United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
   SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
   
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
      For the transition period from __________to                .

 

Commission File Number: 000-30497

 

(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 

 

Tennessee   62-1173944
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
835 Georgia Avenue Chattanooga, Tennessee   37402
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
     
423-385-3000   Not Applicable
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)   (Former name, former address and former fiscal
    year, if changes since last report)

 

 

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 has 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

 

As of November 7, 2013 there were 6,547,074 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, issued and outstanding.

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I –FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited) 4
   
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 29
   
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 38
   
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 38
   
   
   
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 39
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors 39
   
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 39
   
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 39
   
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 39
   
Item 5. Other Information 39
   
Item 6. Exhibits 39

 

2
 

   

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (“Cornerstone”) may from time to time make written or oral statements, including statements contained in this report (including, without limitation, certain statements in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2), that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “consider,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “should,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but other statements may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements should be considered subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s belief as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Cornerstone’s actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. Such factors include, without limitation, those specifically described in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, as well as the following:  (i) the possibility that our asset quality would decline or if we experience greater loan losses than anticipated, (ii) increased levels of other real estate, primarily as a result of foreclosures, (iii) the impact of liquidity needs on our results of operations and financial condition, (iv) competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers, (v) economic conditions in the local markets where we operate, (vi) the impact of obtaining regulatory approval prior to the payment of dividends, (vii) the impact of our Series A Preferred Stock on net income available to holders of our Common Stock and earnings per common share, (viii) the impact of negative developments in the financial industry and U.S. and global capital and credit markets, (ix) the possibility that recently enacted legislation will continue to stabilize the U.S. financial system, (x) the relatively greater credit risk of residential construction and land development loans in our loan portfolio, (xi) adverse impact on operations and financial condition due to changes in interest rates, (xii) our ability to obtain additional capital and, if obtained, the possible significant dilution to current shareholders, (xiii) the impact of recently enacted legislation on our business, (xiv) the impact of federal and state regulations on our operations and financial performance, (xv) whether a significant deferred tax asset we have can be fully realized, (xvi) our ability to retain the services of key personnel, (xvii) the impact of Tennessee’s anti-takeover statutes and certain charter provisions on potential acquisitions of the holding company, and (xviii) our ability to adapt to technological changes. Many of such factors are beyond Cornerstone’s ability to control or predict, and readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Cornerstone does not intend to update or reissue any forward-looking statements contained in this report as a result of new information or other circumstances that may become known to Cornerstone.

   

3
 

 

 

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Balance Sheets

               

 

 

    Unaudited        
    September 30,     December 31,  
ASSETS   2013     2012  
             
Cash and due from banks   $ 2,148,352     $ 3,222,139  
Interest-bearing deposits at other financial institutions     19,106,638       56,173,099  
Total cash and cash equivalents     21,254,990       59,395,238  
                 
Securities available for sale     95,282,416       76,096,646  
Securities held to maturity (fair value                
$37,589 and $46,212 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)     36,620       45,086  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost     2,322,900       2,322,900  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of                
$3,158,766 and $6,141,281 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively     281,021,767       270,850,465  
Bank premises and equipment, net     5,094,668       5,399,340  
Accrued interest receivable     1,221,841       1,213,778  
Foreclosed assets     14,923,933       20,332,313  
Other assets     8,522,148       7,790,634  
     Total assets   $ 429,681,283     $ 443,446,400  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                
                 
Deposits:                
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   $ 54,452,293     $ 60,053,838  
Interest-bearing demand deposits     25,463,874       30,178,624  
Savings deposits and money market accounts     90,665,979       80,994,239  
Time deposits     170,174,142       173,653,892  
Total deposits     340,756,288       344,880,593  
                 
Accrued interest payable     100,129       120,558  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under                
agreements to repurchase     20,508,655       19,587,387  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings     26,740,000       37,175,000  
Other liabilities     1,426,357       794,026  
Total liabilities     389,531,429       402,557,564  
                 
Stockholders' equity:                
Preferred stock - no par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized;                
600,000 shares issued and outstanding                
in 2013 and 2012     14,875,081       14,821,546  
Common stock - $1.00 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;                
6,709,199 shares issued in 2013 and 2012;                
6,547,074 and 6,500,396 shares outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively     6,547,074       6,500,396  
Additional paid-in capital     21,517,620       21,390,486  
Accumulated deficit     (3,110,707 )     (3,274,986 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income     320,786       1,451,394  
Total stockholders' equity     40,149,854       40,888,836  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 429,681,283     $ 443,446,400  
                 

 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

4
 

 

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

    Unaudited     Unaudited  
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2013     2012     2013     2012  
INTEREST INCOME                        
Loans, including fees   $ 4,293,583     $ 4,241,492     $ 12,514,688     $ 12,571,193  
Investment securities     457,299       478,172       1,379,322       1,563,433  
Federal funds sold & other earning assets     9,510       15,647       45,515       44,075  
Total interest income     4,760,392       4,735,311       13,939,525       14,178,701  
                                 
INTEREST EXPENSE                                
Time deposits     445,397       612,286       1,365,993       1,946,341  
Other deposits     117,327       144,157       386,791       398,859  
Federal funds purchased and securities                                
    sold under agreements to repurchase     21,435       21,889       56,258       77,193  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings     284,882       394,066       941,269       1,281,010  
Total interest expense     869,041       1,172,398       2,750,311       3,703,403  
                                 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses     3,891,351       3,562,913       11,189,214       10,475,298  
Provision for loan losses     -       100,000       300,000       100,000  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses     3,891,351       3,462,913       10,889,214       10,375,298  
                                 
NONINTEREST INCOME                                
Customer service fees     218,304       197,509       608,087       602,107  
Net gains from sale of securities     -       -       424,971       -  
Net gains from sale of loans and other assets     39,164       48,199       240,746       124,109  
Other noninterest income     12,500       12,944       48,968       51,844  
Total noninterest income     269,968       258,652       1,322,772       778,060  
                                 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE                                
Salaries and employee benefits     1,619,030       1,566,359       4,838,822       4,727,049  
Net occupancy and equipment expense     333,850       354,555       1,011,335       1,038,296  
Depository insurance     161,956       236,927       482,920       682,830  
Foreclosed assets, net     381,847       314,088       1,308,995       945,163  
Other operating expenses     967,888       731,090       2,500,107       2,307,172  
Total noninterest expenses     3,464,571       3,203,019       10,142,179       9,700,510  
                                 
Income before provision for income taxes     696,748       518,546       2,069,807       1,452,848  
Provision for income taxes     268,200       154,300       793,100       421,500  
                                 
Net income     428,548       364,246       1,276,707       1,031,348  
                                 
Preferred stock dividend requirements     375,000       308,893       1,125,000       854,780  
Accretion on preferred stock discount     17,845       16,370       53,535       46,079  
                                 
Net income available to common shareholders   $ 35,703     $ 38,983     $ 98,172     $ 130,489  
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE                                
Basic   $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.02  
Diluted   $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.02  
                                 
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                 

 

 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

5
 

 

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary      

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income      

 

 

    Unaudited  
    Three Months Ended  
    September 30  
    2013     2012  
Net income   $ 428,548     $ 364,246  
                 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                
     Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period, net of tax benefit                
        (expense) of $104,336 and ($67,898) in 2013 and 2012, respectively     (170,234 )     110,781  
                 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income     (170,234 )     110,781  
                 
Comprehensive income   $ 258,314     $ 475,027  
                 

 

    Unaudited  
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30  
    2013     2012  
Net income   $ 1,276,707     $ 1,031,348  
                 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                
     Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period, net of tax benefit                
        (expense) of $531,464 and ($189,051) in 2013 and 2012, respectively     (867,126 )     308,452  
                 
     Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax expense                
         of $161,489 in 2013     (263,482 )     -  
                 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income     (1,130,608 )     308,452  
                 
Comprehensive income   $ 146,099     $ 1,339,800  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

6
 

 

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Unaudited

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013

 

 

 

                            Accumulated        
                Additional           Other     Total  
    Preferred     Common     Paid-in     Accumulated     Comprehensive     Stockholders'  
    Stock     Stock     Capital     Deficit     Income     Equity  
                                     
