt-in have done so on a reciprocal basis, meaning that an out-of-state bank may establish a new start-up branch only if their home state has also elected to opt-in. Consequently, until Georgia changes its election, the only way the Company will be able to branch into states that have elected to opt-in on a reciprocal basis will be through interstate merger.

        Prompt Corrective Action.    The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 establishes a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized financial institutions. Under this system, the federal banking regulators have established five capital categories, well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized, in which all institutions are placed. The federal banking agencies have also specified by regulation the relevant capital levels for each of the other categories. As of December 31, 2007, the Bank qualified for the well-capitalized category.

        Federal banking regulators are required to take some mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories. The severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the institution is placed. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, the banking regulator must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized.

        FDIC Insurance Assessments.    The FDIC has adopted 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 system assesses higher rates on those institutions that pose greater risks to the Deposit Insurance Fund (the "DIF"). The FDIC places each institution in one of four risk categories using a two-step process based first on capital ratios (the capital group assignment) and then on other relevant information (the supervisory group assignment). Within the lower risk category, Risk Category I, rates will vary based on each institution's CAMELS component ratings, certain financial ratios, and long-term debt issuer ratings.

        Capital group assignments are made quarterly and an institution is assigned to one of three capital categories: (1) well capitalized; (2) adequately capitalized; and (3) undercapitalized. These three categories are substantially similar to the prompt corrective action categories described above, with the "undercapitalized" category including institutions that are undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized for prompt corrective action purposes. The FDIC also assigns an institution to one of three supervisory subgroups based on a supervisory evaluation that the institution's primary federal banking regulator provides to the FDIC and information that the FDIC determines to be relevant to the institution's financial condition and the risk posed to the deposit insurance funds. Assessments range from 5 to 43 cents per $100 of deposits, depending on the institution's capital group and supervisory subgroup. Institutions that are well capitalized will be charged a rate between 5 and 7 cents per $100 of deposits.

        The FDIC may terminate its insurance of deposits if it finds that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC.

        Community Reinvestment Act.    The Community Reinvestment Act requires that, in connection with examinations of financial institutions within their respective jurisdictions, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC shall evaluate the record of each financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. These facts are also considered in

6



evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could impose additional requirements and limitations on the Bank. Additionally, we must publicly disclose the terms of various Community Reinvestment Act-related agreements.

        Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.    The Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (the "ALLL") represents one of the most significant estimates in the Bank's financial statements and regulatory reports. Because of its significance, the Bank has developed a system by which it develops, maintains and documents a comprehensive, systematic and consistently applied process for determining the amounts of the ALLL and the provision for loan and lease losses. The Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, issued on December 13, 2006, encourages all banks to ensure controls are in place to consistently determine the ALLL in accordance with GAAP, the bank's stated policies and procedures, management's best judgment and relevant supervisory guidance. Consistent with supervisory guidance, the Bank maintains a prudent and conservative, but not excessive, ALLL, that is at a level that is appropriate to cover estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans determined to be impaired as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan and lease portfolio. The Bank's estimate of credit losses reflects consideration of all significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis—Critical Accounting Policies."

        Commercial Real Estate Lending.    The Bank's lending operations may be subject to enhanced scrutiny by federal banking regulators based on its concentration of commercial real estate loans. On December 6, 2006, the federal banking regulators issued final guidance to remind financial institutions of the risk posed by commercial real estate ("CRE") lending concentrations. CRE loans generally include land development, construction loans and loans secured by multifamily property, and nonfarm, nonresidential real property where the primary source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property.

        Other Regulations.    Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by the Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. For example, under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, a lender is generally prohibited from charging an annual interest rate of more than 6% on any obligation for which the borrower is a person on active duty with the United States Military. The Bank's loan operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as:

    The federal Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;

    The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;

    The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;

    The Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies, certain identity theft protections, and certain credit and other disclosures;

    The Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies;

    The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which amended the Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Act of 1940, governing the repayment terms of, and property rights underlying, secured obligations of persons in military service; and

    The rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.

7


        The deposit operations of the Bank are subject to:

    The Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;

    The Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E issued by the Federal Reserve to implement that act, which governs automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers' rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services;

    Truth-In-Savings Act, requiring certain disclosures for consumer deposit accounts; and

    The rules and regulations of the various federal banking regulators charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.

Capital Adequacy

        The Company and the Bank are required to comply with the capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve, in the case of the Company, and the FDIC, in the case of the Bank. The Federal Reserve has established a risk-based and a leverage measure of capital adequacy for bank holding companies. Since the Company's consolidated assets are less than $500 million, under the Federal Reserve's capital guidelines, our capital adequacy is measured on a bank-only basis as opposed to a consolidated basis. The Bank is also subject to risk-based and leverage capital requirements adopted by the FDIC, which are substantially similar to those adopted by the Federal Reserve for bank holding companies.

        The risk-based capital standards are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies, to account for off-balance-sheet exposure, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Assets and off-balance-sheet items, such as letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments, are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate risk weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance-sheet items.

        The minimum guideline for the ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is 8%. Total capital consists of two components, Tier 1 Capital and Tier 2 Capital. Tier 1 Capital generally consists of common shareholders' equity, minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, qualifying noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of qualifying cumulative perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets. Tier 1 Capital must equal at least 4% of risk-weighted assets. Tier 2 Capital generally consists of subordinated debt, other preferred stock and hybrid capital and a limited amount of loan loss reserves. The total amount of Tier 2 Capital is limited to 100% of Tier 1 Capital. At December 31, 2007, our ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets was 14% and our ratio of Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets was 13%.

        In addition, the Federal Reserve has established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines provide for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 Capital to average assets, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets, of 3% for bank holding companies that meet specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating and implementing the Federal Reserve's risk-based capital measure for market risk. All other bank holding companies generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4%. At December 31, 2007, the Company's leverage ratio was 10%. The guidelines also provide that bank holding companies experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without reliance on intangible assets. The Federal Reserve considers the leverage ratio and other indicators of capital strength in evaluating proposals for expansion or new activities.

8


        Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank or bank holding company to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital directive, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, a prohibition on accepting brokered deposits, and certain other restrictions on its business. As described above, significant additional restrictions can be imposed on FDIC-insured depository institutions that fail to meet applicable capital requirements. See "—Prompt Corrective Action."

Payment of Dividends

        The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The principal source of the Company's cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends to its shareholders, is dividends that the Bank pays to the Company, its sole shareholder. Statutory and regulatory limitations apply to the Bank's payment of dividends to the Company as well as to the Company's payment of dividends to its shareholders.

        If, in the opinion of the federal banking regulator, the Bank were engaged in or about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice, the federal banking regulator could require, after notice and a hearing, that it cease and desist from its practice. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depository institution's capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, a depository institution may not pay any dividend if payment would cause it to become undercapitalized or if it is already undercapitalized. Moreover, the federal agencies have issued policy statements that provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings. See "—Prompt Corrective Action" above.

        The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance also regulates the Bank's dividend payments and must approve dividend payments that would exceed 50% of the Bank's net income for the prior year. Our payment of dividends may also be affected or limited by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines.

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates

        The Company and the Bank are subject to the provisions of Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act. Section 23A places limits on the amount of:

    loans or extensions of credit to affiliates;

    investment in affiliates;

    the purchase of assets from affiliates, except for real and personal property exempted by the Federal Reserve;

    loans or extensions of credit to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates; and

    any guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit issued on behalf of an affiliate.

        The total amount of the above transactions is limited in amount, as to any one affiliate, to 10% of a bank's capital and surplus and, as to all affiliates combined, to 20% of a bank's capital and surplus. In addition to the limitation on the amount of these transactions, each of the above transactions must also meet specified collateral requirements. The Bank must also comply with other provisions designed to avoid the taking of low-quality assets.

        The Company and the Bank are also subject to the provisions of Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act which, among other things, prohibit an institution from engaging in the above transactions with affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the

9



institution or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.

        The Bank is also subject to restrictions on extensions of credit to its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and their related interests. These extensions of credit (1) 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 (2) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

Proposed Legislation and Regulatory Action

        New regulations and statutes are regularly proposed that contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations and competitive relationships of financial institutions operating or doing business in the United States. We cannot predict whether or in what form any proposed regulation or statute will be adopted or the extent to which our business may be affected by any new regulation or statute.

Effect of Governmental Monetary Polices

        Our earnings are affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and its agencies. The Federal Reserve Bank's monetary policies have had, and are likely to continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power to implement national monetary policy in order, among other things, to curb inflation or combat a recession. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve affect the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its control over the issuance of United States government securities, its regulation of the discount rate applicable to member banks and its influence over reserve requirements to which member banks are subject. We cannot predict the nature or impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.

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ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, which may require us to take a charge to our earnings and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

        We maintain an allowance for estimated loan losses that we believe is adequate for absorbing any probable losses in our loan portfolio. Management determines the provision for loan losses based upon an analysis of general market conditions, credit quality of our loan portfolio, and performance of our customers relative to their financial obligations with us. We employ an outside vendor specializing in credit risk management to evaluate our loan portfolio for risk grading, which can result in changes in our allowance for estimated loan losses. The amount of future losses is susceptible to changes in economic, operating, and other conditions, including changes in interest rates that may be beyond our control and such losses may exceed the allowance for estimated loan losses. Although management believes that the allowance for estimated loan losses is adequate to absorb any probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, there can be no assurance that the allowance will prove sufficient to cover actual loan losses in the future. Significant increases to the provision for loan losses may be necessary if material adverse changes in general economic conditions occur or the performance of our loan portfolio deteriorates. Additionally, federal banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review the allowance for estimated loan losses. If these regulatory agencies require us to increase the allowance for estimated loan losses, it would have a negative effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We could suffer loan losses from a decline in credit quality.

        We could sustain losses if borrowers, guarantors and related parties fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loans. We have adopted underwriting and credit monitoring procedures and policies, including the establishment and review of the allowance for credit losses that we believe are appropriate to minimize this risk by assessing the likelihood of nonperformance, tracking loan performance and diversifying our credit portfolio. These policies and procedures, however, may not prevent unexpected losses that could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

If the value of real estate in our core market were to decline materially, a significant portion of our loan portfolio could become under-collateralized, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        With most of our loans concentrated in the metro Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama, a decline in local economic conditions could adversely affect the values of our real estate collateral. Consequently, a decline in local economic conditions may have a greater effect on our earnings and capital than on the earnings and capital of larger financial institutions whose real estate loan portfolios are geographically diverse.

        In addition to considering the financial strength and cash flow characteristics of borrowers, we often secure loans with real estate collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, our earnings and capital could be adversely affected.

Additional growth may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

        We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We anticipate that our current capital resources will satisfy our capital

11



requirements for the foreseeable future. We may at some point, however, need to raise additional capital to support our continued growth.

        Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations could be materially impaired.

Our access to additional short term funding to meet our liquidity needs is limited.

        We must maintain, on a daily basis, sufficient funds to cover withdrawals from depositors' accounts and to supply new borrowers with funds. We routinely monitor asset and liability maturities in an attempt to match maturities to meet liquidity needs. To meet our cash obligations, we rely on repayments as asset mature, keep cash on hand, maintain account balances with correspondent banks, purchase and sell federal funds, purchase brokered deposits and maintain a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank. If we are unable to meet our liquidity needs through loan and other asset repayments and our cash on hand, we may need to borrow additional funds. Due to the limited availability of liquidity as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis, our access to additional borrowed funds may be limited and we may be required to pay above market rates for additional borrowed funds, which may adversely our results of operations.

Changes in monetary policies may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by credit policies of monetary authorities, particularly the Federal Reserve Board. Actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board, could have an adverse effect on our deposit levels, loan demand or business and earnings.

Our profitability is vulnerable to interest rate fluctuations.

        Our profitability depends substantially upon our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest earned on assets, such as loans and investment securities, and the interest paid for liabilities, such as savings and time deposits and out-of-market certificates of deposit. Market interest rates for loans, investments and deposits are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control. Recently, interest rate spreads have generally narrowed due to changing market conditions, policies of various government and regulatory authorities and competitive pricing pressures, and we cannot predict whether these rate spreads will narrow even further. This narrowing of interest rate spreads could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

        At December 31, 2007 we were in an asset sensitive position, which generally, means that changes in interest rates affect our interest earned on assets quicker than our interest paid for liabilities since the rates earned on our assets reset sooner than rates paid on our liabilities. Accordingly, we anticipate that interest rate decreases by the Federal Reserve Bank in the first quarter of 2008 will have a negative affect on our net interest income until the interest rates paid on our liabilities reset.

        In addition, we cannot predict whether interest rates will continue to remain at present levels. Changes in interest rates may cause significant changes, up or down, in our net interest income. Depending on our portfolio of loans and investments, our results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates.

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We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business, which limitations or restrictions could adversely affect our profitability.

        As a bank holding company, we are primarily regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve Board"). Our subsidiary bank is primarily regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") and the State of Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. Our compliance with Federal Reserve Board, FDIC and Department of Banking and Finance regulations is costly and may limit our growth and restrict certain of our activities, including payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates charged, interest rates paid on deposits and locations of offices. We are also subject to capital requirements of our regulators.

        The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time, and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies, our cost of compliance could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

        The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the related rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC that currently apply to us and the related exchange rules and regulations, have increased the scope, complexity and cost of corporate governance, reporting and disclosure practices. As a result, we may experience greater compliance costs.

An economic downturn, especially one affecting our market areas, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

        Our success depends upon the growth in population, income levels, deposits and housing starts in our primary market areas. If the communities in which we operate do not grow, or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally are unfavorable, our business may not succeed. Unpredictable economic conditions may have an adverse effect on the quality of our loan portfolio and our financial performance. Economic recession over a prolonged period or other economic problems in our market areas could have a material adverse impact on the quality of the loan portfolio and the demand for our products and services. Future adverse changes in the economies in our market areas may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Further, the banking industry in Georgia and Alabama is affected by general economic conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment and other factors beyond our control. As a community bank, we are less able to spread the risk of unfavorable local economic conditions than larger or more regional banks. Moreover, we cannot give any assurance that we will benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions in our primary market areas even if they do occur.

As a community bank, we have different lending risks than larger banks.

        We provide services to our local communities. Our ability to diversify our economic risks is limited by our own local markets and economies. We lend primarily to small to medium-sized businesses, and, to a lesser extent, individuals which may expose us to greater lending risks than those of banks lending to larger, better-capitalized businesses with longer operating histories.

        We manage our credit exposure through careful monitoring of loan applicants and loan concentrations in particular industries, and through loan approval and review procedures. We have established an evaluation process designed to determine the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. While this evaluation process uses historical and other objective information, the classification of loans and the establishment of loan losses is an estimate based on experience, judgment and expectations regarding our borrowers, the economies in which we and our borrowers operate, as well as the judgment of our regulators. We cannot assure you that our loan loss reserves will be sufficient to

13



absorb future loan losses or prevent a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Competition from other financial institutions may adversely affect our profitability.

        The banking business is highly competitive, and we experience strong competition from many other financial institutions. We compete with commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market funds and other financial institutions, which operate in our primary market areas and elsewhere.

        We compete with these institutions both in attracting deposits and in making loans. In addition, we have to attract our customer base from other existing financial institutions and from new residents. Many of our competitors are well-established and much larger financial institutions. While we believe we can and do successfully compete with these other financial institutions in our markets, we may face a competitive disadvantage as a result of our smaller size and lack of geographic diversification.

        Although we compete by concentrating our marketing efforts in our primary market area with local advertisements, personal contacts and greater flexibility in working with local customers, we can give no assurance that this strategy will be successful.

Our plans for future expansion depend, in some instances, on factors beyond our control, and an unsuccessful attempt to achieve growth could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

        The investment necessary for branch expansion may negatively impact our efficiency ratio. We may also seek to acquire other financial institutions, or parts of those institutions, though we have no present plans in that regard. Expansion involves a number of risks, including:

    the time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring experienced local management and opening new offices;

    the time lags between these activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to support the costs of the expansion;

    we may not be able to finance an acquisition without diluting the interests of our existing shareholders;

    the diversion of our management's attention to the negotiation of a transaction may detract from their business productivity;

    we may enter into new markets where we lack experience; and

    we may introduce new products and services with which we have no prior experience into our business.

Our ability to pay dividends is limited and we may be unable to pay future dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock may be your sole opportunity for gains on your investment for the foreseeable future.

        We make no assurances that we will pay any dividends in the future. Any future determination relating to dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including our future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, regulatory restrictions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, and if declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. As part of our consideration to pay cash dividends, we intend to retain adequate funds from future earnings to support the development and

14



growth of our business. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is restricted by federal policies and regulations. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve Board that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of net income available over the past year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization's expected future needs and financial condition. Further, our principal source of funds to pay dividends is cash dividends that we receive from the bank.

Our recent results may not be indicative of our future results, and may not provide guidance to assess the risk of an investment in our common stock.

        We may not be able to sustain our historical rate of growth or may not even be able to grow our business at all. In addition, our recent and rapid growth may distort some of our historical financial ratios and statistics. In the future, we may not have the benefit of several recently favorable factors, such as a generally increasing interest rate environment, a strong residential mortgage market or the ability to find suitable expansion opportunities. Various factors, such as economic conditions, regulatory and legislative considerations and competition, may also impede or prohibit our ability to expand our market presence. If we experience a significant decrease in our historical rate of growth, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected due to a high percentage of our operating costs being fixed expenses.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        There are no written comments from the Commission staff regarding our periodic reports or current reports under the Act which remain unresolved.

ITEM 2.    DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

        The Bank's main office building is located at 75 Piedmont Avenue, N.E., Atlanta,, Georgia. In addition to its main branch, the Bank also operates nine other branch offices: the office located at 2727 Panola Road, Lithonia, Georgia, which is owned by the Bank; the office located at 965 M.L. King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, which is owned by the bank; the office located at 2840 East Point Street, East Point, Georgia, which is owned by the bank; the office located at 2592 S. Hairston Road, Decatur, Georgia, which is owned by the bank; the office located at Rockbridge Plaza, 5771 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia, which is owned by the Bank; the office located at 3705 Cascade Road, Atlanta, Georgia, which is owned by the bank; the office located at 3172 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia, is leased; the office located at 1700 Third Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama, which is owned by the Bank; and the office located at 213 Main Street, Eutaw, Alabama, which is owned by the Bank. In the opinion of management, all of these properties are adequately insured.

        Other than normal commercial lending activities of the Bank, the Company generally does not invest in real estate, interests in real estate, or securities of or interests in entities primarily engaged in real estate activities.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which any of its properties are subject; nor are there material proceedings known to the Company to be contemplated by any governmental authority; nor are there material proceedings known to the Company, pending or contemplated, in which any director, officer or affiliate or any principal security holder of the Company, or any associate of any of the foregoing, is a party or has an interest adverse to the Company.

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

        No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2007.

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PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

        The Company's common stock, $1.00 par value ("Common Stock"), is traded on the Nasdaq Bulletin Board, but there is limited trading. The following table sets forth high and low bid information for the Common Stock for each of the quarters in which trading has occurred since January 1, 2006. The prices set forth below reflect only information that has come to management's attention and do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.

Quarter Ended:

  High Bid
  Low Bid
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2007            
  March 31, 2007   $ 11.70   $ 10.20
  June 30, 2007   $ 11.00   $ 10.35
  September 30, 2007   $ 11.00   $ 10.00
  December 31, 2007   $ 10.50   $ 9.01

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 
  March 31, 2006   $ 11.40   $ 10.50
  June 30, 2006   $ 11.45   $ 9.65
  September 30, 2006   $ 11.50   $ 9.90
  December 31, 2006   $ 11.75   $ 10.85

        As of March 14, 2008, there were approximately 1,444 holders of record of Common Stock. The Company also has outstanding 90,000 shares of Non-Voting Common Stock, all of which is held by one shareholder.

        The Company paid an annual cash dividend of $0.17 per share in 2006 and $0.19 per share in 2007. The Company's dividend policy in the future will depend on the Bank's earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors considered relevant by the Board of Directors of the Company. See "Description of Business—Bank Regulation."

        The Company issued 6,925 shares of unregistered common stock from treasury stock to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan during 2007 at a price of $8.17 per share.

        The Company did not purchase any shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter 2007.

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        This information is not required since the Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company.

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

The Company

        Citizens Bancshares Corporation (collectively with its subsidiary, the "Company") is a holding company that provides a full range of commercial banking services to individual and corporate customers through its wholly owned subsidiary, Citizens Trust Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank operates under a state charter and serves its customers through its home office and six full-service branches in metropolitan Atlanta, one full-service branch in Columbus, Georgia, one full-service branch in Birmingham, Alabama, and one full-service branch in Eutaw, Alabama. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

16


        The following discussions of the Company's financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes, appearing in other sections of this Annual Report.

