EX-99 2 first8k_072607ex99-1.htm Firstbank Corporation Form 8-K for July 26, 2007 Exhibit 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date Submitted: July 24, 2007
NASDAQ: FBMI
NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Samuel G. Stone
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
989-466-7325

FIRSTBANK CORPORATION ANNOUNCES
SECOND QUARTER AND YEAR-TO-DATE 2007 RESULTS

Highlights Include:

  Earnings per share (diluted) of $0.27 for the second quarter and $0.68 for first half of 2007, compared to $0.44 and $0.81 respectively for 2006
  Second quarter 2007 results include $500,000 provision related to a specific reserve and write-off of goodwill related to real estate brokerage
  Non-performing loans increased due primarily to a single credit
  Stabilized net interest margin at 3.91%
  Completion of ICNB merger

Alma, Michigan (FBMI) — Thomas R. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Firstbank Corporation, announced earnings per share of $0.27 for the second quarter of 2007 compared to $0.44 in the second quarter of 2006. Net income was $1,747,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $2,899,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. Returns on average assets and average equity for the second quarter of 2007 were 0.65% and 7.2%, respectively, compared with 1.10% and 12.3%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2006. Two unique factors, the establishment of a $500,000 specific reserve on a loan and the write-off of goodwill related to Firstbank’s real estate brokerage company, affected second quarter results. These factors combined with a stabilized but low net interest margin and continuing weak mortgage and real estate activity to lead to the decline in earnings and profitability. All per share amounts are fully diluted and have been adjusted to reflect the 5% stock dividend paid in December of 2006.

Earnings per share of $0.68 for the first half of 2007 decreased 16.0% compared to the first half of 2006. Net income was $4,405,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007, down 17.2% from the $5,323,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Returns on average assets and average equity for the first half of 2007 were 0.83% and 9.3%, respectively, compared with 1.03% and 11.6%, respectively, in the first half of 2006. A negative provision for loan loss expense related to the pay-off of a loan which had specific reserves in the first quarter, discussed in previous news releases and filings, more than offset the $500,000 specific reserve and related provision expense booked in the second quarter of 2007, and combined with provision expense related to other loans resulted in a provision expense of $18,000 for the year-to-date period.


Total assets at June 30, 2007, were $1.1 billion and increased 2.6% over the year-ago period. Total portfolio loans of $920 million were 0.9% above the level at June 30, 2006. Total deposits as of June 30, 2007, were $826 million, compared to $810 million at June 30, 2006, an increase of 1.9%. Effective July 1, 2007, Firstbank completed the acquisition of ICNB Financial Corporation. ICNB’s banking subsidiary, headquartered in Ionia, Michigan, became Firstbank – West Michigan and added a $229 million asset bank with ten branches to Firstbank’s network.

Firstbank’s net interest margin, at 3.91% in the second quarter of 2007, increased by 1 basis point from the 3.90% level for the first quarter of 2007 and was 30 basis points lower than the 4.21% level in the second quarter of 2006. The flat yield curve continues to result in reduced spreads between funding costs and earning asset yields. The non-accrual loan discussed below reduced the net interest margin in the second quarter of 2007 by 4 basis points.

Mr.     Sullivan stated, “While it is unsettling to see our state leading the nation in terms of economic concerns, we know that Michigan’s economy is a cyclical one, and better times will return. Our strategy is to take what actions we can to protect our asset values and keep our balance sheet strong, and to keep our company positioned competitively for success in the future. Our lenders continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards, utilizing traditionally sound loan structures to protect our interests, and we continue to attempt to identify problems early and work with our borrowing customers to navigate through challenging operating conditions when they occur. While Michigan bank stocks in general are out of favor, our dividend alone provides excellent support for value, and we know the time will come when investors will begin to see opportunity. We are very pleased to welcome the shareholders, employees, and directors of ICNB Financial Corporation into the Firstbank family. Our planning for conversion of data processing systems is going very smoothly, and we wish to thank all those involved for the extremely high level of cooperation, and for their positive spirit about the future.”