BALANCE, December 31, 2012   $ 14,821,546     $ 6,500,396     $ 21,390,486     $ (3,274,986 )   $ 1,451,394     $ 40,888,836  
                                                 
   Stock compensation expense     -       -       96,793       -       -       96,793  
                                                 
   Issuance of common stock, 46,678 shares     -       46,678       30,341       -       -       77,019  
                                                 
   Preferred stock dividends     -       -       -       (1,058,893 )     -       (1,058,893 )
                                                 
   Accretion on preferred stock     53,535       -       -       (53,535 )     -       -  
                                                 
   Net income     -       -       -       1,276,707       -       1,276,707  
                                                 
   Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available                                                
     for sale, net of reclassification adjustment and taxes     -       -       -       -       (1,130,608 )     (1,130,608 )
                                                 
                                                 
BALANCE, September 30, 2013   $ 14,875,081     $ 6,547,074     $ 21,517,620     $ (3,110,707 )   $ 320,786     $ 40,149,854  

  

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

7
 

   

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

    Unaudited  
    Nine months ended September 30,  
    2013     2012  
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income   $ 1,276,707     $ 1,031,348  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                
   provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     295,836       418,721  
Provision for loan losses     300,000       100,000  
Stock compensation expense     96,793       55,536  
Gains on sale of securities     (424,971 )     -  
Net (gains) losses on sales of loans and other assets     (240,746 )     (124,109 )
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accrued interest receivable     (8,063 )     (24,021 )
    Accrued interest payable     (20,429 )     25,378  
    Other assets and liabilities     1,509,377       2,469,965  
Net cash provided by operating activities     2,784,504       3,952,818  
                 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                
Proceeds from security transactions:                
    Securities available for sale     29,187,978       30,392,105  
    Securities held to maturity     8,354       16,904  
Purchase of securities available for sale     (49,745,656 )     (26,098,797 )
Loan originations and principal collections, net     (11,836,658 )     (15,547,286 )
Purchase of bank premises and equipment     (17,734 )     (101,036 )
Proceeds from sale of other real estate and other assets     6,098,875       2,769,712  
Net cash used in investing activities     (26,304,841 )     (8,568,398 )
                 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                
Net (decrease) / increase in deposits     (4,124,305 )     14,921,054  
Net increase / (decrease)  in federal funds purchased and                
    securities sold under agreements to repurchase     921,268       (10,010,775 )
Net payments on Federal Home Loan Bank                
    advances and other borrowings     (10,435,000 )     (5,870,000 )
Payment of dividends on preferred stock     (1,058,893 )     (705,886 )
Issuance of common stock     77,019       -  
Issuance of preferred stock     -       2,230,029  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (14,619,911 )     564,422  
                 
NET (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (38,140,248 )     (4,051,158 )
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,  beginning of period     59,395,238       38,882,691  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period   $ 21,254,990     $ 34,831,533  
                 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION                
      Cash paid during the period for interest   $ 2,770,740     $ 3,678,025  
      Cash paid during the period for taxes     755,820       943,327  
                 
                 
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES                
      Acquisition of real estate through foreclosure   $ 1,604,806     $ 7,399,290  

  

 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

  

8
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 1. Presentation of Financial Information

 

Nature of Business -Cornerstone is a bank holding company whose primary business is performed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cornerstone Community Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank provides a full range of banking services to the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. The Bank has also established a loan production office (“LPO”) in Dalton, Georgia to further enhance the Bank’s lending markets.

 

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)- The financial information in this report for September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 has not been audited. The information included herein should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the 2012 Annual Report to Shareholders which was furnished to each shareholder of Cornerstone in April of 2013. The consolidated financial statements presented herein conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to general industry practices. In the opinion of Cornerstone’s management, the accompanying interim financial statements contain all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial condition, the results of operations, and cash flows for the interim period. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.

 

Use of Estimates -The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include the determination of the allowance for loan losses, foreclosed assets and deferred tax assets.

 

Consolidation -The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cornerstone and the Bank. Substantially all intercompany transactions, profits and balances have been eliminated.

 

Reclassification- Certain amounts in the prior consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net income, total assets or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

 

Accounting Policies -During interim periods, Cornerstone follows the accounting policies set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Since December 31, 2012, there have been no significant changes in any accounting principles or practices, or in the method of applying any such principles or practices, except for the following:

 

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance related to disclosure of reclassification amounts out of other comprehensive income. The standard requires that companies present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The new requirements took effect for public companies in fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2013. The effect of adopting this standard increased our disclosure requirements surrounding reclassification items out of accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

9
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Earnings per Common Share - Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period (denominator). Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders (numerator) by the adjusted weighted average number of shares outstanding (denominator). The adjusted weighted average number of shares outstanding reflects the potential dilution occurring if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock resulting in the issuance of common stock that share in the earnings of the entity.

 

The following is a summary of the basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012.

 

    Three Months Ended September 30,  
Basic earnings per common share calculation:   2013     2012  
Numerator: Net income available to common shareholders   $ 35,703     $ 38,983  
Denominator: Weighted avg. common shares outstanding     6,547,074       6,500,396  
Effect of dilutive stock options     145,508       3,758  
Diluted shares     6,692,582       6,504,154  
                 
Basic earnings per common share   $ 0.01     $ 0.01  
Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.01     $ 0.01  

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
Basic earnings per common share calculation:   2013     2012  
Numerator: Net income available to common shareholders   $ 98,172     $ 130,489  
Denominator: Weighted avg. common shares outstanding     6,547,074       6,500,396  
Effect of dilutive stock options     127,453       59,090  
Diluted shares     6,674,527       6,559,486  
                 
Basic earnings per common share   $ 0.01     $ 0.02  
Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.01     $ 0.02  

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, potential common shares of 503,075 were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the assumed exercise of such shares would be anti-dilutive. 

 

Note 2. Stock Based Compensation

 

Accounting Policies- Cornerstone, as required by FASB, applies the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Compensation –Stock Compensation . As a result, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the compensation cost charged to earnings related to the vested incentive stock options was approximately $97,000, which had no material impact on earnings per share.

 

Officer and Employee Plans -Cornerstone has two stock option plans under which officers and employees can be granted incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options to purchase a total of up to 1,420,000 shares of Cornerstone’s common stock. The exercise price for incentive stock options must be not less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The exercise price of the non-qualified stock options may be equal to or more or less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The incentive stock options vest 30 percent on the second anniversary of the grant date, 60 percent on the third anniversary of the grant date and 100 percent on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, and the non-qualified stock options vest 50 percent on the first anniversary of the grant date and 100 percent on the second anniversary of the grant date. The options expire ten years from the grant date. At September 30, 2013, the total remaining compensation cost to be recognized on non-vested options is approximately $519,000. A summary of the status of these stock option plans is presented in the following table:

 

10
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

                Weighted-      
                Average      
          Weighted     Contractual      
          Average     Remaining   Aggregate  
          Exercisable     Term   Intrinsic  
    Number     Price     (in years)   Value  
Outstanding at December 31, 2012     670,300     $ 3.86        6.2 Years   $ 232,900  
      Granted     203,000       2.37        9.4 Years        
      Exercised     -       -              
      Forfeited     (57,475 )     (3.51 )            
Outstanding at September 30, 2013     815,825     $ 3.51        6.8 Years   $ 207,030  
Options exercisable at September 30, 2013     305,525     $ 6.13              

 

 

Board of Directors Plan -Cornerstone has a stock option plan under which members of the Board of Directors, at the formation of the Bank, were granted options to purchase a total of up to 600,000 shares of the Bank's common stock. On October 15, 1997, the Bank stock options were converted to Cornerstone stock options. Only non-qualified stock options may be granted under the plan. The exercise price of each option equals the market price of Cornerstone’s stock on the date of grant and the maximum term is ten years. Vesting is 50 percent on the first anniversary of the grant date and 100 percent on the second anniversary of the grant date. At September 30, 2013, the total remaining compensation cost to be recognized on non-vested options is approximately $97,000. A summary of the status of this stock option plan is presented in the following table:

 

                Weighted-      
                Average      
          Weighted     Contractual      
          Average     Remaining   Aggregate  
          Exercisable     Term   Intrinsic  
    Number     Price     (in years)   Value  
Outstanding at December 31, 2012     145,250     $ 3.30     7.2 Years   $ 57,600  
      Granted     45,000       2.37     9.4 Years        
      Exercised     -       -              
      Forfeited     -       -              
Outstanding at September 30, 2013     190,250     $ 3.08     7.1 Years   $ 52,200  
Options exercisable at September 30, 2013     100,250     $ 4.04              

 

 

The weighted average grant date fair value of all stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.17. This was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

Dividend yield     0.0 %
Expected life     7.0 Years  
Expected volatility     47.60 %
Risk-free interest rate     1.23 %

 

11
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 3. Securities

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:

 

    September 30, 2013  
          Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
Debt securities available for sale:   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
    U.S. Government agencies   $ 3,479,680     $ 48,665     $ -     $ 3,528,345  
                                 
    State and municipal securities     17,065,923       683,599       (55,166 )     17,694,356  
                                 
    Mortgage-backed securities:                                
        Residential mortgage loans                                
            guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA     7,797,244       106,280       -       7,903,524  
                                 
         Collateralized mortgage                                
            obligations issued or                                
            guaranteed by U.S.                                
            Government agencies or                                
            sponsored agencies     66,403,939       53,727       (301,475 )     66,156,191  
                                 
    $ 94,746,786     $ 892,271     $ (356,641 )   $ 95,282,416  
                                 
Debt securities held to maturity:                                
      Mortgage-backed securities:                                
            Residential mortgage loans                                
                guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA   $ 36,620     $ 969     $ -     $ 37,589  

 

12
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

    December 31, 2012  
          Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
Debt securities available for sale:   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
    U.S. Government agencies   $ 3,961,956     $ 56,195     $ -     $ 4,018,151  
                                 
    State and municipal securities     21,531,727       2,101,590       -       23,633,317  
                                 
    Mortgage-backed securities:                                
        Residential mortgage loans                                
            guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA     9,092,205       132,038       (1,824 )     9,222,419  
                                 
         Collateralized mortgage                                
            obligations issued or                                
            guaranteed by U.S.                                
            Government agencies or                                
            sponsored agencies     39,151,568       86,099       (14,908 )     39,222,759  
                                 
    $ 73,737,456     $ 2,375,922     $ (16,732 )   $ 76,096,646  
                                 
Debt securities held to maturity:                                
      Mortgage-backed securities:                                
            Residential mortgage loans                                
               guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA   $ 45,086     $ 1,341     $ (8 )   $ 46,212  

 

At September 30, 2013, securities with a fair value totaling approximately $73 million were pledged to secure public funds, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, as collateral for federal funds purchased from other financial institutions and serve as collateral for borrowings at the Federal Reserve Discount Window.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, there were no available for sale securities sold. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were available for sale securities sold with proceeds totaling $5,328,170 which resulted in gross gains realized of $424,971. There were no securities sales during 2012.

 

The amortized cost and estimated market value of securities at September 30, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. 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.

 

    Securities Available for Sale     Securities Held to Maturity  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
Due in one year or less   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Due from one year to five years     1,267,124       1,338,576       -       -  
Due from five years to ten years     6,310,901       6,648,634       -       -  
Due after ten years     12,967,578       13,235,491       -       -  
    $ 20,545,603     $ 21,222,701     $ -     $ -  
                                 
                                 
Mortgage-backed securities     74,201,183       74,059,715       36,620       37,589  
                                 
    $ 94,746,786     $ 95,282,416     $ 36,620     $ 37,589  

 

13
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities available for sale have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of September 30, 2013 and as of December 31, 2012:

 

    As of September 30, 2013  
    Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater     Total  
          Gross           Gross           Gross  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
                                                 
State and municipal securities   $ 1,138,535     $ (40,736 )   $ 554,465     $ (14,430 )   $ 1,693,000     $ (55,166 )

 

 

                                     
Mortgage-backed securities                                    
Collateralized mortgage                                    
obligations issued or                                    
guaranteed by U.S.                                    
Government agencies                                    
or sponsored agencies     48,435,866       (278,248 )     9,042,662       (23,227 )     57,478,528       (301,475 )
    $ 49,574,401     $ (318,984 )   $ 9,597,127     $ (37,657 )   $ 59,171,528     $ (356,641 )
                                                 

 

    As of December 31, 2012  
    Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater     Total  
          Gross           Gross           Gross  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
Mortgage-backed securities:                                    
Residential mortgage loans                                    
guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA   $ 667,325     $ (1,824 )   $ -     $ -     $ 667,325     $ (1,824 )
                                                 
Collateralized mortgage                                                
obligations issued or                                                
guaranteed by U.S.                                                
Government agencies                                                
or sponsored agencies     22,514,641       (14,908 )     -       -       22,514,641       (14,908 )
    $ 23,181,966     $ (16,732 )   $ -     $ -     $ 23,181,966     $ (16,732 )

 

 

14
 

  

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Upon acquisition of a security, the Bank determines the appropriate impairment model that is applicable.  If the security is a beneficial interest in securitized financial assets, the Bank uses the beneficial interests in securitized financial assets impairment model.  If the security is not a beneficial interest in securitized financial assets, the Bank uses the debt and equity securities impairment model.  The Bank conducts periodic reviews to evaluate each security to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.  The Bank does not have any securities that have been classified as other-than-temporarily-impaired at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

 

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the significant categories of temporarily impaired securities and management’s evaluation of those securities are as follows:

 

State and municipal securities: At September 30, 2013, three investments in obligations of state and municipal securities had unrealized losses. The Bank believes the unrealized losses on those investments were caused by the interest rate environment and does not relate to the underlying credit quality of the issuers. Because the Bank has the intent and ability to hold those investments for a time necessary to recover their amortized cost bases, which may be until maturity, the Bank does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2013.

 

Mortgage-backed securities: At September 30, 2013, eighteen investments in residential mortgage-backed securities had unrealized losses.  This impairment is believed to be caused by the current interest rate environment.  The contractual cash flows of those investments are guaranteed or issued by an agency of the U.S. Government.  Because the decline in market value is attributable to the current interest rate environment and not credit quality, and because the Bank does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that the Bank will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity, the Bank does not deem those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2013.

 

 

Note 4. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, loans are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

    September 30,           December 31,        
    2013     Percent     2012     Percent  
Commercial real estate-mortgage:                        
    Owner-occupied   $ 66,143       23.28 %   $ 58,425       21.09 %
    All other     66,721       23.48 %     66,747       24.10 %
Consumer real estate-mortgage     69,911       24.60 %     71,195       25.70 %
Construction and land development     38,970       13.71 %     38,557       13.92 %
Commercial and industrial     39,782       14.00 %     40,140       14.49 %
Consumer and other     2,654       0.93 %     1,927       0.70 %
Total loans     284,181       100.00 %     276,991       100.00 %
Less: Allowance for loan losses     (3,159 )             (6,141 )        
                                 
Loans, net   $ 281,022             $ 270,850          

 

 

Cornerstone follows the loan impairment accounting guidance in ASC Topic 310. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that Cornerstone will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Impaired loans include nonperforming loans and loans modified in troubled debt restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could include a reduction in interest rates, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collections.