Forward Looking Statements

        In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements. For this purpose, any statements contained herein, including documents incorporated by reference, that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "intend," "seek," "estimate," "believe," "anticipates," "plan," expects," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

        Forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risk and uncertainties because of the possibility of changes in underlying factors and assumptions. Actual conditions, events or results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including: sharp and/or rapid changes in interest rates; significant changes in the economic scenario from the current anticipated scenario which could materially change anticipated credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans and gather deposits; significant delay in or inability to execute strategic initiatives designed to grow revenues and/or control expenses; unanticipated issues during the integration of acquisitions; and significant changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements. These factors should be considered in evaluating the "forward-looking statements" and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to, nor does it intend to, update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in the entirety by these cautionary statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), which often require the judgment of management in the selection and application of certain accounting principles and methods. Management believes the quality and reasonableness of its most critical policies enable the fair presentation of its financial position and results of operations.

        In response to the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") Release No. 33-8040, Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies, the Company has identified the following as the most critical accounting policies upon which its financial status depends. The critical policies were determined by considering accounting policies that involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments by the Company's management. The Company's most critical accounting policies are:

        Investment Securities—The Company classifies investments in one of three categories based on management's intent upon purchase: held to maturity securities which are reported at amortized cost, trading securities which are reported at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings, and available for sale securities which are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company had no investment securities classified as trading securities during 2007, 2006 or 2005.

        Premiums and discounts on available for sale and held to maturity securities are amortized or accreted using a method which approximates a level yield. Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are presented within investment securities interest income on the Consolidated Statements of

17



Income. Gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized upon disposition, based on the adjusted cost of the specific security. A decline in market value of any security below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security.

        Loans—Loans are reported at principal amounts outstanding less unearned income, discounts and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans is recognized on a level yield basis. Loan fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the loans using the level-yield method. Discounts on loans purchased are accreted using the level yield method over the estimated remaining life of the loan purchased. The accretion and amortization of loan fees, origination costs, and premiums and discounts are presented as a component of loan interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

        Allowance for Loan Losses—The Company provides for estimated losses on loans receivable when any significant and permanent decline in value occurs. These estimates for losses are based on individual assets and their related cash flow forecasts, sales values, independent appraisals, the volatility of certain real estate markets, and concern for disposing of real estate in distressed markets. For loans that are pooled for purposes of determining necessary provisions, estimates are based on loan types, history of charge-offs, and other delinquency analyses. Therefore, the value used to determine the provision for losses is subject to the reasonableness of these estimates. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed on a monthly basis by management and the Board of Directors. On a semiannual basis a comprehensive review of the adequacy of allowance for loan losses is performed. This assessment is made in the context of historical losses as well as existing economic conditions, performance trends within specific portfolio segments, and individual concentrations of credit. Loans are charged against the allowance when, in the opinion of management, such loans are deemed to be uncollectible and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance.

        A description of the Company's other accounting policies are summarized in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Selected Financial Data

        The following selected financial data for Citizens Bancshares Corporation and subsidiary should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes appearing in another section of this Annual Report.

 
  Years ended December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
 
  (amounts in thousands, except per share data and financial ratios)

 
Statement of income data:                    
  Net interest income   $ 14,177   $ 14,275   $ 14,341  
   
 
 
 
  Provision for loan losses   $   $ 30   $ 288  
   
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 2,856   $ 3,003   $ 2,343  
   
 
 
 
Per share data:                    
  Net income—basic   $ 1.37   $ 1.44   $ 1.12  
   
 
 
 
  Book value   $ 15.83   $ 14.46   $ 13.03  
   
 
 
 
  Cash dividends declared   $ 0.19   $ 0.17   $ 0.15  
   
 
 
 
Balance sheet data:                    
  Loans, net of unearned income and discounts   $ 238,211   $ 221,112   $ 218,972  
   
 
 
 
  Deposits   $ 279,599   $ 269,020   $ 254,669  
   
 
 
 
  Notes payable   $ 340   $ 340   $ 440  
   
 
 
 
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   $ 18,944   $ 26,746   $ 37,700  
   
 
 
 
  Junior subordinated debentures   $   $ 5,155   $ 5,155  
   
 
 
 
  Total assets   $ 338,384   $ 335,185   $ 328,581  
   
 
 
 
  Average stockholders' equity   $ 30,927   $ 28,173   $ 26,330  
   
 
 
 
  Average assets   $ 336,862   $ 327,736   $ 327,224  
   
 
 
 
Ratios:                    
  Net income to average assets     0.85 %   0.92 %   0.72 %
  Net income to average stockholders' equity     9.23 %   10.66 %   8.90 %
  Dividend payout ratio     13.90 %   11.85 %   13.36 %
  Average stockholders' equity to average assets     9.18 %   8.60 %   8.05 %

        In 2007, the Company reported net income of $2,856,000, a 5 percent decrease over net income of $3,003,000 in 2006, which represented a 28 percent increase over 2005. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $1.37 and $1.44 for 2007 and 2006, respectively. Pretax income for 2007 was flat compared to 2006, decreasing by $86,000 or 2 percent to $3,672,000, while income tax expense increased by $61,000 or 8 percent to $816,000 over the same periods. The year over year increase in income tax expense is primarily due to the reduction of certain other allowable deductions taken in 2006 which were not available in 2007. Additional information concerning the Company's income taxes is summarized in Note 7, Income Taxes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

        The ratio of average stockholders' equity to average assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. The Company has a strong capital position, as its ratio of average stockholders' equity to average assets for 2007, 2006 and 2005 was 9.18 percent, 8.60 percent and 8.05 percent, respectively. Another key capital ratio, the Company's net income to average stockholders' equity (return on equity), was 9.23 percent, 10.66 percent and 8.90 percent in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

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Financial Condition

        As of December 31, 2007, the Company had total assets of $338,384,000 and shareholders' equity was $33,133,000, representing 10 percent of total assets. Book value per common share was $15.83 as of December 31, 2007, as increase of 9 percent compared to the same period last year.

        Loans receivable, net increased by $17 million or 8 percent to $235,364,000 in 2007 compared to 2006. The increase in Loans receivable, net was partially offset by a $4 million decrease in Interest-bearing deposits with banks and $12 million in investment securities as these funds were shifted into loans which offer higher yields.

        At December 31, 2007, Foreclosed real estate, net was $2,423,000 an increase of $2,292,000 compared to December 31, 2006. This increase is primarily due to the collateral seized on a $2.6 million troubled loan, partially offset by the liquidation of several properties throughout the year. Due to the recent adverse conditions in the current real estate market, market value of real estate properties in the Company's target markets has been declining. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company reduced the carrying value of its Foreclosed real estate, net by $139,000.

        Cash value of life insurance, a comprehensive compensation program for directors and certain senior managers of the Company, increased $381,000 or 4 percent at December 31, 2007. The increase is due to additional premiums paid and earnings on such premiums throughout the year.

Investment Portfolio

        The composition of the Company's investment securities portfolio reflects the Company's investment strategy of maximizing portfolio yields commensurate with risk and liquidity considerations. The primary objectives of the Company's investment strategy are to maintain an appropriate level of liquidity and provide a tool to assist in controlling the Company's interest rate sensitivity position, while at the same time producing adequate levels of interest income.

        At December 31, 2007 and 2006, investment securities comprised approximately 20 percent and 24 percent of the Company's assets, respectively. The investment portfolio had a fair market value of $67,115,000 and an amortized cost of $66,980,000, resulting in a net unrealized gain of $135,000 at December 31, 2007. For the same period in 2006, the investment portfolio had a fair market value of $78,505,000 and an amortized cost of $79,337,000, resulting in a net unrealized loss of $832,000.

        Investments classified as held-to-maturity at December 31, 2007 had an amortized cost of $7,374,000 ($7,438,000 estimated fair value), compared to an amortized cost $8,175,000 ($8,157,000 estimated fair value) at December 31, 2006. Total investments classified as available-for-sale had a fair value of $59,677,000 ($59,606,000 amortized cost) at December 31, 2007, compared to a fair value of $70,348,000 ($71,162,000 amortized cost) at December 31, 2006.

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        The following table shows the contractual maturities of all investment securities at December 31, 2007 and the weighted average yields (on a fully taxable basis assuming a 34 percent tax rate) of such securities. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (amounts in thousands, except yields):

 
  Maturing
 
 
  Within 1 Year
  Between 1 and 5 Years
  Between 5 and 10 Years
  After 10 Years
 
 
  Amount
  Yield
  Amount
  Yield
  Amount
  Yield
  Amount
  Yield
 
Government-sponsored enterprises securities   $ 3,983   3.77 % $ 4,981   4.53 % $ 385   5.75 % $ 9,020   5.48 %
Mortgage-backed securities(a)           3,160   3.74 %   8,104   4.04 %   19,175   4.98 %
State, county, and municipal securities     90   7.35 %   2,437   5.82 %   10,561   6.01 %   5,155   6.14 %
   
     
     
     
     
  Totals   $ 4,073       $ 10,578       $ 19,050       $ 33,350      
   
     
     
     
     

(a)
Mortgage-backed securities have been categorized at their average life according to their projected speed of repayment. Principal repayments will occur at varying dates throughout the terms of the mortgages.

        Other investments consist of Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, which are restricted and have no readily determined market value. The Company is required to maintain an investment in the FHLB and FRB as part of its membership conditions. The level of investments is determined by the amount of outstanding advances at the FHLB and 6 percent of the par value of the bank's common stock outstanding and paid-in-capital. These investments are carried at cost and decreased by $405,000 to $1,842,000 in 2007 compared to 2006.

Nonperforming Assets

        Nonperforming assets include nonperforming loans and real estate acquired through foreclosure. Nonperforming loans consist of loans which are past due with respect to principal or interest more than 90 days ("past-due loans") or have been placed on nonaccrual of interest status ("nonaccrual loans"). Generally, past-due loans and nonaccrual loans which are delinquent more than 90 days will be charged off against the Company's allowance for possible loan losses unless management determines that the loan has sufficient collateral to allow for the recovery of unpaid principal and interest or reasonable prospects for the resumption of principal and interest payments.

        Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal or when loans become contractually in default for 90 days or more as to either interest or principal. The accrual of interest on some loans, however, may continue even though they are 90 days past due if the loan is well secured, in the process of collection and management deems it appropriate. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged-off against interest income on loans unless management believes that the accrued interest is recoverable through the liquidation of collateral.

        Nonperforming assets increased during the year by $3,836,000 to $7,684,000 at December 31, 2007 from $3,848,000 at December 31, 2006. This increase is primarily related to a $2.6 million loan secured by real estate that the Company foreclosed and transferred to foreclosed real estate. The remaining increase in nonperforming assets relates to nonperforming 1-4 family residential, multifamily residential, and nonfarm residential mortgage loans. Management is in the process of foreclosing and liquidating these properties. The Company does not expect significant losses as these properties have private

21



mortgage insurance and/or sufficient market value to offset the principal balance outstanding. Also, the U.S. Government through the Small Business Administration Program guarantees $1,762,000 of the $5,261,000 in nonperforming loans.

        Nonperforming assets represents 3.19 percent of loans, net of unearned income, discounts, and real estate acquired through foreclosure at December 31, 2007 as compared to 1.74 percent at December 31, 2006.

        The table below presents a summary of the Company's nonperforming assets at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 
  December 31, 2007
  December 31, 2006
 
 
  (in thousands, except financial ratios)

 
Nonperforming assets:              
Nonperforming loans:              
Nonaccrual loans   $ 5,261   $ 3,718  
  Past-due loans of 90 days or more          
   
 
 
  Nonperforming loans     5,261     3,718  

Real estate acquired through foreclosure

 

 

2,423

 

 

130

 
   
 
 
  Total nonperforming assets   $ 7,684   $ 3,848  
   
 
 
Ratios:              
Nonperforming loans to loans, net of unearned income and discount on loans     2.21 %   1.68 %
   
 
 
Nonperforming assets to loans, net of unearned income, discounts, and real estate acquired through foreclosure     3.19 %   1.74 %
   
 
 
Nonperforming assets to total assets     2.27 %   1.15 %
   
 
 
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans     54.12 %   83.61 %
   
 
 
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming assets     37.06 %   80.78 %
   
 
 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

        The Company provides for estimated losses on loans receivable when any significant and permanent decline in value occurs. These estimates for losses are based on individual assets and their cash flow forecasts, sales values, independent appraisals, the volatility of certain real estate markets, and concern for disposing of real estate in distressed markets. For loans that are pooled for purposes of determining the necessary provisions, estimates are based on loan types, history of charge-offs, and other delinquency analyses.

        Therefore, the value used to determine the provision for losses is subject to the reasonableness of these estimates and management's judgment. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed on a monthly basis by management and the Board of Directors. On a semi-annual basis an independent review of the adequacy of allowance for loan losses is performed. This assessment is made in the context of historical losses as well as existing economic conditions, and individual concentrations of credit.

        Reviews of nonperforming loans, designed to identify potential charges to the reserve for possible loan losses, as well as to determine the adequacy of the reserve, are made on a continuous basis during the year. These reviews are conducted by the responsible lending officers, a separate independent

22



review process, and the internal audit division. They consider such factors as trends in portfolio volume, quality, maturity and composition; industry concentrations; lending policies; new products; adequacy of collateral; historical loss experience; the status and amount of non-performing and past-due loans; specific known risks; and current, as well as anticipated specific and general economic factors that may affect certain borrowers. The conclusions are reviewed and approved by senior management. When a loan, or a portion thereof, is considered by management to be uncollectible, it is charged against the reserve after receiving approval by the Board of Directors. Any recoveries on loans previously charged off are added to the reserve.

        The provision for loan losses is the periodic cost of increasing the allowance or reserve for the estimated losses on loans in the portfolio. A charge against operating earnings is necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level as determined by management. The provision is determined based on growth of the loan portfolio, the amount of net loans charged-off, and management's estimation of potential future loan losses based on an evaluation of loan portfolio risks, adequacy of underlying collateral, and economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Based on the Company's evaluation, a provision for loan losses was not recorded in 2007. In 2006, the provision for loan losses that was charged against operating earnings was $30,000.

        The Company's allowance for loan losses was approximately $2,848,000 or 1.20 percent of loans receivable, net of unearned income and discounts at December 31, 2007, and $3,109,000 or 1.41 percent of loans receivable, net of unearned income and discounts at December 31, 2006. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2007 is adequate to provide for potential loan losses given past experience and the underlying strength of the loan portfolio.

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        The following table summarizes loans, changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from loans charged off, recoveries on loans previously charged off by loan category, and additions to the allowance which have been charged to operating expense as of and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (amount in thousands, except financial ratios):

 
  2007
  2006
 
Loans, net of unearned income and discounts   $ 238,211   $ 221,112  
   
 
 
Average loans, net of unearned income, discounts and the allowance for loan losses   $ 223,687   $ 215,002  
   
 
 
Allowance for loan losses at the beginning of period   $ 3,109   $ 3,327  

Loans charged-off:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Commercial, financial, and agricultural     53     144  
  Real estate—loans     242     161  
  Installment loans to individuals     238     224  
   
 
 
Total loans charged-off     533     529  
   
 
 
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:              
  Commercial, financial, and agricultural     70     118  
  Real estate—loans     130     93  
  Installment loans to individuals     72     70  
   
 
 
Total loans recovered     272     281  
   
 
 
Net loans charged-off     261     248  

Additions to allowance for loan losses charged to operating expense

 

 


 

 

30

 
   
 
 
Allowance for loan losses at period end   $ 2,848   $ 3,109  
   
 
 
Ratio of net loans charged-off to average loans, net of unearned income, discounts, and the allowance for loan losses     0.12 %   0.12 %
   
 
 
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans, net of unearned income and discounts     1.20 %   1.41 %
   
 
 

Deposits

        Deposits are the Company's primary source of funding loan growth. Total deposits at December 31, 2007 increased by 4 percent or $10,579,000 to $279,599,000, driven by interest-bearing deposits which increased 8 percent or $16,948,000 to $225,705,000 compared to December 31, 2006. On an average basis, average interest-bearing deposits increased by $19,209,000 or 9 percent to $225,133,000 in 2007. The increase was primarily attributed to the Company's sale efforts, which places specific emphasis on deposit growth to reduce its reliance upon wholesale funding sources. The Company also has Corporate and Governmental customers that have significant interest-bearing deposits with the Company; and their deposit and withdrawal activities can significantly impact the Company's deposit balances.

        For additional information about the Company's deposit maturities and composition, see Note 5, Deposits, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Other Borrowed Funds

        While the Company continues to emphasize funding earning asset growth through deposits, it relies on other borrowings as a supplemental funding source and to manage its interest rate sensitivity. During 2007, the Company's average borrowed funds decreased by $9,681,000 to $17,303,000 from $26,984,000 in 2006. The average interest rate on other borrowings was 6 percent in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Other borrowings consist of Federal funds purchased, short-term borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank (the "FHLB") advances. In 2002, the Company issued pooled trust preferred securities used to acquire another financial institution, which were redeemed on June 26, 2007. The Bank had an average outstanding advance from the FHLB of $13,974,000 in 2007 and $21,454,000 in 2006. These advances are collateralized by FHLB stock, a blanket lien on the Bank's 1-4 family mortgages, commercial real estate loans and home equity loans.

        For additional information regarding the Company's other borrowings, see Note 6, Other Borrowings, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Disclosure about Contractual Obligations and Commitments

        The following tables identify the Company's aggregated information about contractual obligations and loan commitments at December 31, 2007.

 
  Payments Due by Period
   
Contractual Obligations

  Less than 1 year
  1 - 3 years
  3 - 5 years
  After 5 years
  Total
FHLB advances   $ 18,565,000   $   $   $ 379,408   $ 18,944,408
Notes payable     339,647                 339,647
Operating leases     457,951     944,579     1,000,339     1,854,848     4,257,717
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 19,362,598   $ 944,579   $ 1,000,339   $ 2,234,256   $ 23,541,772
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
   
Other Commitments

  Less than 1 year
  1 - 3 years
  3 - 5 years
  After 5 years
  Total
Commitments to extend credit   $ 31,796,223   $ 14,130,780   $ 4,949,812   $ 279,004   $ 51,155,819
Commercial letters of credit     3,551,000                 3,551,000
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 35,347,223   $ 14,130,780   $ 4,949,812   $ 279,004   $ 54,706,819
   
 
 
 
 

Liquidity Management

        Liquidity is the ability of the Company to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves maintaining the Company's ability to meet the day-to-day cash flow requirements of its customers, whether they are depositors wishing to withdraw funds or borrowers requiring funds to meet their credit needs. Without proper liquidity management, the Company would not be able to perform the primary function of a financial intermediary and would, therefore, not be able to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Additionally, the Company requires cash for various operating needs including: dividends to shareholders; business combinations; capital injections to its subsidiary; the servicing of debt; and the payment of general corporate expenses. The Company has access to various capital markets. However, the primary source of liquidity for the Company is dividends from its bank subsidiary. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance regulates the dividend payments and must approve dividend payments that exceed 50 percent of the Bank's prior year net income. The payment of dividends may also be affected or limited by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines. The amount of dividends available from the Bank without

25



prior approval from the regulators for payment in 2007 is approximately $1,604,000. The Company does not anticipate any liquidity requirements in the near future that it will not be able to meet.

        Asset and liability management functions not only serve to assure adequate liquidity in order to meet the needs of the Company's customers, but also to maintain an appropriate balance between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities so that the Company can earn a return that meets the investment requirements of its shareholders. Daily monitoring of the sources and uses of funds is necessary to maintain an acceptable cash position that meets both requirements.

        The asset portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity primarily through loan principal repayments, maturities of investment securities and, to a lesser extent, sales of investment securities available for sale and trading account securities. Other short-term investments such as federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and maturing interest bearing deposits with other banks, are additional sources of liquidity funding.

        The liability portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity through various customers' interest bearing and noninterest bearing deposit accounts. Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings are additional sources of liquidity and, basically, represent the Company's incremental borrowing capacity. These sources of liquidity are short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund asset growth and meet short-term liquidity needs.

Capital Resources

        Stockholders' equity increased by $2,983,000 or 10 percent during 2007. This increase is largely due to the growth in retained earnings of $2,286,000 as a result of net earnings in 2007 of $2,856,000 and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $585,000.

        Dividends of $397,000 were paid on the Company's common stock in 2007, representing a 12 percent increase over the amount paid in 2006. The annual dividend payout rate was $0.19 per common share in 2007 compared to $0.17 per common share paid in 2006. The dividend payout ratio was 14 percent and 12 percent for 2007 and 2006 respectively. The Company intends to continue a dividend payout ratio that is competitive in the banking industry while maintaining an adequate level of retained earnings to support continued growth.

