10-Q 1 v377064_10q.htm 10-Q

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2014

 

OR

 

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

For the Transition Period from ___________to__________

 

Commission file number 0-26850

 

  First Defiance Financial Corp.  
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Ohio       34-1803915
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)

 

601 Clinton Street, Defiance, Ohio     43512
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (419) 782-5015

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer    ¨ Accelerated filer    x
Non-accelerated filer      ¨ Smaller reporting company      ¨

 

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

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date. Common Stock, $.01 Par Value – 9,665,100 shares outstanding at April 30, 2014.

 

 
 

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

 

INDEX

 

    Page Number
PART I.-FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited):  
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Condition – March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 2
     
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income - Three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 4
     
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 5
     
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity – Three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 6
     
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 7
     
  Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements 8
     
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 45
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 64
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 65
     
PART II-OTHER INFORMATION:  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 66
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 66
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 66
     
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 66
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 66
     
Item 5. Other Information 66
     
Item 6. Exhibits 67
     
  Signatures 68

 

1
 

 

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Condition

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

   March 31,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 
         
Assets          
Cash and cash equivalents:          
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions  $42,183   $36,318 
Federal funds sold   169,000    143,000 
    211,183    179,318 
Securities:          
Available-for-sale, carried at fair value   209,321    198,170 
Held-to-maturity, carried at amortized cost (fair value $383 and $393 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)   378    387 
    209,699    198,557 
Loans held for sale   8,771    9,120 
Loans receivable, net of allowance of $24,783 at March 31, 2014 and $24,950 at December 31, 2013, respectively   1,539,170    1,555,498 
Accrued interest receivable   6,122    5,778 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   13,802    19,350 
Bank owned life insurance   46,934    42,715 
Premises and equipment   38,379    38,597 
Real estate and other assets held for sale   6,028    5,859 
Goodwill   61,525    61,525 
Core deposit and other intangibles   3,208    3,497 
Mortgage servicing rights   9,014    9,106 
Deferred taxes   92    565 
Other assets   9,732    7,663 
Total assets  $2,163,659   $2,137,148 

 

(continued)

 

2
 

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Condition

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

   March 31,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 
         
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity          
Liabilities:          
Deposits  $1,760,617   $1,735,792 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank   22,278    22,520 
Subordinated debentures   36,083    36,083 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements   48,939    51,919 
Advance payments by borrowers   1,209    1,519 
Other liabilities   19,656    17,168 
Total liabilities   1,888,782    1,865,001 
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share: 4,963,000 shares authorized; no shares issued        
Common stock, $.01 par value per share: 25,000,000 shares authorized; 12,735,313 and 12,735,313  shares issued and 9,652,966 and 9,719,521 shares outstanding, respectively   127    127 
Common stock warrant   878    878 
Additional paid-in capital   136,142    136,403 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of $897 and $294, respectively   1,665    545 
Retained earnings   186,001    182,290 
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,082,347 and 3,015,792 shares respectively   (49,936)   (48,096)
Total stockholders’ equity   274,877    272,147 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $2,163,659   $2,137,148 

 

See accompanying notes

 

3
 

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2014   2013 
Interest Income          
Loans  $16,651   $16,796 
Investment securities:          
Taxable   775    678 
Non-taxable   752    725 
Interest-bearing deposits   101    58 
FHLB stock dividends   195    219 
Total interest income   18,474    18,476 
Interest Expense          
Deposits   1,358    1,647 
FHLB advances and other   133    90 
Subordinated debentures   146    152 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements   41    60 
Total interest expense   1,678    1,949 
Net interest income   16,796    16,527 
Provision for loan losses   103    425 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   16,693    16,102 
Non-interest Income          
Service fees and other charges   2,324    2,385 
Insurance commission income   3,030    3,036 
Mortgage banking income   1,247    2,830 
Gain on sale of non-mortgage loans   3    15 
Gain on sale or call of securities   -    53 
Trust income   278    206 
Income from Bank Owned Life Insurance   219    229 
Other non-interest income   225    251 
Total non-interest income   7,326    9,005 
Non-interest Expense          
Compensation and benefits   8,472    8,798 
Occupancy   1,588    1,632 
FDIC insurance premium   385    656 
State franchise tax   495    629 
Data processing   1,365    1,181 
Amortization of intangibles   289    336 
Other non-interest expense   4,067    4,010 
Total non-interest expense   16,661    17,242 
Income before income taxes   7,358    7,865 
Federal income taxes   2,179    2,306 
Net Income  $5,179   $5,559 
           
Earnings per common share (Note 6)          
Basic  $0.53   $0.57 
Diluted  $0.51   $0.55 
Dividends declared per share (Note 5)  $0.15   $0.10 
Average common shares outstanding (Note 6)          
Basic   9,681    9,736 
Diluted   10,108    10,105 

 

See accompanying notes

 

4
 

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands)

 

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2014   2013 
     
Net income  $5,179   $5,559 
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale   1,723    (664)
Reclassification adjustment for security gains included in net income(1)   -    (53)
Income tax benefit (expense)   (603)   251 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   1,120    (466)
           
Comprehensive income  $6,299   $5,093 

 

(1) Amounts are included in gains on sale or call of securities on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. Income tax expense associated with the reclassification adjustments, included in federal income taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0 and $13, respectively.

 

5
 

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(Amounts in Thousands, except number of shares)

 

                   Accumulated             
           Common   Additional   Other           Total 
   Preferred   Common   Stock   Paid-In   Comprehensive   Retained   Treasury   Stockholder’s 
   Stock   Stock   Warrant   Capital   Income (Loss)   Earnings   Stock   Equity 
                                 
Balance at January 1, 2014  $-   $127   $878   $136,403   $545   $182,290   $(48,096)  $272,147 
Net income                            5,179         5,179 
Other comprehensive income                       1,120              1,120 
Stock option expense                  20                   20 
7,050 shares issued under stock option plan, with $17 income tax benefit, net of repurchases                  (11)        (19)   106    76 
Restricted share activity under stock incentive Plans, including 5,767 shares issued                  (270)             93    (177)
78,972 shares repurchased                                 (2,039)   (2,039)
Common stock dividends declared                            (1,449)        (1,449)
Balance at March 31, 2014  $-   $127   $878   $136,142   $1,665   $186,001   $(49,936)  $274,877 
                                         
Balance at January 1, 2013  $-   $127   $878   $136,046   $4,274   $164,103   $(47,300)  $258,128 
Net income                            5,559         5,559 
Other comprehensive loss                       (466)             (466)
Stock option expense                  19                   19 
4,870 shares issued under stock option plan, with no income tax benefit, net of repurchases                  (9)        (81)   142    52 
Restricted share activity under stock incentive Plans, including 31,796 shares issued                  (131)        (45)   500    324 
Common stock dividends declared                            (973)        (973)
Balance at March 31, 2013  $-   $127   $878   $135,925   $3,808   $168,563   $(46,658)  $262,643 

 

6
 

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands)

 

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2014   2013 
Operating Activities          
Net income  $5,179   $5,559 
Items not requiring (providing) cash          
Provision for loan losses   103    425 
Depreciation   725    809 
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights, net of impairment recoveries   299    216 
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets   289    336 
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on loans and deposits   160    199 
Amortization of premiums and discounts on securities   93    129 
Change in deferred taxes   (129)   27 
Proceeds from the sale of loans held for sale   27,698    112,112 
Originations of loans held for sale   (28,093)   (99,395)
Gain from sale of loans   (644)   (2,191)
Loss from sale of property and equipment   -    1 
Gain from sale or call of securities   -    (53)
Loss on sale or write-down of real estate and other assets held for sale   (38)   17 
Stock option expense   20    19 
Restricted stock expense (credit)   (177)   324 
Income from bank owned life insurance   (219)   (229)
Changes in:          
Accrued interest receivable   (344)   (431)
Other assets   (2,069)   (383)
Other liabilities   2,489    (1,854)
Net cash provided by operating activities   5,342    15,637 
           
Investing Activities          
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities   8    16 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and pay-downs of available-for-sale securities   5,496    13,805 
Proceeds from sale of real estate and other assets held for sale   496    785 
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities   1,654    1,019 
Proceeds from sale of non-mortgage loans   8,679    3,629 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities   (16,672)   (17,647)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance   (4,000)   - 
Purchase of portfolio mortgage loans   (5,118)   - 
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan stock redemption   5,548    1,301 
Purchases of premises and equipment, net   (507)   (365)
Net decrease in loans receivable   13,058    12,447 
Net cash provided by  investing activities   8,642    14,990 
           
Financing Activities          
Net (decrease) increase in deposits and advance payments by borrowers   24,515    (11,229)
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances   (242)   (12)
Increase (decrease) in securities sold under repurchase agreements   (2,980)   1,045 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   76    52 
Net cash paid for repurchase of common stock   (2,039)   - 
Cash dividends paid on common stock   (1,449)   (973)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   17,881    (11,117)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents   31,865    19,510 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   179,318    136,832 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $211,183   $156,342 
           
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Interest paid  $1,662   $1,923 
Income taxes paid  $-   $3,100 
Transfers from loans to real estate and other assets held for sale  $627   $1,310 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

7
 

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited at March 31, 2014 and 2013)

 

 

1.Basis of Presentation

 

First Defiance Financial Corp. (“First Defiance” or the “Company”) is a unitary thrift holding company that, through its subsidiaries, First Federal Bank of the Midwest (“First Federal”), First Insurance Group of the Midwest, Inc. (“First Insurance”), and First Defiance Risk Management Inc. (collectively, the Subsidiaries”), focuses on traditional banking and property and casualty, life and group health insurance products. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

 

First Federal is primarily engaged in community banking attracting deposits from the general public and using those and other available sources of funds to originate loans primarily in the counties in which its offices are located. First Federal’s traditional banking activities include originating and servicing residential, non-residential real estate, commercial, home improvement and home equity and consumer loans and providing a broad range of depository, trust and wealth management services. First Insurance is an insurance agency that does business in the Defiance, Bryan, Bowling Green, Maumee and Oregon, Ohio areas, offering property and casualty, group health insurance and life insurance products. First Defiance Risk Management is a wholly-owned insurance company subsidiary of the Company to insure the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the Company and for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in today’s insurance marketplace. First Defiance Risk Management pools resources with several other similar insurance company subsidiaries of financial institutions to spread a limited amount of risk among themselves.

 

The consolidated condensed statement of financial condition at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, which were included in First Defiance’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements as of March 31, 2014 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared by First Defiance without audit and do not include information or footnotes necessary for the complete presentation of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in First Defiance's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring items, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements have been made. The results for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.

 

8
 

 

2.Significant Accounting Policies

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant areas where First Defiance uses estimates are the valuation of certain investment securities, the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of mortgage servicing rights and goodwill, the determination of unrecognized income tax benefits, and the fair value of financial instruments.

 

Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for the calculation. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options, warrants, restricted stock awards and stock grants.

 

Newly Issued but Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards

 

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, “Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” The objective of the amendments in ASU 2014-04 to Topic 310, “Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors,” is to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

9
 

 

3.Fair Value

 

FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

 

FASB ASC Topic 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available. In that regard, FASB ASC Topic 820 established a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

 

·Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

·Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by a correlation or other means.

 

·Level 3: Unobservable inputs for determining fair value of assets and liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

 

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

 

10
 

 

Available for sale securities - Securities classified as available for sale are generally reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs where the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service that uses matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows and the bonds’ terms and conditions, among other things. Securities in Level 1 include federal agency preferred stock securities. Securities in Level 2 include U.S. Government agencies, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds and municipal securities. The Company classifies its pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations as Level 1 and Level 3. The portfolio consists of collateralized debt obligations backed by pools of trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions and insurance companies. The two collateralized debt obligations, which are backed by financial institutions, are allowed under the Volcker Rule and classified as Level 3 based on the lack of observable market data, the Company estimated fair values based on the observable data available and reasonable unobservable market data. The Company estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow model, which used appropriately adjusted discount rates reflecting credit and liquidity risks. The Company used an independent third party, which is described further in Note 7.

 

Impaired loans - Fair values for impaired collateral dependent loans are generally based on appraisals obtained from licensed real estate appraisers and in certain circumstances consideration of offers obtained to purchase properties prior to foreclosure.  Appraisals for commercial real estate generally use three methods to derive value: cost, sales or market comparison and income approach.  The cost method bases value on the cost to replace the current property.  Value of market comparison approach evaluates the sales price of similar properties in the same market area.  The income approach considers net operating income generated by the property and an investors required return.  Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available.  Comparable sales adjustments are based on known sales prices of similar type and similar use properties and duration of time that the property has been on the market to sell.  Such adjustments made in the appraisal process are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

 

Real Estate held for sale - Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are then reviewed monthly by members of the asset review committee for valuation changes and are accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is commonly based on recent real estate appraisals which may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including cost, comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments may be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

 

Appraisals for both collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company.  Once received, a member of the Company’s asset quality or collections department reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal.  Appraisal values are discounted from 0% to 20% to account for other factors that may impact the value of collateral. In determining the value of impaired collateral dependent loans and other real estate owned, significant unobservable inputs may be used, which include:  physical condition of comparable properties sold, net operating income generated by the property and investor rates of return.

 

11
 

 

Mortgage servicing rights – On a quarterly basis, mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an individual tranche exceeds fair value, impairment is recorded on that tranche so that the servicing asset is carried at fair value. Fair value is determined at a tranche level based on a model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model utilizes assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income and are validated against available market data (Level 2).

 

Mortgage banking derivative - The fair value of mortgage banking derivatives are evaluated monthly based on derivative valuation models using quoted prices for similar assets adjusted for specific attributes of the commitments and other observable market data at the valuation date (Level 2).