Firstbank’s non-interest income increased modestly in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2007. The increase in total non-interest income was 7.3%, but $130,000 of the $162,000 increase was related to the absence of loss on sale of securities that occurred in the first quarter. Gain on sale of mortgage loans, while still at low levels historically, did increase 15.7% in the second quarter compared to the first quarter and was 3.6% above the year-ago level.

Firstbank’s 55% owned real estate brokerage company, C.A. Hanes, continued to operate near break even levels as the volume of properties sold continued at low levels. Due to the soft real estate market, earlier projections for sales volumes and earnings have not been met. As a result, Firstbank determined that the full amount of the remaining $275,000 of goodwill on the books of C.A. Hanes was impaired. The effect of the 45% minority interest reduced the negative impact on Firstbank’s net income to approximately $100,000.

In the second quarter of 2007, total non-interest expense showed an increase of $273,000 from the first quarter, but this increase included the $275,000 charge for goodwill impairment at C.A. Hanes. Firstbank continues to scale back expenses in non-bank subsidiaries and to emphasize expense control in all areas as appropriate. Balanced with the expense control efforts, Firstbank continues to invest in technology, training, and branch expansion. Firstbank – West Michigan opened a new branch office in Hastings, Michigan, in late June, and Keystone Community Bank is building and will open a new office in Paw Paw, Michigan, in the second half of 2007.


In the second quarter of 2007, Firstbank designated as non-accrual a $4.7 million loan on an apartment complex in southeast Michigan. While this apartment complex is currently experiencing cash flow problems, there are certain unique factors that may potentially affect this credit favorably. Nevertheless, due to the uncertainties surrounding the project and current real estate values, Firstbank determined it prudent to establish a $500,000 specific reserve at this time. Firstbank’s involvement in this credit was the result of participating in a loan originated by another bank. Loan participations are a common practice in the industry, and Firstbank has approximately $60 million of exposure related to participation loans from diverse sources and geographies within Michigan. Firstbank’s exposure to properties in southeast Michigan is relatively small. Provision expense in the second quarter was increased by $500,000 from what it otherwise would have been as a result of establishing the specific reserve. At June 30, 2007, the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to loans was 1.03%, up from 1.00% at March 31, 2007.

Net charge-offs were $319,000 in the second quarter of 2007, or 0.14% of average loans on an annualized basis. For the year-to-date, net charge-offs of $483,000 annualized to 0.11% of average loans. The ratio of non-performing loans (including loans past due over 90 days) to loans rose to 0.97% at June 30, 2007, with the increase driven by the one large loan moved to non-accrual status in the second quarter. In the second quarter of 2007, provision expense of $739,000 exceeded net charge-offs, and, excluding the negative component of provision expense of $971,000 related to a loan pay-off in the first quarter, provision expense exceeded net charge-offs year-to-date.

Shareholders’ equity increased 0.8% in the second quarter of 2007, and was 3.5% above the level at June 30, 2006. The ratio of average equity to average assets stood at 9.0% in the second quarter of 2007 – a level consistent over the past two years – indicating that strong equity capital has been maintained. Firstbank did not repurchase shares in the second quarter of 2007.

Firstbank Corporation, headquartered in Alma, Michigan, including the July 1, 2007, acquisition of ICNB Financial Corporation, is a seven bank financial services company with assets of $1.3 billion and 51 banking offices serving Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Bank subsidiaries include: Firstbank – Alma; Firstbank (Mt. Pleasant); Firstbank – West Branch; Firstbank – Lakeview; Firstbank – St. Johns; Keystone Community Bank; and Firstbank – West Michigan.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. When used in this press release the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “hopeful,” “potential,” “should,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning future business growth, changes in interest rates, and the resolution of problem loans. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, markets, products, services, interest rates and fees for services. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.