        A strong capital position, which is vital to the continued profitability of the Company, also promotes depositor and investor confidence and provides a solid foundation for the future growth of the organization. The Company has satisfied its capital requirements principally through the retention of earnings. The ratio of average shareholders' equity as a percentage of total average assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. The Company continues to maintain a strong capital position as its ratio of average stockholders' equity to average assets for 2007 was 9.18 percent compared with 8.60 percent in 2006.

        In addition to the capital ratios mentioned above, banking industry regulators have defined minimum regulatory capital ratios that the Company and the Bank are required to maintain. These risk-based capital guidelines take into consideration risk factors, as defined by the regulators, associated with various categories of assets, both on and off of the balance sheet. The minimum guideline for the ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is 8 percent. Total capital consists of two components, Tier 1 Capital and Tier 2 Capital. Tier 1 Capital generally consists of common shareholders' equity, minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiary, qualifying noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of qualifying cumulative perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets. Tier 1 Capital must equal at least 4 percent of risk-weighted assets. Tier 2 Capital generally consists of subordinated debt, other preferred stock and hybrid capital and a limited amount of loan loss reserves. The total amount of Tier 2 Capital is limited to 100 percent

26



of Tier 1 Capital. Also, the Federal Reserve has established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines provide for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 Capital to average assets, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets, of 3 percent for bank holding companies that meet specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating and implementing the Federal Reserve's risk-based capital measure for market risk. All other bank holding companies, including the Company, generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4 percent.

        At December 31, 2007 our ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets was 14 percent, our ratio of Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets was 13 percent and our leverage ratio was 10 percent.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

        Net interest income is the principal component of a financial institution's income stream and represents the difference, or spread, between interest and fee income generated from earning assets and the interest expense paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Fluctuations in interest rates as well as volume and mix changes in earning assets and interest bearing liabilities can materially impact net interest income.

        Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, accounted for 75 percent of net interest income and noninterest income before provision for loan losses in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 74 percent in 2005. The level of such income is influenced primarily by changes in volume and mix of earning assets, sources of noninterest income and sources of funding, market rates of interest, and income tax rates. The Company's Asset/Liability Management Committee ("ALCO") is responsible for managing changes in net interest income and net worth resulting from changes in interest rates based on acceptable limits established by the Board of Directors. The ALCO reviews economic conditions, interest rate forecasts, the demand for loans, the availability of deposits, current operating results, liquidity, capital, and interest rate exposures. Based on such reviews, the ALCO formulates a strategy that is intended to implement objectives set forth in the asset/liability management policy.

        As a result of its asset/liability management program, on June 26, 2007 the Company retired its junior subordinated debentures which carried an interest rate of 8.82 percent during 2007. The Company also retired its FHLB fixed rate advance with an interest rate of 5.82% in third quarter of 2007. The Company continues to monitor its asset/liability mix and will make changes as appropriate to ensure it is properly positioned to react to changing interest rates and inflationary trends.

27


        The following table represents the Company's net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis to facilitate performance comparisons among various taxable and tax-exempt assets. Interest income on tax-exempt investment securities was adjusted to reflect the income on a tax-equivalent basis (considering the effect of the disallowed interest expense related to carrying these tax-exempt investment securities) using a nominal tax rate of 34 percent for 2007, 2006, 2005.

 
  Years ended December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Interest Income   $ 22,565   $ 21,616   $ 19,785  
Tax-equivalent adjustment     417     458     413  
   
 
 
 
Interest income, tax-equivalent basis     22,982     22,074     20,198  
Interest expense     (8,388 )   (7,340 )   (5,443 )
   
 
 
 
Net interest income, tax equivalent basis     14,594     14,734     14,755  
Provision for loan losses         (30 )   (288 )
Noninterest income     4,807     4,864     5,107  
Noninterest expense     (15,312 )   (15,351 )   (16,468 )
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes     4,089     4,217     3,106  
   
 
 
 
Income tax expense     (816 )   (756 )   (350 )
Tax-equivalent adjustment     (417 )   (458 )   (413 )
   
 
 
 
Income tax expense, tax-equivalant basis     (1,233 )   (1,214 )   (763 )
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 2,856   $ 3,003   $ 2,343  
   
 
 
 

        Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for 2007 was flat compared to 2006, decreasing by $140,000 compared to a decrease of $21,000 in 2006. In line with most financial institutions in 2007, our net interest margin has experienced pressure from flattening loan rates and higher interest rates associated with gathering and maintaining deposits. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis growth in the fourth quarter was constrained due to asset yields tied to the prime rate declining in lock-step with Federal Reserve reductions while deposit rates were declining to a lesser extent due to deposit competition. Despite this pressure, the Company maintained a net interest yield on earning assets in 2007, 2006 and 2005 of 4.75 percent, 4.98 percent, and 5.06 percent on a tax equivalent basis, respectively.

        Total interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $908,000 or 4 percent for the period ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Similarly, total interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased by $1,876,000 or 9 percent in 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. These increases were primarily due to changes in rates and volume of average earning assets.

        Total interest expense on a tax equivalent basis increased $1,048,000 or 14 percent in 2007 and $1,897,000 or 35 percent in 2006 due to the repricing of interest-bearing liabilities in a higher rate environment and competition for deposits.

Noninterest Income

        Noninterest income consists of revenues generated from a broad range of financial services and activities, including deposit and service fees, gains and losses realized from the sale of securities and assets, as well as various other components that comprise other noninterest income. Noninterest income totaled $4,807,000 in 2007, a decrease of $57,000 or 1 percent compared to 2006. Noninterest income was $4,864,000 in 2006, representing a decrease of $243,000 or 5 percent compared to 2005.

        Fee income from service charges on deposit accounts, the major component of noninterest income, increased 2 percent in 2007 after declining 8 percent in 2006. The increase in 2007 is primarily due to

28



an enhancement in the services offered on the Bank's deposit products which has had a positive impact on service fee income. In the fourth quarter of 2007, noninterest income increased by $359,000 or 32.9% compared to the same period last year as this new fee generating product has been well received by the Bank's customers. In 2006, service charges on deposit accounts were negatively impacted by customers' embracing the Company's free checking account product implemented to compete with local financial institutions offering similar products in the Company's target market area and reduced volume of insufficient funds, returned check charges, and other customer service fees.

        In 2005, in accordance with the guidance in SFAS No. 115 and SAB Topic 5: M, the Company's management concluded that an other-than-temporary impairment had incurred in its agency preferred securities, and that a writedown of the securities to market value was appropriate. The Company realized a $346,000 loss on the writedown for other-than-temporary impairment in its Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) perpetual preferred stocks. There was no other-than-temporary impairment charge in 2007 and 2006.

        The Company experienced a loss on sales of securities of $30,000 in 2007, and gains of $154,000 and $75,000 in 2006 and 2005, respectively. As part of its asset/liability strategy the bank sold various investments in order to restructure its investment portfolio to take advantage of the current interest rate environment and meet its liquidity needs to satisfy increasing loan demand. The Company also realized gains of $47,000 and $2,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and a loss of $8,000 in 2005 on the sale of assets. These transactions primarily represent the liquidation of repossessed assets and foreclosed properties.

        Other operating income increased slightly in 2007, increasing by $25,000 but decreased by $376,000 or 22 percent in 2006. This decrease is partially due to an event which increased the 2005 balance by $250,000. In 2005 we reversed a $250,000 accrual related to a jury verdict the Company won on appeal.

Noninterest Expense

        The efficiencies in the Company's operations continue to improve as management continues to adjust overhead expenses to handle the impact that the flat yield curve has on earnings. While total noninterest expenses reflects a decrease of $40,000 in 2007, our overhead expenses was significantly impacted by a $200,000 judgment against the Company in the first quarter of 2007. Total noninterest expense decreased by $1,117,000 or 7 percent to $15,351,000 in 2006 as a result of actions taken by management to control overhead expenses.

        Salaries and employee benefits expense decreased $105,000 or 1 percent in 2007 and $619,000 or 8 percent in 2006 due to a decrease in the Company's full-time employees (FTE). The Company's ongoing organizational changes have reduced its FTE to 126 at the end of December 31, 2007 from 133 in 2006, representing a 5 percent reduction in staff.

        Occupancy and equipment expense includes depreciation expense and repairs and maintenance costs relating to the Company's premises and equipment. Occupancy and equipment expense was basically flat in 2007, increasing by $25,000. During the third quarter of 2007 the Company relocated its Columbus branch to a larger facility which is closer to the Company's customer base and has more growth opportunities. The Company also installed plasma televisions in each of its branches to improve the marketing of its products to retail customers. The Company benefited from the consolidation of several branches in 2005 as occupancy and equipment expense decreased $281,000 or 11 percent in 2006.

        Other operating expenses were also flat in 2007, increasing by $28,000. However, other operating expenses includes a $200,000 award levied against the Company by the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia for attorney fees associated with a former court case decided against the Company. The Company considers the attorney fees awarded to be excessive and unwarranted considering the

29



amount of the judgment awarded by the jury in the case, and is appealing to have the fee reversed. Other operating expenses decreased by $217,000 or 4 percent in 2006 due to expense control.

Income Taxes

        Income tax expense increased $61,000 or 8 percent to $816,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to an increase of $406,000 or 116 percent to $756,000 in 2006. The effective tax rate as a percentage of pretax income was 22 percent in 2007, 20 percent in 2006, and 13 percent in 2005. The statutory federal rate was 34 percent during 2007, 2006 and 2005. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2007 is primarily due to the reduction of certain other allowable deductions taken in 2006 which were not available in 2007. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2006 is due to a 40 percent increase in pretax income. For further information concerning the provision for income taxes, refer to Note 7, Income Taxes, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

        This information is not required since the Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company.

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The following financial statements, notes thereon, and independent auditors report are included herein beginning on page F-1:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        There have been no changes or disagreements with the Company's accountants in the last two fiscal years.

ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our "disclosure controls and procedures" ("Disclosure Controls"). Disclosure Controls, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this annual report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

30


        Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

        Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are adequate to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiary, that is required to be included in its periodic filings with the Securities Exchange Commission, is timely made known to them.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, transactions are executed in accordance with appropriate management authorization and accounting records are reliable for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. Management based this assessment on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management's assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

        Based on this assessment, management believes that Citizens Bancshares Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company's independent public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's independent public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management's report in this annual report.

31


Changes in Internal Controls

        There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

        None

32



PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

        The responses to this Item are included in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 28, 2008, under the headings "Election of Directors," "Executive Officers," "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock," "Information About the Board and its Committees" and "Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934" and are incorporated herein by reference.

        The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to its principal executive, financial and accounting officers. A copy may also be obtained, without charge, upon written request addressed to Citizens Bancshares Corporation, 75 Piedmont Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303, Attention: Corporate Secretary. The request may also be delivered by fax to the Corporate Secretary at (404) 575-8311.

        There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Company's board of directors.

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The responses to this Item are included in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 28, 2008 under the heading "Executive Compensation" and are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        The responses to this item are included in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 28, 2008 under the heading "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock" and are incorporated herein by reference.

        The following table sets forth information regarding our equity compensation plans under which shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance. All data is presented as of December 31, 2007.

 
  Equity Compensation Plan Table

 
   
   
  (c)
 
  (a)
   
 
  (b)
  Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
  Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Plan category

  Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   90,176 shares   $ 10.97   234,434 shares

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

17,500 shares

 

$

9.88

 

None

Total

 

107,676 shares

 

$

10.80

 

234,434 shares

33


ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

        The responses to this Item are included in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 28, 2008 under the heading, "Certain Transactions" and "Director Independence" and are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        Information relating to the fees paid to the Company's independent accountants is set forth in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 28, 2008 under the heading "Accounting Matters" and are incorporated herein by reference.

34


Citizens Bancshares Corporation
and Subsidiary

Consolidated Financial Statements as of
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for Each of the
Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2007


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   F-1

CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

 

 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

 

F-2
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

 

F-3
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

 

F-4
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

 

F-5-F-6
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-7-F-33


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
Citizens Bancshares Corporation
Atlanta, Georgia

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Citizens Bancshares Corporation and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Citizens Bancshares Corporation and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years in the three year period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We were not engaged to examine management's assertion about the effectiveness of Citizens Bancshares Corporation and its subsidiary's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, accordingly, we do not express an opinion thereon.

Elliott Davis, LLC
Columbia, South Carolina
March 27, 2008

F-1



CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006

 
  2007
  2006
 
ASSETS              
  Cash and due from banks, including reserve requirements of $300,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively   $ 8,187,833   $ 8,615,340  
  Interest-bearing deposits with banks     521,586     4,588,548  
  Certificates of deposit     100,000     100,000  
  Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $59,606,060 and $71,162,240 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively)     59,677,477     70,348,116  
  Investment securities held to maturity, at cost (estimated fair value of $7,437,567 and $8,157,349 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively)     7,373,981     8,174,850  
  Other investments     1,841,550     2,246,250  
  Loans receivable—net     235,363,511     218,003,209  
  Premises and equipment—net     7,791,706     7,850,023  
  Cash surrender value of life insurance     9,744,891     9,363,656  
  Foreclosed real estate—net     2,422,865     130,457  
  Other assets     5,358,263     5,765,005  
   
 
 
    $ 338,383,663   $ 335,185,454  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY              
LIABILITIES:              
  Noninterest-bearing deposits   $ 53,893,706   $ 60,262,662  
  Interest-bearing deposits     225,705,481     208,757,684  
   
 
 
        Total deposits     279,599,187     269,020,346  
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities     4,367,222     3,774,832  
  Federal funds purchased     2,000,000      
  Notes payable     339,647     339,647  
  Junior subordinated debentures         5,155,000  
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank     18,944,408     26,745,923  
   
 
 
        Total liabilities     305,250,464     305,035,748  
   
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)              
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:              
  Common stock—$1 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized; 2,230,065 shares issued and outstanding     2,230,065     2,230,065  
  Nonvoting common stock—$1 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 90,000 shares issued and outstanding     90,000     90,000  
  Additional paid-in capital     7,553,588     7,497,239  
  Retained earnings     25,071,250     22,785,503  
  Treasury stock at cost, 227,517 and 234,442 shares at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively     (1,858,839 )   (1,915,416 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes     47,135     (537,685 )
   
 
 
        Total stockholders' equity     33,133,199     30,149,706  
   
 
 
    $ 338,383,663   $ 335,185,454  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-2



CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Interest income:                    
  Loans, including fees   $ 18,852,597   $ 18,050,725   $ 16,503,010  
  Investment securities:                    
    Taxable     2,496,921     2,482,652     2,221,289  
    Tax-exempt     808,750     889,140     801,313  
    Dividends     98,915     126,646     135,363  
  Interest-bearing deposits     307,512     66,295     123,542  
   
 
 
 
      Total interest income     22,564,695     21,615,458     19,784,517  
   
 
 
 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deposits     7,360,882     5,710,991     3,976,613  
  Other borrowings     1,026,961     1,628,971     1,466,564  
   
 
 
 
      Total interest expense     8,387,843     7,339,962     5,443,177  
   
 
 
 
      Net interest income     14,176,852     14,275,496     14,341,340  
Provision for loan losses         30,000     287,500  
   
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses     14,176,852     14,245,496     14,053,840  
   
 
 
 
Noninterest income:                    
    Service charges on deposits     3,399,147     3,341,830     3,643,642  
    Impairment loss on equity securities             (346,000 )
    Gains (losses) on sales of securities     (30,299 )   153,647     74,854  
    Gains (losses) on sales of assets     47,277     1,899     (8,082 )
    Other operating income     1,391,356     1,366,716     1,742,706  
   
 
 
 
      Total noninterest income     4,807,481     4,864,092     5,107,120  
   
 
 
 

Noninterest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Salaries and employee benefits     7,423,763     7,528,768     8,148,086  
  Occupancy and equipment     2,382,168     2,344,595     2,625,549  
  Other operating expenses     5,506,097     5,477,631     5,694,624  
   
 
 
 
      Total noninterest expense     15,312,028     15,350,994     16,468,259  
   
 
 
 
      Income before income taxes     3,672,305     3,758,594     2,692,701  
Income tax expense     816,385     755,705     349,455  
   
 
 
 
      Net income   $ 2,855,920   $ 3,002,889   $ 2,343,246  
   
 
 
 
Net income per share—basic   $ 1.37   $ 1.44   $ 1.12  
   
 
 
 
Net income per share—diluted   $ 1.37   $ 1.44   $ 1.12  
   
 
 
 

Weighted average outstanding shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic     2,089,906     2,087,002     2,085,732  
  Diluted     2,089,906     2,087,002     2,096,449  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005

 
   
   
  Nonvoting Common Stock
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
  Common Stock
   
   
  Treasury Stock
   
   
 
 
  Additional Paid in Capital
  Retained Earnings
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
 
 
  Shares
  Amount
  Shares
  Amount
  Shares
  Amount
  Total
 
Balance—December 31, 2004   2,230,065   $ 2,230,065   90,000   $ 90,000   $ 7,442,206   $ 18,108,133   (240,643 ) $ (1,955,278 ) $ (33,635 ) $ 25,881,491  
Net income                     2,343,246               2,343,246  
Unrealized holding losses on investment securities available for sale—net of taxes of $480,378                               (932,499 )   (932,499 )
Less reclassification adjustment for holding gains included in net income—net of taxes of $25,450                               (49,404 )   (49,404 )
Less reclassification adjustment for writedown losses on investment securities included in net income—net of taxes of $117,639                               228,361     228,361  
                                                   
 
Comprehensive income                                   1,589,704  
                                                   
 
Sale of treasury stock                 (2,775 )     9,330     59,002         56,227  
Dividends declared—$0.15 per share                     (313,033 )             (313,033 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance—December 31, 2005   2,230,065   $ 2,230,065   90,000   $ 90,000   $ 7,439,431   $ 20,138,346   (231,313 ) $ (1,896,276 ) $ (787,177 ) $ 27,214,389  

Net income

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 

3,002,889

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

3,002,889

 
Unrealized holding losses on investment securities available for sale—net of taxes of $181,786                               350,899     350,899  
Less reclassification adjustment for holding gains included in net income—net of taxes of $52,240                               (101,407 )   (101,407 )
                                                   
 
Comprehensive income                                   3,252,381  
                                                   
 
Purchase of treasury stock                 6,074       (6,968 )   (65,000 )       (58,926 )
Sale of treasury stock                 1,254       3,839     45,860         47,114  
Stock based compensation expense                 50,480                   50,480  
Dividends declared—$0.17 per share                     (355,732 )             (355,732 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance—December 31, 2006   2,230,065   $ 2,230,065   90,000   $ 90,000   $ 7,497,239   $ 22,785,503   (234,442 ) $ (1,915,416 ) $ (537,685 ) $ 30,149,706  

Net income

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 

2,855,920

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

2,855,920

 
Unrealized holding losses on investment securities available for sale—net of taxes of $290,969                               564,823     564,823  
Less reclassification adjustment for holding gains included in net income—net of taxes of $10,302                               19,997     19,997  
                                                   
 
Comprehensive income                                   3,440,740  
                                                   
 
Cumulative effect of adoption of fair value option                     (173,280 )             (173,280 )
Stock based compensation expense                 53,132                   53,132  
Sale of treasury stock                 3,217       6,925     56,577         59,794  
Dividends declared—$0.19 per share                     (396,893 )             (396,893 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance—December 31, 2007   2,230,065   $ 2,230,065   90,000   $ 90,000   $ 7,553,588   $ 25,071,250   (227,517 ) $ (1,858,839 ) $ 47,135   $ 33,133,199  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4



CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Net income   $ 2,855,920   $ 3,002,889   $ 2,343,246  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
    Provision for loan losses         30,000     287,500  
    Depreciation     775,608     658,480     926,429  
    Amortization and accretion—net     261,054     699,650     950,563  
    Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes     (107,428 )   (93,744 )   37,893  
    Gains on sales and disposals of investments and property—net     (16,980 )   (155,546 )   (66,772 )
    Writedown losses on investment securities             346,000  
    Stock based compensation plan     53,132     50,480      
  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:                    
    Change in other assets     (318,027 )   (710,627 )   175,943  
    Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities     592,391     371,880     346,875  
   
 
 
 
     
Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

4,095,670

 

 

3,853,462

 

 

5,347,677

 
   
 
 
 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Decrease (increase) in interest-bearing deposits with banks     4,066,962     (4,190,871 )   336,375  
  Net change in certificates of deposit             700,000  
  Proceeds from the sales and maturities of securities available for sale     12,838,477     14,056,072     18,472,097  
  Proceed from the maturities of securities held to maturity     791,643     1,226,229     557,039  
  Purchases of securities available for sale     (1,439,103 )   (18,316,467 )   (11,688,894 )
  Purchase of other investments     (2,358,200 )   (5,300,900 )   (6,554,200 )
  Proceeds from sales of other investments     2,762,900     5,889,500     6,188,200  
  Net change in loans     (20,729,384 )   (3,032,075 )   (9,266,692 )
  Purchases of premises and equipment     (891,156 )   (883,550 )   (198,635 )
  Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment     178,931     7,570     17,512  
  Premiums (paid) and policies surrendered     (27,942 )   84,070     (69,917 )
  Net proceeds from sale of foreclosed real estate     1,106,014     1,004,137     1,312,840  
   
 
 
 
     
Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(3,700,858

)

 

(9,456,285

)

 

(194,275

)
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

(Continued)

F-5



CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Net change in deposits   $ 10,578,841   $ 14,350,980   $ (11,832,330 )
  Increase in Federal Funds Purchased     2,000,000          
  Principal payments on note payable         (100,000 )   (100,000 )
  Retirement of junior subordinated debentures     (5,000,000 )        
  Net increase (decrease) in Federal Home Loan Bank advances     (8,064,061 )   (10,954,077 )   7,450,000  
  Dividends paid     (396,893 )   (355,732 )   (313,033 )
  Net sale (purchase) of treasury stock     59,794     (11,812 )   56,227  
   
 
 
 
     
Net cash (used in) financing activities

 

 

(822,319

)

 

2,929,359

 

 

(4,739,136

)
   
 
 
 
     
Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(427,507

)

 

(2,673,464

)

 

414,267

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Beginning of year     8,615,340     11,288,804     10,874,537  
   
 
 
 
 
End of year

 

$

8,187,833

 

$

8,615,340

 

$

11,288,804

 
   
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash paid during the year for:                    
  Interest   $ 8,224,320   $ 7,175,847   $ 5,240,153  
  Income taxes     751,522     960,000     323,000  

Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Real estate acquired through foreclosure     3,356,212     569,819     538,498  
  Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment                    
    securities available for sale—net of tax     584,820     249,492     (753,543 )
  Cumulative effect of adoption of fair value option     173,280          

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

(Concluded)

F-6



CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Business—Citizens Bancshares Corporation and subsidiary (the "Company") is a holding company that provides a full range of commercial banking and mortgage brokerage services to individual and corporate customers in metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Citizens Trust Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank operates under a state charter and serves its customers through seven full-service branches in metropolitan Atlanta, one full-service branch in Columbus, Georgia, one full-service branch in Birmingham, Alabama, and one full-service branch in Eutaw, Alabama. On June 26, 2007, the Company exercised its option to have its junior subordinated debentures, issued through a wholly owned subsidiary grantor trust—Citizens (GA) Statutory Trust I (the "Trust"), redeemed and retired. Upon completion of the junior subordinated debentures redemption and windup of Trust activities, the Trust subsidiary was dissolved. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        Basis of Presentation—The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates common to the banking industry that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of allowances associated with the recognition of deferred tax assets and the value of foreclosed real estate and goodwill.

        Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand and amounts due from banks and federal funds sold. The Federal Reserve Bank (the "FRB") requires the Company to maintain a required cash reserve balance on deposit with the FRB, based on the Company's daily average balance with the FRB. This reserve requirement represents 3% of the Company's daily average demand deposit balance between $9.3 million and $34.6 million and 10% of the Company's daily average demand deposit balance above $34.6 million.

        Investment Securities—The Company classifies investments in one of three categories based on management's intent upon purchase: held to maturity securities which are reported at amortized cost, trading securities which are reported at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings, and available for sale securities which are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company had no investment securities classified as trading securities during 2007, 2006, or 2005.

        Premiums and discounts on available for sale and held to maturity securities are amortized or accreted using a method which approximates a level yield. Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts is presented within investment securities interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

        Gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized upon disposition, based on the adjusted cost of the specific security. A decline in market value of any security below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. The determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred involves significant assumptions, estimates, changes in economic conditions and judgment by

F-7


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)


management. In 2005, the Company realized a $346,000 loss related to the writedown on its investments in Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) perpetual preferred stocks as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. In 2006, these securities recovered some of the value written-off in 2005 and the Company was able to sell the perpetual preferred stocks for a gain of $124,000. There was no other-than-temporary impairment for securities recorded during 2007 or in 2006.

        Other Investments—Other investments consist of Federal Home Loan Bank stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock which are restricted and have no readily determinable market value. These investments are carried at cost.

        Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses—Loans are reported at principal amounts outstanding less unearned income and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans is recognized on a level yield basis. Loan fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the loans using the level yield method. Premiums and discounts on loans purchased are amortized and accreted using the level yield method over the estimated remaining life of the loan purchased. The accretion and amortization of loan fees, origination costs, and premiums and discounts are presented as a component of loan interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

        Management considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or at the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

        Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the full and timely collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain or the loan becomes contractually in default for 90 days or more as to either principal or interest, unless the loan is well collateralized and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, current period accrued and uncollected interest is charged-off against interest income on loans unless management believes the accrued interest is recoverable through the liquidation of collateral. Interest income, if any, on impaired loans is recognized on the cash basis.

        The Company provides for estimated losses on loans receivable when any significant and permanent decline in value occurs. These estimates for losses are based on individual assets and their related cash flow forecasts, sales values, independent appraisals, the volatility of certain real estate markets, and concern for disposing of real estate in distressed markets. For loans that are pooled for purposes of determining necessary provisions, estimates are based on loan types, history of charge-offs, and other delinquency analyses. Therefore, the value used to determine the provision for losses is subject to the reasonableness of these estimates. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed on a monthly basis by management and the Board of Directors. This assessment is made in the context of historical losses as well as existing economic conditions, performance trends within specific portfolio segments, and individual concentrations of credit.

F-8


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Loans are charged-off against the allowance when, in the opinion of management, such loans are deemed to be uncollectible and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance.

        Premises and Equipment—Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation which is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings for the period. The costs of maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the useful life of the respective assets, are charged to earnings as incurred, whereas significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. The range of estimated useful lives for premises and equipment is as follows:

Buildings and improvements   5-40 years
Furniture and equipment   3-10 years

        Foreclosed Real Estate—Foreclosed real estate is reported at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated disposal costs, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources. Any excess of the loan balance at the time of foreclosure over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent declines in value are charged to earnings.

        Intangible Assets—Finite lived intangible assets of the Company represent deposit assumption premiums recorded upon the purchase of certain assets and liabilities from other financial institutions. Deposit assumption premiums are amortized over seven years, the estimated average lives of the deposits acquired, using the straight-line method and are included within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis and on an interim basis if certain events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

        The following table presents information about our intangible assets:

 
  December 31, 2007
  December 31, 2006
 
  Gross Carrying Amount
  Accumulated Amortization
  Gross Carrying Amount
  Accumulated Amortization
Unamortized intangible asset:                        
  Goodwill   $ 362,139   $   $ 362,139   $
   
 
 
 

Amortized intangible asset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Core deposit intangibles   $ 2,836,345   $ 2,712,119   $ 2,836,345   $ 2,600,220
   
 
 
 

F-9


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        The following table presents information about aggregate amortization expense for each of the three succeeding fiscal years as follows:

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Aggregate amortization expense of core deposit intangibles   $ 111,899   $ 405,192   $ 405,192
   
 
 
Estimated aggregate amortization expense of core deposit intangibles for the year ending December 31:                  
 
2008

 

 

53,240

 

 

 

 

 

 
  2009     53,240            
  2010     17,746            

        Income Taxes—Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

        In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities result in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such assets is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of a deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

        In 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109." FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FIN 48 also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an enterprise's tax return. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, the Company adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.

        Net Income Per Share—Basic net income per common share ("EPS") is computed based on net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed based on net income divided by the weighted average number of common and potential common shares. The only potential common share equivalents are those related to stock options. Stock options which are anti-dilutive are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.

F-10


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Stock Based Compensation—On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") SFAS No. 123(R), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to account for compensation costs under its stock option plan. The Company previously utilized the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (as amended)" ("APB 25"). Under the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB 25, no compensation costs were recognized for the Company's stock options because the option exercise price in its plan equaled the market price on the date of grant. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company only disclosed the pro forma effects on net income and earnings per share as if the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R) had been utilized.

        In adopting SFAS No. 123(R), the Company elected to use the modified prospective method to account for the transition from the intrinsic value method to the fair value recognition method. Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost is recognized from the adoption date forward for all new stock options granted and for any outstanding unvested awards as if the fair value method had been applied to those awards as of the date of grant.

        There were options for 34,500 shares granted in 2007, options for 16,000 shares granted in 2006 and options for 21,000 shares granted in 2005. The fair value of the options granted, including expected forfeitures, was approximately $68,000 for options granted in April 2007, $38,000 for options granted in May 2006 and $62,000 for options granted in April 2005. Fair values were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield of 1.74%, 1.48% and 1.36% for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively; historical volatility of 29.33%, 31.79% and 38.94% for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively; risk-free interest rate of 4.66%, 5.14% and 4.26% for options granted in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively; the options vests at a rate of 33.3% per year and have expected lives of six years for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

        Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting ("SFAS") No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS 157"). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This standard eliminates inconsistencies found in various prior pronouncements but does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company elected to early adopt the provisions of these statements effective January 1, 2007. See Note 12, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for related disclosures.

        In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." SFAS No. 159 permits companies to elect on an instrument-by-instrument basis to fair value certain financial assets and financial liabilities with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as they occur. The election to fair value is generally irrevocable. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 159, the Company recorded a $173,000 reduction to opening retained earnings on January 1, 2007. SFAS No. 157 and SFAS No. 159 are effective January 1, 2008 for calendar year companies with the option to early adopt as of January 1, 2007. The Company elected to early adopt the provisions of

F-11


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)


these statements effective January 1, 2007. See Note 12, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for related disclosures.

        In September 2006, The FASB ratified the consensuses reached by the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") relating to EITF 06-4, "Accounting for the Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements" ("EITF 06-4"). Entities purchase life insurance for various reasons including protection against loss of key employees and to fund postretirement benefits. The two most common types of life insurance arrangements are endorsement split dollar life and collateral assignment split dollar life. EITF 06-4 covers the former and EITF 06-10 (discussed below) covers the latter. EITF 06-4 states that entities with endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to postretirement periods should recognize a liability for future benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," (if, in substance, a postretirement benefit plan exists) or Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 12, "Omnibus Opinion—1967" (if the arrangement is, in substance, an individual deferred compensation contract). Entities should recognize the effects of applying this Issue through either (a) a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings or to other components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the year of adoption or (b) a change in accounting principle through retrospective application to all prior periods. EITF 06-4 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company estimates the impact to its retained earnings from the adoption of EITF 06-4 will be approximately $665,000.

        In September 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached on EITF 06-5, "Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance—Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4, Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance" ("EITF 06-5"). EITF 06-5 states that a policyholder should consider any additional amounts included in the contractual terms of the insurance policy other than the cash surrender value in determining the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract. EITF 06-5 also states that a policyholder should determine the amount that could be realized under the life insurance contract assuming the surrender of an individual-life by individual-life policy (or certificate by certificate in a group policy). EITF 06-5 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company does not believe the adoption of EITF 06-5 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In March 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached on EITF 06-10, "Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements" ("EITF 06-10"). The postretirement aspect of this EITF is substantially similar to EITF 06-4 discussed above and requires that an employer recognize a liability for the postretirement benefit related to a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement in accordance with either FASB Statement No. 106 or APB Opinion No. 12, as appropriate, if the employer has agreed to maintain a life insurance policy during the employee's retirement or provide the employee with a death benefit based on the substantive agreement with the employee. In addition, a consensus was reached that an employer should recognize and measure an asset based on the nature and substance of the collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement. EITF 06-10 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company does not

F-12


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)


believe the adoption of EITF 06-10 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In November 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, "Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings" ("SAB 109"). SAB 109 expresses the current view of the SEC staff that the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan should be included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. SEC registrants are expected to apply this guidance on a prospective basis to derivative loan commitments issued or modified in the first quarter of 2008 and thereafter. The Company is currently analyzing the impact of this guidance, which relates to the Company's mortgage loans held for sale.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), "Business Combinations," ("SFAS 141(R)") which replaces SFAS 141. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FAS 141(R) is effective for acquisitions by the Company taking place on or after January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited. Accordingly, a calendar year-end company is required to record and disclose business combinations following existing accounting guidance until January 1, 2009. The Company will assess the impact of SFAS 141(R) if and when a future acquisition occurs.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Before this statement, limited guidance existed for reporting noncontrolling interests (minority interest). As a result, diversity in practice exists. In some cases minority interest is reported as a liability and in others it is reported in the mezzanine section between liabilities and equity. Specifically, SFAS 160 requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financials statements and separate from the parent's equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

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

        Reclassifications—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income or retained earnings as previously reported.

F-13


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

        Investment securities available for sale are summarized as follows:

 
  Amortized Cost
  Gross Unrealized Gains
  Gross Unrealized Losses
  Fair Value
At December 31, 2007:                        
  Government-sponsored enterprises securities   $ 6,944,976   $ 24,130   $ 5,233   $ 6,963,873
  State, county, and municipal securities     13,919,410     111,801     43,054     13,988,157
  Mortgage-backed securities     38,741,674     213,670     229,897     38,725,447
   
 
 
 
      Totals   $ 59,606,060   $ 349,601   $ 278,184   $ 59,677,477
   
 
 
 

At December 31, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Government-sponsored enterprises securities   $ 6,939,456   $   $ 117,229   $ 6,822,227
  State, county, and municipal securities     16,521,848     137,214     59,436     16,599,626
  Mortgage-backed securities     47,700,936     104,173     878,846     46,926,263
   
 
 
 
      Totals   $ 71,162,240   $ 241,387   $ 1,055,511   $ 70,348,116
   
 
 
 

        Investment securities held to maturity are summarized as follows:

 
  Amortized Cost
  Gross Unrealized Gains
  Gross Unrealized Losses
  Fair Value
At December 31, 2007:                        
  Government-sponsored enterprises securities   $ 2,384,615   $ 377   $ 3,966   $ 2,381,026
  State, county, and municipal securities     4,255,795     81,954         4,337,749
  Mortgage-backed securities     733,571     49     14,828     718,792
   
 
 
 
      Totals   $ 7,373,981   $ 82,380   $ 18,794   $ 7,437,567
   
 
 
 
At December 31, 2006:                        
  Government-sponsored enterprises securities   $ 3,000,000   $   $ 62,320   $ 2,937,680
  State, county, and municipal securities     4,258,800     84,593     13     4,343,380
  Mortgage-backed securities     916,050     76     39,837     876,289
   
 
 
 
      Totals   $ 8,174,850   $ 84,669   $ 102,170   $ 8,157,349
   
 
 
 

        The amortized costs and fair values of investment securities at December 31, 2007, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with and without call or prepayment penalties.

 
  Held to Maturity
  Available for Sale
 
  Amortized Cost
  Fair Value
  Amortized Cost
  Fair Value
Due in one year or less   $   $   $ 4,078,356   $ 4,073,323
Due after one year through five years     3,397,845     3,383,047     7,147,760     7,179,746
Due after five years through ten years     3,976,136     4,054,520     15,091,265     15,074,215
Due after ten years             33,288,679     33,350,193
   
 
 
 
    $ 7,373,981   $ 7,437,567   $ 59,606,060   $ 59,677,477
   
 
 
 

F-14


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

        Gross realized gains on securities were $2,578, $154,847, and $74,854 in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Gross realized losses on securities were $32,877 and $1,200 in 2007 and 2006, respectively. There were no gross realized losses on securities in 2005. However, during 2005 the Company realized a $346,000 loss related to the writedown of its investments in equity portfolio as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. There was no other-than-temporary impairment for securities recorded during 2007 or in 2006.

        Investment securities with carrying values of approximately $56,329,000, $58,719,000 and $53,856,000 at December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, were pledged to secure public funds on deposit and for other purposes as required by law.

        Those investment securities held to maturity and available for sale which have an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2007 are detailed below:

Securities Available for Sale

 
  Securities in a loss position for less than twelve months
  Securities in a loss position for twelve months or more
  Total
 
 
  Fair value
  Unrealized losses
  Fair value
  Unrealized losses
  Fair value
  Unrealized losses
 
Government-sponsored enterprises securities   $   $   $ 3,982,669   $ (5,233 ) $ 3,982,669   $ (5,233 )

Mortgage-backed securites

 

 

1,192,450

 

 

(27,684

)

 

23,588,090

 

 

(202,213

)

 

24,780,540

 

 

(229,897

)

Municipal securities

 

 

896,023

 

 

(1,726

)

 

3,754,143

 

 

(41,328

)

 

4,650,166

 

 

(43,054

)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

 

$

2,088,473

 

$

(29,410

)

$

31,324,902

 

$

(248,774

)

$

33,413,375

 

$

(278,184

)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Securties Held to Maturity

 
  Securities in a loss position for less than twelve months
  Securities in a loss position for twelve months or more
  Total
 
 
  Fair value
  Unrealized losses
  Fair value
  Unrealized losses
  Fair value
  Unrealized losses
 
Government-sponsored enterprises securities   $   $   $ 996,034   $ (3,966 ) $ 996,034   $ (3,966 )

Mortgage-backed securites

 

 

64,929

 

 

(660

)

 

642,446

 

 

(14,168

)

 

707,375

 

 

(14,828

)

Municipal securities

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

 

$

64,929

 

$

(660

)

$

1,638,480

 

$

(18,134

)

$

1,703,409

 

$

(18,794

)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair market value and held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities until such time as the value recovers or the securities mature. The Company believes, based on industry analyst reports and credit ratings, that the deterioration in value is attributable to changes

F-15


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)


in market interest rates and is not in the credit quality of the issuer and therefore, these losses are not considered other-than-temporary.

        The Company's investment portfolio consists principally of obligations of the United States, its agencies or its corporations and general obligation municipal securities. In the opinion of management, there is no concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio. The company places its deposits and correspondent accounts with and sells its federal funds to high quality institutions. Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts is not significant.

3. LOANS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

        Loans outstanding, by classification, are summarized as follows:

 
  December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   $ 9,317,218   $ 15,485,542
Installment     12,232,440     12,244,005
Real estate—mortgage     182,120,221     162,091,528
Real estate—construction     32,452,957     29,386,206
Other     2,387,070     2,229,200
   
 
      238,509,906     221,436,481

Less: Net deferred loan fees

 

 

298,744

 

 

324,682
  Allowance for loan losses     2,847,651     3,108,590
   
 

 

 

$

235,363,511

 

$

218,003,209
   
 

        Concentrations—The Company's concentrations of credit risk are as follows:

    A substantial portion of the Company's loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate in metropolitan Atlanta. Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the Company's loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions in the metropolitan Atlanta area.

    The Company's loans to area churches were approximately $47.6 million and $37.7 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which are generally secured by real estate.

    The Company's loans to area convenience stores were approximately $13.5 million and $13.4 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Loans to convenience stores are generally secured by real estate.

F-16


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

3. LOANS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

        Allowance for Loan Losses—Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Balance at beginning of year   $ 3,108,590   $ 3,326,882   $ 3,182,697  
Provision for loan losses         30,000     287,500  
Loans charged off     (532,606 )   (528,624 )   (446,992 )
Recoveries on loans previously charged off     271,667     280,332     303,677  
   
 
 
 

Balance—end of year

 

$

2,847,651

 

$

3,108,590

 

$

3,326,882

 
   
 
 
 

        Nonaccrual loans amounted to $5,261,000 and $3,718,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

        At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the recorded investment in loans considered to be impaired was $11,767,000 and $11,804,000, respectively. The related allowance for loan losses for these loans was $2,180,000 and $2,006,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The average investment in impaired loans during 2007 and 2006 was approximately $9,560,000 and $9,767,000, respectively. Interest income recognized on impaired loans was approximately $1,021,000, $1,080,000, and $939,000 in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Interest income recognized on a cash basis was approximately $209,000, $205,000, and $119,000 in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

4. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

        Premises and equipment are summarized as follows:

 
  December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
Land   $ 1,840,250   $ 1,910,142
Buildings and improvements     6,968,857     6,874,988
Furniture and equipment     7,181,175     6,718,819
   
 
      15,990,282     15,503,949
Less accumulated depreciation     8,198,576     7,653,926
   
 

 

 

$

7,791,706

 

$

7,850,023
   
 

5. DEPOSITS

        The following is a summary of interest-bearing deposits:

 
  December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
Demand deposit and money market accounts   $ 68,728,126   $ 64,849,596
Savings accounts     33,136,398     36,101,331
Time deposits of $100,000 or more     61,210,358     51,649,681
Other time deposits     62,630,599     56,157,076
   
 

 

 

$

225,705,481

 

$

208,757,684
   
 

F-17


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

5. DEPOSITS (Continued)

        At December 31, 2007, maturities of time deposits are approximately as follows:

2008   $ 111,789,004
2009     5,904,571
2010     3,500,624
2011     1,264,396
2012 and thereafter     1,382,362
   
    $ 123,840,957
   

6. OTHER BORROWINGS

        Federal Funds Purchased—Federal funds purchased represent unsecured borrowings from other banks and generally mature daily. At December 31, 2007 the Company had $2,000,000 outstanding at an interest rate of 3.65%. There was no amount outstanding at December 31, 2006.