 

The following table summarizes the financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

 

March 31, 2014  Level 1
Inputs
   Level 2
Inputs
   Level 3
Inputs
   Total Fair
Value
 
   (In Thousands) 
Available for sale securities:                    
                     
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies  $-   $4,945   $-   $4,945 
Mortgage-backed - residential   -    42,294    -    42,294 
REMICs   -    1,985    -    1,985 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   -    67,775    -    67,775 
Trust preferred stock   -    -    704    704 
Preferred stock   880    -    -    880 
Corporate bonds   -    6,961    -    6,961 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   -    83,777    -    83,777 
Mortgage banking derivative - asset   -    345    -    345 
Mortgage banking derivative - liability   -    -    -    - 

 

12
 

 

December 31, 2013  Level 1
Inputs
   Level 2
Inputs
   Level 3
Inputs
   Total Fair
Value
 
   (In Thousands) 
Available for sale securities:                    
                     
Obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies  $-   $4,921   $-   $4,921 
Mortgage-backed - residential   -    41,292    -    41,292 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   -    59,841    -    59,841 
Trust preferred stock   1,654    -    582    2,236 
Preferred stock   718    -    -    718 
Corporate bonds   -    8,942    -    8,942 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   -    80,220         80,220 
Mortgage banking derivative - asset   -    295    -    295 
Mortgage banking derivative - liability   -    -    -    - 

 

The table below presents a reconciliation and income classification of gains and losses for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

 

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(In Thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2014  $582 
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)     
Included in earnings (unrealized)   - 
Included in other comprehensive income (presented gross of taxes)   122 
Amortization   - 
Sales   - 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3   - 
Ending balance, March 31, 2014  $704 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(In Thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2013  $1,474 
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)     
Included in earnings (unrealized)   - 
Included in other comprehensive income (presented gross of taxes)   177 
Amortization   - 
Sales   - 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3   - 
Ending balance, March 31, 2013  $1,651 

 

13
 

 

The following table summarizes the financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

 

March 31, 2014  Level 1 Inputs   Level 2 Inputs   Level 3 Inputs   Total Fair
Value
 
   (In Thousands) 
Impaired loans                    
1-4 Family Residential Real Estate  $-   $-   $436   $436 
Multi Family Residential   -    -    320    320 
Commercial Real Estate   -    -    7,561    7,561 
Commercial loans   -    -    1,800    1,800 
Total Impaired loans   -    -    10,117    10,117 
Mortgage servicing rights   -    1,255    -    1,255 

 

December 31, 2013  Level 1 Inputs   Level 2 Inputs   Level 3 Inputs   Total Fair
Value
 
   (In Thousands) 
Impaired loans                    
1-4 Family Residential Real Estate  $-   $-   $259   $259 
Multi Family Residential   -    -    338    338 
Commercial Real Estate   -    -    9,590    9,590 
Home Equity and Improvement   -    -    531    531 
Total impaired loans   -    -    10,718    10,718 
Mortgage servicing rights   -    1,370    -    1,370 
Real estate held for sale                    
Residential   -    -    112    112 
CRE   -    -    1,278    1,278 
Total Real Estate held for sale   -    -    1,390    1,390 

 

14
 

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2014, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

   Fair
Value
   Valuation Technique  Unobservable Inputs  Range of
Inputs
   Weighted
Average
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                   
Trust preferred stock  $704   Discounted cash flow  Constant prepayment rate   40%   40%
           Expected asset default   0-30%   15%
           Expected recoveries   10-15%   10%
                      
Impaired Loans- Applies to all loan classes  $10,117   Appraisals which utilize sales comparison, net income and cost approach  Discounts for collection issues and changes in market conditions   0-10%   10%

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2013, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

   Fair
Value
   Valuation Technique  Unobservable Inputs  Range of
Inputs
   Weighted
Average
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                   
Trust preferred stock  $582   Discounted cash flow  Constant prepayment rate   40%   40%
           Expected asset default   0-30%   15%
           Expected recoveries   10-15%   10%
                      
Impaired Loans- Applies to all loan classes  $10,718   Appraisals which utilize sales comparison, net income and cost approach  Discounts for collection issues and changes in market conditions   0-10%   10%
                      
Real estate held for sale – Applies to all classes  $1,390   Appraisals which utilize sales comparison, net income and cost approach  Discounts for changes in market conditions   0-20%   20%

 

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a fair value of $10.1 million, with no valuation allowance and a fair value of $10.7 million, with no valuation allowance at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. A provision expense of $756,000 and $621,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively, was included in earnings.

 

Mortgage servicing rights which are carried at the lower of cost or fair value had a fair value of $1.3 million with a valuation allowance of $1.0 million and a fair value of $1.4 million with a valuation allowance of $1.0 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. A charge of $7,000 and a recovery of $473,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively, were included in earnings.

 

15
 

 

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 825, the Fair Value Measurements tables are a comparative condensed consolidated statement of financial condition based on carrying amount and estimated fair values of financial instruments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of First Defiance.

 

Much of the information used to arrive at “fair value” is highly subjective and judgmental in nature and therefore the results may not be precise. Subjective factors include, among other things, estimated cash flows, risk characteristics and interest rates, all of which are subject to change. With the exception of investment securities, the Company’s financial instruments are not readily marketable and market prices do not exist. Since negotiated prices for the instruments, which are not readily marketable depend greatly on the motivation of the buyer and seller, the amounts that will actually be realized or paid per settlement or maturity of these instruments could be significantly different.

 

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, term notes payable and advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance, as a result of their short-term nature, is considered to be equal to fair value and are classified as Level 1.

 

It was not practicable to determine the fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

 

The fair value of loans that reprice within 90 days is equal to their carrying amount. For other loans, the estimated fair value is calculated based on discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms, resulting in a Level 3 classification. Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost of fair value as previously described. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable adjustment for credit risk. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price. The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated based on binding contracts and quotes from third party investors resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

The fair value of accrued interest receivable is equal to the carrying amounts resulting in a Level 2 or Level 3 classification which is consistent with its underlying value.

 

The fair value of non-interest bearing deposits are considered equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e. carrying value) and are classified as Level 1. The fair value of savings, NOW and certain money market accounts are equal to their carrying amounts and are a Level 2 classification. Fair values of fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

The fair values of securities sold under repurchase agreements are equal to their carrying amounts resulting in a Level 2 classification. The carrying value of subordinated debentures and deposits with fixed maturities is estimated based discounted cash flow analyses based on interest rates currently being offered on instruments with similar characteristics and maturities resulting in a Level 3 classification.

 

16
 

 

FHLB advances with maturities greater than 90 days are valued based on discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being quoted for similar characteristics and maturities resulting in a Level 2 classification. The cost or value of any call or put options is based on the estimated cost to settle the option at March 31, 2014.

 

       Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014
(In Thousands)
 
   Carrying
Value
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $211,183   $211,183   $211,183   $-   $- 
Investment securities   209,699    209,704    880    208,120    704 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock   13,802    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Loans, net, including loans held for sale   1,547,941    1,553,255    -    8,838    1,544,417 
Accrued interest receivable   6,122    6,122    -    1,231    4,891 
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Deposits  $1,760,617   $1,762,853   $338,412   $1,424,441   $- 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   22,278    22,471    -    22,471    - 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements   48,939    48,939    -    48,939    - 
Subordinated debentures   36,083    35,261    -    -    35,261 

 

       Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
(In Thousands)
 
   Carrying
Value
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $179,318   $179,318   $179,318   $-   $- 
Investment securities   198,557    198,563    2,372    195,609    582 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock   19,350    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Loans, net, including loans held for sale   1,564,618    1,568,929    -    9,140    1,559,789 
Accrued interest receivable   5,778    5,778    4    696    5,078 
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Deposits  $1,735,792   $1,738,216   $348,943   $1,389,273   $- 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   22,520    22,713    -    22,713    - 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements   51,919    51,919    -    51,919    - 
Subordinated debentures   36,083    35,237    -    -    35,237 

 

17
 

 

4.Stock Compensation Plans

 

First Defiance has established equity based compensation plans for its directors and employees. On March 15, 2010, the Board adopted, and the shareholders approved at the 2010 Annual Shareholders Meeting, the First Defiance Financial Corp. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Equity Plan”). The 2010 Equity Plan replaces all existing plans. All awards currently outstanding under prior plans will remain in effect in accordance with their respective terms. Any new awards will be made under the 2010 Equity Plan. The 2010 Equity Plan allows for issuance of up to 350,000 common shares through the award of options, stock grants, restricted stock units (“RSU”), stock appreciation rights or other stock-based awards.

 

As of March 31, 2014, 240,420 options had been granted and remain outstanding at option prices based on the market value of the underlying shares on the date the options were granted. Options granted under all plans vest 20% per year except for the 2009 grant to the Company’s executive officers, which vested 40% in 2011 and then 20% annually. All options expire ten years from the date of grant. Vested options of retirees expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiration date or three months after the retirement date.

 

In March 2013, the Company approved a 2013 STIP and a 2013 LTIP for selected members of management.

 

Under the 2013 STIP the participants may earn up to 25% to 45% of their salary for potential payout based on the achievement of certain corporate performance targets during the calendar year. The participants are required to be employed on the day of payout in order to receive such payment. The final amount of benefits under the 2013 STIP was determined as of December 31, 2013 and paid out in cash in the first quarter of 2014.

 

Under the 2013 LTIP the participants may earn up to 25% to 45% of their salary for potential payout in the form of equity awards based on the achievement of certain corporate performance targets over a three year period. The Company granted 86,065 RSU’s to the participants in this Plan effective January 1, 2013, which represents the maximum target award. The amount of benefit under the 2013 LTIP will be determined individually at the 12 month period ending December 31, 2013, the 24 month period ending December 31, 2014 and the 36 month period ending December 31, 2015. The awards’ vesting will be as follows: 16.7% of the target award after the end of the performance period ending December 31, 2013, 27.8% of the target award at the end of the performance period ending December 31, 2014 and 55.5% of the target award at the end of the performance period ending December 31, 2015. The benefits earned under the 2013 LTIP Plan will be paid out in equity in the first quarter following the close of the applicable performance period. The participants are required to be employed on the day of payout in order to receive such payment.

 

In March 2014, the Company approved a 2014 STIP and a 2014 LTIP for selected members of management.

 

Under the 2014 STIP the participants may earn up to 30% to 45% of their salary for potential payout based on the achievement of certain corporate performance targets during the calendar year. The final amount of benefits under the 2014 STIP will be determined as of December 31, 2014 and will be paid out in cash in the first quarter of 2015. The participants are required to be employed on the day of payout in order to receive such payment.

 

18
 

 

Under the 2014 LTIP the participants may earn up to 20% to 45% of their salary for potential payout in the form of equity awards based on the achievement of certain corporate performance targets over a three year period. The Company granted 30,538 RSU’s to the participants in this Plan effective January 1, 2014, which represents the maximum target award. The amount of benefit under the 2014 LTIP will be determined individually at the end of the 36 month performance period ending December 31, 2016. The awards’ will vest 100% of the target award at the end of the performance period ending December 31, 2016. The benefits earned under the 2014 LTIP Plan will be paid out in equity in the first quarter following the close of the applicable performance period. The participants are required to be employed on the day of payout in order to receive such payment.

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and post-vesting termination behavior. The expected term of options granted is based on historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, which takes into account that the options are not transferable. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

 

The fair value of stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes stock option-pricing model and the following assumptions:

   Three Months ended 
   March 31, 2014 
Expected average risk-free rate   1.64%
Expected average life   7.44 years 
Expected volatility   44.62%
Expected dividend yield   2.17%

 

The weighted-average fair value of options granted for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $11.25. There were no options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

Following is activity under the plans during the three months ended March 31, 2014:

Stock options  Options
Outstanding
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in 000’s)
 
Options outstanding, January 1, 2014   251,020   $20.76           
Forfeited or cancelled   4,050    23.75           
Exercised   7,050    11.24           
Granted   500    27.59           
Options outstanding, March 31, 2014   240,420   $21.00    2.92   $1,483 
Vested or expected to vest at March 31, 2014   240,420   $21.11    2.92   $1,483 
Exercisable at March 31, 2014   230,000   $21.49    2.81   $1,307 

 

19
 

 

As of March 31, 2014, there was $7,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options granted under the Company’s equity plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4.1 years.

 

At March 31, 2014, 99,132 RSU’s and 5,767 stock grants were outstanding. Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period based on the achievements of targets as established with the plan documents. A total benefit of $45,000 was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to an expense of $273,000 for the same period in 2013. The benefit in the first quarter of 2014 is due to accrual reversals primarily from the 2013 LTIP adjusting for the actual payout in year one as well as adjusting the estimated payouts in year two and three. There was approximately $255,000 included within other liabilities at March 31, 2014 related to the STIPs and LTIPs.

 

   Restricted Stock Units   Stock Grants 
       Weighted-Average       Weighted-Average 
       Grant Date       Grant Date 
Unvested Shares  Shares   Fair Value   Shares   Fair Value 
                 
Unvested at January 1, 2014   106,061   $18.66    -   $- 
Granted   30,538    25.77    5,767    25.97 
Vested   -    -    -    - 
Forfeited   (37,467)   18.71    -    - 
Unvested at March 31, 2014   99,132   $21.32    5,767   $25.97 

 

The maximum amount of compensation expense that may be recorded for the 2014 STIP and the 2012, 2013 and 2014 LTIPs at March 31, 2014 is approximately $3.8 million. However, the estimated expense expected to be recorded as of March 31, 2014 based on the performance measures in the plans, is $2.2 million of which $1.5 million is unrecognized at March 31, 2014 and will be recognized over the remaining performance periods.

 

5.Dividends on Common Stock

 

First Defiance declared and paid a $0.15 per common stock dividend in the first quarter of 2014 and declared and paid a $0.10 per common stock dividend in the first quarter of 2013.