 

15
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

The composition of loans by loan classification for impaired and performing loan status at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, is summarized in the tables below (amounts in thousands):

 

September 30, 2013   Commercial     Consumer     Construction     Commercial              
    Real Estate-     Real Estate-     and Land     and     Consumer        
    Mortgage     Mortgage     Development     Industrial     and Other     Total  
Performing loans   $ 125,418     $ 66,950     $ 38,712     $ 38,027     $ 2,654     $ 271,761  
Impaired loans     7,446       2,961       258       1,755       -       12,420  
Total   $ 132,864     $ 69,911     $ 38,970     $ 39,782     $ 2,654     $ 284,181  
                                                 

 

December 31, 2012   Commercial     Consumer     Construction     Commercial              
    Real Estate-     Real Estate-     and Land     and     Consumer        
    Mortgage     Mortgage     Development     Industrial     and Other     Total  
Performing loans   $ 115,959     $ 69,329     $ 37,607     $ 36,980     $ 1,927     $ 261,802  
Impaired loans     9,213       1,866       950       3,160                  - .       15,189  
Total   $ 125,172     $ 71,195     $ 38,557     $ 40,140     $ 1,927     $ 276,991  

 

 

The following tables show the allowance for loan losses allocation by loan classification for impaired and performing loans as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands):

 

September 30, 2013   Commercial     Consumer     Construction     Commercial              
    Real Estate-     Real Estate-     and Land     and     Consumer        
Allowance related to:   Mortgage     Mortgage     Development     Industrial     and Other     Total  
Performing loans   $ 784     $ 922     $ 339     $ 196     $ 20     $ 2,261  
Impaired loans     682       134       -       82       -       898  
Total   $ 1,466     $ 1,056     $ 339     $ 278     $ 20     $ 3,159  

 

 

December 31, 2012   Commercial     Consumer     Construction     Commercial              
    Real Estate-     Real Estate-     and Land     and     Consumer        
Allowance related to:   Mortgage     Mortgage     Development     Industrial     and Other     Total  
Performing loans   $ 319     $ 952     $ 781     $ 29     $ 14     $ 2,095  
Impaired loans     2,230       576       460       780       -       4,046  
Total   $ 2,549     $ 1,528     $ 1,241     $ 809     $ 14     $ 6,141  

 

 

The following tables detail the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the nine month period ending September 30, 2013 and year ending December 31, 2012, by loan classification (amounts in thousands):

 

September 30, 2013   Commercial     Consumer     Construction     Commercial              
    Real Estate-     Real Estate-     and Land     and     Consumer        
    Mortgage     Mortgage     Development     Industrial     and Other     Total  
Beginning balance   $ 2,549     $ 1,528     $ 1,241     $ 809     $ 14     $ 6,141  
   Charged-off loans     (1,874 )     (688 )     (1,185 )     (694 )     (19 )     (4,460 )
   Recovery of charge-offs     61       224       810       80       3       1,178  
   Provision for
   (reallocation of) loan losses
    730       (8 )     (527 )     83       22       300  
Ending balance   $ 1,466     $ 1,056     $ 339     $ 278     $ 20     $ 3,159  

 

 

16
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

December 31, 2012   Commercial     Consumer     Construction     Commercial              
    Real Estate-     Real Estate-     and Land     and     Consumer        
    Mortgage     Mortgage     Development     Industrial     and Other     Total  
Beginning balance   $ 3,557     $ 2,518     $ 827     $ 482     $ 16     $ 7,400  
   Charged-off loans     (958 )     (1,022 )     (782 )     (74 )     (33 )     (2,869 )
   Recovery of charge-offs     838       36       145       144       17       1,180  
   Provision for
   (reallocation of) loan losses
    (888 )     (4 )     1,051       257       14       430  
Ending balance   $ 2,549     $ 1,528     $ 1,241     $ 809     $ 14     $ 6,141  

 

Credit quality indicators:

 

Federal regulations require the Bank to review and classify its assets on a regular basis. To fulfill this requirement, the Bank systematically reviews its loan portfolio to ensure the Bank’s large loan relationships are being maintained within its loan policy guidelines, remains properly underwritten and is properly classified by loan grade. This review process is performed by the Bank's management, loan review, internal auditors and state and federal regulators.

 

The Bank’s loan grading process is as follows:

 

§ All loans are assigned a loan grade at the time of origination by the relationship manager. Typically, a loan is assigned a loan grade of “pass” at origination.

 

§ Loan relationships greater than or equal to $500 thousand are reviewed by the Bank’s external loan review provider on an annual basis.

 

§ The Bank’s internal loan review department samples approximately 33 percent of all other loan relationships less than $500 thousand on an annual basis for review.

 

§ If a loan is delinquent 60 days or more or a pattern of delinquency exists, the loan will be selected for review.

 

§ Generally, all loans on the Bank’s internal watchlist are reviewed annually by internal loan review or external loan review providers.

 

If a loan is classified as a problem asset, it will be assigned one of the following loan grades: substandard, substandard-impaired, doubtful, and loss. “Substandard assets” must have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. “Doubtful assets” have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss. An asset classified “loss” is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset of the institution is not warranted. The regulations also provide for a “special mention” category, described as assets which do not currently expose an institution to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification but do possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving close attention. When the Bank classifies an asset as substandard or doubtful, a specific allowance for loan losses may be established.

 

17
 

  

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following tables outline the amount of each loan classification and the amount categorized into each risk rating as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands):

 

 

September 30, 2013   Commercial     Consumer     Construction     Commercial              
    Real Estate-     Real Estate-     and Land     and     Consumer        
    Mortgage     Mortgage     Development     Industrial     and Other     Total  
Pass   $ 120,812     $ 58,536     $ 38,027     $ 33,456     $ 2,654     $ 253,485  
Special mention     4,209       5,377       95       4,105       -       13,786  
Substandard     397       3,037       590       466       -       4,490  
Substandard-impaired     7,164       2,961       258       1,755       -       12,138  
Doubtful-impaired     282       -       -       -       -       282  
    $ 132,864     $ 69,911     $ 38,970     $ 39,782     $ 2,654     $ 284,181  

 

December 31, 2012   Commercial     Consumer     Construction     Commercial              
    Real Estate-     Real Estate-     and Land     and     Consumer        
    Mortgage     Mortgage     Development     Industrial     and Other     Total  
Pass   $ 111,313     $ 57,959     $ 36,802     $ 36,482     $ 1,904     $ 244,460  
Special mention     4,145       8,401       198       330       18       13,092  
Substandard     501       2,969       607       168       5       4,250  
Substandard-impaired     9,213       1,866       950       3,160       -       15,189  
    $ 125,172     $ 71,195     $ 38,557     $ 40,140     $ 1,927     $ 276,991  

 

After the Bank’s independent loan review department completes the loan grade assignment, a loan impairment analysis is performed on loans graded substandard or worse. The following tables present summary information pertaining to impaired loans by loan classification as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

                      For the quarter ended  
    At September 30, 2013     September 30, 2013  
          Unpaid           Average     Interest  
    Recorded     Principal     Related     Recorded     Income  
    Investment     Balance     Allowance     Investment     Recognized  
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:                              
Commercial real estate – mortgage   $ 4,578     $ 4,797     $ -     $ 4,683     $ 183  
Consumer real estate – mortgage     2,066       2,066       -       1,854       73  
Construction and land development     258       271       -       349       11  
Commercial and industrial     1,353       1,396       -       1,875       31  
Total   $ 8,255     $ 8,530     $ -     $ 8,761     $ 298  
                                         
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:                                        
Commercial real estate – mortgage   $ 2,868     $ 2,943     $ 682     $ 4,670     $ 126  
Consumer real estate – mortgage     895       895       134       1,110       49  
Construction and land development     -       -       -       296       -  
Commercial and industrial     402       402       82       740       38  
Total   $ 4,165     $ 4,240     $ 898     $ 6,816     $ 213  
                                         
Total impaired loans   $ 12,420     $ 12,770     $ 898     $ 15,577     $ 511  

 

18
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

                      For the year ended  
    At December 31, 2012     December 31, 2012  
          Unpaid           Average     Interest  
    Recorded     Principal     Related     Recorded     Income  
    Investment     Balance     Allowance     Investment     Recognized  
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:                              
Commercial real estate – mortgage   $ 3,406     $ 3,453     $ -     $ 4,389     $ 180  
Consumer real estate – mortgage     513       540       -       1,538       52  
Construction and land development     244       251       -       358       19  
Commercial and industrial     2,111       2,155       -       2,277       55  
Total   $ 6,274     $ 6,399     $ -     $ 8,562     $ 306  
                                         