        Notes Payable—At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the unsecured note payable had an outstanding principal balance of $339,647. The note bore interest at a rate of 6.75% at December 31, 2007 and 7.75% at December 31, 2006 (50 basis points below the lender's prime rate) and is payable quarterly. The principal balance is due in full on June 30, 2008.

        Junior Subordinated Debentures—During 2002, Citizens Bancshares Corporation issued $5 million of pooled trust preferred securities through one issuance by a wholly owned subsidiary grantor trust, Citizens (GA) Statutory Trust I (the "Trust"). The Trust used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase a like amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") of the Company. These securities are reported on our consolidated balance sheet as Junior Subordinated Debentures at December 31, 2006. On June 26, 2007, in accordance with the terms of the Debentures, the Company redeemed and retired the outstanding Debentures. At December 31, 2006, the interest rate on the Junior Subordinated Debentures was 8.82%.

        Federal Home Loan Bank Advances—At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company has variable rate advances of approximately $18.6 million and $16.4 million outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 4.40% and 5.50%, respectively. The variable rate advances outstanding fluctuates daily depending on the liquidity needs of the Company. In August 2006, the Company received an AHP Award in the amount of $400,000. The AHP is a principal reducing credit with an interest rate of zero, and at December 31, 2007 had a remaining balance of $379,408. In July 2007, the Company paid off its $10 million fixed rate advance with an interest rate of 5.82% in a continual effort to manage the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. All of these advances are collateralized by FHLB stock, a blanket lien on the Bank's 1-4 family mortgages and commercial real estate loans. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, total loans pledged as collateral was $55,000,000 and $49,000,000, respectively.

F-18


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

6. OTHER BORROWINGS (Continued)

        As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, maturities of the Company's Federal Home Loan Bank Advances are approximately as follows:

 
   
  December 31,
Maturity

   
  Rate
  2007
  2006
July-08   Variable (4.40% at December 31, 2007)   $ 18,565,000   $ 16,350,000
April-10   Fixed (5.82%)         10,000,000
August-26(1)   N/A     379,408     395,923
       
 
        $ 18,944,408   $ 26,745,923
       
 

      (1)
      Represents an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) award used to subsidized loans for homeownership or rental initiatives. The AHP is a principal reducing credit, scheduled to mature on August 17, 2026 with an interest rate of zero.

7. INCOME TAXES

        The components of income tax expense consist of:

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Current tax expense   $ 840,896   $ 665,620   $ 1,144,711  
Deferred tax (benefit) expense     (24,511 )   90,085     (795,256 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 816,385   $ 755,705   $ 349,455  
   
 
 
 

        Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 differed from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% to earnings before income taxes as follows:

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Income tax expense at statutory rate   $ 1,248,584   $ 1,277,922   $ 915,518  
Tax-exempt interest income—net of                    
  disallowed interest expense     (258,878 )   (279,016 )   (272,446 )
Nondeductible expenses     20,095     18,209     31,437  
Cash surrender value of life insurance income     (120,119 )   (129,290 )   (100,532 )
Other—net     (73,297 )   (132,120 )   (224,522 )
   
 
 
 
   
Income tax expense

 

$

816,385

 

$

755,705

 

$

349,455

 
   
 
 
 

F-19


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

7. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

        The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant amounts of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

 
  2007
  2006
 
Deferred tax assets:              
  Net operating losses and credits   $ 336,399   $ 410,561  
  Loans, principally due to difference in allowance for loan losses and deferred loan fees     956,508     1,055,562  
  Nonaccrual loan interest     130,433     103,732  
  Postretirement benefit accrual     621,082     537,640  
  Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale         276,989  
  Other Real Estate Owned     81,923      
  Other     213,543     49,299  
   
 
 
    Gross deferred tax asset     2,339,888     2,433,783  
  Valuation allowance     (128,643 )   (128,555 )
   
 
 
   
Total deferred tax assets

 

 

2,211,245

 

 

2,305,228

 
   
 
 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale     24,282      
  Purchased loan discount     239,457     273,665  
  Premises and equipment     102,862     147,096  
  Other     222,602     286,936  
   
 
 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

 

589,203

 

 

707,697

 
   
 
 

Net deferred tax assets

 

$

1,622,042

 

$

1,597,531

 
   
 
 

        The Company has, at December 31, 2007, net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $3,249,000 for state income tax purposes, which expire in years 2008 through 2022. The Company also has certain state income tax credits of $315,000 at December 31, 2007 which expires in years 2008 through 2012. Due to the uncertainty relating to the realizability of all the carryforwards and credits, management currently considers it more likely than not that all related deferred tax assets will not be realized; thus, a $129,000 valuation allowance has been provided against state tax carryforwards totaling $3,249,000.

        The Company had analyzed the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns and concluded it has no liability related to uncertain tax positions in accordance with FIN 48.

8. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

        Defined Contribution Plan—The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering substantially all full-time employees. Employee contributions are voluntary. The Company matches 50% of the employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of compensation. During the years ended

F-20


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

8. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Continued)


December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, the Company recognized $97,000, $90,000, and $113,000, respectively, in expenses related to this plan.

        The Bank also has a postretirement benefit plan which provides retirement benefits to its key officers and Board members and provides death benefits for their designated beneficiaries. Under the plan, the Bank purchased whole life insurance contracts on the lives of certain key officers and Board members.

        The increase in cash surrender value of the contracts, less the Bank's premiums, constitutes the Bank's contribution to the plan each year. In the event the insurance contracts fail to produce positive returns, the Bank has no obligation to contribute to the plan. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the cash surrender value of these insurance contracts was $9,744,891 and $9,363,656, respectively.

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        Credit Commitments and Commercial Letters—The Company, in the normal course of business, is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk used to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and commercial letters of credit.

        Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and residential and commercial real estate. Commercial letters of credit are commitments issued by the Company to guarantee funding to a third party on behalf of a customer. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

        The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party of the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations related to off-balance-sheet financial instruments as it does for the financial instruments recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 
  Approximate
Contractual Amount

 
  2007
  2006
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:            
  Commitments to extend credit   $ 51,155,819   $ 56,314,964
  Commercial letters of credit     3,551,000     3,353,000

F-21


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

        Mortgage-Backed Securities—In connection with servicing mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, the Company advances certain principal and interest payments to security holders prior to their collection from specific mortgagors. Additionally, the Company must remit certain payments of property taxes and insurance premiums in advance of collecting them from specific mortgagors and make certain payments of attorneys' fees and other costs related to loans in foreclosure. These amounts are included as receivables within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

        Leases—As of December 31, 2007, future minimum lease payments under all noncancelable lease agreements inclusive of sales tax and maintenance costs for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

2008     457,951
2009     467,675
2010     476,904
2011     492,625
2012     507,714
2013 and Thereafter     1,854,848
   
    $ 4,257,717
   

        Rent expense in 2007, 2006, and 2005 was approximately $516,000, $425,000, and $437,000, respectively.

        Legal—During 2007, legal fees were awarded in the amount of $200,000 related to a case brought to conclusion in 2006 in which a $100,000 judgment was levied against the Company. The Company is appealing to have both the jury award and legal fees reversed. The Company has accrued for these losses in the respective year of the judgments and are reflected in the December 31, 2007 and 2006 Consolidated Financial Statements. During 2003, a jury awarded a $250,000 judgment against the Company for lenders' liability. The Company appealed and succeeded in having the jury award reversed in 2005. The reversal of the $250,000 judgment is reflected in the December 31, 2005 Consolidated Financial Statements. Other than that discussed above, the Company and the Bank are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, based in part on the advice of counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

10. STOCK OPTIONS

        The Company has a Stock Incentive Plan which was approved in 1999. Under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, options are periodically granted to employees at a price not less than fair market value of the shares at the date of grant (or less than 110% of the fair market value if the participant owns more than 10% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock). The term of the stock incentive option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant; however, any stock incentive option granted to a participant who owns more than 10% of the Common Stock will not be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years after the date the option is granted.

F-22


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

10. STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)

        A summary of the status of the Company's stock options as of December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, and changes during the years ended on those dates is presented below:

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding—beginning of year   73,176   $ 10.92   6.92         60,176   $ 10.92   47,476   $ 9.61

Granted

 

34,500

 

 

10.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,000

 

 

11.45

 

21,000

 

 

13.41

Exercised

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

(1,568

)

 

7.00

Expired/Terminated

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,000

)

 

13.41

 

(6,732

)

 

9.70
   
                 
       
     

Outstanding—end of year

 

107,676

 

$

10.80

 

7.08

 

$

25,949

 

73,176

 

$

10.92

 

60,176

 

$

10.92
   
 
     
 
 
 
 

Options exercisable at year-end

 

57,676

 

$

10.63

 

5.48

 

$

25,949

 

52,299

 

$

9.76

 

40,299

 

$

8.86
   
 
     
 
 
 
 

Shares available for grant

 

234,434

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

268,934

 

 

 

 

281,934

 

 

 
   
                 
       
     

        The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding under the Company's plan at December 31, 2007:

 
  Shares
  Weighted
Average Grant Day
Fair Value

Non-vested—beginning of year   30,667   $ 4.35
Granted   34,500   $ 3.27
Vested   (15,167 ) $ 4.44
Expired/Terminated        
   
     
Non-vested—at year-end   50,000   $ 3.61
   
     

        The total fair value of options vested during 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $67,000, $46,000 and $40,000 respectively. As of December 31, 2007 there was $77,416 of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. The cost will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.55 years. Total compensation cost recognized during 2007 and 2006 was $53,132 and $50,480 respectively. There was no compensation cost recognized in 2005.

11. NET INCOME PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE

        Basic and diluted net income per common and potential common share has been calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. The following schedule reconciles the numerators and denominator of the basic and diluted net income per common and potential common share for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005.

F-23


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

11. NET INCOME PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE (Continued)

 
  Net Income (Numerator)
  Shares (Denominator)
  Per Share Amount
Year ended December 31, 2007                

Basic earnings per share

 

$

2,855,920

 

2,089,906

 

$

1.37
Effect of dilutive securities: option to purchase common shares          
   
 
 
Diluted earnings per share   $ 2,855,920   2,089,906   $ 1.37
   
 
 

Year ended December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

3,002,889

 

2,087,002

 

$

1.44
Effect of dilutive securities: option to purchase common shares          
   
 
 
Diluted earnings per share   $ 3,002,889   2,087,002   $ 1.44
   
 
 

Year ended December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

2,343,246

 

2,085,732

 

$

1.12
Effect of dilutive securities: option to purchase common shares       10,717    
   
 
 
Diluted earnings per share   $ 2,343,246   2,096,449   $ 1.12
   
 
 

12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        As discussed in Note 1, "Accounting Policies," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company early adopted the fair value financial accounting standards SFAS No. 157 and SFAS No. 159 as of January 1, 2007. The ability to record at fair value certain financial assets and financial liabilities allowed the Company to improve its financial reporting of selective financial assets and liabilities. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 and SFAS No. 159 had no impact on the Company's effective tax rate.

        As a result of electing to record these financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 159 as of January 1, 2007, the Company recorded the following to opening retained earnings:

Description

  Balance at 1/1/07 prior to Adoption
  Net Loss upon Adoption
  Balance at 1/1/07 after Adoption
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   $ 10,000,000   $ 262,546   $ 10,262,546
         
     

Pretax cumulative effect of adoption of the fair value option

 

 

 

 

 

262,546

 

 

 

Decrease in deferred tax asset

 

 

 

 

 

(89,266

)

 

 
         
     

Cumulative effect of adoption of the fair value option (charge to retained earnings)

 

 

 

 

$

173,280

 

 

 
         
     

F-24


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

        The following is a description of each asset and liability class for which fair value has been elected:

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:

Description

  12/31/2007
  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
  Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
  Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
   
Investments securities available for sale   $ 59,677,477   $   $ 59,677,477   $    
   
 
 
 
   
  Total   $ 59,677,477   $   $ 59,677,477   $    
   
 
 
 
   

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis:

Description

  12/31/2007
  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
  Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
  Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
  Total Gains (Losses)
Goodwill   $ 362,139   $   $   $ 362,139   $
   
 
 
 
 
  Total   $ 362,139   $   $   $ 362,139   $
   
 
 
 
 

Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:

Description

  12/31/2007
  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
  Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
  Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
   
FHLB Advances   $ 18,944,408   $   $ 18,944,408   $    
   
 
 
 
   
  Total   $ 18,944,408   $   $ 18,944,408   $    
   
 
 
 
   

        On July 2, 2007, the Company retired its $10 million FHLB advance with a fixed rate of 5.82% as part of a continual effort to manage the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. The balance outstanding at December 31, 2007 is a Daily Rate Credit advance which is priced daily off of the Fed Funds rates.

        The following tables reflect the changes in fair values and where these changes are included in the Company's consolidated income statement.

December 31, 2007

Description

  Noninterest income
  Total change in Fair Value included in current earnings
FHLB Advances   $ 99,546   $ 99,546
   
 
 
Total

 

$

99,546

 

$

99,546
   
 

F-25


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

        Following are disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flows and other valuation techniques. The use of discounted cash flows can be significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. The following disclosures should not be considered a surrogate of the liquidation value of the Company, but rather a good-faith estimate of the increase or decrease in the value of financial instruments held by the Company since purchase, origination, or issuance.

        Cash, Due From Banks, Federal Funds Sold, Interest-Bearing Deposits With Banks, and Certificates of Deposits—Carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of such items.

        Investment Securities—Fair value of investment securities are based on quoted market prices.

        Other Investments—The carrying amount of other investments approximates its fair value.

        Loans—The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. For variable rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

        Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance—Cash values of life insurance policies are carried at the value for which such policies may be redeemed for cash.

        Deposits—The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed rate certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

        Notes Payable—Notes payable bear a variable interest rate and the carrying value approximates fair value.

        Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank—The fair values of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently available to the Bank for debt with similar remaining maturities and terms.

        Junior Subordinated Debentures—The fair value of the issuance is estimated by discounting future cash flows using the rates currently available to the Bank for debt with similar remaining maturities and terms.

        Commitments to Extend Credit and Commercial Letters of Credit—Because commitments to extend credit and commercial letters of credit are made using variable rates, or are recently executed, the contract value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

        LimitationsFair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's

F-26


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)


financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

        Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance-sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments; for example, premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

        The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 
  2007
  2006
 
  Carrying Value
  Estimated Fair Value
  Carrying Value
  Estimated Fair Value
 
  (in thousands)

  (in thousands)

Financial assets:                        
  Cash and due from banks   $ 8,188   $ 8,188   $ 8,615   $ 8,615
  Interest-bearing deposits with banks     522     522     4,589     4,589
  Cetificates of deposit     100     100     100     100
  Investment securities     67,051     67,115     78,523     78,505
  Other investments     1,842     1,842     2,246     2,246
  Loans—net     235,364     231,722     218,003     215,959
  Cash surrender value of life insurance     9,745     9,745     9,364     9,364

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deposits     279,599     267,932     269,020     249,564
  Notes payable     340     340     340     340
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank     18,944     18,944     26,746     26,947
  Junior subordinated debentures             5,155     5,155
 
 
  Notional amount
  Estimated fair value
  Notional amount
  Estimated fair value
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:                    
  Commitments to extend credit   $ 51,156     $ 56,315  
  Commercial letters of credit     3,551       3,353  

13. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

        Capital Adequacy—The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

F-27


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

13. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)

        Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2007, the Company meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

        As of December 31, 2007, the most recent notification from the various regulators categorized the Bank as "well capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as "well capitalized," the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution's category.

        The Company's and the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table below (in thousands):

 
  Actual
  For Capital Adequacy Purposes
  To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
 
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
 
As of December 31, 2007                                

Total capital (to risk weighted assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Consolidated   $ 35,444   14 % $ 20,759   8 %   N/A   N/A  
Bank     35,198   14 %   20,737   8 % $ 25,921   10 %

Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Consolidated     32,597   13 %   10,379   4 %   N/A   N/A  
Bank     32,351   12 %   10,369   4 %   15,553   6 %

Tier I capital (to average assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Consolidated     32,597   10 %   13,503   4 %   N/A   N/A  
Bank     32,351   10 %   13,491   4 %   16,864   5 %

As of December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital (to risk weighted assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Consolidated   $ 38,056   16 % $ 18,992   8 %   N/A   N/A  
Bank     38,162   16 %   18,962   8 % $ 23,702   10 %

Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Consolidated     35,086   15 %   9,496   4 %   N/A   N/A  
Bank     35,197   15 %   9,481   4 %   14,221   6 %

Tier I capital (to average assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Consolidated     35,086   11 %   13,051   4 %   N/A   N/A  
Bank     35,197   11 %   13,031   4 %   16,289   5 %

        Dividend Limitation—The amount of dividends paid by the Bank to the Company is limited by various banking regulatory agencies. Any such dividends will be subject to maintenance of required

F-28


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

13. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)


capital levels. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance requires prior approval for a bank to pay dividends in excess of 50% of its prior year's earnings. The amount of dividends available from the Bank without prior approval from the regulators for payment in 2007 is approximately $1,604,000.

14. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        Certain of the Company's directors, officers, principal shareholders, and their associates were customers of, or had transactions with, the Company or the Bank in the ordinary course of business during 2007. Some of the Company's directors are directors, officers, trustees, or principal securities holders of corporations or other organizations that also were customers of, or had transactions with, the Company or the Bank in the ordinary course of business during 2007.