 

20
 

 

6.Earnings Per Common Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

   Three months ended
March 31,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In Thousands, except per
share data)
 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share – Net income  $5,179   $5,559 
Denominator:          
Denominator for basic earnings per common share – weighted average common shares   9,681    9,736 
Effect of warrants   341    295 
Effect of employee stock options   86    74 
           
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share   10,108    10,105 
Basic earnings per common share  $0.53   $0.57 
           
Diluted earnings per common share  $0.51   $0.55 

 

There were 92,250 shares under option granted to employees excluded from the diluted earnings per common share calculation as they were anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Options to acquire 144,350 shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per common share calculations as they were anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

7.Investment Securities

 

The following is a summary of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities:

 

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value 
At March 31, 2014  (In Thousands) 
Available-for-Sale Securities:                    
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies  $5,000   $-   $(55)  $4,945 
Mortgage-backed securities – residential   42,183    772    (661)   42,294 
REMICs   1,998    -    (13)   1,985 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   67,721    766    (712)   67,775 
Trust preferred securities and preferred stock   1,610    845    (871)   1,584 
Corporate bonds   6,869    121    (29)   6,961 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   80,824    3,395    (442)   83,777 
Totals  $206,205   $5,899   $(2,783)  $209,321 

 

21
 

 

   Amortized Cost   Gross
Unrecognized
Gains
   Gross
Unrecognized
Losses
   Fair Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Held-to-Maturity Securities*:                    
FHLMC certificates  $30   $-   $-   $30 
FNMA certificates   115    3    -    118 
GNMA certificates   47    2    -    49 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   186    -    -    186 
Totals  $378   $5   $-   $383 

 

       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
   (In Thousands) 
At December 31, 2013                    
Available-for-sale                    
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies  $5,000   $-   $(79)  $4,921 
Mortgage-backed securities - residential   41,368    765    (841)   41,292 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   59,865    739    (763)   59,841 
Trust preferred stock and preferred stock   3,264    683    (993)   2,954 
Corporate bonds   8,854    129    (41)   8,942 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   78,426    2,704    (910)   80,220 
Total Available-for-Sale  $196,777   $5,020   $(3,627)  $198,170 

 

   Amortized Cost   Gross
Unrecognized
Gains
   Gross
Unrecognized
Losses
   Fair Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Held-to-Maturity*:                    
FHLMC certificates  $31   $-   $-   $31 
FNMA certificates   120    4    -    124 
GNMA certificates   50    2    -    52 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   186    -    -    186 
Total Held-to-Maturity  $387   $6   $-   $393 

 

*FHLMC, FNMA, and GNMA certificates are residential mortgage-backed securities.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of the investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2014 are shown below by contractual maturity. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. For purposes of the maturity table, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”) and REMICs, which are not due at a single maturity date, have not been allocated over the maturity groupings. These securities may mature earlier than their weighted-average contractual maturities because of principal prepayments.

 

22
 

 

   Available-for-Sale   Held-to-Maturity 
   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value   Cost   Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Due in one year or less  $1,003   $1,017   $-   $- 
Due after one year through five years   9,657    9,935    186    186 
Due after five years through ten years   36,787    38,491    -    - 
Due after ten years   46,856    47,824    -    - 
MBS/CMO   111,902    112,054    192    197 
   $206,205   $209,321   $378   $383 

 

Investment securities with a carrying amount of $137.8 million at March 31, 2014 were pledged as collateral on public deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements, Federal Reserve discount window and FHLB advances.

 

As of March 31, 2014, the Company’s investment portfolio consisted of 347 securities, 78 of which were in an unrealized loss position.

 

The following tables summarize First Defiance’s securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

   Duration of Unrealized Loss Position         
   Less than 12 Months   12 Months or Longer   Total 
       Gross       Gross         
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Loss   Value   Loss   Value   Loses 
   (In Thousands) 
At March 31, 2014                              
Available-for-sale securities:                              
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies  $1,994   $(6)  $2,951   $(49)  $4,945   $(55)
Mortgage-backed securities - residential   20,869    (591)   1,834    (70)   22,703    (661)
REMICs   -    -    1,985    (13)   1,985    (13)
Collateralized mortgage obligations   31,762    (571)   1,714    (141)   33,476    (712)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   11,235    (297)   2,816    (145)   14,051    (442)
Corporate bonds   -    -    2,971    (29)   2,971    (29)
Trust preferred stock and preferred stock   -    -    704    (871)   704    (871)
Total temporarily impaired securities  $65,860   $(1,465)  $14,975   $(1,318)  $80,835   $(2,783)

 

23
 

 

   Duration of Unrealized Loss Position         
   Less than 12 Months   12 Months or Longer   Total 
       Gross       Gross         
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Loss   Value   Loss   Value   Loses 
   (In Thousands) 
At December 31, 2013                              
Available-for-sale securities:                              
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies  $4,921   $(79)  $-   $-   $4,921   $(79)
Mortgage-backed securities - residential   24,846    (841)   -    -    24,846    (841)
Collateralized mortgage obligations   26,530    (763)   -    -    26,530    (763)
Corporate bonds   2,959    (41)   -    -    2,959    (41)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   19,209    (871)   375    (39)   19,584    (910)
Trust preferred stock and preferred stock   -    -    582    (993)   582    (993)
Total temporarily impaired securities  $78,465   $(2,595)  $957   $(1,032)  $79,422   $(3,627)

 

With the exception of the trust preferred securities, the above securities all have fixed interest rates, and all securities have defined maturities. Their fair value is sensitive to movements in market interest rates. First Defiance has the ability and intent to hold these investments for a time necessary to recover the amortized cost without impacting its liquidity position and it is not more than likely that the Company will be required to sell the investments before anticipated recovery.

 

There were no realized gains from the sales of investment securities in the first quarter of 2014, but there were realized gains of $53,000 ($37,000 after tax) in the first quarter of 2013.

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. The investment portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by segregating the portfolio into two general segments. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity are generally evaluated for OTTI under FASB ASC Topic 320. Certain collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) are evaluated for OTTI under FASB ASC Topic 325, Investment – Other.

 

When OTTI occurs under either model, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss. If an entity intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If an entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period loss, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected compared to the book value of the security and is recognized in earnings. The amount of OTTI related to other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings shall become the new amortized cost basis of the investment.

 

24
 

 

In the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, management determined there was no OTTI.

 

The Company held six CDOs at March 31, 2014. Four of those CDOs were written down in full prior to January 1, 2010. The remaining two CDOs have a total amortized cost of $1.6 million at March 31, 2014 and had OTTI in prior periods.

 

Given the conditions in the debt markets today and the absence of observable transactions in the secondary and new issue markets, the Company’s CDOs will be classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because management determined that significant adjustments were required to determine fair value at the measurement date.

 

As required under FASB ASC Topic 320, declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses.

 

The Company’s CDO valuations were supported by analysis prepared by an independent third party. Their approach to determining fair value involved several steps: 1) detailed credit and structural evaluation of each piece of collateral in the CDO; 2) collateral performance projections for each piece of collateral in the CDO (default, recovery and prepayment/amortization probabilities) and 3) discounted cash flow modeling.

 

Trust Preferred CDOs Discount Rate Methodology

 

First Defiance uses market-based yield indicators as a baseline for determining appropriate discount rates, and then adjusts the resulting discount rates on the basis of its credit and structural analysis of specific CDO instruments. The primary focus is on the returns a fixed income investor would require in order to allocate capital on a risk adjusted basis. There is currently no active market for trust preferred CDOs, however, First Defiance looks principally to market yields for stand-alone trust preferred securities issued by banks, thrifts and insurance companies for which there is an active and liquid market. The next step is to make a series of adjustments to reflect the differences that nevertheless exist between these products (both credit and structural) and, most importantly, to reflect idiosyncratic credit performance differences (both actual and projected) between these products and the underlying collateral in the specific CDOs. Importantly, as part of the analysis described above, First Defiance considers the fact that structured instruments frequently exhibit leverage not present in stand-alone instruments, and make adjustments as necessary to reflect this additional risk.

 

Fundamental to this evaluation is an assessment of the likelihood of CDO coverage test failures that would have the effect of diverting cash flow away from the relevant CDO bond for some period of time. Generally speaking, the Company adjusts indicative credit spreads upwards in the case of CDOs that have relatively weaker collateral and/or less cushion with respect to overcollateralization and interest coverage test ratios and downwards if the reverse is true. This aspect of the Company’s discount rate methodology is important because there is frequently a great difference in the risks present in CDO instruments that are otherwise very similar (i.e. CDOs with the same basic type of collateral, the same manager, the same vintage, etc., may exhibit vastly different performance characteristics). With respect to this last point, First Defiance notes that given today’s credit environment, characterized by high default and deferral rates, it is typically the case that deal-specific credit performance (determined on the basis of the credit characteristics of remaining collateral) is the best indicator of what a willing market participant would pay for an instrument.

 

25
 

 

The amount of OTTI recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) was $566,000 for the above mentioned securities at March 31, 2014. There was $645,000 recognized in AOCI at December 31, 2013.

 

The following table provides additional information related to the two CDO investments for which a balance remains as of March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 

CDO  Class 

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Loss

  

OTTI

Losses

2014

  

Lowest

Rating

 

Current

Number of

Banks and

Insurance

Companies

 

Actual

Deferrals

and

Defaults

as a % of

Current

Collateral

  

Expected

Deferrals

and

Defaults as

a % of

Remaining

Performing

Collateral

  

Excess
Sub-
ordination
as a % of
Current
Performing
Collateral

 
TPREF Funding II  B   673    305    368    -   Caa3  16   41.10%   13.48%   -%
Preferred Term Sec XXVII  C-1   902    399    503    -   C  32   26.18%   18.29%   6.39%
Total     $1,575   $704   $871   $-                      

 

There were no changes in the accumulated credit losses recognized in earnings for debt securities during the periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

The proceeds from the sales and calls of securities and the associated gains and losses are listed below:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In Thousands) 
Proceeds  $1,654   $1,019 
Gross realized gains   -    53 
Gross realized losses   -    - 

 

26
 

 

8.Loans

 

Loans receivable consist of the following: (In Thousands)

 

   March 31,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 
Real Estate:          
Secured by 1-4 family residential  $196,940   $195,752 
Secured by multi-family residential   152,318    148,952 
Secured by commercial real estate   656,753    670,666 
Construction   82,049    86,058 
    1,088,060    1,101,428 
Other Loans:          
Commercial   380,144    388,236 
Home equity and improvement   106,632    106,930 
Consumer Finance   16,346    16,902 
    503,122    512,068 
Total loans   1,591,182    1,613,496 
Deduct:          
Undisbursed loan funds   (26,487)   (32,290)
Net deferred loan origination fees and costs   (742)   (758)
Allowance for loan loss   (24,783)   (24,950)
Totals  $1,539,170   $1,555,498 

 

Loan segments have been identified by evaluating the portfolio based on collateral and credit risk characteristics.

 

The following table discloses allowance for loan loss activity for the quarter ended

March 31, 2014 and 2013 by portfolio segment and impairment method: (In Thousands)

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

2014

 

1-4 Family

Residential

Real Estate

  

Multi-

Family

Residential

Real Estate

  

Commercial

Real Estate

   Construction   Commercial  

Home Equity

and

Improvement

  

Consumer

Finance

   Total 
Beginning Allowance  $2,847   $2,508   $12,000   $134   $5,678   $1,635   $148   $24,950 
Charge-Offs   (228)   0    (228)   0    (525)   (184)   (11)   (1,176)
Recoveries   56    3    722    0    76    31    18    906 
Provisions   (36)   104    (507)   4    381    165    (8)   103 
Ending Allowance  $2,639   $2,615   $11,987   $138   $5,610   $1,647   $147   $24,783 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

2013

 

1-4 Family

Residential

Real Estate

  

Multi-

Family

Residential

Real Estate

  

Commercial

Real Estate

   Construction   Commercial  

Home Equity

and

Improvement

  

Consumer

Finance

   Total 
Beginning Specific Allocations  $3,506   $2,197   $12,702   $75   $6,325   $1,759   $147   $26,711 
Charge-Offs   (206)   0    (266)   0    (205)   (272)   (46)   (995)
Recoveries   99    0    101    0    76    23    19    318 
Provisions   34    213    830    (8)   (892)   213    35    425 
Ending Allowance  $3,433   $2,410   $13,367   $67   $5,304   $1,723   $155   $26,459 

 

27
 

 

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of March 31, 2014: (In Thousands)

 

   1-4 Family   Multi Family                         
   Residential   Residential   Commercial           Home Equity   Consumer     
   Real Estate   Real Estate   Real Estate   Construction   Commercial   & Improvement   Finance   Total 
Allowance for loan losses:                                        
                                         
Ending allowance balance attributable to loans:                                        
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $177   $-   $1,131   $-   $10   $23   $-   $1,341 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment   2,462    2,615    10,856    138    5,600    1,624    147    23,442 
                                         
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                         
Total ending allowance balance  $2,639   $2,615   $11,987   $138   $5,610   $1,647   $147   $24,783 
                                         
Loans:                                        
                                         
Loans individually evaluated for impairment  $10,298   $377   $31,163   $262   $7,531   $2,391   $56   $52,078 
                                         
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   187,001    152,125    627,421    55,283    373,756    104,676    16,277    1,516,539 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   27    -    174    -    26    -    -    227 
                                         
Total ending loans balance  $197,326   $152,502   $658,758   $55,545   $381,313   $107,067   $16,333   $1,568,844 

 

28
 

 

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of December 31, 2013: (In Thousands)

 

   1-4 Family   Multi Family                         
   Residential   Residential   Commercial           Home Equity   Consumer     
   Real Estate   Real Estate   Real Estate   Construction   Commercial   & Improvement   Finance   Total 
Allowance for loan losses:                                        
                                         
Ending allowance balance attributable to loans:                                        
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $220   $-   $1,121   $-   $6   $45   $-   $1,392 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment   2,627    2,508    10,879    134    5,672    1,590    148    23,558 
                                         
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                         
Total ending allowance balance  $2,847   $2,508   $12,000   $134   $5,678   $1,635   $148   $24,950 
                                         
Loans:                                        
                                         
Loans individually evaluated for impairment  $10,245   $840   $34,874   $263   $8,737   $2,429   $53   $57,441 
                                         
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   185,923    148,294    637,657    53,467    380,711    104,958    16,838    1,527,848 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   29    -    174    -    27    -    -    230 
                                         
Total ending loans balance  $196,197   $149,134   $672,705   $53,730   $389,475   $107,387   $16,891   $1,585,519 

 

29
 

 

The following table presents the average balance, interest income recognized and cash basis income recognized on impaired loans by class of loans: (In Thousands)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 
   Average
Balance
   Interest
Income
Recognized
   Cash Basis
Income
Recognized
 