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:                                        
Commercial real estate – mortgage   $ 5,807     $ 5,848     $ 2,230     $ 6,616     $ 215  
Consumer real estate – mortgage     1,353       1,353       576       2,606       61  
Construction and land development     706       706       460       642       49  
Commercial and industrial     1,049       1,049       780       700       132  
Total   $ 8,915     $ 8,956     $ 4,046     $ 10,564     $ 457  
                                         
Total impaired loans   $ 15,189     $ 15,355     $ 4,046     $ 19,126     $ 763  

 

 

The following tables present an aged analysis of past due loans as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2013   30-89 Days     Past Due 90                          
    Past Due and     Days or More           Total     Current     Total  
    Accruing     and Accruing     Nonaccrual     Past Due     Loans     Loans  
Commercial real estate-mortgage:                                    
     Owner-occupied   $ 431     $ -     $ 494     $ 925     $ 65,218     $ 66,143  
     All other     -       -       924       924       65,797       66,721  
Consumer real estate-mortgage     712       -       964       1,676       68,235       69,911  
Construction and land development     48       -       22       70       38,900       38,970  
Commercial and industrial     552       -       1,692       2,244       37,538       39,782  
Consumer and other     2       -       -       2       2,652       2,654  
Total   $ 1,745     $ -     $ 4,096     $ 5,841     $ 278,340     $ 284,181  

 

 

December 31, 2012   30-89 Days     Past Due 90                          
    Past Due and     Days or More           Total     Current     Total  
    Accruing     and Accruing     Nonaccrual     Past Due     Loans     Loans  
Commercial real estate-mortgage:                                    
     Owner-occupied   $ 2,738     $ -     $ 956     $ 3,694     $ 54,731     $ 58,425  
     All other     636       -       1,913       2,549       64,198       66,747  
Consumer real estate-mortgage     1,858       -       616       2,474       68,721       71,195  
Construction and land development     100       -       53       153       38,404       38,557  
Commercial and industrial     1,227       -       2,467       3,694       36,446       40,140  
Consumer and other     35       -       -       35       1,892       1,927  
Total   $ 6,594     $ -     $ 6,005     $ 12,599     $ 264,392     $ 276,991  

 

19
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Impaired loans also include loans that the Bank has elected to formally restructure when, due to the weakening credit status of a borrower, the restructuring may facilitate a repayment plan that seeks to minimize the potential losses that the Bank may have to otherwise incur. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Bank has loans of approximately $6,119,000 and $9,403,000, respectively, that were modified for troubled debt restructuring. Troubled commercial loans are restructured by specialists within our Special Asset department and all restructurings are approved by committees and credit officers separate and apart from the normal loan approval process. These specialists are trained to reduce the Bank’s overall risk and exposure to loss in the event of a restructuring through obtaining either or all of the following: improved documentation, additional guaranties, increase in curtailments, reduction in collateral terms, additional collateral or other similar strategies.

 

The following tables present a summary of loans that were modified as troubled debt restructurings during the nine month periods ending September 30, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):

 

September 30, 2013       Pre-Modification     Post-Modification  
        Outstanding
Recorded
    Outstanding
Recorded
 
    Number of Contracts   Investment     Investment  
                 
Commercial real estate-mortgage   2   $ 2,073     $ 2,073  
Consumer real estate-mortgage   1     66       66  
Construction and land development   3     898       898  
Commercial and industrial   3     2,389       2,389  

 

 
September 30, 2012       Pre-Modification     Post-Modification  
        Outstanding
Recorded
    Outstanding
Recorded
 
    Number of Contracts   Investment     Investment  
Commercial real estate-mortgage   2   $ 4,233     $ 4,233  
Consumer real estate-mortgage   1     65       65  
Construction and land development   3     1,178       1,178  
Commercial and industrial   4     2,408       2,408  

 

There were no loans that were modified as troubled debt restructurings during the past twelve months and for which there was a subsequent payment default.

 

 

Note 5. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements - In the normal course of business, the Bank has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments which include commitments to extend credit (i.e., including unfunded lines of credit) and standby letters of credit. Commitments to extend credit are usually the result of lines of credit granted to existing borrowers under agreements that the total outstanding indebtedness will not exceed a specific amount during the term of the indebtedness. Typical borrowers are commercial concerns that use lines of credit to supplement their treasury management functions; thus their total outstanding indebtedness may fluctuate during any time period based on the seasonality of their business and the resultant timing of their cash flows. Other typical lines of credit are related to home equity loans granted to consumers. Commitments to extend credit generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.

 

20
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Standby letters of credit are generally issued on behalf of an applicant (our customer) to a specifically named beneficiary and are the result of a particular business arrangement that exists between the applicant and the beneficiary. Standby letters of credit have fixed expiration dates and are usually for terms of two years or less unless terminated beforehand due to criteria specified in the standby letter of credit. A typical arrangement involves the applicant routinely being indebted to the beneficiary for such items as inventory purchases, insurance, utilities, lease guarantees or other third party

commercial transactions. The standby letter of credit would permit the beneficiary to obtain payment from the Bank under certain prescribed circumstances. Subsequently, the Bank would seek reimbursement from the applicant pursuant to the terms of the standby letter of credit.

     

The Bank follows the same credit policies and underwriting practices when making these commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Each customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the amount of collateral obtained, if any, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include cash, real estate and improvements, marketable securities, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and personal property.

 

The contractual amounts of these commitments are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements and would only be reflected if drawn upon. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the contractual amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. However, should the commitments be drawn upon and should customers default on their resulting obligation to, the Bank’s maximum exposure to credit loss, without consideration of collateral, is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.

 

A summary of the Bank’s total contractual amount for all off-balance sheet commitments at September 30, 2013 is as follows:

 

Commitments to extend credit $34.1 million
Standby letters of credit $392.2 thousand

 

Various legal claims also arise from time to time in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the resolution of claims outstanding at September 30, 2013 will not have a material effect on Cornerstone’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 6. Fair Value Disclosures

 

Fair Value Measurements:

 

Cornerstone uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. In accordance with the “ Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure ” ASC Topic 820, the fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

 

ASC Topic 820 provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

 

ASC Topic 820 also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, as follows:

 

21
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Cornerstone has the ability to access

 

Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by Cornerstone in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair values based on the short-term nature of the assets.

Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Securities:

 

Fair values are estimated using pricing models and discounted cash flows that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, and credit spreads. Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.

 

The carrying value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the Federal Home Loan Bank. Federal Home Loan Bank stock is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Loans:

 

For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for fixed-rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using market interest rates for comparable loans. Generally, Level 3 inputs are utilized for this estimate. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 310, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan . The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using several methods including collateral value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows.

 

Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of collateral. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, Cornerstone records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, Cornerstone records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

 

Cash surrender value of life insurance:

 

The carrying amounts of cash surrender value of life insurance approximate their fair value. The carrying amount is based on information received from the insurance carriers indicating the financial performance of the policies and the amount Cornerstone would receive should the policies be surrendered. Cornerstone reflects these assets within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

22
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Foreclosed assets:

 

Foreclosed assets, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, are initially recorded at fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses on sale and any subsequent adjustment to the fair value are recorded as a component of foreclosed real estate expense. Foreclosed assets are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Deposits:

 

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits, savings deposits, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The carrying amounts of variable-rate, fixed-term certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates on comparable instruments to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits. Generally, Level 3 inputs are utilized in this estimate.

 

Fed funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

 

The carrying amount of these liabilities approximates their estimated fair value. These liabilities are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings:

 

The carrying amounts of FHLB advances and other borrowings approximate their fair value. These liabilities are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Accrued interest:

 

The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value. Accrued interest is included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and lines of credit:

 

The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.

 

23
 

  

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows.