        All outstanding loans and other transactions with the Company's directors, officers, and principal shareholders were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and, when made, did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

        The following table summarizes the activity in these loans during 2007 and 2006:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
 
Balance at beginning of year   $ 4,965,292   $ 4,457,902  
  New loans     1,634,659     2,433,060  
  Repayments     (1,360,023 )   (1,925,670 )
   
 
 

Balance—end of year

 

$

5,239,928

 

$

4,965,292

 
   
 
 

        Deposits by directors and executive officers of the Company and the Bank, and associates of such persons, totaled $3,732,000 and $2,099,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

F-29


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

15. SUPPLEMENTARY INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION

        Components of other operating expenses in excess of 1% of total interest income and other income in any of the respective years are approximately as follows:

 
  For the years ended
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Professional services—legal   $ 410,469   $ 294,191   $ 298,506
Professional services—other     643,244     530,634     709,539
Stationery and supplies     164,408     172,123     137,785
Advertising     335,450     534,396     208,709
Data processing     619,003     667,401     656,184
ATM Charges     443,669     432,168     380,659
Postage     199,885     245,858     251,032
Telephone     352,017     364,492     407,737
Amortization of core deposit intangible     111,899     405,192     405,192
Security and protection expense     293,739     310,335     352,336
Other benefit expenses     299,506     307,034     300,095
Other losses     363,370     157,401     251,796
Other miscellaneous expenses     1,269,438     1,056,406     1,335,054
   
 
 

 

 

$

5,506,097

 

$

5,477,631

 

$

5,694,624
   
 
 

16. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION (PARENT ONLY)

 
  December 31,
2007

  December 31,
2006

Balance Sheets            
Assets:            
  Cash   $ 380,197   $ 23,123
  Investment in Bank     32,887,423     35,260,535
  Investment in Trust         155,000
  Other assets     242,716     226,918
   
 

 

 

$

33,510,336

 

$

35,665,576
   
 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:            
  Note payable   $ 339,647   $ 339,647
  Junior subordinated debentures         5,155,000
  Other liabilities     37,490     21,223
   
 
  Total liabilities     377,137     5,515,870
  Stockholders' equity     33,133,199     30,149,706
   
 

 

 

$

33,510,336

 

$

35,665,576
   
 

F-30


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

16. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION (PARENT ONLY) (Continued)

 
 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income                    

Dividends from subsidiaries

 

$

5,992,821

 

$

797,528

 

$

672,042

 
Other revenue     3,690     72     12,186  
   
 
 
 
Total revenue     5,996,511     797,600     684,228  
   
 
 
 

Interest expense

 

 

250,757

 

 

461,590

 

 

366,752

 
Other expense     261,981     232,423     265,619  
   
 
 
 

Total expenses

 

 

512,738

 

 

694,013

 

 

632,371

 
   
 
 
 

Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries

 

 

5,483,773

 

 

103,587

 

 

51,857

 
Income tax benefit     156,798     235,403     215,360  
   
 
 
 

Income before equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries

 

 

5,640,571

 

 

338,990

 

 

267,217

 
Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries     (2,784,651 )   2,663,899     2,076,029  
   
 
 
 

Net income

 

 

2,855,920

 

 

3,002,889

 

 

2,343,246

 
Change in other comprehensive income (loss)     584,820     249,492     (753,542 )
   
 
 
 

Comprehensive income

 

$

3,440,740

 

$

3,252,381

 

$

1,589,704

 
   
 
 
 

F-31


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

16. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION (PARENT ONLY) (Continued)

 
 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Statements of Cash Flows                    
Cash flows from operating activities—                    
  Net income   $ 2,855,920   $ 3,002,889   $ 2,343,246  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
  Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries     2,784,651     (2,663,899 )   (2,076,029 )
  Stock based compensation plan     53,132     50,480      
  Change in other assets     (15,798 )   (15,402 )   183,368  
  Change in other liabilities     16,268     (26,423 )   (13,470 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities     5,694,173     347,645     437,115  
   
 
 
 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Payment on note payable         (100,000 )   (100,000 )
  Retirement of junior subordinated debentures     (5,000,000 )        
  Dividends paid     (396,893 )   (355,732 )   (313,033 )
  Sale of treasury stock     59,794     (11,812 )   56,227  
   
 
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities     (5,337,099 )   (467,544 )   (356,806 )
   
 
 
 
Net change in cash     357,074     (119,899 )   80,309  

Cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Beginning of year     23,123     143,022     62,713  
   
 
 
 
  End of year   $ 380,197   $ 23,123   $ 143,022  
   
 
 
 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Cash paid during the year for:                    
    Interest   $ 250,757   $ 461,590   $ 368,545  
    Income taxes   $ 751,522   $ 960,000   $ 323,000  

Noncash investing activity—

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Change in Bank's unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities available for sale—net of tax   $ 584,820   $ 249,492   $ (753,542 )

F-32


CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS

IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

17. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

        The following table presents the Company's quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
  First Quarter 2007
  Second Quarter 2007
  Third Quarter 2007
  Fourth Quarter 2007
Interest Income   $ 5,457   $ 5,588   $ 5,745   $ 5,775
Interest expense     2,066     2,094     2,146     2,082
   
 
 
 
Net Interest income     3,391     3,494     3,599     3,693

Provision for loans loss

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

Non-interest income     1,029     1,217     1,110     1,451
Non-interest expense     3,780     3,873     3,867     3,792
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes     640     838     842     1,352

Income tax expense

 

 

105

 

 

168

 

 

174

 

 

369
   
 
 
 

Net income

 

$

535

 

$

670

 

$

668

 

$

983
   
 
 
 

Basic net income per common and common equivalent share outstanding

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.47
   
 
 
 

Diluted net income per common and common equivalent share outstanding

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.47
   
 
 
 
 
 
  First Quarter 2006
  Second Quarter 2006
  Third Quarter 2006
  Fourth Quarter 2006
Interest Income   $ 5,204   $ 5,498   $ 5,374   $ 5,540
Interest expense     1,679     1,794     1,908     1,959
   
 
 
 
Net Interest income     3,525     3,704     3,466     3,581

Provision for loans loss

 

 

30

 

 


 

 


 

 

Non-interest income     1,296     1,328     1,148     1,092
Non-interest expense     3,935     4,041     3,800     3,575
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes     856     991     814     1,098

Income tax expense

 

 

176

 

 

211

 

 

151

 

 

218
   
 
 
 

Net income

 

$

680

 

$

780

 

$

663

 

$

880
   
 
 
 

Basic net income per common and common equivalent share outstanding

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.37

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.42
   
 
 
 

Diluted net income per common and common equivalent share outstanding

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.37

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.42
   
 
 
 

F-33



PART IV

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

    (a)
    (1)  The list of all financial statements is included at Item 8.

    (a)
    (2)  The financial statement schedules are either included in the financial statements or are not applicable.

    (a)
    (3)  Exhibit List

Exhibit Number
  Exhibit
3.1   The Articles of Incorporation.(1)

3.2

 

Bylaws.(2)

4.1

 

Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders.(3)

10.1*

 

Employment Agreement dated January 30, 1998 between James E. Young and the Company.(4)

10.2*

 

Citizens Bancshares Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(4)

10.3*

 

Citizens Bancshares Corporation 1999 Incentive Stock Option Plan.(4)

10.5

 

Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Citizens Bancshares Corporation and Fannie Mae dated September 10, 1999 and amended as of October 12, 1999.(5)

10.6

 

Stock Exchange Agreement between Citizens Bancshares Corporation and Fannie Mae dated November 10, 1999.(5)

10.7*

 

Change in Control Agreement by and between James E. Young and Citizens Bancshares Corporation(6)

10.8*

 

Change in Control Agreement by and between Cynthia Day and Citizens Bancshares Corporation(6)

10.9*

 

Change in Control Agreement by and between Samuel J. Cox and Citizens Bancshares Corporation(6)

10.10*

 

Change in Control Agreement by and between Robert E. Nesbitt and Citizens Bancshares Corporation(6)

10.11

 

Form of Director Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

10.12

 

Form of Senior Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

21.1

 

List of subsidiaries.(7)

23.1

 

Consent of Elliott Davis, LLC.

24.1

 

Power of Attorney (appears on the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)

31.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

 

Certification by Chief Operating Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.3

 

Certification by Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

35



32.1

 

Certifications by Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

      *
      Compensatory plan or arrangement.

      (1)
      Incorporated by reference to exhibit of same number in the Company's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ending September 30, 2001.

      (2)
      Incorporated by reference to exhibit of same number in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10, File No. 0-14535.

      (3)
      See the Articles of Incorporation of the Company at Exhibit 3.1 hereto and the Bylaws of the Company at Exhibit 3.2 hereto.

      (4)
      Incorporated by reference to exhibit of same number in the Company's 2000 Form 10-KSB.

      (5)
      Incorporated by reference to exhibit of same number in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-91003.

      (6)
      Incorporated by reference to exhibit of same number in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

      (7)
      The Company has only one subsidiary, Citizens Trust Bank.

    (b)
    The Exhibits not incorporated herein by reference are submitted as a separate part of this report.

    (c)
    Financial Statement Schedules: The financial statement schedules are either included in the financial statements or are not applicable.

36



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
JAMES E. YOUNG      
James E. Young
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Date: March 28, 2008

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears on the signature page to this Report constitutes and appoints James E. Young and Cynthia N. Day and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits hereto, and other documents in connection herewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  RAY ROBINSON      
Ray Robinson
  Chairman of the Board   March 28, 2008

/s/  
ROBERT L. BROWN      
Robert L. Brown

 

Director

 

March 28, 2008

/s/  
STEPHEN ELMORE      
Stephen Elmore

 

Director

 

March 28, 2008

/s/  
C. DAVID MOODY      
C. David Moody

 

Director

 

March 28, 2008

37



/s/  
MERCY P. OWENS      
Mercy P. Owens

 

Director

 

March 28, 2008

/s/  
DONALD RATAJCZAK      
Donald Ratajczak

 

Director

 

March 28, 2008

/s/  
H. JEROME RUSSELL      
H. Jerome Russell

 

Director

 

March 28, 2008

/s/  
JAMES E. WILLIAMS      
James E. Williams

 

Director

 

March 28, 2008

/s/  
JAMES E. YOUNG      
James E. Young

 

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer*

 

March 28, 2008

/s/  
CYNTHIA N. DAY      
Cynthia N. Day

 

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer**

 

March 28, 2008

/s/  
SAMUEL J. COX      
Samuel J. Cox

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer***

 

March 28, 2008

*
Principal executive officer

**
Principal operating officer

***
Principal accounting and financial officer

38




QuickLinks

PART I
PART II
PART III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
PART IV
SIGNATURES
EX-10.11 2 a2184107zex-10_11.htm EXHIBIT 10.11
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EXHIBIT 10.11

DIRECTOR SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN

AGREEMENT

           THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this                        day of                                    , 2005, by and between Citizens Trust Bank, a bank organized and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the "Bank"), and                                    , a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank (hereinafter referred to as the "Director").

           WHEREAS, the Director is now serving on the Board of the Bank (hereinafter referred to as the "Board") and has for many years faithfully served the Bank. It is the consensus of the Board of Directors that the Director's services have been of exceptional merit, in excess of the compensation. paid and an invaluable contribution to the profits and position of the Bank in its field of activity. The Board further believes that the Director's experience, knowledge of corporate affairs, reputation and industry contacts are of such value, and the Director's continued services so essential to the Bank's future growth and profits, that it would suffer severe financial loss should the Director terminate his/her service on the Board;

           ACCORDINGLY, the Board has adopted the Citizens Trust Bank Director Supplemental Retirement Plan (hereinafter referred to as the "Director Plan") and it is the desire of the Bank and the Director to enter into this Agreement under which the Bank will agree to make certain payments to the Director upon the Director's retirement and to the Director's beneficiary(ies) in the event of the Director's death pursuant to the Director Plan;

           FURTHERMORE, it is the intent of the parties hereto that this Director Plan be considered an unfunded arrangement maintained primarily to provide supplemental retirement benefits for the Director, and to be considered a non-qualified benefit plan for purposes of—the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). The Director is fully advised of the Bank's financial status and has had substantial input in the design and operation of this benefit plan; and

           THEREFORE, in consideration of services the Director has performed in the past and those to be performed in the future, and based upon the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the Bank and the Director agree as follows:

I.        DEFINITIONS

    A.
    Effective Date:

        The Effective Date of the Director Plan shall be December 22, 2004.

    B.
    Plan Year.

        Any reference to the "Plan Year" shall mean a calendar year from January 1st to December 31st. In the year of implementation, the term "Plan Year" shall mean the period from the Effective Date to December 31st of the year of the Effective Date.

    C.
    Retirement Date:

        Retirement Date shall mean retirement from service with the Bank which becomes effective on the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the Director reaches age sixty-five (65) or such later date as the Director may actually retire.

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    D.
    Termination of Service:

        Termination of Service shall mean the Director's voluntary resignation from service on the Board or failure to be re-elected to the Board, prior to the Normal Retirement Age (Subparagraph I [J]).

    E.
    Pre-Retirement Account:

        A Pre-Retirement Account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the Bank for the benefit of the Director. Prior to the Director's Retirement Date (Subparagraph I [C]), such liability reserve account shall be increased or decreased each Plan Year (including the Plan Year in which the Director ceases to serve on the Board) by an amount equal to the annual earnings or loss for that Plan Year determined by the Index (Subparagraph I [G] hereinafter), less the Cost of Funds Expense for that Plan Year Subparagraph I [HJ hereinafter).

    F.
    Index Retirement Benefit:

        The Index Retirement Benefit for each Director in the Director Plan for each Plan Year shall be equal to the excess (if any) of the Index (Subparagraph I [G]) for that Plan Year over the Cost of Funds Expense (Subparagraph I [H]) for that Plan Year.

    G.
    Index:

        The Index for any Plan Year shall be the aggregate annual after-tax income from the life insurance contract(s) described hereinbelow as defined by FASB Technical Bulletin 85-4. This Index shall be applied as if such insurance contracts were purchased on the Effective Date of the Director Plan.

Insurance Company:   Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
Policy Form:   Flexible Premium Adjustable Life
Policy Name:   Strategic Life Executive
Insured's Age and Sex:    
Riders:   None
Ratings:   None
Option:   Level
Face Amount:    
Premiums Paid:    
Number of Premium Payments:   Single
Assumed Purchase Date:    

        If such contracts of life insurance are actually purchased by the Bank, then the actual policies as of the dates they were actually purchased shall be used in calculations under this Director Plan. If such contracts of life insurance are not purchased or are subsequently surrendered or lapsed, then the Bank shall receive annual policy illustrations that assume the above-described policies were purchased, or. had not subsequently surrendered or lapsed. Said illustrations shall be received from the respective insurance companies and will indicate the increase in policy values for purposes of calculating the amount of the Index.

        In either case, references to the life insurance contracts are merely for purposes of calculating a benefit. The Bank has no obligation to purchase such life insurance and, if purchased, the Director and the Director's beneficiary(ies) shall have no ownership interest in such policy and shall always have no greater interest in the benefits under this Director Plan than that of an unsecured creditor of the Bank.

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    H.
    Cost of Funds Expense:

        The Cost of Funds Expense for any Plan Year shall be calculated by taking the sum of the amount of premiums set forth in the Indexed policy described above plus the amount of any after-tax benefits paid to any Director pursuant to the Plan (Paragraph II hereinafter) plus the amount of all previous years after-tax Costs of Funds Expense, and multiplying that sum by the average after-tax cost of funds as calculated using the Bank's third quarter Call Report for the Plan Year as filed with the Federal Reserve.

    I.
    Change of Control:

        Change of Control shall be defined as follows:

      a.
      the acquisition of more than fifty percent (50%) of the value or voting power of the Bank's stock by a person or group;

      b.
      the acquisition in a period of twelve months or less of at least thirty-five percent (35%) of the Bank's stock by a person or group;

      c.
      the replacement of a majority of the Bank's board in a period of twelve months or less by Directors who were not endorsed by a majority of the current board members; or

      d.
      the acquisition in a period of twelve months or less of forty percent (40%) or more of the Bank's assets by an unrelated entity.

        For the purposes of this Director Plan, transfers on account of deaths or gifts, transfers between family members or transfers to a qualified retirement plan maintained by the Bank shall not be considered in determining whether there has been a Change of Control.

    J.
    Normal Retirement Age.,

        Normal Retirement Age shall mean the date on which the Director attains age sixty-five (65).

II.       INDEX BENEFITS

    A.
    Retirement Benefits:

        Subject to Subparagraph II (D) hereinafter, a Director who remains on the Board until the Normal Retirement Age (Subparagraph I [J]) shall be entitled to receive the balance in- the Pre-Retirement Account in ten (10) equal annual installments commencing thirty (30) days following the Director's retirement. In addition to these payments and commencing in conjunction therewith, the Index Retirement Benefit (Subparagraph I [F]) for each Plan Year subsequent to the Director's retirement, and including the remaining portion of the Plan Year in which the Director retires, shall be paid to. the Director until the Director's death and continue after the Director's death to the Director's beneficiary(ies) as set forth in Subparagraph 11(C) hereinafter.

    B.
    Termination of Service:

        Subject to Subparagraph II (D) hereinafter, should a Director suffer a Termination of Service (defined in Subparagraph I [D]), the Director shall be entitled to receive the appropriate percentage times the number of full years of service on the board of the Bank from the date of this plan implementation (to a maximum of 100%) from the following table, times the balance in the Pre-Retirement Account, paid over ten (10) years in equal

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        annual installments commencing at the Director's Retirement Date (Subparagraph I [C]). In addition to these payments, the same appropriate percentage (to a maximum of 100%) times the number of full years of service on the board of the Bank from the date of this plan implementation as referred to above, times the Index Retirement Benefit for each Plan Year shall be paid to the Director until the Director's death and continue after the Director's death to the Director's beneficiary(ies) as set forth in Subparagraph II (C) hereinafter.

Total Years of Service with the Bank

  Vested
(to a maximum of 100%)

 
0 - 5   0 %
6 - 10   25 %
11 - 15   50 %
16 - 20   75 %
21   100 %
    C.
    Death:

        Should the Director die prior to having received the full balance of the Pre-Retirement Account, the unpaid balance of the Pre-Retirement Account shall be immediately paid in a lump sum to the beneficiary selected by the Director and filed with the Bank. Said payment due hereunder shall be made the fast day of the second month following the decease of the Director.

        In the absence of or a failure to designate a beneficiary, the amounts described herein shall be paid to the personal representative of the Director's estate.

    D.
    Discharge for Cause:

        Should the Director be discharged for cause at any time prior to his Retirement Date, all Benefits under this Agreement (Subparagraphs II [A], [B] or [C]) shall be forfeited. The term "for cause" shall mean gross negligence or gross neglect or the commission of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty or willful violation of any law that result in any adverse effect on the bank. If a dispute arises as to discharge "for cause", such dispute shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth in this Agreement.

    E.
    Death Benefit:

        Except as set forth above, there is no death benefit provided under this Agreement.

    F.
    Disability:

        Should the Director suffer a Termination of Service because of a disability, as defined hereinbelow, he shall immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested and shall immediately begin receiving the retirement benefit described in Subparagraph II (A), without regard to Normal Retirement Age (Subparagraph I [J]). Disability shall be defined as the Director not being able to attend at least seventy percent (70%) of the meetings of the Board of Directors due to a physician certified disability condition. If there is a dispute regarding whether the Director is disabled, such dispute shall be resolved by a physician selected by the Bank and such resolution shall be binding upon all parties to this Agreement. If there is a dispute regarding whether the Director is disabled, such dispute shall be resolved by a physician mutually selected by the Bank and the Director and such resolution shall be binding upon all parties to this Agreement.

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III.     DEFERRAL BENEFITS

    A.
    Deferral Election:

        Any Director wishing to defer any portion or all of his director fees may elect to defer up to one hundred percent (10090) each year for a maximum of five (5) years. At the end of the five (5) year period the Board of Directors shall have the option of extending the deferral period for any amount of time it shall deem to be appropriate. The Director will make the election to defer by filing with the Bank a written statement setting forth the amount of the deferrals. This statement must be filed in the calendar year prior to having earned the deferred income. In the case of the first year in which a participant becomes eligible to participate, the election to defer fees and compensation may only be made for fees and compensation not yet earned as of the. date of said election, if the election is made within thirty (30) days of the participant becoming eligible for the Plan. At any other time, the election to defer fees and compensation must be made no later than the close of the preceding taxable year. Signed written statements filed under this section, unless modified or revoked, shall be valid for all succeeding years. Any modification or revocation of the Deferral section of the Election Form as elected by the participant in the signed written statement must be in writing at least twelve (12) months prior to the date of the first scheduled payment and shall not be effective earlier than twelve (12) months after the modification is made. Additionally, such modification may extend the deferral period for a period of at least five (5) additional years from the date the distribution was scheduled to begin.

    B.
    Deferred Compensation Account:

        The Bank shall establish a Deferred Compensation Account in the name of the Director and credit that account with the deferrals. The Bank shall also credit interest to the Deferred Compensation Account balance on December 31st of each year. The interest rate credited shall be one hundred percent (100%) of the one year treasury rate as of the crediting date to a: minimum of six percent (6%).

    C.
    Retirement, Termination of Service or Death:

        Upon the Director's Retirement Date or Termination of Service from the Board (Subparagraphs I (C) and (D) hereinabove), the balance of the Director's Deferred Compensation Account shall be payable, thirty (30) days following said event, as elected by the Director. The Director shall be entitled to make a one (1) time election of his deferral distribution payment within thirty (30) days of executing this Agreement. Should the Director fail to make said payment election, then the Director shall be paid in ten (10) equal annual installments as set forth herein. Should the Director die while there is a balance in the Director's Deferred Compensation Account, such balance shall be paid pursuant to Subparagraph II (C) hereinabove.

IV.      RESTRICTIONS UPON FUNDING

    The Bank shall have no obligation to set aside, earmark or entrust any fund or money with which to pay its obligations under this Director Plan. The Directors, their beneficiary(ies), or any successor in interest shall be and remain simply a general creditor of the Bank in the same manner as any other creditor having a general claim for matured and unpaid compensation.

    The Bank reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to either fund the obligations undertaken by this Director Plan or to refrain from funding the same and to determine the extent, nature and method of such funding. Should the Bank elect to fund this Director Plan, in

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    whole or in part, through the purchase of life insurance, mutual funds, disability policies or annuities, the Bank reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, to terminate such funding at any time, in whole or in part. At no time shall any Director be deemed to have any lien nor right, title or interest in or to any specific funding investment or to any assets of the Bank.

    If the Bank elects to invest in a life insurance, disability or annuity policy upon the life of the Director, then the Director, shall assist the Bank by freely submitting to a physical exam and supplying such additional information necessary to obtain such insurance or annuities.

V.        CHANGE OF CONTROL

    Upon a Change of Control (Subparagraph I [I]), if the Director subsequently suffers a Termination of Service (Subparagraph I. [D]), then the Director shall receive the benefits promised in this Director Plan upon attaining Normal Retirement Age, as if the Director had been continuously serving the Bank until the Director's Normal Retirement Age. The Director will also remain eligible for all promised death benefits in this Director Plan. In addition, no sale, merger, or consolidation of the Bank shall take place unless the new or surviving entity expressly acknowledges the obligations under this Director Plan and agrees to abide by its terms.