Residential Owner Occupied  $6,329   $85   $83 
Residential Non Owner Occupied   4,084    38    38 
Total Residential Real Estate     10,413    123    121 
Multi-Family   388    1    1 
CRE Owner Occupied   9,837    36    35 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   19,355    204    204 
Agriculture Land   687    3    2 
Other CRE   1,862    5    5 
Total Commercial Real Estate   31,741    248    246 
Construction   261    3    5 
Commercial Working Capital   2,924    3    3 
Commercial Other   4,959    2    2 
Total Commercial   7,883    5    5 
Home Equity and Home Improvement   2,439    25    25 
Consumer   57    1    1 
Total Impaired Loans  $53,182   $406   $404 

 

30
 

 

The following table presents the average balance, interest income recognized and cash basis income recognized on impaired loans by class of loans: (In Thousands)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 
   Average
Balance
   Interest
Income
Recognized
   Cash Basis
Income
Recognized
 
Residential Owner Occupied  $6,947   $88   $86 
Residential Non Owner Occupied   4,669    35    35 
Total Residential Real Estate   11,616    123    121 
Multi-Family   1,444    7    7 
CRE Owner Occupied   14,701    62    58 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   24,318    203    193 
Agriculture Land   926    9    7 
Other CRE   5,369    1    1 
Total Commercial Real Estate   45,314    275    259 
Construction   22    -    - 
Commercial Working Capital   1,487    4    5 
Commercial Other   6,981    23    22 
Total Commercial   8,468    27    27 
Home Equity and Home Improvement   2,772    34    32 
Consumer   104    2    2 
Total Impaired Loans  $69,740   $468   $448 

 

31
 

 

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans: (In Thousands)

 

   March 31, 2014   December 31, 2013 
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance*
   Recorded
Investment
   Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Allocated
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance*
   Recorded
Investment
   Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Allocated
 
With no allowance recorded:                              
Residential Owner Occupied  $4,853   $4,771   $-   $4,744   $4,729   $- 
Residential Non Owner Occupied   4,061    3,967    -    4,844    4,329    - 
Total 1-4 Family Residential Real Estate   8,914    8,738    -    9,588    9,058    - 
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate   527    377    -    989    840    - 
CRE Owner Occupied   9,202    6,799    -    11,105    8,376    - 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   7,600    6,506    -    9,399    7,740    - 
Agriculture Land   497    477    -    629    488    - 
Other CRE   2,305    1,771    -    3,274    2,452    - 
Total Commercial Real Estate   19,604    15,553    -    24,407    19,056    - 
Construction   261    262    -    300    263    - 
Commercial Working Capital   3,134    2,610    -    3,147    3,146    - 
Commercial Other   5,478    4,857    -    6,063    5,415    - 
Total Commercial   8,612    7,467    -    9,210    8,561    - 
Consumer   56    56    -    53    53    - 
Home Equity and Home Improvement   2,228    2,235    -    1,985    1,992    - 
Total loans with no allowance recorded  $40,202   $34,688   $-   $46,532   $39,823   $- 
                               
With an allowance recorded:                              
Residential Owner Occupied  $1,477   $1,477   $175   $1,100   $1,103   $218 
Residential Non Owner Occupied   83    83    2    84    84    2 
Total 1-4 Family Residential Real Estate   1,560    1,560    177    1,184    1,187    220 
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate   -    -    -    -    -    - 
CRE Owner Occupied   3,153    2,707    161    3,212    2,765    166 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   12,592    12,639    961    12,756    12,803    946 
Agriculture Land   211    213    7    195    197    7 
Other CRE   80    52    2    82    53    2 
Total Commercial Real Estate   16,036    15,611    1,131    16,245    15,818    1,121 
Construction   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial Working Capital   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial Other   63    64    10    176    176    6 
Total Commercial   63    64    10    176    176    6 
Consumer   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Home Equity and Home Improvement   155    156    23    436    437    45 
Total loans with an allowance recorded  $17,814   $17,391   $1,341   $18,041   $17,618   $1,392 

 

* Presented gross of charge offs

 

32
 

 

The following table presents the current balance of the aggregate amounts of non-performing assets, comprised of non-performing loans and real estate owned on the dates indicated:

 

   March 31,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 
   (In Thousands) 
Non-accrual loans  $26,774   $27,847 
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing   -    - 
Total non-performing loans   26,774    27,847 
Real estate and other assets held for sale   6,028    5,859 
Total non-performing assets  $32,802   $33,706 
Troubled debt restructuring, still accruing  $26,654   $27,630 

 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due and non accrual loans as of March 31, 2014 by class of loans: (In Thousands)

 

   Current   30-59 days   60-89 days   90+ days   Total
Past Due
   Total Non
Accrual
 
                         
Residential Owner Occupied  $130,405   $469   $490   $782   $1,741   $1,173 
Residential Non Owner Occupied   63,940    196    8    1,036    1,240    1,804 
                               
Total 1-4 Family Residential Real Estate   194,345    665    498    1,818    2,981    2,977 
                               
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate   152,502    -    -    -    -    450 
                               
CRE Owner Occupied   301,710    462    77    3,573    4,112    7,748 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   227,516    30    556    2,087    2,673    5,087 
Agriculture Land   82,129    105    396    72    573    613 
Other Commercial Real Estate   39,630    103    -    312    415    1,786 
                               
Total Commercial Real Estate   650,985    700    1,029    6,044    7,773    15,234 
                               
Construction   55,545    -    -    -    -    - 
                               
Commercial Working Capital   146,532    169    -    392    561    2,471 
Commercial Other   230,415    416    22    3,367    3,805    5,259 
                               
Total Commercial   376,947    585    22    3,759    4,366    7,730 
                               
Consumer Finance   16,287    34    12    -    46    - 
Home Equity/Home Improvement   106,127    352    194    394    940    395 
                               
Total Loans  $1,552,738   $2,336   $1,755   $12,015   $16,106   $26,786 

 

33
 

 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due and non accrual loans as of December 31, 2013 by class of loans: (In Thousands)

 

   Current   30-59 days   60-89 days   90+ days   Total
Past Due
   Total Non
Accrual
 
                         
Residential Owner Occupied  $126,855   $1,530   $191   $1,009   $2,730   $1,329 
Residential Non Owner Occupied   65,292    531    403    386    1,320    1,943 
                               
Total 1-4 Family Residential Real Estate   192,147    2,061    594    1,395    4,050    3,272 
                               
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate   149,134    -    -    -    -    583 
                               
CRE Owner Occupied   311,253    334    495    3,671    4,500    7,492 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   225,433    1,067    918    902    2,887    4,717 
Agriculture Land   81,954    21    -    73    94    630 
Other Commercial Real Estate   45,297    -    -    1,287    1,287    2,412 
                               
Total Commercial Real Estate   663,937    1,422    1,413    5,933    8,768    15,251 
                               
Construction   53,730    -    -    -    -    - 
                               
Commercial Working Capital   155,373    -    -    419    419    2,917 
Commercial Other   230,054    37    26    3,566    3,629    5,419 
                               
Total Commercial   385,427    37    26    3,985    4,048    8,336 
                               
Consumer Finance   16,759    131         -    131    - 
Home Equity/Home Improvement   105,657    1,163    155    413    1,731    413 
                               
Total Loans  $1,566,791   $4,814   $2,188   $11,726   $18,728   $27,855 

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

 

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has a recorded investment in troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) of $32.8 million and $33.4 million, respectively. The Company has allocated $1.2 million of specific reserves to those loans at each of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and has committed to lend additional amounts totaling up to $3,000 and $300,000 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

The Company offers various types of concessions when modifying a loan, however, forgiveness of principal is rarely granted. Each TDR is uniquely designed to meet the specific needs of the borrower. Commercial and industrial loans modified in a TDR often involve temporary interest-only payments, term extensions, and converting revolving credit lines to term loans. Additional collateral or an additional guarantor is often requested when granting a concession. Commercial mortgage loans modified in a TDR often involve temporary interest-only payments, re-amortization of remaining debt in order to lower payments, and sometimes reducing the interest rate lower than the current market rate. Residential mortgage loans modified in a TDR are comprised of loans where monthly payments are lowered, either through interest rate reductions or principal only payments for a period of time, to accommodate the borrowers’ financial needs, interest is capitalized into principal, or the term and amortization are extended. Home equity modifications are made infrequently and usually involve providing an interest rate that is lower than the borrower would be able to obtain due to credit issues. All retail loans where the borrower is in bankruptcy are classified as TDRs regardless of whether or not a concession is made.

 

34
 

 

Of the loans modified in a TDR, $6.1 million are on non-accrual status and partial charge-offs have in some cases been taken against the outstanding balance. Loans modified as a TDR may have the financial effect of increasing the allowance associated with the loan. If the loan is determined to be collateral dependent, the estimated fair value of the collateral, less any selling costs is used to determine if there is a need for a specific allowance or charge-off. If the loan is determined to be cash flow dependent, the allowance is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s pre-modification effective interest rate.

 

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the three month period ending March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

 

   Loans Modified as a TDR for the Three
Months Ended March 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
   Loans Modified as a TDR for the Three
Months Ended March 31, 2013
($ in thousands)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings  Number of
Loans
   Recorded Investment
(as of period end)
   Number of
Loans
   Recorded Investment
(as of period end)
 
                 
1-4 Family Owner Occupied   9   $763    4   $367 
1-4 Family Non Owner Occupied   0    -    1    198 
CRE Owner Occupied   0    -    1    29 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   1    361    0    - 
Agriculture Land   0    -    1    219 
Other CRE   0    -    0    0 
Commercial Working Capital or Other   2    321    1    14 
Home Equity and Improvement   3    60    8    492 
Consumer Finance   3    11    2    4 
Total   18   $1,516    18   $1,323 

 

The loans described above decreased the ALLL by $70,000 in the three month period ending March 31, 2014 and by $15,000 in the three month period ending March 31, 2013.

 

Of the 2014 modifications, 6 were made TDRs due to the fact that the borrower has been in bankruptcy, 3 were made TDRs due to a rate reduction, 1 was made a TDR due to an interest only period, 4 were made TDRs due to extending the amortization, 1 was made a TDR due to a reduction in the payment, 1 was made a TDR due to advancing funds to a substandard credit, and 2 were made to refinance current debt for payment relief.

 

The following table presents loans by class modified as TDRs for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification during the quarters ending March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

 

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   Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
($ in thousands)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
That Subsequently Defaulted
  Number of
Loans
   Recorded Investment
(as of period end)
   Number of
Loans
   Recorded Investment
(as of period end)
 
                 
1-4 Family Owner Occupied   0   $-    4   $312 
1-4 Family Non Owner Occupied   0    -    1    198 
CRE Owner Occupied   0    -    2    858 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   0    -    0    - 
Agriculture Land   0    -    0    - 
Other CRE   0    -    0    - 
Commercial Working Capital or Other   0    -    2    744 
Home Equity and Improvement   0    -    4    53 
Consumer Finance   0    -    0    - 
Total   0   $-    13   $2,165 

 

The TDRs that subsequently defaulted described above decreased the allowance for loan losses by $1,000 for the period ended March 31, 2013.

 

The terms of certain other loans were modified during the period ending March 31, 2014 that did not meet the definition of a TDR. The modification of these loans involved a modification of the terms of a loan to borrowers who were not experiencing financial difficulties. A total of 24 loans were modified under this definition during the three month period ended March 31, 2014.

 

In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed on the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification.

 

Credit Quality Indicators

 

Loans are categorized into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. Loans are analyzed individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes all non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial and commercial real estate loans and certain homogenous mortgage, home equity and consumer loans. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. First Defiance uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

 

Special Mention. Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution's credit position at some future date.

 

Substandard. Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

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Doubtful. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

 

Not Graded. Loans classified as not graded are generally smaller balance residential real estate, home equity and consumer installment loans which are originated primarily by using an automated underwriting system. These loans are monitored based on their delinquency status and are evaluated individually only if they are seriously delinquent.

 

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans. As of March 31, 2014, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows: (In Thousands)

 

Class  Pass   Special
Mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Not
Graded
   Total 
                         
1-4 Family Owner Occupied  $3,381   $17   $2,068   $782   $125,899   $132,147 
1-4 Family Non Owner Occupied   50,472    2,975    5,673    -    6,059    65,179 
                               
Total 1-4 Family Real Estate   53,853    2,992    7,741    782    131,958    197,326 
                               
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate   148,487    1,761    1,302    -    952    152,502 
                               
CRE Owner Occupied   282,897    11,643    9,696    -    1,585    305,821 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   200,123    13,014    17,014    -    39    230,190 
Agriculture Land   81,229    570    903    -    -    82,702 
Other CRE   35,536    918    2,908    -    683    40,045 
                               
Total Commercial Real Estate   599,785    26,145    30,521    -    2,307    658,758 
                               
Construction   46,059    -    262    -    9,224    55,545 
                               
Commercial Working Capital   139,428    4,406    3,260    -    -    147,094 
Commercial Other   217,391    10,227    6,601    -    -    234,219 
                               
Total Commercial   356,819    14,633    9,861    -    -    381,313 
                               
Home Equity and Home Improvement   -    -    546    394    106,127    107,067 
Consumer Finance   -    -    46    -    16,287    16,333 
                               
Total Loans  $1,205,003   $45,531   $50,279   $1,176   $266,855   $1,568,844 

 

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As of December 31, 2013, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows: (In Thousands)

 

Class  Pass   Special
Mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Not
Graded
   Total 
                         
1-4 Family Owner Occupied  $4,287   $18   $3,515   $-   $121,765   $129,585 
1-4 Family Non Owner Occupied   51,660    2,894    5,699    -    6,359    66,612 
                               
Total 1-4 Family Real Estate   55,947    2,912    9,214    -    128,124    196,197 
                               
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate   145,407    875    1,888    -    964    149,134 
                               
CRE Owner Occupied   291,770    10,584    11,665    -    1,734    315,753 
CRE Non Owner Occupied   200,790    10,254    17,185    -    91    228,320 
Agriculture Land   80,418    578    1,051    -    -    82,047 
Other CRE   40,676    2,074    3,104    -    731    46,585 
                               
Total Commercial Real Estate   613,654    23,490    33,005    -    2,556    672,705 
                               
Construction   43,465    -    263    -    10,002    53,730 
                               
Commercial Working Capital   148,703    3,429    3,660    -    -    155,792 
Commercial Other   219,790    6,994    6,899    -    -    233,683 
                               
Total Commercial   368,493    10,423    10,559    -    -    389,475 
                               
Home Equity and Home Improvement   -    -    755    45    106,587    107,387 
Consumer Finance   -    -    31    -    16,860    16,891 
                               
Total Loans  $1,226,966   $37,700   $55,715   $45   $265,093   $1,585,519 

 

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9. Mortgage Banking

 

Net revenues from the sales and servicing of mortgage loans consisted of the following:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In Thousands) 
Gain from sale of mortgage loans  $641   $2,176 
Mortgage loans servicing revenue (expense):          
Mortgage loans servicing revenue   905    870 
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights   (292)   (689)
Mortgage servicing rights valuation adjustments   (7)   473 
    606    654 
           
Net revenue from sale and servicing of mortgage loans  $1,247   $2,830 

 

The unpaid principal balance of residential mortgage loans serviced for third parties was $1.4 billion at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

Activity for capitalized mortgage servicing rights and the related valuation allowance follows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

   March 31,
2014
   March 31,
2013
 
   (In Thousands) 
Mortgage servicing assets:          
Balance at beginning of period  $10,133   $10,121 
Loans sold, servicing retained   207    762 
Amortization   (292)   (689)
Carrying value before valuation allowance at end of period   10,048    10,194 
           
Valuation allowance:          
Balance at beginning of period   (1,027)   (2,288)
Impairment (expense) recovery   (7)   473 
Balance at end of period   (1,034)   (1,815)
Net carrying value of MSRs at end of period  $9,014   $8,379 
Fair value of MSRs at end of period  $9,628   $8,436 

 

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights is computed based on payments and payoffs of the related mortgage loans serviced. Estimates of future amortization expense are not easily estimable.