 

          Quoted Prices in     Significant     Significant  
          Active Markets     Other     Other  
    Balance as of     for Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
    September 30,     Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
    2013     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Debt securities available for sale:                        
                         
U.S. Government agencies   $ 3,528,345     $ -     $ 3,528,345     $ -  
State and municipal securities     17,694,356       -       17,694,356       -  
Mortgage-backed securities:                                
  Residential mortgage loans                                
    guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA     7,903,524       -       7,903,524       -  
  Collateralized mortgage                                
     obligations issued or                                
     guaranteed by U.S.                                
     Government agencies or                                
     sponsored agencies     66,156,191       -       66,156,191       -  
                                 
Total securities                                
  available for sale   $ 95,282,416     $ -     $ 95,282,416     $ -  
                                 
                                 
  Cash surrender value of life insurance   $ 1,224,437     $ -     $ 1,224,437     $ -  

 

 

 

          Quoted Prices in     Significant     Significant  
          Active Markets     Other     Other  
    Balance as of     for Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
    December 31,     Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
    2012     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Debt securities available for sale:                        
U.S. Government agencies   $ 4,018,151     $ -     $ 4,018,151     $ -  
State and municipal securities     23,633,317       -       23,633,317       -  
Mortgage-backed securities:                                
Residential mortgage loans                                
guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA     9,222,419       -       9,222,419       -  
Collateralized mortgage                                
obligations issued or                                
guaranteed by U.S.                                
Government agencies or                                
sponsored agencies     39,222,759       -       39,222,759       -  
                                 
Total securities                                
available for sale   $ 76,096,646     $ -     $ 76,096,646     $ -  
                                 
                                 
Cash surrender value of life insurance   $ 1,199,725     $ -     $ 1,199,725     $ -  

 

 

24
 

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Cornerstone has no assets or liabilities whose fair values are measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Additionally, there were no transactions between Level 1 and Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which means the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The tables below present information about assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for which a nonrecurring change in fair value was recorded (amounts in thousands).

 

 

          Quoted Prices in     Significant     Significant  
          Active Markets     Other     Other  
    Balance as of     for Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
    September 30,     Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
    2013     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
                         
Impaired loans   $ 3,267     $ -     $ 3,267     $ -  
Foreclosed assets (OREO & Repossessions)     14,924       -       14,924       -  

 

          Quoted Prices in     Significant     Significant  
          Active Markets     Other     Other  
    Balance as of     for Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
    December 31,     Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
    2012     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
                         
Impaired loans   $ 4,869     $ -     $ 4,869     $ -  
Foreclosed assets (OREO & Repossessions)     20,332       -       20,332       -  

 

Loans include impaired loans held for investment for which an allowance for loan losses has been calculated based upon the fair value of the loans at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

25
 

  

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of Cornerstone's financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

    September 30, 2013     December 31, 2012  
    Carrying     Estimated     Carrying     Estimated  
    Amount     Fair Value     Amount     Fair Value  
Assets:                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 21,255     $ 21,255     $ 59,395     $ 59,395  
    Securities     95,319       95,320       76,142       76,143  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock     2,323       2,323       2,323       2,323  
    Loans, net     281,022       281,403       270,850       271,128  
    Cash surrender value of life insurance     1,224       1,224       1,200       1,200  
    Accrued interest receivable     1,222       1,222       1,214       1,214  
                                 
Liabilities:                                
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     54,452       54,452       60,054       60,054  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits     25,464       25,464       30,179       30,179  
    Savings deposits and money market  accounts     90,666       90,666       80,994       80,994  
    Time deposits     170,174       171,541       173,654       175,177  
    Federal funds purchased and securities                                
        sold under agreements to repurchase     20,509       20,509       19,587       19,587  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances                                
       and other borrowings     26,740       26,740       37,175       37,175  
    Accrued interest payable     100       100       121       121  
                                 
    Unrecognized financial instruments                                
        (net of contract amount):                                
             Commitments to extend credit     -       -       -       -  
             Letters of credit     -       -       -       -  
             Lines of credit     -       -       -       -  

 

26
 

 

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

Net Interest Margin Analysis

Taxable Equivalent Basis

 

 

    Three months ended  
    September 30  
(Amounts in thousands)                                    
Assets   2013     2012  
    Average     Income/     Yield/     Average     Income/     Yield/  
Earning assets:   Balance     Expense     Rate     Balance     Expense     Rate  
Loans*   $ 281,341     $ 4,294       6.05 %   $ 270,109     $ 4,241       6.23 %
Investment securities     104,261       457       1.89 %     91,889       478       2.36 %
Other earning assets     14,937       9       0.24 %     27,460       16       0.23 %
  Total earning assets     400,539     $ 4,760       4.75 %     389,458     $ 4,735       4.89 %
Allowance for loan losses     (3,933 )                     (5,892 )                
Cash and other assets     34,462                       34,878                  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 431,068                     $ 418,443                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                                
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                                
Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 25,388     $ 10       0.16 %   $ 26,357     $ 21       0.32 %
Savings deposits     12,858       7       0.22 %     10,702       10       0.36 %
MMDA's     78,715       100       0.50 %     56,761       114       0.79 %
Time deposits     166,401       445       1.06 %     189,882       612       1.28 %
Federal funds purchased and securities                                                
  sold under agreements to repurchase     25,102       22       0.34 %     19,471       22       0.45 %
Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings     29,012       285       3.90 %     37,336       394       4.19 %
  Total interest-bearing liabilities     337,476       869       1.02 %     340,509       1,173       1.37 %
Net interest spread           $ 3,891       3.73 %           $ 3,562       3.53 %
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     51,727                       40,722                  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     1,483                       (288 )                
Shareholders' equity     40,382                       37,501                  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND                                                
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 431,068                     $ 418,443                  
Net yield on earning assets                     3.89 %                     3.70 %
                                                 
Taxable equivalent adjustment:                                                
  Loans             0                       0          
  Investment securities             39                       69          
          Total adjustment             39                       69          

 

* Loans includes non-accrual loans which yield zero percent.

 

27
 

 

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

Net Interest Margin Analysis

Taxable Equivalent Basis

 

 

    Nine months ended  
    September 30  
(Amounts in thousands)                                    
Assets   2013     2012  
    Average     Income/     Yield/     Average     Income/     Yield/  
Earning assets:   Balance     Expense     Rate     Balance     Expense     Rate  
Loans*   $ 276,606     $ 12,515       6.05 %   $ 266,187     $ 12,571       6.31 %
Investment securities     97,786       1,379       2.10 %     91,827       1,563       2.58 %
Other earning assets     23,232       45       0.26 %     25,535       44       0.23 %
  Total earning assets     397,624     $ 13,939       4.74 %     383,549     $ 14,179       5.02 %
Allowance for loan losses     (5,053 )                     (6,345 )                
Cash and other assets     36,808                       35,968                  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 429,379                     $ 413,172                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                                
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                                
Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 26,477     $ 46       0.23 %   $ 26,526     $ 65       0.33 %
Savings deposits     12,235       22       0.24 %     10,317       29       0.37 %
MMDA's     76,729       319       0.56 %     47,625       305       0.86 %
Time deposits     167,406       1,366       1.09 %     191,378       1,946       1.36 %
Federal funds purchased and securities                                                
  sold under agreements to repurchase     22,330       56       0.34 %     22,309       77       0.46 %
Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings     31,142       941       4.04 %     39,990       1,281       4.28 %
  Total interest-bearing liabilities     336,319       2,750       1.09 %     338,145       3,703       1.46 %
Net interest spread           $ 11,189       3.65 %           $ 10,475       3.55 %
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     50,338                       38,684                  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     1,865                       (163 )                
Shareholders' equity     40,857                       36,507                  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND                                                
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 429,379                     $ 413,172                  
Net yield on earning assets                     3.81 %                     3.73 %
                                                 
Taxable equivalent adjustment:                                                
  Loans             0                       0          
  Investment securities             156                       212          
          Total adjustment             156                       212          

   

* Loans includes non-accrual loans which yield zero percent.

 

28
 

  

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (MD&A) OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Cornerstone is a bank holding company and the parent company of the Bank, a Tennessee banking corporation which operates primarily in and around Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Bank has five full-service banking offices located in Hamilton County, Tennessee, and one loan production office located in Dalton, Georgia. The Bank’s business consists primarily of attracting deposits from the general public and, with these and other funds, originating real estate loans, consumer loans, business loans, and residential and commercial construction loans. The principal sources of income for the Bank are interest and fees collected on loans, fees collected on deposit accounts, and interest and dividends collected on other investments. The principal expenses of the Bank are interest paid on deposits, employee compensation and benefits, office expenses, and other overhead expenses.