FIRSTBANK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
UNAUDITED

Jun 30
2007
Mar 31
2007
Dec 31
2006
Jun 30
2006

                     
ASSETS  
   
Cash and cash equivalents:  
  Cash and due from banks   $ 31,305   $ 28,091   $ 32,084   $ 30,065  
  Short term investments    16,192    32,739    24,853    4,141  

Total cash and cash equivalents    47,497    60,830    56,937    34,206  
   
Securities available for sale    73,407    68,651    69,125    68,916  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock    6,061    5,924    5,924    6,506  
Loans:  
  Loans held for sale    628    283    1,120    468  
  Portfolio loans:  
    Commercial    198,637    199,067    194,810    196,789  
    Commercial real estate    267,474    266,084    286,249    302,307  
    Residential mortgage    299,456    295,385    284,137    282,264  
    Real estate construction    89,173    89,844    81,218    67,933  
    Consumer    64,840    62,201    63,106    62,403  

Total portfolio loans    919,580    912,581    909,520    911,696  
  Less allowance for loan losses    (9,501 )  (9,081 )  (9,966 )  (11,621 )

Net portfolio loans    910,079    903,500    899,554    900,075  
   
Premises and equipment, net    20,179    20,251    20,232    19,992  
Goodwill    19,819    20,094    20,094    19,888  
Other intangibles    2,723    2,884    3,045    3,374  
Other assets    19,055    18,684    19,061    18,230  

TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,099,448   $ 1,101,101   $ 1,095,092   $ 1,071,655  

   
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  
   
LIABILITIES  
   
Deposits:  
  Noninterest bearing accounts   $ 128,651   $ 120,295   $ 131,942   $ 130,940  
  Interest bearing accounts:  
  Demand    155,085    167,082    161,228    163,988  
  Savings    137,263    134,484    127,301    134,691  
  Time    363,673    359,556    350,710    310,805  
  Wholesale CD's    41,074    52,195    64,245    69,881  

Total deposits    825,746    833,612    835,426    810,305  
   
Securities sold under agreements to  
  repurchase and overnight borrowings    42,897    38,170    35,179    40,452  
FHLB Advances and notes payable    97,370    94,146    94,177    91,706  
Subordinated Debt    20,620    20,620    20,620    20,620  
Accrued interest and other liabilities    13,894    16,423    13,617    13,033  

Total liabilities    1,000,527    1,002,971    999,019    976,116  
   
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  
Preferred stock; no par value, 300,000  
  shares authorized, none issued  
Common stock; 20,000,000 shares authorized    93,119    92,373    91,652    87,276  
Retained earnings    6,026    5,749    4,552    8,734  
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)    (224 )  8    (131 )  (471 )

Total shareholders' equity    98,921    98,130    96,073    95,539  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 1,099,448   $ 1,101,101   $ 1,095,092   $ 1,071,655  

   
Common stock shares issued and outstanding    6,555,767    6,518,143    6,484,202    6,579,340  
Principal Balance of Loans Serviced for Others ($mil)   $ 471.5   $ 470.5   $ 472.0   $ 473.5  
   
Asset Quality Ratios:  
  Non-Performing Loans / Loans^    0.97 %  0.34 %  0.47 %  0.81 %
  Non-Perf. Loans + OREO / Loans^ + OREO    1.17 %  0.48 %  0.65 %  0.96 %
  Non-Performing Assets / Total Assets    0.98 %  0.40 %  0.54 %  0.81 %
  Allowance for Loan Loss as a % of Loans^    1.03 %  1.00 %  1.10 %  1.27 %
  Allowance / Non-Performing Loans    106 %  293 %  234 %  157 %
   