 

The Company has established an accrual for estimated secondary market buy-back losses in the first quarter of 2014. An accrual for secondary market buy-backs was established in the first quarter of 2014 for $92,000 which was mostly offset by reversing $67,000 of accrued expenses related to the Freddie Mac post-foreclosure review that began in the third quarter of 2013 and was reversed in 2014 with no losses resulting.

 

Included in the first quarter of 2013 is an accrual for estimated secondary market buy-back losses of $581,000. These losses were accrued and expensed as of March 31, 2013 based on an estimated exposure to repurchase requests resulting from notifications received from Fannie Mae’s post-foreclosure review process during the first quarter of 2013.

 

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10. Deposits

 

A summary of deposit balances is as follows (in thousands):

 

   March 31,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 
   (In Thousands) 
Non-interest-bearing checking accounts  $338,412   $348,943 
Interest-bearing checking and money market accounts   740,783    715,939 
Savings deposits   199,361    185,121 
Retail certificates of deposit less than $100,000   309,758    313,335 
Retail certificates of deposit greater than $100,000   172,303    172,454 
   $1,760,617   $1,735,792 

 

11. Borrowings

 

First Defiance’s debt, FHLB advances and junior subordinated debentures owed to unconsolidated subsidiary trusts are comprised of the following:

 

   March 31,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 
   (In Thousands) 
FHLB Advances:          
Putable advances  $12,000   $12,000 
Amortizable mortgage advances   10,278    10,520 
Total  $22,278   $22,520 
           
Junior subordinated debentures owed to unconsolidated subsidiary trusts  $36,083   $36,083 

 

The putable advances can be put back to the Company at the option of the FHLB on a quarterly basis. $12.0 million of the putable advances with a weighted average rate of 2.72% were not yet callable by the FHLB at March 31, 2014. The call dates for these advances range from April 14, 2014 to June 12, 2014 and the maturity dates range from January 14, 2015 to March 12, 2018. Putable advances are callable at the option of the FHLB on a quarterly basis.

 

In March 2007, the Company sponsored an affiliated trust, First Defiance Statutory Trust II (Trust Affiliate II) that issued $15 million of Guaranteed Capital Trust Securities (Trust Preferred Securities). In connection with this transaction, the Company issued $15.5 million of Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (Subordinated Debentures) to Trust Affiliate II. The Company formed Trust Affiliate II for the purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities to third-party investors and investing the proceeds from the sale of these capital securities solely in Subordinated Debentures of the Company. The Subordinated Debentures held by Trust Affiliate II are the sole assets of that trust. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of this Trust (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability. Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II are payable quarterly at a fixed rate equal to 6.441% for the first five years and a floating interest rate based on three-month LIBOR plus 1.5%. The Coupon rate payable on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II was 1.73% as of March 31, 2014 and 1.75% as of December 31, 2013.

 

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The Company also sponsored an affiliated trust, First Defiance Statutory Trust I (Trust Affiliate I), that issued $20 million of Trust Preferred Securities in 2005. In connection with this transaction, the Company issued $20.6 million of Subordinated Debentures to Trust Affiliate I. Trust Affiliate I was formed for the purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities to third-party investors and investing the proceeds from the sale of these capital securities solely in Subordinated Debentures of the Company. The Junior Debentures held by Trust Affiliate I are the sole assets of the trust. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of this Trust (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability. Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I are payable quarterly at a variable rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.38%. The Coupon rate payable on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I was 1.61% and 1.63% on March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively.

 

The Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliates I and II are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or part, upon repayment of the Subordinated Debentures. The Company has entered into agreements that fully and unconditionally guarantee the Trust Preferred Securities subject to the terms of the guarantees. The Trust Preferred Securities and Subordinated Debentures issued by Trust Affiliate I mature on December 15, 2035 but may be redeemed by the issuer at par after October 28, 2010. The Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II mature on June 15, 2037, but may be redeemed at the Company’s option at any time on or after June 15, 2012, or at any time upon certain events.

 

Interest on both issues of trust preferred securities may be deferred for a period of up to five years at the option of the issuer.

 

12. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities

 

Loan commitments are made to accommodate the financial needs of First Federal’s customers; however, there are no long-term, fixed-rate loan commitments that result in market risk. Standby letters of credit commit the Company to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. They primarily are issued to facilitate customers’ trade transactions.

 

Both arrangements have credit risk, essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers, and are subject to the Company’s normal credit policies. Collateral (e.g., securities, receivables, inventory and equipment) is obtained based on Management’s credit assessment of the customer.

 

The Company’s maximum obligation to extend credit for loan commitments (unfunded loans and unused lines of credit) and standby letters of credit outstanding as of the periods stated below were as follows: (In Thousands)

 

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   March 31, 2014   December 31, 2013 
   Fixed Rate   Variable Rate   Fixed Rate   Variable Rate 
Commitments to make loans  $35,915   $51,951   $57,914   $59,632 
Unused lines of credit   16,958    267,666    18,048    257,939 
Standby letters of credit   -    18,052    -    17,680 
Total  $52,873   $337,669   $75,962   $335,251 

 

Commitments to make loans are generally made for periods of 60 days or less.

In addition to the above commitments, First Defiance had commitments to sell $14.8 million and $12.1 million of loans to Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati or BB&T Mortgage at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

13. Income Taxes

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in the state of Indiana. The Company is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2009. The Company currently operates primarily in the states of Ohio and Michigan, which tax financial institutions based on their equity rather than their income.

 

14. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Commitments to fund certain mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors are considered derivatives. It is the Company’s practice to enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of changes in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. These mortgage banking derivatives are not designated in hedge relationships. First Federal had approximately $10.7 million and $7.5 million of interest rate lock commitments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. There were $14.8 million and $12.1 million of forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

The fair value of these mortgage banking derivatives are reflected by a derivative asset. The table below provides data about the carrying values of these derivative instruments:

 

   March 31, 2014   December 31, 2013 
   Assets   (Liabilities)       Assets   (Liabilities)     
         Derivative           Derivative 
   Carrying   Carrying   Net Carrying   Carrying   Carrying   Net Carrying 
   Value   Value   Value   Value   Value   Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments                        
Mortgage Banking Derivatives  $345   $-   $345   $295   $-   $295 

 

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The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses recognized in income on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In Thousands) 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments        
           
Mortgage Banking Derivatives – Gain (Loss)  $50   $(161)

 

The above amounts are included in mortgage banking income with gain on sale of mortgage loans.

 

Note 15 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The before and after tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the table below. Reclassification adjustments related to securities available for sale are included in gains on sale or call of securities in the accompanying consolidated condensed statements of income.

 

   Before Tax
Amount
   Tax Expense
(Benefit)
   Net of Tax
Amount
 
  (In Thousands) 
Three months ended March 31, 2014:    
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:               
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period  $1,723   $603   $1,120 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income   -    -    - 
Total other comprehensive loss  $1,723   $603   $1,120 
                
Three months ended March 31, 2013:               
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:               
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period  $(664)  $(235)  $(429)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income   (53)   (16)   (37)
Total other comprehensive loss  $(717)  $(251)  $(466)

 

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Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, was as follows:

 

           Accumulated 
   Securities   Post-   Other 
   Available   retirement   Comprehensive 
   For Sale   Benefit   Income 
   (In Thousands) 
Balance January 1, 2014  $906   $(361)  $545 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications   1,120    -    1,120 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss   -    -    - 
                
Net other comprehensive loss during period   1,120    -    1,120 
                
Balance March 31, 2014  $2,026   $(361)  $1,665 
                
Balance January 1, 2013  $4,851   $(577)  $4,274 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications   (429)   -    (429)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss   (37)   -    (37)
                
Net other comprehensive loss during period   (466)   -    (466)
                
Balance March 31, 2013  $4,385   $(577)  $3,808 

 

Note 16 – Subsequent Event

 

On April 21, 2014, the First Federal and First Community Bank (“FCB”) jointly announced the termination of the previously announced merger agreement dated February 18, 2014. Both companies mutually agreed to terminate the agreement after it became evident that completion of the merger would take significantly longer than originally expected. The Company incurred $786,000 in costs related to the termination in the first quarter of 2014.

 

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

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

Certain statements contained in this quarterly report are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements that can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could differ materially from those indicated in such statements due to risks, uncertainties and changes with respect to a variety of market and other factors. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

General

 

First Defiance is a unitary thrift holding company that conducts business through its subsidiaries, First Federal, First Insurance and First Defiance Risk Management. First Federal is a federally chartered stock savings bank that provides financial services to communities through 33 full service banking centers in communities based in northwest Ohio, northeast Indiana, and southeastern Michigan. First Federal provides a broad range of financial services including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, real estate mortgage loans, commercial loans, consumer loans, home equity loans and trust and wealth management services through its extensive branch network. First Insurance sells a variety of property and casualty, group health and life, and individual health and life insurance products. Insurance products are sold through First Insurance’s offices in Defiance, Bryan, Bowling Green, Maumee and Oregon, Ohio areas. First Defiance Risk Management is a wholly-owned insurance company subsidiary of the Company that insures the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the Company and for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in today’s insurance marketplace. First Defiance Risk Management pools resources with several other similar insurance company subsidiaries of financial institutions to spread a limited amount of risk among themselves. First Defiance Risk Management was incorporated on December 20, 2012.

 

Impact of Legislation - Over the last several years, Congress and the U.S. Department of the Treasury have enacted legislation and taken actions to address the disruptions in the financial system, declines in the housing market, and the overall regulation of financial institutions and the financial system. In this regard, the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), includes provisions affecting large and small financial institutions alike, including several provisions that profoundly affect the regulation of community banks, thrifts, and bank and thrift holding companies, such as First Defiance. Also, the Dodd-Frank Act abolished the Office of Thrift Supervision effective July 21, 2011 and transferred its functions to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), FDIC, and Federal Reserve. The Dodd-Frank Act relaxed rules regarding interstate branching, allows financial institutions to pay interest on business checking accounts, changed the scope of federal deposit insurance coverage, imposed new capital requirements on bank and thrift holding companies, and imposed limits on debit card interchange fees charged by issuer banks (commonly known as the Durbin Amendment).

 

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The Dodd-Frank Act also established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) as an independent bureau within the Federal Reserve, which has broad authority to regulate consumer financial products and services and entities offering such products and services, including banks. Many of the consumer financial protection functions formerly assigned to the federal banking and other designated agencies are now performed by the CFPB. The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority over providers of credit, savings, and payment services and products. In this regard, the CFPB has the authority to implement regulations under federal consumer protection laws and enforce those laws against, and examine, financial institutions. State officials also will be authorized to enforce consumer protection rules issued by the CFPB. This bureau also is authorized to collect fines and provide consumer restitution in the event of violations, engage in consumer financial education, track consumer complaints, request data, and promote the availability of financial services to underserved consumers and communities. The CFPB also is directed to prevent “unfair, deceptive or abusive practices” and ensure that all consumers have access to markets for consumer financial products and services and that such markets are fair, transparent, and competitive. Although the CFPB has begun to implement its regulatory, supervisory, examination, and enforcement authority, there continues to be significant uncertainty as to how the agency’s strategies and priorities will impact First Defiance.

 

The CFPB has indicated that mortgage lending is an area of supervisory focus and that it will concentrate its examination and rulemaking efforts on the variety of mortgage-related topics required under the Dodd-Frank Act, including steering consumers to less-favorable products, discrimination, abusive or unfair lending practices, predatory lending, origination disclosures, minimum mortgage underwriting standards, mortgage loan originator compensation, and servicing practices. The CFPB recently published several final regulations impacting the mortgage industry, including rules related to ability-to-pay, mortgage servicing, and mortgage loan originator compensation. The ability-to-repay rule makes lenders liable if they fail to assess ability to repay under a prescribed test, but also creates a safe harbor for so called “qualified mortgages.” The “qualified mortgages” standards include a tiered cap structure that places limits on the total amount of certain fees that can be charged on a loan, a 43% cap on debt-to-income (i.e., total monthly payments on debt to monthly gross income), exclusion of interest-only products, and other requirements. The 43% debt-to-income cap does not apply for the first seven years the rule is in effect for loans that are eligible for sale to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or eligible for government guarantee through the FHA or the Veterans Administration. Failure to comply with the ability-to-repay rule may result in possible CFPB enforcement action and special statutory damages plus actual, class action, and attorney fees damages, all of which a borrower may claim in defense of a foreclosure action at any time. First Defiance’s management team is currently assessing the impact of these requirements on our mortgage lending business.