VI.      MISCELLANEOUS

    A.
    Alienability and Assignment Prohibition:

        Neither the Director, nor the Director's surviving spouse, nor any other beneficiary(ies) under this Director Plan shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify or otherwise encumber in advance any of the benefits payable hereunder nor shall any of said benefits be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by the Director or the Director's beneficiary(ies), nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. In the event the Director or any beneficiary attempts assignment, commutation, hypothecation, transfer or disposal of the benefits hereunder, the Bank's liabilities shall forthwith cease and terminate.

    B.
    Binding Obligation of the Bank and My Successor in Interest:

        The Bank shall not merge or consolidate into or with another bank or sell substantially all of its -assets to another bank, firm or person until such bank, firm or person expressly agree, in writing, to assume and discharge the duties and obligations of the Bank under this Director Plan. This Director Plan shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their successors, beneficiaries, heirs and personal representatives.

    C.
    Amendment or Revocation:

        Subject to Paragraph VIII, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto that, during the lifetime of the Director, this Director Plan may be amended or revoked at any time or times, in whole or in part, by the mutual written consent of the Director and the Bank.

    D.
    Gender:

        Whenever. in this Director Plan words are used in the masculine or neuter gender, they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, whenever they should so apply.

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    E.
    Effect on Other Bank Benefit Plans:

        Nothing contained in this Director Plan shall affect the right of the Director to participate in or be covered by any qualified or non-qualified pension, profit-sharing, group, bonus or other supplemental compensation or fringe benefit plan constituting a part of the Bank's existing or future compensation structure.

    F.
    Headings:

        Headings and subheadings in this Director Plan are inserted for reference and convenience only and shall not be deemed a part of this Director Plan.

    G.
    Applicable Law:

        The validity and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.

    H.
    12 U.S.C. § 1828(k):

        Any payments made to the Director pursuant to this Director Plan, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k) or any regulations promulgated thereunder.

    I
    Partial Invalidity:

        If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of this Director Plan is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any other term, provision, covenant, or condition invalid, void, or unenforceable, and the Director Plan shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such partial invalidity.

    J.
    Continuation as Director:

        Neither this Agreement nor the payment of any benefits thereunder shall be construed as giving to the Director any right to be retained as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank.

VII.    ERISA PROVISION

    A.
    Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator:

        The "Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator" of this Director Plan shall be Citizens Trust Bank. As Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator, the Bank shall be responsible for the management, control and administration of the Director Plan. The Named Fiduciary may delegate to others certain aspects of the management and operation responsibilities of the Director Plan including the employment of advisors and the delegation of ministerial duties to qualified individuals.

    B.
    Claims Procedure and Arbitration:

        In the event a dispute arises over benefits under this Director Plan and benefits are not paid to the Director (or to the Director's beneficiary(ies) in the case of the Director's death) and such claimants feel they are entitled to receive such benefits, then a written claim must be made to the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator named above within sixty (60) days from the date payments are refused. The Named Fiduciary and Plan

7


        Administrator shall review the written claim and if the claim is denied, in whole or in part, they shall provide in writing within sixty (60) days of receipt of such claim the specific reasons for such denial, reference to the provisions of this Director Plan upon which the denial is based and any additional material or information necessary to perfect the claim. Such written notice shall further indicate the additional steps to be taken by claimants if a further review of the claim denial is desired. A claim shall be deemed denied if the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator fail to take any action within the aforesaid sixty-day period.

        If claimants desire a second review they shall notify the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator in writing within sixty (60) days of the fist claim denial. Claimants may review this Director Plan or any documents relating thereto and submit any written issues and comments it may feel appropriate. In their sole discretion, the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator shall then review the second claim and provide a written decision within sixty (60) days of receipt of such claim. This decision shall likewise state the specific reasons for the decision and shall include reference to specific provisions of the Plan Agreement upon which the decision is based.

        If claimants continue to dispute the benefit denial based upon completed performance of this Director Plan or the meaning and effect of the terms and conditions thereof, then claimants may submit the dispute to an arbitrator for final arbitration. The arbitrator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the Bank and the claimants. The arbitrator shall operate under any generally recognized set of arbitration rules. The parties hereto agree that they and their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns shall be bound by the decision of such arbitrator with respect to any controversy properly submitted to it for determination.

        Where a dispute arises as to the Bank's discharge of the Director "for cause," such dispute shall likewise be submitted to arbitration as above described and the parries hereto agree to be bound by the decision thereunder.*

VIII.   TERMINATION OR MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT BY REASON OF CHANGES IN THE LAW, RULES OR REGULATIONS

    The Bank is entering—into this Agreement upon the assumption that certain existing tax laws, rules and regulations will continue in effect in their current form. If any said assumptions should change and said change has a detrimental effect on this Director Plan, then the Bank reserves—the right to terminate or modify this Agreement accordingly. Upon a Change of Control (Subparagraph I [1]), this paragraph shall become null and void effective immediately upon said Change of Control.

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto acknowledge that each has carefully read this Agreement and executed the original thereof on the first day set forth hereinabove, and that, upon execution, each has received a conforming copy.

    CITIZENS TRUST BANK
Atlanta, Georgia

 

 

 

Witness
 
(Bank Officer other than insured)            Title    

 

 

 

Witness
 

8


JOINT BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

AGREEMENT

Insurer:   Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company

Policy Number:

 

 

Bank:

 

Citizens Trust Bank

Insured:

 

 

Relationship of Insured to Bank:

 

Director

The respective rights and duties of the Bank and the Insured in the above-referenced policy shall be pursuant to the terms set forth below:

I.         DEFINITIONS

      Refer to the policy contract for the definition of any terms in this Agreement that are not defined herein. If the definition of a term in the policy is inconsistent with the definition of a term in this Agreement, then the definition of the term as set forth in this Agreement shall supersede and replace the definition of the terms as set forth in the policy.

II.        POLICY TIME AND OWNERSHIP

      Title and ownership shall reside in the Bank for its use and for the use of the Insured all in accordance with this Agreement. The Bank alone may, to the extent of its interest, exercise the right to borrow or withdraw on the policy cash values. Where the Bank and the Insured (or assignee, with the consent of the Insured) mutually agree to exercise the right to increase the coverage under the subject Joint Beneficiary Designation policy, then, in such event, the rights, duties and benefits of the parties to such increased coverage shall continue to be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

III.      BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION RIGHTS

      The. Insured (or assignee) shall have the right and power to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive the Insured's share of the proceeds payable upon the death of the Insured, and to elect and change a payment option for such beneficiary, subject to any right or interest the Bank may have in such proceeds, as provided in this Agreement.

IV.        PREMIUM PAYMENT METHOD

      Subject to the Bank's absolute right to surrender or terminate the policy at any time and for any reason, the Bank shall pay an amount equal to the planned premiums and any other premium payments that might become necessary to keep the policy in force.

V..        TAXABLE BENEFIT

      Annually the Insured will receive a taxable benefit equal to the assumed cost of insurance as required by the Internal Revenue Service. The Bank (or its administrator) will report to the Insured the amount of imputed income each year on Form 1099 or its equivalent.

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VI.       DIVISION OF DEATH PROCEEDS

      Subject to Paragraphs VII and IX herein, the division of the death proceeds of the policy is as follows:

    A.
    Should the Insured be serving on the Board of the Bank, retired or terminated due to disability at the time of death, the Insured's beneficiary(ies), designated in accordance with Paragraph III, shall be entitled to an amount equal to eighty percent (80%) of the net-at-risk insurance portion of the proceeds. The net-at-risk insurance portion is the total proceeds less the cash value of the policy.

    B.
    Should the Insured not be serving on the Board of the Bank at the time of death, the Insured's beneficiary(ies), designated in accordance with Paragraph III, shall be entitled to the percentage as set forth hereinbelow of the proceeds described in Subparagraph VI (A) above that corresponds to the number of full years the Insured has been employed by the Bank from the date of first service on the Board of the Bank:

Total Full Years of Service with the Bank

  Vested
(to a maximum of 100%)

 
0 - 5   0 %
6 - 10   25 %
11 - 15   50 %
16 - 20   75 %
21   100 %
    C.
    The Bank shall be entitled to the remainder of such proceeds.

    D.
    The Bank and the Insured (or assignees) shall share in any interest due on the death proceeds on a pro rata basis as the proceeds due each respectively bears to the total proceeds, excluding any such interest.

VII.     DIVISION OF THE CASH SURRENDER VALUE OF THE POLICY

      The Bank shall at all times be entitled to an amount equal to the policy's cash value, as that term is defined in the policy contract, less any policy loans and unpaid interest or cash withdrawals previously incurred by the Bank and any applicable surrender charges. Such cash value shall be determined as of the date of surrender or death as the case may be.

VIII.    RIGHTS OF PARTIES WHERE POLICY ENDOWMENT 'OR ANNUITY ELECTION EXISTS

      In the event the policy involves an endowment or annuity element, the Bank's right and interest in any endowment proceeds or annuity benefits, on expiration of the deferment period, shall be determined under the provisions of this Agreement by regarding such endowment proceeds or the commuted value of such annuity benefits as the policy's cash value. Such endowment proceeds or annuity benefits shall be considered to be like death proceeds for the purposes of division under this Agreement.

IX.       TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

    A.
    This Agreement shall terminate upon the occurrence of any one of the following:

      1.
      The Insured shall leave the service on the Board of the Bank (voluntarily or involuntarily) prior to five (5) full years of service on the Board of the Bank from the date of first service on the Board of the Bank; or

2


        2.
        The Insured shall be discharged from service on the Board of the Bank for cause. The term "for cause" shall mean gross negligence or gross neglect or he commission of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty; or willful violation of any law that result in any adverse effect on the bank; or

        3.
        Surrender, lapse, or other termination of the Policy by the Bank, and subject to the Insured's option as set forth hereinbelow.

    B.
    Upon such termination of this Agreement but prior to the termination of the policy by the Bank, the Insured (or assignee) shall have a fifteen (15) day option to receive from the Bank an absolute assignment of the policy in consideration of a cash payment to the Bank, whereupon this Agreement shall terminate. Such cash payment referred to hereinabove shall be the greater of

      1.
      The Bank's share of the cash value of the policy on the date of such assignment, as defined in this Agreement; or

      2.
      The amount of the premiums that have been paid by the Bank prior to the date of such assignment.

    C.
    If, within said fifteen (15) day period, the Insured fails to exercise said option, fails to procure the entire aforestated cash payment, or dies, then the option shall terminate and the Insured (or assignee) agrees that. all of the insured's rights, interest and claims in the policy shall terminate as of the date of the termination of this Agreement.

    D.
    The Insured expressly agrees that this Agreement shall constitute sufficient written notice to the Insured of the Insured's option to receive an absolute assignment of the policy as set forth herein.

    E.
    Except as provided above, this Agreement shall terminate upon distribution of the death benefit proceeds in accordance with Paragraph VI above.

X.        INSURED'S OR ASSIGNEE'S ASSIGNMENT RIGHTS

      The Insured may not, without the written consent of the Bank, assign to any individual, trust or other organization, any right, title or interest in the subject policy nor any rights, options, privileges or duties created under this Agreement.

XI.       AGREEMENT BINDING UPON THE PARTIES

      This Agreement shall bind the Insured and the Bank, their heirs, successors, personal representatives and assigns.

VIII.    ADMINISTRATIVE AND CLAIMS PROVISIONS

      The following provisions are part of this Agreement. and are intended to meet the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"):

    A.
    Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator:

        The "Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator" of this Joint Beneficiary Designation Agreement shall be Citizens Trust Bank. As Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator, the Bank shall be responsible for the management, control, and administration of this Split Dollar Plan as established herein. The Named Fiduciary may delegate to others certain aspects of the management and operation responsibilities of the Plan, including the employment of advisors and the delegation of any ministerial duties to qualified individuals.

3


    B.
    Basis of Payment of Benefits:

        Direct payment by the Insurer is the basis of payment of benefits under this Agreement, with those benefits in turn being based on the payment of premiums as provided in this Agreement.

    C.
    Claim Procedures:

        Claim forms or claim information as to 'the subject policy can be obtained by contacting Ben-nark, Inc. (800-544-6079). When the Named Fiduciary has a claim which may be covered under the provisions described in the insurance policy, they should contact the office named above, and they will either complete a claim form and forward it to an authorized representative of the Insurer—or advise the named Fiduciary what further requirements are necessary. The Insurer will evaluate and make a decision as to payment. If the claim is payable, a benefit check will be issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

        In the event that a claim is not eligible under the policy, the Insurer will notify the Named Fiduciary of the denial pursuant to the requirements under the terms of the policy. If the Named Fiduciary is dissatisfied with the denial of the claim and wishes to contest such claim denial, they should contact the office named above and they will assist in making an inquiry to the Insurer. All objections to the Insurer's actions should be in writing and submitted to the office named above for transmittal to the Insurer.

XIII.    GENDER

      Whenever in this Agreement words are used in the masculine or neuter gender, they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, whenever they should so apply.

XIV.     INSURANCE COMPANY NOT A PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT

      The Insurer shall not be deemed a parry to this Agreement, but will respect the rights of the parties as herein developed upon receiving an executed copy of this Agreement. Payment or other performance in accordance with the policy provisions shall fully discharge the Insurer from any and all liability.

XV.      CHANGE OF CONTROL

      Change of Control shall be defined as follows:

    a.
    the acquisition of more than fifty percent (50%) of the value or voting power of the Bank's stock by a person or group;

    b.
    the acquisition in a period of twelve months or less of at least thirty-five percent (35%) of the Bank's stock by a person or group;

    c.
    the replacement of a majority of the Bank's board in a period of twelve. months or less by Directors who were not endorsed by a majority of the current board members; or

    d.
    the acquisition in a period of twelve months or less of forty percent (40%) or more of the Bank's assets by an unrelated entity.

      For the purposes of this Agreement, transfers on account of death or gifts, transfers between family members, or transfers to a qualified retirement plan maintained by the Bank shall not be considered in determining whether there has been a Change of Control. Upon a Change of

4


      Control, if the Insured's service on the Board of the Bank is subsequently terminated, except for cause, then the Insured shall be one hundred percent (10096) vested in the benefits promised in this Agreement and, therefore, upon the death of the Insured, the Insured's beneficiary(ies) (designated in accordance with Paragraph III) shall receive the death benefit provided herein as if the Insured had died while employed by the Bank (see Subparagraph VI [A]).

XVI.    AMENDMENT OR REVOCATION, AND EXCHANGE OF POLICY

      Subject to the Bank's absolute right to —surrender or terminate the policy at any time and for any reason, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto that, during the lifetime of the Insured, this Agreement may be amended or revoked at any time or times, in whole or in part, by the mutual written consent of the Insured and the -Bank. 'The Bank may, however, unilaterally and without the consent of the Insured, exchange any life insurance policy(ies) that are the subject matter of this Agreement, with or without replacing said policy(ies) and, in the event of a same or similar exchange, the Insured expressly agrees to the same.

XVII.   EFFECTIVE DATE

      The Effective Date of this Agreement shall be December 22, 2004.

XVIII. SEVERABILITY AND INTERPRETATION

      If a provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nonetheless be enforceable according to their terms. Further, in the event that any provision is held to be overbroad as written such provision shall be deemed amended to narrow its application to the extent necessary to make the provision enforceable according to law and enforced as amended.

XIX.    TERMINATION OR MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT BY REASON OF CHANGES IN THE LAW, RULES OR REGULATIONS

      The Bank is entering into this Agreement upon the assumption that certain existing tax laws, rules and regulations will continue in effect in their current form. If any said assumptions should change and said change has a detrimental effect on this Joint Beneficiary Designation Agreement, then the Bank reserves the right to terminate or modify this Agreement accordingly. Upon a Change of Control (Paragraph XV), this paragraph shall become null and void effective immediately upon said Change of Control.

XX.     APPLICABLE LAW

      The laws of the State of Georgia shall govern the validity and interpretation of this Agreement.

Executed at Atlanta, Georgia this                        day of                                    , 2005

    CITIZENS TRUST BANK
Atlanta, Georgia

 

 

 

Witness
 
(Bank Officer other than insured)            Title    

 

 

 

Witness
 

5




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EX-10.12 3 a2184107zex-10_12.htm EXHIBIT 10.12
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EXHIBIT 10.12

EXECUTIVE SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN

AGREEMENT

           This Agreement, made and entered into this                        Day of                                    , 2003, by and between Citizens Trust Bank, a Bank organized and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia, hereinafter referred. to as "the Bank", and                                    , a Key Employee and the Executive of the Bank, hereinafter referred to as "the Executive".

           The Executive has been in the employ of the Bank for several years and has now and for years past faithfully served the Bank. It is the consensus of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Ire Board) that the Executive's services have been of exceptional merit, in excess of the compensation paid and -an invaluable contribution to the profits and position of the Bank in its field of activity. The Board further believes that the Executive's experience., knowledge of corporate affairs, reputation and industry contacts are. of such value and his continued services are so essential to the Bank's future growth and profits that it would sear severe financial loss should the Executive terminate his services.

           Accordingly, it is the desire of -the Bank and the Executive to enter into this Agreement wader which the Bank will agree to make certain payments to the Executive upon his retirement and, alternatively, to his beneficiary(ies) in the event of his premature death while employed by the Bank.

           It is the intent of the parties hereto that this Agreement be considered an management maintained primarily to provide supplemental retirement benefits for the Executive, as a member of a select group of management or highly-compensated employees of the Bank for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Executive is fully advised of the Bank's financial status and has had substantial input in the design and operation of this benefit plan.

           Therefore, in consideration of the Executive's services performed in the past and those to be performed, in the future and based upon the mutual promises and cow herein contained, the Bank and the Executive, agree as follows:

I.        DEFINITIONS.

    A.
    Effective Date:

        The Effective Date of this Agreement shall be July 31, 2003.

    B.
    Plan Year:

        Any reference to "Plan Year" shall mean a calendar year from January 1 to December 31. In the year of implementation, the term "Plan Year" shall mean the period from the effective date to December 31 of the year of the effective date.

    C.
    Retirement Date:

        Retirement Date shall mean retirement from service with the Bank which becomes effective on the first day of the calendar month following the month iu which the Executive reaches his sixty-fifth (65th) birthday or such later daze as the Executive may actually retire.

    D.
    Termination of Service.

        Termination of Service: shall mean voluntary resignation of service by the. Executive or the Bank's discharge of the Executive without cause ("cause" defined in Subparagraph III (D) hereinafter), prior to the Normal Retirement Age (Subparagraph I (J) hereinafter).

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    E.
    Pre-Retirement Account:

        A Pre-Retirement Account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the Bank for. the benefit of the Executive. Prior to the Executive's retirement, such liability reserve account shall be increased or decreased each Plan Year (including the Plan Year in which the Executive ceases to be employed by the Bank) by au amount equal to the annual earnings or loss for that Plan Year determined by the Index (described in Subparagraph I(G) hereinafter), less' the Cost of Funds Expense for that Plan Year (described in Subparagraph I(H) hereinafter):

    F.
    Index Retirement Benefit:

        The Index Retirement Benefit for the Executive for any year shall be equal to the excess of the annual earnings (if any) determined- by the Index [Subparagraph I (G)] for that Plan Year over the Cost of Funds Expense -[Subparagraph h (H)] for that Plan Year, divided. by a factor equal to 1.07 minus the marginal tax rate.

    G.
    Index:

        The Index for any Plan Year shall be the aggregate annual after-tax income from the life insurance contracts described hereinafter as defined by FASB Technical Bulletin 85-4. This Index shall be applied as if such insurance contracts were purchased on the effective date hereof.

Insurance Company:   Security Life of Denver
Policy Form:   Flexible Premium Adjustable Life
Policy Name:   Executive UL
Insured's Age and Sex:    
Riders:   None
Ratings:   None
Option:   Level
Face Amount:    
Premiums Paid:    
Number of Premium Payments:   Single
Assumed Purchase Date:    

        If such contacts of life insurance are actually purchased. by the Bank then the actual policies as of the dates hey were purchased shall be used in calculations under this Agreement. If such contracts of life insurance are not purchased or are subsequently surrendered or lapsed, then the Bank shall receive annual policy illustrations that assume the above described policies were purchased from the above named insurance company(ies) on the Effective Dote from which the increase in policy value will be used to calculate the amount of the Index.

        In either case, references. to the life insurance contract are merely for purposes of calculating a benefit. The Bank has no obligation to purchase such life insurance and, if purchased, the Executive and his beneficiary(ies) shall have no ownership interest in such policy and shall always have no greater interest in the benefits under this Agreement than that o£ an unsecured general creditor of the Bank.