Quarterly Average Balances:  
  Total Portfolio Loans^   $ 916,775   $ 903,807   $ 915,191   $ 900,802  
  Total Earning Assets    1,012,900    990,838    999,225    980,713  
  Total Shareholders' Equity    98,466    96,590    95,761    95,242  
  Total Assets    1,097,395    1,087,428    1,083,518    1,065,125  
  Diluted Shares Outstanding    6,545,229    6,516,568    6,543,831    6,623,638  

^ Total Loans less loans held for sale


FIRSTBANK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
UNAUDITED

Three Months Ended: Six Months Ended:


Jun 30
2007
Mar 31
2007
Jun 30
2006
Jun 30
2007
Jun 30
2006


                         
Interest income:  
  Interest and fees on loans   $ 17,042   $ 16,798   $ 16,688   $ 33,840   $ 32,531  
  Investment securities  
    Taxable    686    626    540    1,312    1,053  
    Exempt from federal income tax    267    270    241    537    489  
    Short term investments    269    311    76    580    187  


Total interest income    18,264    18,005    17,545    36,269    34,260  
   
Interest expense:  
  Deposits    6,589    6,507    5,463    13,096    10,407  
  Notes payable and other borrowing    2,001    1,977    1,957    3,978    3,786  


Total interest expense    8,590    8,484    7,420    17,074    14,193  
   
Net interest income    9,674    9,521    10,125    19,195    20,067  
Provision for loan losses    739    (721 )  200    18    385  


Net interest income after provision for loan losses    8,935    10,242    9,925    19,177    19,682  
   
Noninterest income:  
  Gain on sale of mortgage loans    375    324    362    699    610  
  Service charges on deposit accounts    994    944    1,016    1,938    1,938  
  Gain (loss) on sale of securities    0    (130 )  1    (130 )  7  
  Mortgage servicing    130    145    120    275    204  
  Other    895    949    1,499    1,844    2,522  


Total noninterest income    2,394    2,232    2,998    4,626    5,281  
   
Noninterest expense:  
  Salaries and employee benefits    4,827    4,730    4,627    9,557    9,185  
  Occupancy and equipment    1,326    1,351    1,231    2,677    2,503  
  Amortization of intangibles    436    161    168    597    336  
  FDIC insurance premium    25    24    25    49    53  
  Other    2,354    2,429    2,693    4,783    5,159  


Total noninterest expense    8,968    8,695    8,744    17,663    17,236  
   
Income before federal income taxes    2,361    3,779    4,179    6,140    7,727  
Federal income taxes    614    1,121    1,280    1,735    2,404  


Net Income   $ 1,747   $ 2,658   $ 2,899   $ 4,405   $ 5,323  


   
Fully Tax Equivalent Net Interest Income   $ 9,855   $ 9,698   $ 10,290   $ 19,553   $ 20,374  
   
Per Share Data:  
  Basic Earnings   $ 0.27   $ 0.41   $ 0.44   $ 0.68   $ 0.81  
  Diluted Earnings   $ 0.27   $ 0.41   $ 0.44   $ 0.68   $ 0.81  
  Dividends Paid   $ 0.225   $ 0.225   $ 0.214   $ 0.450   $ 0.424  
   
Performance Ratios:  
  Return on Average Assets*    0.65 %  1.01 %  1.10 %  0.83 %  1.03 %
  Return on Average Equity*    7.2 %  11.4 %  12.3 %  9.3 %  11.6 %
  Net Interest Margin (FTE) *    3.91 %  3.90 %  4.21 %  3.90 %  4.20 %
  Book Value Per Share+   $ 15.15   $ 15.05   $ 14.52   $ 15.15   $ 14.52  
  Average Equity/Average Assets    9.0 %  8.9 %  8.9 %  8.9 %  8.9 %
  Net Charge-offs   $ 319   $ 164   $ 141   $ 483   $ 323  
  Net Charge-offs as a % of Average Loans^*    0.14 %  0.07 %  0.06 %  0.11 %  0.07 %

* Annualized
+ Period End
^ Total loans less loans held for sale