 

In addition, the Federal Reserve and other federal bank regulatory agencies have issued a proposed rule under the Dodd-Frank Act that would exempt “qualified residential mortgages” from the securitization risk retention requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final definition of what constitutes a “qualified residential mortgage” may impact the pricing and depth of the secondary market into which the Company may sell mortgages it originates. At this time, First Defiance cannot predict the content of the final CFPB and other federal agency regulations or the impact they might have on First Defiance’s financial results. The CFPB’s authority over mortgage lending, and its authority to change regulations adopted in the past by other regulators, or to rescind or ignore past regulatory guidance, could increase First Defiance’s compliance costs and litigation exposure.

 

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First Defiance’s management team continues to actively monitor the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and assess its probable impact on the business, financial condition, and results of operations of First Defiance. However, the ultimate effect of the Dodd-Frank Act on the financial services industry in general, and First Defiance in particular, continues to be uncertain.

 

New Capital Rules - On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve approved final rules that substantially amend the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to First Defiance and First Federal. The FDIC and the OCC have subsequently approved these rules. The final rules were adopted following the issuance of proposed rules by the Federal Reserve in June 2012, and implement the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

 The rules include new risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which will be phased in from 2015 to 2019, and will refine the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating those ratios. The new minimum capital level requirements applicable to First Defiance and First Federal under the final rules are: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% for all institutions. The final rules also establish a “capital conservation buffer” above the new regulatory minimum capital requirements, which must consist entirely of common equity Tier 1 capital. The capital conservation buffer will be phased-in over four years beginning on January 1, 2016, as follows: the maximum buffer will be 0.625% of risk-weighted assets for 2016, 1.25% for 2017, 1.875% for 2018, and 2.5% for 2019 and thereafter. This will result in the following minimum ratios beginning in 2019: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Under the final rules, institutions are subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.

 

The final rules implement revisions and clarifications consistent with Basel III regarding the various components of Tier 1 capital, including common equity, unrealized gains and losses, as well as certain instruments that will no longer qualify as Tier 1 capital, some of which will be phased out over time. However, the final rules provide that small depository institution holding companies with less than $15 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2009 (which includes First Defiance) will be able to permanently include non-qualifying instruments that were issued and included in Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital prior to May 19, 2010 in additional Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital until they redeem such instruments or until the instruments mature.

 

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The final rules also contain revisions to the prompt corrective action framework, which is designed to place restrictions on insured depository institutions, including First Federal, if their capital levels begin to show signs of weakness. These revisions take effect January 1, 2015. Under the prompt corrective action requirements, which are designed to complement the capital conservation buffer, insured depository institutions will be required to meet the following increased capital level requirements in order to qualify as “well capitalized”: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8% (increased from 6%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 10% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5% (increased from 4%).

 

The final rules set forth certain changes for the calculation of risk-weighted assets, which First Federal will be required to utilize beginning January 1, 2015. The standardized approach final rule utilizes an increased number of credit risk exposure categories and risk weights, and also addresses: (i) an alternative standard of creditworthiness consistent with Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act; (ii) revisions to recognition of credit risk mitigation; (iii) rules for risk weighting of equity exposures and past due loans; (iv) revised capital treatment for derivatives and repo-style transactions; and (v) disclosure requirements for top-tier banking organizations with $50 billion or more in total assets that are not subject to the “advanced approaches rules” that apply to banks with greater than $250 billion in consolidated assets.

 

  Based on our current capital composition and levels, management believes it will be in compliance with the requirements as set forth in the final rules.

 

Business Strategy - First Defiance’s primary objective is to be a high performing community banking organization, well regarded in its market areas. First Defiance accomplishes this through emphasis on local decision making and empowering its employees with tools and knowledge to serve its customers’ needs. First Defiance believes in a “Customer First” philosophy that is strengthened by its Trusted Advisor initiative. First Defiance also has a tagline of “Better Together” as an indication of its commitment to local, responsive, personalized service. First Defiance believes this strategy results in greater customer loyalty and profitability through core relationships. First Defiance is focused on diversification of revenue sources and increased market penetration in areas where the growth potential exists for a balance between acquisition and organic growth. The primary elements of First Defiance’s business strategy are commercial banking, consumer banking, including the origination and sale of single family residential loans, enhancement of fee income, wealth management and insurance sales, each united by a strong customer service culture throughout the organization.

 

Commercial and Commercial Real Estate Lending - Commercial and commercial real estate lending have been an ongoing focus and a major component of First Federal’s success. First Federal provides primarily commercial real estate and commercial business loans with an emphasis on owner occupied commercial real estate and commercial business lending with a focus on the deposit balances that accompany these relationships. First Federal’s client base tends to be small to middle market customers with annual gross revenues generally between $1 million and $50 million. First Federal’s focus is also on securing multiple guarantors in addition to collateral where possible. These customers require First Federal to have a high degree of knowledge and understanding of their business in order to provide them with solutions to their financial needs. First Federal’s Customer First philosophy and culture complements this need of its clients. First Federal believes this personal service model differentiates First Federal from its competitors, particularly the larger regional institutions. First Federal offers a wide variety of products to support commercial clients including remote deposit capture and other cash management services. First Federal also believes that the small business customer is a strong market for First Federal. First Federal participates in many of the Small Business Administration lending programs and implemented a new program in 2014 targeting the small business customer. Maintaining a diversified portfolio with an emphasis on monitoring industry concentrations and reacting to changes in the credit characteristics of industries is an ongoing focus.

 

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Consumer Banking - First Federal offers customers a full range of deposit and investment products including demand, checking, money market, certificates of deposits, Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) and savings accounts. First Federal offers a full range of investment products through the wealth management department and a wide variety of consumer loan products, including residential mortgage loans, home equity loans, and installment loans. First Federal also offers online banking services, which include mobile banking, online bill pay along with debit cards.

 

Fee Income Development - Generation of fee income and the diversification of revenue sources are accomplished through the mortgage banking operation, insurance subsidiary and the wealth management department as First Defiance seeks to reduce reliance on retail transaction fee income.

 

Deposit Growth - First Federal’s focus has been to grow core deposits with an emphasis on total relationship banking with both our retail and commercial customers. First Federal has initiated a pricing strategy that considers the whole relationship of the customer. First Federal will continue to focus on increasing its market share in the communities it serves by providing quality products with extraordinary customer service, business development strategies and branch expansion. First Federal will look to grow its footprint in areas believed to further complement its overall market share and complement its strategy of being a high performing community bank.

 

Asset Quality - Maintaining a strong credit culture is of the utmost importance to First Federal. First Federal has maintained a strong credit approval and review process that has allowed the Company to maintain a credit quality standard that balances the return with the risks of industry concentrations and loan types. First Federal is primarily a collateral lender with an emphasis on cash flow performance, while obtaining additional support from personal guarantees and secondary sources of repayment. First Federal has directed its attention on loan types and markets that it knows well and in which it has historically been successful. First Federal strives to have loan relationships that are well diversified in both size and industry, and monitor the overall trends in the portfolio to maintain its industry and loan type concentration targets. First Federal maintains a problem loan remediation process that focuses on detection and resolution. First Federal maintains a strong process of internal control that subjects the loan portfolio to periodic internal reviews as well as independent third party loan review.

 

Expansion Opportunities - First Defiance believes it is well positioned to take advantage of acquisitions or other business opportunities in its market areas. First Defiance believes it has a track record of successfully accomplishing both acquisitions and de novo branching in its market area. This track record puts the Company in a solid position to enter or expand its business. First Defiance will consider expansion opportunities, including bank and insurance acquisitions, de novo branching, with a particular focus on its primary geographic market area, as well as loan production offices.

 

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Investments - First Defiance invests in U.S. Treasury and federal government agency obligations, obligations of municipal and other political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities which are issued by federal agencies, corporate bonds, and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs"). Management determines the appropriate classification of all such securities at the time of purchase in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 320.

 

Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when First Defiance has the positive intent and ability to hold the security to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost and had a recorded value of $378,000 at March 31, 2014. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale, which are stated at fair value and had a recorded value of $209.3 million at March 31, 2014. The available-for-sale portfolio consists of obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies ($4.9 million), certain municipal obligations ($83.8 million), CMOs/REMICs ($69.7 million), corporate bonds ($7.0 million), mortgage backed securities ($42.3 million), and trust preferred and preferred stock ($1.6 million).

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 320, declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Lending - In order to properly assess the collateral dependent loans included in its loan portfolio, the Company has established policies regarding the monitoring of the collateral underlying such loans. The Company requires an appraisal that is less than one year old for all new collateral dependent real estate loans, and all renewed collateral dependent real estate loans where significant new money is extended. The appraisal process is handled by the Credit Department, which selects the appraiser and orders the appraisal. First Defiance’s loan policy prohibits the account officer from talking or communicating with the appraiser to insure that the appraiser is not influenced by the account officer in any way in making their determination of value.

 

First Federal generally does not require updated appraisals for performing loans unless significant new money is requested by the borrower.

 

When a collateral dependent loan is downgraded to classified status, First Federal reviews the most current appraisal on file and if necessary, based on First Federal’s assessment of the appraisal, such as age, market, etc, First Federal will discount this amount to a more appropriate current value based on inputs from lenders and realtors. This amount may then be discounted further by First Federal’s estimation of the carrying and selling costs. In most instances, if the appraisal is more than twelve to fifteen months old, we may require a new appraisal. Finally, First Federal assesses whether there is any collateral short fall, taking into consideration guarantor support and liquidity, and determines if a charge off is necessary.

 

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When a collateral dependent loan moves to non-performing status, First Federal generally gets a new third party appraisal and charges the loan down appropriately based upon the new appraisal and an estimate of costs to liquidate the collateral. All properties that are moved into the Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) category are supported by current appraisals, and the OREO is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, which is determined based on appraised value less First Federal’s estimate of the liquidation costs.

 

First Federal does not adjust any appraisals upward without written documentation of this valuation change from the appraiser. When setting reserves and charge offs on classified loans, appraisal values may be discounted downward based upon First Federal’s experience with liquidating similar properties.

 

All loans over 90 days past due and/or on non-accrual are classified as non-performing loans. Non-performing status automatically occurs in the month in which the 90 day delinquency occurs.

 

As stated above, once a collateral dependent loan is identified as non-performing, First Federal generally gets an appraisal.

 

Appraisals are received within approximately 60 days after they are requested. The First Federal Loan Loss Reserve Committee reviews the amount of each new appraisal and makes any necessary charge off decisions at its meeting prior to the end of each quarter.

 

Any partially charged-off collateral dependent loans are considered non-performing, and as such, would need to show an extended period of time with satisfactory payment performance as well as cash flow coverage capability supported by current financial statements before First Federal will consider an upgrade to performing status. First Federal may consider moving the loan to accruing status after approximately six months of satisfactory payment performance.

 

For loans where First Federal determines that an updated appraisal is not necessary, other means are used to verify the value of the real estate, such as recent sales of similar properties on which First Federal had loans as well as calls to appraisers, brokers, realtors and investors. First Federal monitors and tracks its loan to value quarterly to determine accuracy and any necessary charge offs. Based on these results, changes may occur in the processes used.

 

Loan modifications constitute a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) if First Federal for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. For loans that are considered TDRs, First Federal either computes the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the original loan’s effective interest rate or it may measure impairment based on the fair value of the collateral. For those loans measured for impairment utilizing the present value of future cash flows method, any discount is carried as a reserve in the allowance for loan and lease losses. For those loans measured for impairment utilizing the fair value of the collateral, any shortfall is charged off.

 

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Earnings - The profitability of First Defiance is primarily dependent on its net interest income and non-interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, principally loans and securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing deposits, FHLB advances, and other borrowings. The Company’s non-interest income is mainly derived from service fees and other charges, mortgage banking income, and insurance commissions. First Defiance's earnings also depend on the provision for loan losses and non-interest expenses, such as employee compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment expense, deposit insurance premiums, and miscellaneous other expenses, as well as federal income tax expense.

 

Changes in Financial Condition

 

At March 31, 2014, First Defiance's total assets, deposits and stockholders' equity amounted to $2.16 billion, $1.76 billion and $274.9 million, respectively, compared to $2.14 billion, $1.74 billion and $272.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013.

 

Net loans receivable (excluding loans held for sale) declined $16.3 million to $1.54 billion. The variance in loans receivable between March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include decreases in commercial loans (down $8.1 million), home equity and improvement loans (down $0.3 million), consumer loans (down $0.6 million), commercial real estate loans (down $10.5 million), and construction loans (down $4.0 million) while one to four family residential real estate loans increased $1.2 million.

 

The investment securities portfolio increased $11.1 million to $209.7 million at March 31, 2014 from $198.6 million at December 31, 2013. The increase is the result of $17.4 million of securities being purchased during the first three months of 2014, somewhat offset by $2.1 million of securities maturing or being called in the period, principal pay downs of $3.4 million in CMOs and mortgage-backed securities, and $1.7 million from two securities being sold. There was an unrealized gain in the investment portfolio of $3.1 million at March 31, 2014 compared to an unrealized gain of $1.4 million at December 31, 2013.

 

Deposits increased from $1.74 billion at December 31, 2013 to $1.76 billion as of March 31, 2014. Non-interest bearing demand deposits decreased $10.5 million to $338.4 million and retail time deposits decreased $3.7 million to $482.1 million. These decreases were mostly offset by increases in interest-bearing demand deposits and money market accounts of $24.8 million to $740.8 million and savings accounts of $14.2 million to $199.4 million.

 

Stockholders’ equity increased from $272.1 million at December 31, 2013 to $274.9 million at March 31, 2014. The increase in stockholders’ equity was the result of recording net income of $5.2 million and an increase in other comprehensive income of $1.1 million partially offset by $1.4 million of common stock dividends being paid in the first quarter of 2014 and $1.8 million in repurchased common stock.

  

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Average Balances, Net Interest Income and Yields Earned and Rates Paid

  

The following table presents for the periods indicated the total dollar amount of interest from average interest-earning assets and the resultant yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in thousands of dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. The table reports interest income from tax-exempt loans and investment on a tax-equivalent basis. All average balances are based upon daily balances (dollars in thousands).