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    H.
    Cost of Funds Expense:

        The Cost of Funds Expense for any Plan Year shall be calculated by taking the sum of the amount of premiums set forth in the Indexed policies described above plus the amount of any after-tax benefits paid to thin Executive pursuant to this Agreement plus the amount of all previous years after-talc Costs of Funds Expense, and multiplying that sum by the average after-tag cost of funds of the Bank's third quarter Call Report for the Plan Year as filed with the Federal Reserve.

    I.
    Change of Control:

        Change of Control shall be deemed to be the cumulative transfer of more than fifty percent (50•0) of the voting stock of the Bank Holding Company from the Effective Date of this Agreement. For the purposes of this Agreemea4 transfers on account of deaths or gifts, transfers between family members or transfers to a qualified retirement plan maintained by the Bank shall not be considered in determining whether there has been a change in control.

    J.
    Normal Retirement Age:

        Normal Retirement Age shall mean the date on which the Executive attains age sixty-five (65).

II.       EMPLOYMENT

    No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict or limit any existing employment agreement by and between the Bank and the Executive, nor-shall any conditions herein create specific employment rights to the Executive nor limit the right of the Employer to discharge the Executive with -oar without cause. In a similar fashion, no provision shall limit the Executive's rights to voluntarily sever his employment at anytime.

III      INDEX BENEFITS

    The following benefits provided by the Hank to the Executive are in the name of a fringe benefit and shall in no event be construed to effect nor limit the Executive's current or prospective salary increases, cash bonuses or profit sharing distributions or credits.

    A.
    Retirement Benefits.

        Should the Executive continue to be employed by Bank until his "Normal Retirement Age" defined in Subparagraph I (J), he shall be entitled to receive the-balance in his Pre-Retirement in Subparagraph I (E)] in ten (10) equal annual installments commencing thirty (30) days following the Executive's addition to these payments, commencing with the. Plan Year in which the Executive attains his Retirement Date, the Index Retirement Benefit (as defined in Subparagraph I (F) above) for each year shall be paid to the Executive, until his death.

    B.
    Termination of Service:

        Subject to Subparagraph III (D) hereinafter, should the Executive suffer a termination of service [defined in Subparagraph I (D)), he shall be entitled to receive the appropriate percentage times the number of full years of employment from the date of this plan implementation (to a maximum of 100%) from the following table, times the balance in the Pre-Retirement Account (to a maximum of 100%) paid over ten (10) years in equal

3


        installments commencing at the Retirement Date [Subparagraph I (C)]. In addition to these payments, the same percentage times the number of full years of employment from the date of this plan implementation as referred to above, tunes the Index Retirement Benefit for each year (to a maximum of 100%) shall be paid to the Executive until his death.

Total Years of Service with the Bank

  Vested
(to a maximum of 100%)

 
0 - 5   0 %
more than 5 - 10   25 %
more than 10 - 15   50 %
more than 15 - 20   75 %
more than 20   100 %
    C.
    Death:

        Should the Executive die prior to having received the full balance of the Pre-Retirement Account, the unpaid balance of the Pre-Retirement Account shall be paid in a lump sum to the beneficiary selected by the Executive and filed with the Bank. In the absence of or a failure to designate a beneficiary, the unpaid balance shall be paid in a lump sum to the personal we of the Executive's estate.

    D.
    Discharge for Cause:

        Should the Executive be discharged for cause at any, time prior to his Retirement Date, all Index Benefits under this Agreement [Subparagraphs III (A), (B). or (C)] shall be forfeited. The term "for cause" shall mean gross negligence or gross neglect or the conviction of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, fiend, dishonesty or willful violation of any law that results in -any adverse effect on the Bank. If a dispute arises as to discharge "for cause", such dispute shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth in this Agreement.

    E.
    Death Benefit:

        Except as set forth above, there is no death benefit provided under this Agreement.

    F.
    Disability

        Should the Executive suffer a Termination of Service because of a disability (as defined on the Bank's long term disability insurance policy), he shall immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested and shall immediately begin receiving the retirement benefit described in Subparagraph Ill (A), without regard to "Normal Retirement Age."

IV.      RESTRICTIONS UPON FUNDING

    The Bank shall have no obligation to set aside, earmark or entrust any fiend or money with which to pay its obligations under this Agreement The Executive, his beneficiary(ies) or. any successor in interest to him shall be and remain simply a general creditor of the Bank in the same manner as any other creditor having a general claim for matured and unpaid compensation.

    The Bank reserves the absolute right, at its sole -discretion, to either fund the obligations undertaken by this Agreement or to refrain from finding the same and to determine the exact nature: and method of such funding. Should the Bank elect to fund this Agreement, in whole or in part, through the purchase of life insurance, mutual funds, disability policies or annuities, the

4



    Bank reserves the. absolute right, in its sole discretion, to teammate such fending at any time, in whole or in part. At no time shall the Executive be deemed to have any lien or right, title or interest in or to any specific funding investment or to any assets of the Bank.

    If the Bank elects to. invest in a life insurance, disability or annuity policy upon the life of the Executive, theft the Executive shall assist the Bank by freely submitting to a physical exam and supplying such additional information necessary to obtain such insurance or annuities.

V.        CHANGE OF CONTROL'

    Upon a Change of Control (as defined in Subparagraph 1 (1) herein), if the Executive's employment is subsequently terminated then he shall receive the benefits promised in this Agreement upon attaining Normal Retirement Age; as if he had been continuously employed by the Bank until his Normal Retirement Age. The Executive will also remain eligible for all—promised death benefits in this Agreement. In addition, no sale, merger or consolidation of the Bank shall take place unless the new or surviving entity expressly acknowledges the obligations under this Agreement and agrees to abide by its terms.

VI.      MISCELLANEOUS

    A.
    Alienability and Assignment Prohibition:

        Neither the Executive, his/her surviving spouse nor any other beneficiary under this Agreement shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecates mortgage, commute, modify or otherwise encumber in advance any of the benefits payable hereunder nor shall any of said benefits be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or -separate maintenance owed by the Executive or his beneficiary, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of Bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. In.the event the Executive or any beneficiary attempts assignment, commutation,, hypothecation, transfer or disposal of the benefits hereunder, the Bank's liabilities shall forthwith cease and terminate.

    B.
    Binding Obligation of Bank and any Successor in Interest:

        The Bank expressly agrees that it shall not merge or consolidate into or with another Bank or sell substantially all of its assets- to another Bank, firm or person until such Bank, firm or person expressly agrees, in writing, to assume and discourage the duties and obligations of the Back under this Agreement. This Agent shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their successors, beneficiary(ies), heirs and personal representatives.

    C.
    Revocation:

        It is agreed by and between the parties hereto that, during the lifetime of the Executive, this Agreement may be amended or revoked at any time or times, in whole or in part, by the mutual written assent of the Executive and the Bank.

    D.
    Gender.

        Whenever in this Agreement words are used in the masculine or neuter gender, they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, whenever they should so apply.

5


    E.
    Effect on Other Bank Benefit Plans:

        Nothing contained in thus Agreement shall affect the right of the Executive.to participate in or be covered by any qualified or non-qualified pension, profit-sharing, group, bonus or other supplemental compensation or fringe benefit plan constituting a part of the Bank's existing or future compensation structure.

    F.
    Headings:

        Headings and subheadings in this Agreement are inserted for reference and convenience only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.

    G.
    Applicable Law:

        The validity and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.

VII.    ERISA PROVISION

    A.
    Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator:

        The "Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator" of this plan shall be Citizens Trust Bank until its removal by the Board. As Named Fiduciary and Administrator, the Bank shall be responsible for the manages, control and administration of the Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement as established herein. The Named Fiduciary may delegate to others certain aspects of the management and operation responsibilities of the plan including the employment of advisors and the delegation of ministerial duties to qualified individuals.

    B.
    Claims Procedure and Arbitration:

        In the event a dispute arises over -benefits under this Agreement and benefits are not paid to the Executive (or to his beneficiary. in the case of the Executive's death) and such claimants feel they are entitled to receive such benefits, then a written darn must be made to the Plan Administrator named above within ninety (90) days from the date payments are -refused. The Plan Administrator shall review the written claim and if the claim is denied, in whole or in part, they shall provide in writing within ninety (90) days of receipt o£ such claim their specific reasons for such denial, reference to the provisions of this Agreement upon which the denial is based and any additional material or information necessary to perfect the claim Such written notice shall further indicate the additional steps to be taken by claimants if a further review of the claim denial is desired. A claim shall be deemed denied if the Plan Administrator fails to take any action within the aforesaid ninety-day period.

        If claimants desire a second review they shall notify the Plan Administrator in writing within ninety (90) days of the fist claim denial. Claimants may review this Agreement or any documents relating thereto and submit any written issues and comments they may feel appropriate. In its sole discretion, the Plan Administrator shall then review the second claim and provide a written decision within ninety (90) days of receipt of such claim. This decision shall likewise state the specific reasons for the decision and shall include reference to specific provisions of this Agreement upon which the decision is based.

        If claimants continue to dispute the benefit denial based upon completed performance of this Agreement or the meaning and effect of the teams and conditions thereof, then claimants may submit the dispute to a Board of Arbitration for final arbitration. Said

6



        Board. shall consist of one member selected by the claimant, one member selected by the Bank, and the third member selected by the first two members. The Board shall operate under any generally recognized set of arbitration rules. The parties hereto agree that they and their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns shall be bound by the decision of such Board with respect to any controversy properly submitted -to it for determination.

        Where a dispute arises as to the Bank's discharge of the Executive "for cause", such dispute shill likewise be submitted to arbitration as above described and the parties hereto agree to be bound by the decision thereunder.

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties. hereto acknowledge that each has carefully read this Agreement and executed the original thereof on the first day as set forth hereinabove and that, upon execution, each has received a conforming copy.

    CITIZENS TRUST BANK
Atlanta, Georgia

 

 

 

Witness
 
(Bank Officer other than insured)            Title    

 

 

 

Witness
 

7


LIFE INSURANCE

ENDORSEMENT METHOD SPLIT DOLLAR PLAN

AGREEMENT

Insurer:   Security Life of Denver

Policy Number:

 

 

Corporation:

 

Citizens Trust Bank

Insured:

 

 

Relationship of Insured to Corporation:

 

Executive

The respective tights and duties of the Corporation and the Insured in the subject policy shall be as defined in the following:

I.         DEFINITIONS

      Refer to the policy contract for the definition of all terms in this Agreement.

II.        POLICY TITLE AND OWNERSHIP

      Title and ownership shall reside in the Bank far its use and for the use. of the Insured all in accordance with this Agreement. The Bank alone may, to the extent of its interest, exercise the right to borrow or withdraw on the policy cash values. Where the Bank and the Insured (or assignee, with the consent of the Insured) mutually agree to exercise the right to increase the coverage under the subject split dollar policy, then, in such event, the rights, duties and benefits of the. parties-to such increased coverage shall continue to be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

III.      BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION RIGHTS

      The Insured (or assignee) shall have the right and power to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive his share of the proceeds payable upon the death of the Insured, and to elect and change a payment option for such beneficiary, subject to any right or interest the Bank may have in such proceeds, as provided in this-Agreement.

IV.        PREMIUM PAYMENT METHOD

      The Bank shall pay an amount equal to the planned premiums and any other premium payments that might become necessary to keep the policy in force.

V.         TAXABLE BENEFIT

      Annually the Insured will receive a taxable benefit equal to the assumed cost of 'insurance as required by the Internal Revenue Service. The Bank (or its administrator) will report to the Employee the amount of imputed income received each year on Form W-2 or its equivalent.

1


VI.       DIVISION OF DEATH PROCEEDS

      Subject-to. Paragraph VII herein, the division of the death proceeds of the policy is as follows:

    A.
    Should the Insured be employed by the Bank at the time of his or her death, the. Insured's beneficiary(ies), designated in accordance with Paragraph III, shall be entitled to an amount equal to eighty percent (80%) of the net at risk insurance portion of the proceeds. The net at risk insurance portion is the -total proceeds less the cash value of the policy.

    B.
    Should the Insured not be employed by the Bank at the time of his or her death, the Insured's beneficiary(ies) shall be entitled to the following percentage of the proceeds described in Subparagraph VI (A) hereinabove that corresponds to the number of full years the. Insured has been employed by the Bank since the date of this plan implementation:

Total Years of Service with the Bank

  Vested
(to a maximum of 100%)

 
0-5   0 %
more than 5-10   25 %
more than 10-15   50 %
more than 15-20   75 %
more than 20   100 %
    C.
    The Bank shall be entitled to the remainder of such proceeds.

    D.
    The Bank and the Insured (or assignees) shall share in any interest due on the death proceeds on a pro rata basis as the proceeds due each respectively bears to the total proceeds, excluding any such interest.

VII.     DIVISION OF THE CASH SLIMMER VALUE OF THE POLICY

      The Bank shall at all times be entitled to an amount equal to the policy's cash value, as that term is. defined in the policy contract, less any policy loans and unpaid interest or cash withdrawals previously incurred by the Bank and any applicable surrender charges. Such cash value shall be determined as of the date of surrender or death as the case may be.

VIII.    PREMIUM WAIVER

      If the policy contains a premium waiver provision, such waived amounts shall be. considered for all purposes of this Aunt as having been paid by the Bank.

IX.       RIGHTS OF. PARTIES WHERE POLICY ENDOWMENT OR ANNUITY ELECTION EXISTS

      In the event the policy involves an endowment or annuity element, the Bank's rig* and interest in any endowment proceeds or annuity benefits, on expiration of- the deferment period, shall be determined under the provisions of this Agrxment by regarding such endowment proceeds or the muted value of such annuity benefits as the policy's cash value. Such endowment proceeds or annuity benefits shall be considered to be like death proceeds for the purposes of division under this Agreement.

2


X.        TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

      This Agreement shall terminate at the option of the Bank following thirty (30) days written notice to the insured upon the happening of any one of the following:

    1.
    The insured shall leave the employ of the Bank (voluntarily or involuntarily). polar to five years of employment with the Bank from the date of this plan implementation; or

    2.
    The Insured shall be discharged from the employ with the Bank for cause. The term "for cause" shall mean gross negligence or gross neglect or the commission of a felony or gross-misdemeanor involving moral -turpitude, fraud, 'dishonesty or willful violation of any law. that results in any adverse effect on the Bank.

      Upon such termination, the Insured (or assignee) shall have a ninety (90) day option to receive from the Bank an absolute assignment of the policy in consideration of a cash payment to the Bank, whereupon this Agreement shall terminate. Such cash payment shall be the greater of

    1.
    The Bank's share of the cash value o€ the policy on the date of such assignment, as defined in this Agreement.

    2.
    The amount of the premiums which have been paid by the Bank prior to the date of such assignment.

      Should the Insured (or assignee) fail to exercise this option within the prescribed ninety (90) day period, the Insured. (or assignee) agrees that all of his rights,-interest and claims in the policy shall terminate as o€ the date of the termination of this Agreement.

      Except as provided above, this Agreement shall terminate upon distribution of the death benefit proceeds in accordance with Paragraph VI above.

XI        INSURED'S OR ASSIGNEE'S ASSIGNMENT RIGHTS

      The Insured may not, without the written consent of the Bank, assign to any individual, trust or other organization, any right, title or interest in the subject policy nor any rights, options, privileges or duties created under this Agreement.

XII.     AGREEMENT BINDING UPON THE PARTIES

      This Agreement shall bind the Insured and the Bank, their hews, successors, personal representatives and assigns.

XIII.    `NAMED FIDUCIARY AND PLAN ADMINISTRATOR

      Citizens Trust Bank is hereby designated the `Named Fiduciary" until resignation or removal by the Board of Directors. As Named Fiduciary, the Bank shall be responsible for the management, control, and administration of this Split Dollar Plan as established herein. The Named Fiduciary may allocate to others certain aspects of the management' and operation responsibilities of the plan, including the employment of advisors and the delegation of any ministerial duties to qualified individuals..

XIV.     FUNDING POLICY

      The funding policy for this Split Dollar Plan shall be. to maintain the subject policy 'in' force by paying, when due, all premiums required.

3


XV.      CHANGE OF CONTROL

      Change of Control shall be defined as the occurrence of any one of the following:

    a.
    the acquisition of more than fifty percent (5096) of the value or voting power of the Bank's stock by a person or group;

    b.
    the acquisition in a period of twelve months or less of at least thirty-five -percent (3596) of the Bank's stock by a person or group;

    c.
    the replacement of a majority of the Bank's board in a period of twelve months or less by Directors who were not endorsed by a majority of the current board members; or

    d.
    the acquisition in a period of twelve months or less of forty percent (40%) or more of the Bank's assets by an unrelated entity.

      For the purposes of this Agreement, transfers made on account of deaths or gifts; transfers between family members or transfers to a qualified retirement plan maintained by the Bank shall not be considered in determining whether there has been a Change in Control. Upon a Change of Control, if the Insured's employment is subsequently terminated, except for cause, then the Insured. shall be one hundred percent (10096) vested in the-benefits promised in this Agreement and, therefore, upon the death of the Insured, the Insured's beneficiary(ies) (designated in accordance with Paragraph III shall.receive the death benefit provided herein as if the Insured had died while employed by the Bank (see Subparagraph VI [A]).

XVI.    CLAIM PROCEDURES FOR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY AND SPLIT DOLLAR PLAN

      Claim forms or claim information as 'to the subject policy can be obtained by. contacting Benmark, Inc. (800-544-6079). When the Named Fiduciary has a claim which may be covered under the provisions described in the insurance policy, he should contact the office named above, and they will either complete a claim form and forward it to an authorized eve of the Insurer or advise the named Fiduciary what further requirements -are necessary. The Insurer will evaluate and make a decision as to payment. If the claim is payable, a benefit check will be-issued to the Named Fiduciary.

      In the event that a claim is not eligible under the policy, the Insurer will notify the Named Fiduciary of the denial pursuant to the requirements under the terms' of the policy. if the Named Fiduciary is dissatisfied with the denial of the claim and wishes to contest such claim denial, he should contact the office named above and they will assist in making inquiry to the Insurer. All objections to the lasurer's actions should be in writing and submitted to the office named above for transmittal to the insurer,

XVIII  GENDER

      Whenever in this Agreement words are used in the masculine or neuter gender, they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, whenever they should so apply.

XVIII. INSURANCE COMPANY NOT A PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT

      The Insurer shall not be deemed a patty to this Agreement, but will respect the rights of the parties as herein developed upon receiving an executed copy of this Agreement. Payment or other performance in accordance with the policy provisions shall fully discharge the Insurer for any and all liability.

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XIX.    EFFECTIVE DATE

      The Effective Date of this Agreement shall be October 8, 2003.

Executed at Atlanta, Georgia, this                        day of                                    , 2005

    CITIZENS TRUST BANK
Atlanta, Georgia

 

 

 

Witness
 
(Bank Officer other than insured)            Title    

 

 

 

Witness
 

5




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EX-23.1 4 a2184107zex-23_1.htm EXHIBIT 23.1
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EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33-86599 and 33-91003 of Citizens Bancshares Corporation on Form S-8 and Form S-3, respectively, of our report dated March 27, 2008, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Citizens Bancshares Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Elliott Davis, LLC

Columbia, South Carolina
March 27, 2008




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EX-31.1 5 a2184107zex-31_1.htm EXHIBIT 31.1
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EXHIBIT 31.1

Certification

I, James E. Young, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Bancshares Corporation, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed the annual report on Form 10-K of Citizens Bancshares Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrants other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 28, 2008

    /s/  JAMES E. YOUNG      
James E. Young
Chief Executive Officer



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EX-31.2 6 a2184107zex-31_2.htm EXHIBIT 31.2
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EXHIBIT 31.2

Certification

I, Cynthia N. Day, Chief Operating Officer of Citizens Bancshares Corporation, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed the annual report on Form 10-K of Citizens Bancshares Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrants other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 28, 2008

    /s/  CYNTHIA N. DAY      
Cynthia N. Day
Chief Operating Officer



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EX-31.3 7 a2184107zex-31_3.htm EXHIBIT 31.3
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EXHIBIT 31.3

Certification

I, Samuel J. Cox, Chief Financial Officer of Citizens Bancshares Corporation, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Citizens Bancshares Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 28, 2008

    /s/  SAMUEL J. COX      
Samuel J. Cox
Chief Financial Officer



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EX-32.1 8 a2184107zex-32_1.htm EXHIBIT 32.1
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EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        Each of the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

This 28 day of March, 2008.

/s/  JAMES E. YOUNG      
Chief Executive Officer
Citizens Bancshares Corporation
   

/s/  
CYNTHIA N. DAY      
Chief Operating Officer
Citizens Bancshares Corporation

 

 

/s/  
SAMUEL J. COX      
Chief Financial Officer
Citizens Bancshares Corporation

 

 



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