 

The following is a discussion of Cornerstone’s financial condition at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The purpose of this discussion is to focus on information about Cornerstone’s financial condition and results of operations which is not otherwise apparent from the consolidated financial statements. The following discussion and analysis should be read along with Cornerstone’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere herein.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Cornerstone’s accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1, Presentation of Financial Information to the consolidated financial statements and are integral to understanding the MD&A. Critical accounting policies include the initial adoption of an accounting policy that has a material impact on our financial presentation as well as accounting estimates reflected in our financial statements that require us to make estimates and assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time. Disclosure about critical estimates is required if different estimates that Cornerstone reasonably could have used in the current period would have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations. The following is a description of our critical accounting policies.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained at levels management deems adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is increased through the provision for loan losses and reduced through loan charge-offs, net of recoveries. The level of the allowance is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, past loan loss experience, underlying estimated values of collateral securing loans, current economic conditions and other factors as well as the level of specific impairments associated with impaired loans. This process involves our analysis of complex internal and external variables and it requires that management exercise judgment to estimate an appropriate allowance.

 

Changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, economic conditions or changes to our estimated risks could require us to significantly decrease or increase the level of the allowance. Such a change could materially impact Cornerstone’s net income as a result of the change in the provision for loan losses. Refer to Notes 1 and 4 in the notes to Cornerstone’s consolidated financial statements for a discussion of Cornerstone’s methodology of establishing the allowance.

 

Estimates of Fair Value

 

Fair value is used on a recurring basis for certain assets and liabilities in which fair value is the primary basis of accounting. Cornerstone’s available for sale securities and cash surrender value of life insurance are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, fair value is used to measure certain assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis. Cornerstone uses fair value on a nonrecurring basis for foreclosed assets and collateral associated with impaired collateral-dependent loans. Fair value is also used in certain impairment valuations, including assessments of goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets.

  

29
 

 

Fair value is the price that could be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Estimating fair value in accordance with applicable accounting guidance requires that Cornerstone make a number of significant judgments. Accounting guidance provides three levels of fair value. Level 1 fair value refers to observable market prices for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 fair value refers to similar assets or liabilities with observable market data. Level 3 fair value refers to assets and liabilities where market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain for similar assets or liabilities. Level 3 valuations require modeling techniques, such as discounted cash flow analyses. These modeling techniques incorporate Cornerstone’s assessments regarding assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability.

 

Changes in fair value could materially impact our financial results. Refer to Note 6, “Fair Value Disclosures,” in the notes to Cornerstone’s consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the methodology in calculating fair value.

 

Income Taxes

 

Cornerstone is subject to various taxing jurisdictions where Cornerstone conducts business. Cornerstone estimates income tax expense based on amounts expected to be owed to these jurisdictions. Cornerstone evaluates the reasonableness of our effective tax rate based on a current estimate of annual net income, tax credits, non-taxable income, non-deductible expenses and applicable statutory tax rates. The estimated income tax expense or benefit is reported in the consolidated statements of income.

 

The accrued tax liability or receivable represents the net estimated amount due or to be received from tax jurisdictions either currently or in the future and are reported in other liabilities or other assets, respectively, in Cornerstone’s consolidated balance sheets. Cornerstone assesses the appropriate tax treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent and other pertinent information and maintains tax accruals consistent with management’s evaluation. Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations by tax authorities and newly enacted statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits of tax positions. These changes, if or when they occur, could impact accrued taxes and future tax expense and could materially affect our financial results.

 

Cornerstone periodically evaluates uncertain tax positions and estimates the appropriate level of tax reserves related to each of these positions. Additionally, Cornerstone evaluates its deferred tax assets for possible valuation allowances based on the amounts expected to be realized. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions and deferred tax assets involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity. Changes in the results of these evaluations could have a material impact on our financial results. Refer to Note 9, “Income Taxes,” in the notes to Cornerstone’s consolidated financial statements set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for more information.

 

Review of Financial Performance

 

As of September 30, 2013, Cornerstone had total consolidated assets of approximately $430 million, total loans of approximately $284 million, total securities of approximately $95 million, total deposits of approximately $341 million and stockholders’ equity of approximately $40 million. Net income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 totaled $428,548 and $1,276,707, respectively.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $428,548 compared to a net income of $364,246 for the same period in 2012. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $1,276,707 compared to a net income of $1,031,348 for the same period in 2012.

 

 

30
 

  

The following table presents our results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 (amounts in thousands).

 

                2013-2012                       2013-2012        
    Three months     Percent     Dollar     Nine months      Percent     Dollar  
    ended September 30,     Increase     Amount     ended September 30,     Increase     Amount  
    2013     2012     (Decrease)     Change     2013     2012     (Decrease)     Change  
Interest income   $ 4,760     $ 4,735       0.53 %   $ 25     $ 13,939     $ 14,178       (1.69 )%   $ (239 )
Interest expense     869       1,172       (25.85 )%     (303 )     2,750       3,703       (25.74 )%     (953 )
Net interest income                                                                
before provision for loan loss     3,891       3,563       9.21 %     328       11,189       10,475       6.82 %     714  
Provision for loan loss     -       100       (100.00 )%     (100 )     300       100       200.00 %     200  
Net interest income after                                                                
provision for loan loss     3,891       3,463       12.36 %     428       10,889       10,375       4.95 %     514  
Total noninterest income     270       258       4.65 %     12       1,323       778       70.05 %     545  
Total noninterest expense     3,464       3,203       8.15 %     261       10,142       9,700       4.56 %     442  
Income before income taxes     697       518       34.56 %     178       2,070       1,453       42.46 %     617  
Provision for income taxes     268       154       74.03 %     114       793       422       87.91 %     371  
Net income   $ 429     $ 364       17.86 %     65     $ 1,277     $ 1,031       23.86 %     246  

  

 

Net Interest Income -Net interest income represents the amount by which interest earned on various earning assets exceeds interest paid on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is also the most significant component of our earnings. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, net interest income before the provision for loan loss increased approximately $328 thousand or 9.21 percent over the same period of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net interest income before the provision for loan loss increased $714 thousand or 6.82 percent.

 

Cornerstone’s interest rate spread on a tax equivalent basis (which is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities) was 3.73 percent compared to 3.53 percent for the three month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The interest rate spread on a tax equivalent basis was 3.65 percent compared to 3.55 percent for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.89 percent and 3.70 percent for the three months ending September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.81 percent and 3.73 percent for the nine months ending September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Significant items related to the changes in net interest income, net interest yields and rates, and net interest margin are presented below:

 

* The Bank’s net interest income before provision for loan loss as of September 30, 2013 has been positively impacted by a reduction in cost of funds. The cost of funds reduction was the result of a decrease in interest rates paid by the Bank and a change in the deposit mix with customers choosing to place deposits in transactional accounts rather than certificates of deposit. The Bank’s cost of funds was approximately $869 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $1.2 million during the same time period in 2012.
   
*    The Bank’s loan portfolio yield decreased to 6.05 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 6.23 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  Management believes the interest rates on loans will continue to decrease as the Bank attempts to increase its outstanding loan balances in a very competitive market.  If management is successful in increasing the amount of outstanding loans, the resulting change in asset mix would increase the Bank’s total interest income.    
   

 

31
 

 

   
   
*   For the three month period ended September 30, 2013, the Bank’s investment portfolio yielded 1.89 percent compared to 2.36 percent for the same time period in 2012.  The decrease in the investment portfolio yield was due to the liquidation of approximately $5 million in municipal securities during the second quarter of 2013 combined with an increase in variable interest rate mortgage-backed securities.
   
*   The Bank’s net interest margin for the three month period ending September 30, 2013 compared to September 30, 2012 increased by 19 basis points.  The Bank was able to achieve this increase primarily due to the decreases in the total interest-bearing liabilities.  Specifically, Cornerstone was able to reduce its Federal Home Loan Bank and borrowings cost from 4.19 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2012 to 3.90 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

Provision for Loan Losses -The provision for loan losses represents a charge to earnings necessary to establish an allowance for loan losses that, in management’s evaluation, should be adequate to provide coverage for the inherent losses on outstanding loans. Based upon management’s evaluation, Cornerstone determined that its allowance for loan losses was adequate and therefore, did not record additional loan loss expense during the third quarter of 2013. For the year, Cornerstone has recorded $300,000 on provision for loan losses.