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2014   2013 
   Average       Yield/   Average       Yield/ 
   Balance   Interest(1)   Rate(2)   Balance   Interest(1)   Rate(2) 
Interest-earning assets:                              
Loans receivable  $1,544,902   $16,672    4.38%  $1,500,222   $16,814    4.55%
Securities   202,275    1,932    3.93    196,571    1,794    3.85 
Interest bearing deposits   172,666    101    0.24    106,332    58    0.22 
FHLB stock   17,302    195    4.57    19,964    219    4.45 
Total interest-earning assets   1,937,145    18,900    3.96    1,823,089    18,885    4.22 
Non-interest-earning assets   209,224              204,817           
Total assets  $2,146,369             $2,027,906           
                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:                              
Deposits  $1,399,951   $1,358    0.39%  $1,356,547   $1,647    0.49%
FHLB advances and other   22,363    133    2.41    12,788    90    2.85 
Subordinated debentures   36,134    146    1.64    36,136    152    1.71 
Notes payable   52,588    41    0.32    46,396    60    0.52 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,511,036    1,678    0.45    1,451,867    1,949    0.54 
Non-interest bearing deposits   341,286    -         294,225    -      
Total including non-interest bearing demand deposits   1,852,322    1,678    0.37    1,746,092    1,949    0.45 
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   20,302              22,189           
Total liabilities   1,872,624              1,768,281           
Stockholders' equity   273,745              259,625           
Total liabilities and stock- holders' equity  $2,146,369             $2,027,906           
Net interest income; interest rate spread       $17,222    3.51%       $16,936    3.68%
Net interest margin (3)             3.61%             3.78%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities             128%             126%

 

 

(1)Interest on certain tax-exempt loans and securities is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. In order to compare the tax-exempt yields on these assets to taxable yields, the interest earned on these assets is adjusted to a pre-tax equivalent amount based on the marginal corporate federal income tax rate of 35%.
(2)Annualized
(3)Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

 

On a consolidated basis, First Defiance’s net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 was $5.2 million compared to net income of $5.6 million for the comparable period in 2013. On a per share basis, basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were $0.53 and $0.51, respectively, compared to basic and diluted earnings per common share of $0.57 and $0.55, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. The first quarter 2014 results were negatively impacted by $511,000 ($786,000 before tax), or $0.05 per diluted common share, for costs related to the termination of the merger with First Community Bank.

 

Net Interest Income

 

First Defiance’s net interest income is determined by its interest rate spread (i.e. the difference between the yields on its interest-earning assets and the rates paid on its interest-bearing liabilities) and the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

Net interest income was $16.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, up from $16.5 million for the same period in 2013. The tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.61% for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, down from 3.78% for the same period in 2013. The reduction in margin between the 2013 and 2014 first quarters was due to a reduction in interest-earning asset yields, which decreased to 3.96% for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, down 26 basis points from 4.22% for the same period in 2013. This was partially offset by the cost of interest-bearing liabilities between the two periods decreasing 9 basis points to 0.37% in the first quarter of 2014 from 0.45% in the same period in 2013. Operating at a high level of liquidity along with lower loan yields has impacted the net interest margin negatively in the first quarter of 2014. Management continues to analyze and look for additional opportunities to maintain its margin, as well as other alternatives to minimize the impact of the sustained low rate environment.

 

Total interest income remained flat at $18.5 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013. An increase in the investment portfolio was partially offset by a decrease in loan interest income caused by a drop in yields, which declined 17 basis points to 4.38% at March 31, 2014. Interest income from investments increased to $1.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2013, while income from loans decreased to $16.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 compared to $16.8 million for the same period in 2013.

 

Interest expense decreased by $271,000 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, to $1.7 million from $1.9 million. This decrease was due to a 9 basis point decline in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities in the first quarter of 2014 from the continued low rate environment resulting in slight decreases in rate on all the interest-bearing liability categories. Interest expense related to interest-bearing deposits was $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2013. Interest expense recognized by the Company related to subordinated debentures was $146,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $152,000 for the same period in 2013. Expenses on FHLB advances and securities sold under repurchase agreements were $133,000 and $41,000 respectively in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $90,000 and $60,000 respectively for the same period in 2013.

 

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Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s assessment of the estimated probable credit losses in the loan portfolio at each balance sheet date. Management analyzes the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses regularly through reviews of the loan portfolio. Consideration is given to economic conditions, changes in interest rates and the effect of such changes on collateral values and borrower’s ability to pay, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio and trends in past due and non-performing loan balances. The allowance for loan losses is a material estimate that is susceptible to significant fluctuation and is established through a provision for loan losses based on management’s evaluation of the inherent risk in the loan portfolio. In addition to extensive in-house loan monitoring procedures, the Company utilizes an outside party to conduct an independent loan review of all commercial loan and commercial real estate loan relationships that exceed $1.0 million of aggregate exposure over a twelve month period. Management utilizes the results of this outside loan review to assess the effectiveness of its internal loan grading system as well as to assist in the assessment of the overall adequacy of the allowance for loan losses associated with these types of loans.

 

The provision for loan losses is determined by management as the amount to be added to the allowance for loan losses after net charge-offs have been deducted to bring the allowance to a level which, in management’s best estimate, is necessary to absorb incurred credit losses within the existing loan portfolio in the normal course of business. The allowance for loan loss is made up of two basic components. The first component is the specific allowance in which the Company sets aside reserves based on the analysis of individual credits that are cash flow dependent, yet there is a discount between the present value of the future cash flows and the carrying value. This was $1.3 million at March 31, 2014. The second component is the general reserve. The general reserve is used to record loan loss reserves for groups of homogenous loans in which the Company estimates the losses incurred in the portfolios based on quantitative and qualitative factors. Due to the uncertainty of risks in the loan portfolio, the Company’s judgment on the amount of the allowance necessary to absorb loans losses is approximate.

 

Due to regulatory guidance, the Company no longer carries specific reserves on collateral dependent loans, and instead charges off any shortfall. First Federal analyzes all loans on its classified and special mention lists at least quarterly and makes judgments about the risk of loss based on the cash flow of the borrower, the value of any collateral and the financial strength of any guarantor in determining the amount of impairment of individual loans and the charge off to be taken.

 

For purposes of the general reserve analysis, the loan portfolio is stratified into nine different loan pools based on loan type and by market area to allocate historic loss experience. The loss experience factor applied to the non-impaired loan portfolio was based upon historical losses of the most recent rolling twelve quarters ending March 31, 2014.

 

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The stratification of the loan portfolio resulted in a quantitative general allowance of $9.2 million at March 31, 2014 compared to $11.2 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease in the quantitative allowance was due to a decrease in the historical loss factors relating to commercial, commercial real estate, and residential loans.

 

In addition to the quantitative analysis, a qualitative analysis is performed each quarter to provide additional general reserves on the non-impaired loan portfolio for various factors. The overall qualitative factors are based on nine sub-factors. The nine sub-factors have been aggregated into three qualitative factors: economic, environment and risk.

 

ECONOMIC

1)Changes in international, national and local economic business conditions and developments, including the condition of various market segments.
2)Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans.

 

ENVIRONMENT

3)Changes in the nature and volume in the loan portfolio.
4)The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations.
5)Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices.
6)Changes in the quality and breadth of the loan review process.
7)Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff.

 

RISK

8)Changes in the trends of the volume and severity of delinquent and classified loans, and changes in the volume of non-accrual loans, trouble debt restructuring, and other loan modifications.
9)Changes in the political and regulatory environment.

 

The qualitative analysis at March 31, 2014 indicated a general reserve of $14.3 million compared with $12.3 million at December 31, 2013. Management reviewed the overall economic, environmental and risk factors and determined that it was appropriate to increase several of these due in part to a regional economy hampered by severe winter weather conditions in the first quarter and reflecting overall mixed movements in unemployment rates in the Northwest Ohio and adjoining market counties in Indiana and Michigan, recent experience indicating continued declines in appraisal values for commercial real estate and other commercial asset collateral, and the continuation of higher interest rates since mid-2013. First Defiance’s general reserve percentages for main loan segments not otherwise classified ranged from 0.25% for construction loans to 1.71% for nonresidential real estate loans.

 

As a result of the quantitative and qualitative analyses, along with the change in specific reserves, the Company’s provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2014 was $103,000, compared to $425,000 for the same period in 2013. The allowance for loan losses was $24.8 million and $25.0 million and represented 1.58% and 1.58% of loans, net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The provision of $103,000 was offset by charge offs of $1.2 million and recoveries of $906,000, resulting in a decrease to the overall allowance for loan loss of $167,000. In management’s opinion, the overall allowance for loan losses of $24.8 million as of March 31, 2014 is adequate.

 

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Management also assesses the value of real estate owned as of the end of each accounting period and recognizes write-downs to the value of that real estate in the income statement if conditions dictate. In the three month period ended March 31, 2014, First Defiance had no write-downs. Management believes that the values recorded at March 31, 2014 for real estate owned and repossessed assets represent the realizable value of such assets.

 

Total classified loans decreased to $51.3 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $55.6 million at December 31, 2013.

 

First Defiance’s ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 92.6% at March 31, 2014 compared with 89.6% at December 31, 2013. Management monitors collateral values of all loans included on the watch list that are collateral dependent and believes that allowances for those loans at March 31, 2014 are appropriate. Of the $26.8 million in non-accrual loans, $14.7 million or 54.9% are less than 90 days past due.

 

At March 31, 2014, First Defiance had total non-performing assets of $32.8 million, compared to $33.7 million at December 31, 2013. Non-performing assets include loans that are on non-accrual, real estate owned and other assets held for sale. Non-performing assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by category were as follows:

 

Table 1 – Nonperforming Asset

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (In Thousands) 
Non-performing loans:          
One to four family residential real estate  $2,974   $3,273 
Non-residential and multi-family residential real estate   15,682    15,834 
Commercial   7,723    8,327 
Construction   -    - 
Home equity and improvement   -    413 
Consumer Finance   395    - 
Total non-performing loans   26,774    27,847 
           
Real estate owned   6,028    5,859 
Other repossessed assets   -    - 
Total repossessed assets  $6,028    5,859 
           
Total Nonperforming assets  $32,802   $33,706 
           
Restructured loans, accruing  $26,654   $27,630 
           
Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets   1.52%   1.58%
Total nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans*   1.71%   1.76%
Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans plus REO*   2.09%   2.12%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total nonperforming assets   75.55%   74.02%

 

* Total loans are net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs.

 

57
 

 

The decrease in non-performing loans between December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014 is primarily in commercial loans. The balance of this type of non-performing loan was $604,000 lower at March 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.

 

Non-performing loans in the commercial loan category represented 2.03% of the total loans in those categories at March 31, 2014 compared to 2.14% for the same category at December 31, 2013. Management believes that the current allowance for loan losses is appropriate and that the provision for loan losses recorded in the first quarter of 2014 is consistent with both charge-off experience and the risk inherent in the overall credits in the portfolio.

 

First Federal’s Asset Review Committee meets monthly to review the status of work-out strategies for all criticized relationships, which include all non-accrual loans. Based on such factors as anticipated collateral values in liquidation scenarios, cash flow projections, assessment of net worth of guarantors and all other factors which may mitigate risk of loss, the Asset Review Committee makes recommendations regarding proposed charge-offs which are approved by the Senior Loan Committee or the Loan Loss Reserve Committee.

 

The following table details net charge-offs and nonaccrual loans by loan type. For the three months ended and as of March 31, 2014, commercial real estate, which represented 50.85% of total loans, accounted for (184.08)% of net charge-offs (recovery) and 58.57% of nonaccrual loans, and commercial loans, which represented 23.89% of total loans, accounted for 166.30% of net charge-offs and 28.84% of nonaccrual loans. For the three months ended and as of March 31, 2013, commercial real estate, which represented 52.74% of total loans, accounted for 24.37% of net charge-offs and 70.53% of nonaccrual loans, and commercial loans, which represented 24.04% of total loans, accounted for 19.05% of net charge-offs and 17.44% of nonaccrual loans.

 

Table 2 – Net Charge-offs and Non-accruals by Loan Type

 

   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014   As of March 31, 2014 
   Net   % of Total Net   Nonaccrual   % of Total Non- 
   Charge-
offs(Recovery)
   Charge-offs   Loans   Accrual Loans 
   (In Thousands)   (In Thousands) 
Residential  $172    63.70%  $2,974    11.11%
Construction   -    0.00%   -    0.00%
Commercial real estate   (497)   (184.08)%   15,682    58.57%
Commercial   449    166.30%   7,723    28.84%
Consumer   (7)   (2.59)%   -    0.00%
Home equity and improvement   153    56.67%   395    1.48%
Total  $270    100.00%  $26,774    100.00%

 

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   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013   As of March 31, 2013 
   Net   % of Total Net   Nonaccrual   % of Total Non- 
   Charge-offs   Charge-offs   Loans   Accrual Loans 
   (In Thousands)   (In Thousands) 
Residential  $107    15.81%  $4,163    11.80%
Construction   -    0.00%   -    0.00%
Commercial real estate   165    24.37%   24,884    70.53%
Commercial   129    19.05%   6,152    17.44%
Consumer   27    3.99%   -    0.00%
Home equity and improvement   249    36.78%   84    0.23%
Total  $677    100.00%  $35,283    100.00%

 

Table 3 – Allowance for Loan Loss Activity

 

   For the Quarter Ended 
   1st 2014   4th 2013   3rd 2013   2nd 2013   1st 2013 
   (In Thousands) 
                     
Allowance at beginning of period  $24,950   $25,964   $26,270   $26,459   $26,711 
Provision for credit losses   103    475    476    448    425 
Charge-offs:                         
Residential   228    175    78    184    206 
Commercial real estate   228    1,097    829    283    266 
Commercial   525    670    39    316    205 
Consumer finance   11    7    33    8    46 
Home equity and improvement   184    144    170    170    272 
Total charge-offs   1,176    2,093    1,149    961    995 
Recoveries   906    604    367    324    318 
Net charge-offs   270    1,489    782    637    677 
Ending allowance  $24,783   $24,950   $25,964   $26,270   $26,459 

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the allocation of First Federal’s allowance for loan losses by loan categories at the dates indicated.

 

Table 4 – Allowance for Loan Loss Allocation by Loan Category

 

   March 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   September 30, 2013   June 30, 2013   March 31, 2013 
       Percent of       Percent of       Percent of       Percent of       Percent of 
       total loans       total loans       total loans       total loans       total loans 
   Amount   by category   Amount   by category   Amount   by category   Amount   by category   Amount   by category 
   (Dollars In Thousands) 
Residential  $2,639    12.38%  $2,847    12.13%  $2,798    12.14%  $3,197    12.47%  $3,433    13.00%
Construction   138    5.15%   134    5.33%   119    3.77%   83    2.63%   67    2.20%
Commercial real estate   14,602    50.85%   14,508    50.80%   15,616    51.93%   15,565    51.98%   15,777    52.74%
Commercial   5,610    23.89%   5,678    24.06%   5,546    24.42%   5,474    25.10%   5,304    24.04%
Consumer   147    1.03%   148    1.05%   162    1.05%   165    1.07%   155    1.02%
Home equity and improvement   1,647    6.70%   1,635    6.63%   1,723    6.69%   1,786    6.75%   1,723    7.00%
   $24,783    100.00%  $24,950    100.00%  $25,964    100.00%  $26,270    100.00%  $26,459    100.00%

 

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Key Asset Quality Ratio Trends

 

Table 5 – Key Asset Quality Ratio Trends

 

   1st Qtr 2014   4th Qtr 2013   3rd Qtr 2013   2nd Qtr2013   1st Qtr 2013 
Allowance for loan losses / loans*   1.58%   1.58%   1.66%   1.68%   1.76%
Allowance for loan losses to net charge-offs   9178.89%   1675.62%   3320.20%   4124.02%   3908.27%
Allowance for loan losses / non-performing assets   75.55%   74.02%   72.06%   74.64%   66.82%
Allowance for loan losses / non-performing loans   92.56%   89.60%   85.09%   91.69%   74.99%
Non-performing assets / loans plus REO*   2.09%   2.12%   2.30%   2.24%   2.62%
Non-performing assets / total assets   1.52%   1.58%   1.75%   1.70%   1.94%
Net charge-offs / average loans (annualized)   0.07%   0.39%   0.20%   0.17%   0.18%

* Total loans are net of undisbursed funds and deferred fees and costs.

 

Non-Interest Income.

 

Total non-interest income decreased $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2014 to $7.3 million from $9.0 million for the same period in 2013.

 

Service Fees. Service fees and other charges decreased by $61,000 or 2.6% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

 

First Federal’s overdraft privilege program generally provides for the automatic payment of modest overdraft limits on all accounts deemed to be in good standing when the account is accessed using paper-based check processing, a teller withdrawal, a point-of-sale terminal, an ACH transaction, an online banking or voice-response transfer, or an ATM. To be in good standing, an account must be brought to a positive balance within a 30-day period and have not excessively used the overdraft privilege program. Overdraft limits are established for all customers without discrimination using a risk assessment approach for each account classification. The approach includes a systematic review and evaluation of the normal deposit flows made to each account classification to establish reasonable and prudent negative balance limits that would be routinely repaid by normal, expected and reoccurring deposits. The risk assessment by portfolio approach assumes a minimal degree of undetermined credit risk associated with unidentified individual accounts that are overdrawn for 30 or more days. Consumer accounts overdrawn for more than 60 days are automatically charged off. Fees are charged as a one-time fee per occurrence, up to five charges per day, and the fee charged for an item that is paid is equal to the fee charged for a non-sufficient fund item that is returned.

 

Overdrawn balances, net of allowance for losses, are reflected as loans on First Defiance’s balance sheet. The fees charged for this service are established based both on the return of processing costs plus a profit, and on the level of fees charged by competitors in the Company’s market area for similar services. These fees are considered to be compensation for providing a service to the customer and therefore deemed to be noninterest income rather than interest income. Fee income recorded for the quarters ending March 31, 2014 and 2013 related to the overdraft privilege product, net of adjustments to the allowance for uncollectible overdrafts, were $699,000 and $865,000, respectively. Accounts charged off are included in noninterest expense. The allowance for uncollectible overdrafts was $8,000 at March 31, 2014, $22,000 at December 31, 2013 and $6,000 at March 31, 2013.

 

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Mortgage Banking Activity. Total revenue from the sale and servicing of mortgage loans decreased $1.6 million to $1.2 million for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $2.8 million for the same period of 2013. The slight rise in the long term rates and the harsher weather conditions contributed to the reduction in mortgage banking activity in the first quarter 2014. Gains realized from the sale of mortgage loans decreased in the first quarter of 2014 to $641,000 from $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2013. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights expense decreased $396,000 to $292,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $689,000 in the same period in 2013. The Company recorded a negative valuation adjustment of $7,000 on mortgage servicing rights in the first quarter of 2014 compared to a positive valuation adjustment of $473,000 in the first quarter of 2013. The negative valuation adjustment in the first quarter of 2014 was driven by a decrease in the fair values of certain sectors of the Company’s portfolio of mortgage servicing rights.

 

Insurance and Investment Sales Commissions. Income from the sale of insurance and investment products remained flat at $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2014 and 2013. First Defiance’s insurance subsidiary, First Insurance, typically recognizes contingent revenues during the first quarter. These revenues are bonuses paid by insurance carriers when the Company achieves certain loss ratios or growth targets. In the first quarter of 2014, First Insurance earned $878,000 of contingent income compared to $944,000 for the first quarter of 2013.

 

Non-Interest Expense.

 

Non-interest expense decreased to $16.7 million for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $17.2 million for the same period in 2013.

 

Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits decreased to $8.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 from $8.8 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease is mainly attributable to accruals for incentive payments based on meeting performance targets were lower in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

 

FDIC Insurance Premium. FDIC costs decreased $271,000 to $385,000 in the first quarter of 2014 from $656,000 for the same period of 2013 due to the improvement in the Company’s risk category.

 

Other Non-Interest Expenses. Other non-interest expenses increased $57,000 to $4.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 from $4.0 million for the same period in 2013. Included in the first quarter of 2014 is $786,000 of cost associated with the termination of First Federal’s merger agreement with First Community Bank and in an increase in management consulting by $248,000. This was offset by a decrease in credit, collection and REO expense of $456,000 and a decrease in secondary market buy-back losses of $556,000.

 

The efficiency ratio, considering tax equivalent interest income and excluding securities gains and losses, for the first quarter of 2014 was 67.87% compared to 66.55% for the first quarter of 2013.

 

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Income Taxes.

 

First Defiance computes federal income tax expense in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Subtopic 942, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 29.61% for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 compared to 29.32% for the same period in 2013. The tax rate is lower than the statutory 35% tax rate for the Company mainly because of investments in tax-exempt securities. The earnings on tax-exempt securities are not subject to federal income tax.

 

Liquidity

 

As a regulated financial institution, First Federal is required to maintain appropriate levels of "liquid" assets to meet short-term funding requirements.

 

First Defiance had $5.3 million of cash provided by operating activities during the first three months of 2014. The Company's cash used in operating activities resulted from the origination of loans held for sale mostly offset by the proceeds on the sale of loans.

 

At March 31, 2014, First Federal had $87.9 million in outstanding loan commitments and loans in process to be funded generally within the next six months and an additional $302.7 million committed under existing consumer and commercial lines of credit and standby letters of credit. Also at that date, First Federal had commitments to sell $14.8 million of loans held-for-sale. First Defiance believes that it has adequate resources to fund commitments as they arise and that it can adjust the rate on savings certificates to retain deposits in changing interest rate environments. If First Defiance requires funds beyond its internal funding capabilities, advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati and other financial institutions are available.

 

Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that the Company may not be able to meet its financial obligations and operating cash needs or may become overly reliant upon external funding sources. In order to manage this risk, the Company’s Board of Directors has established a Liquidity Policy that identifies primary sources of liquidity, establishes procedures for monitoring and measuring liquidity and quantifies minimum liquidity requirements. This policy designates First Federal’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) as the body responsible for meeting these objectives. The ALCO reviews liquidity on a monthly basis and approves significant changes in strategies that affect balance sheet or cash flow positions. Liquidity is centrally managed on a daily basis by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Controller.

 

Capital Resources

 

Capital is managed at First Federal and on a consolidated basis. Capital levels are maintained based on regulatory capital requirements and the economic capital required to support credit, market, liquidity and operational risks inherent in our business, as well as flexibility needed for future growth and new business opportunities.

 

First Federal is required to maintain specified amounts of capital pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The capital standards generally require the maintenance of regulatory capital sufficient to meet a tangible capital requirement, a core capital requirement, and a risk-based capital requirement. The following table sets forth First Federal's compliance with each of the capital requirements at March 31, 2014: (In Thousands)

 

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   Actual   Minimum Required for
Adequately Capitalized
   Minimum Required for Well
Capitalized
 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Tier 1 Capital (1)                              
Consolidated  $248,241    11.82%  $83,980    4.0%   N/A    N/A 
First Federal Bank  $237,253    11.32%  $83,829    4.0%  $104,786    5.0%
                               
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) (1)                              
Consolidated  $248,241    14.40%  $68,952    4.0%   N/A    N/A 
First Federal Bank  $237,253    13.77%  $68,899    4.0%  $103,348    6.0%
                               
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) (1)                              
Consolidated  $269,829    15.65%  $137,905    8.0%   N/A    N/A 
First Federal Bank  $258,824    15.03%  $137,798    8.0%  $172,247    10.0%
(1)Core capital is computed as a percentage of adjusted total assets of $2.10 billion and $2.10 billion for consolidated and the bank, respectively. Risk-based capital is computed as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets of $1.72 billion and $1.72 billion for consolidated and the bank, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

First Defiance has established various accounting policies which govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States in the preparation of its financial statements. The significant accounting policies of First Defiance are described in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities; management considers such accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. Those policies which are identified and discussed in detail in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K include the Allowance for Loan Losses, Valuation of Securities, Goodwill, and the Valuation of Mortgage Servicing Rights. There have been no material changes in assumptions or judgments relative to those critical policies during the first three months of 2014.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

As discussed in detail in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, First Defiance’s ability to maximize net income is dependent on management’s ability to plan and control net interest income through management of the pricing and mix of assets and liabilities. Because a large portion of assets and liabilities of First Defiance are monetary in nature, changes in interest rates and monetary or fiscal policy affect its financial condition and can have significant impact on the net income of the Company. First Defiance does not use off-balance sheet derivatives to enhance its risk management, nor does it engage in trading activities beyond the sale of mortgage loans.

 

First Defiance monitors its exposure to interest rate risk on a monthly basis through simulation analysis that measures the impact changes in interest rates can have on net interest income. The simulation technique analyzes the effect of a presumed 100 basis point shift in interest rates (which is consistent with management’s estimate of the range of potential interest rate fluctuations) and takes into account prepayment speeds on amortizing financial instruments, loan and deposit volumes and rates, non-maturity deposit assumptions and capital requirements. The results of the simulation indicate that in an environment where interest rates rise 100 basis points over a 24 month period, using March 31, 2014 amounts as a base case, First Defiance’s net interest income would be impacted by less than the board mandated guidelines of 10%.

 

In addition to the simulation analysis, First Defiance also uses an economic value of equity (“EVE”) analysis to measure risk in the balance sheet incorporating all cash flows over the estimated remaining life of all balance sheet positions. The EVE analysis generally calculates the net present value of First Federal’s assets and liabilities in rate shock environments that range from -400 basis points to +400 basis points. However, the likelihood of a decrease in rates beyond 100 basis points as of March 31, 2014 was considered to be remote given the current interest rate environment and therefore, was not included in this analysis. The results of this analysis are reflected in the following tables for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the year-ended December 31, 2013.

 

March 31, 2014
Economic Value of Equity
Change in Rates  $ Amount   $ Change   % Change 
   (Dollars in Thousands)     
+400 bp   474,051    43,835    10.19%
+ 300 bp   467,150    36,934    8.58%
+ 200 bp   457,983    27,767    6.45%
+ 100 bp   446,220    16,004    3.72%
      0 bp   430,216         
- 100 bp   409,582    (20,634)   (4.80)%

 

December 31, 2013
Economic Value of Equity
Change in Rates  $ Amount   $ Change   % Change 
   (Dollars in Thousands)     
+400 bp   474,469    41,679    9.63%
+ 300 bp   467,691    34,901    8.06%
+ 200 bp   458,844    26,054    6.02%
+ 100 bp   447,701    14,911    3.45%
      0 bp   432,790    -    - 
- 100 bp   413,917    (18,873)   (4.36)%

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls are procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2014. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

No changes occurred in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal controls over financial reporting.

 

65
 

 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

 

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Neither First Defiance nor any of its subsidiaries is engaged in any legal proceedings of a material nature.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following table provides information regarding First Defiance’s purchases of its common stock during the three-month period ended March 31, 2014:

 

Period  Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average Price
Paid Per
Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (1)
   Maximum Number of
Shares (or Approximate
Dollar Value) that May
Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (2)
 
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2013                  418,034 
January 1 – January 31, 2014   11,984   $25.90    11,984    406,050 
February 1 – February 28, 2014   66,988    25.82    66,988    339,062 
March 1 – March 31, 2014   -    -    -    339,062 
Total   78,972   $25.83    78,972    339,062 

 

(1)The reported shares were repurchased pursuant to First Defiance’s publicly announced stock repurchase program, which became effective September 30, 2013. Up to 489,000 shares were authorized to be purchased under the program. There is no expiration date for the program.

 

(2)The number of shares shown represents, as of the end of each period, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may yet be purchased under publicly announced stock repurchase programs. The shares may be purchased, from time to time, depending on market conditions.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit 3.1   Articles of Incorporation (1)
     
Exhibit 3.2   Code of Regulations (1)
     
Exhibit 3.3   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (2)
     
Exhibit 31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 101

 

The following financial information from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 is formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the Three Months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (iii) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholder’ Equity for the Three Months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (v) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and (vi) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

(1)Incorporated herein by reference to the like numbered exhibit in the Registrant’s Form S-1 (File No. 33-93354)
(2)Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 3 in Form 8-K filed December 8, 2008 (Film No. 081236105)

 

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FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP.

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  First Defiance Financial Corp.
  (Registrant)

 

Date:  May 8, 2014 By: /s/ Donald P. Hileman
    Donald P. Hileman
    President and
    Chief Executive Officer

 

Date:  May 8, 2014 By: /s/ Kevin T. Thompson
    Kevin T. Thompson
    Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer

 

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