 

Noninterest Income- Items reported as noninterest income include service charges on checking accounts, insufficient funds charges, automated clearing house (“ACH”) processing fees and the Bank’s secondary mortgage department earnings. Increases in income derived from service charges and ACH fees are primarily a function of the Bank’s growth while fees from the origination of mortgage loans will often reflect market conditions and fluctuate from period to period.

 

The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):

 

          2013-2012           2013-2012  
    Three months ended     Percent     Nine months ended     Percent  
    September 30,     Increase     September 30,     Increase  
    2013     2012     (Decrease)     2013     2012     (Decrease)  
Service charges on deposit accounts   $ 218     $ 197       10.66 %   $ 608     $ 602       1.00 %
Net gains on sale of securities     -       -       -       425       -       N/A  
Net gains on sale of loans and other assets     39       48       (18.75 )%     241       124       94.35 %
Other noninterest income     13       13       0.00 %     49       52       (5.77 )%
Total noninterest income   $ 270     $ 258       4.25 %   $ 1,323     $ 778       70.05 %

 

Significant matters relating to the changes in noninterest income are presented below:

 

*    The Bank has maintained a consistent amount of noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012.  The Bank has been able to increase its deposit account balances since September 30, 2012.  The Bank has only experienced a slight increase in service charges during this time due to a significant reduction in overdraft fees.  
   
*   The Bank realized a $425 thousand security gain on the liquidation of approximately $5 million in municipal bond securities during the second quarter of 2013.  The security gain is the primary increase in noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  

 

32
 

 

Noninterest Expense -Items reported as noninterest expense include salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense, depository insurance, net foreclosed assets expense and other operating expense.

 

The following table presents the components of noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands ).

                         
          2013-2012           2013-2012  
    Three months ended     Percent     Nine months ended     Percent  
    September 30,     Increase     September 30,     Increase  
    2013     2012     (Decrease)     2013     2012     (Decrease)  
Salaries and employee benefits   $ 1,619     $ 1,566       3.38 %   $ 4,839     $ 4,727       2.37 %
Occupancy and equipment expense     334       355       (5.92 )%     1,011       1,038       (2.60 )%
Foreclosed asset expense, net     382       314       21.66 %     1,309       945       38.52 %
FDIC depository insurance     162       237       (31.65 )%     483       683       (29.28 )%
Other operating expense     967       731       32.42 %     2,500       2,307       8.37 %
Total noninterest expense   $ 3,464     $ 3,203       8.18 %   $ 10,142     $ 9,700       4.56 %

 

Significant matters relating to the changes to noninterest expense are presented below:

 

*   Cornerstone’s employee expense increased slightly when comparing both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 to September 30, 2012.  The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the Bank’s employee performance incentive compensation accrual.  Management has elected to maintain consistent salary levels as the Bank continues to improve its earnings.  The incentive compensation is distributed to employees during the fourth quarter of each year if the Bank achieves certain annual performance goals.
   
*   As of September 30, 2013, the Bank had incurred approximately $1.3 million in foreclosed assets expense. The expense consists of asset write-downs based upon current appraisals, carrying cost and losses on the sale of foreclosed assets. Management, in its financial reporting, nets the foreclosed assets expense and write-downs against the revenue generated from income producing real estate.  As of September 30, 2012, the Bank had incurred $945 thousand in foreclosed asset expense.  The increase in expense when comparing September 30, 2013 to September 30, 2012 can be attributed, in part, to the liquidation of foreclosed assets during the third quarter of 2013.  During this time period the Bank was able to reduce its foreclosed asset balance by approximately $3.9 million.  
   
*   Depository insurance during the third quarter decreased from approximately $237 thousand as of September 30, 2012 to approximately $162 thousand as of September 30, 2013.  Management anticipates the FDIC expense to reduce further as the Bank’s regulatory status improves.  
   
*    The Bank has experienced only slight increases its other operating cost when comparing the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 to September 30, 2012.  The ability to maintain these costs at consistent levels can be attributed to the Bank’s employees as cost saving measures have been evaluated and implemented over the last three years.

 

Financial Condition

 

Overview- Cornerstone’s consolidated assets totaled approximately $443 million as of December 31, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, total consolidated assets had decreased approximately $13.8 million or 3.1 percent to approximately $430 million.

 

Liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 totaled approximately $390 million and $403 million, respectively.

 

Stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 totaled approximately $40 million and $41 million, respectively.

 

 

33
 

 

Securities- The Bank’s investment portfolio, primarily consisting of Ginnie Mae agency, mortgage-backed securities and municipal securities, amounted to approximately $95 million as of September 30, 2013 compared to approximately $76 million as of December 31, 2012. The primary purposes of the Bank’s investment portfolio are to provide liquidity, satisfy pledging requirements and collateralize the Bank’s repurchase accounts.

 

Loans -The composition of loans at September 30, 2013 and at December 31, 2012 of each classification are summarized in the following table (dollars in thousands):

 

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2013     2012  
Commercial real estate-mortgage:            
    Owner-occupied   $ 66,143     $ 58,425  
    All other     66,721       66,747  
Consumer real estate-mortgage     69,911       71,195  
Construction and land development     38,970       38,557  
Commercial and industrial     39,782       40,140  
Consumer and other     2,654       1,927  
Total loans     284,181       276,991  
Less: Allowance for loan losses     (3,159 )     (6,141 )
                 
Loans, net   $ 281,022     $ 270,850  

 

Allowance for Loan Losses- The allowance for loan losses represents Cornerstone’s assessment of the risks associated with extending credit and its evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio. Management analyzes the loan portfolio, quarterly, to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the appropriate provisions required to maintain a level considered adequate to absorb anticipated loan losses. The Bank uses a risk based approach to calculate the appropriate loan loss allowance in accordance with guidance issued by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. Although the Bank performs prudent credit underwriting, no assurances can be given that adverse economic circumstances will not result in increased losses in the loan portfolio and require greater provisions for possible loan losses in the future.

 

*   During the third quarter of 2013, the Bank did not record a provision expense to the loan loss allowance. Management believes that it has established an allowance for loan losses that adequately accounts for the Bank’s identified loan impairment.  However, additional provision to the loan loss allowance may be needed in future quarters as the Bank works its problem assets through the collection cycle.    

 

The following is a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012 and the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans as of the end of each period (amounts in thousands):

 

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2013     2012  
Balance, beginning of period   $ 6,141     $ 7,400  
    Loans charged-off     (4,460 )     (2,869 )
    Recoveries of loans previously charged-off     1,178       1,180  
    Provision for loan losses     300       430  
Balance, end of period   $ 3,159     $ 6,141  
                 
Total loans   $ 284,181     $ 276,991  
                 
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans                
outstanding at the end of the period     1.11 %     2.22 %
                 
Ratio of net charge-offs to total loans                
outstanding for the period     1.15 %     0.61 %

 

34
 

 

Non-Performing Assets -The specific economic and credit risks associated with the Bank’s loan portfolio include, but are not limited to, a general downturn in the economy which could affect employment rates in our market area, general real estate market deterioration, interest rate fluctuations, deteriorated or non-existent collateral, title defects, inaccurate appraisals, financial deterioration of borrowers, fraud, and violation of laws and regulations.

 

The Bank attempts to reduce these economic and credit risks by adherence to a lending policy approved by the Bank’s board of directors. The Bank’s lending policy establishes loan to value limits, collateral perfection, credit underwriting criteria and other acceptable lending standards. The Bank classifies loans that are ninety (90) days past due and still accruing interest, renegotiated loans, non-accrual loans, foreclosures and repossessed property as non-performing assets. The Bank’s policy is to categorize a loan on non-accrual status when payment of principal or interest is contractually ninety (90) or more days past due. At the time the loan is categorized as non-accrual the interest previously accrued but not collected may be reversed and charged against current earnings.

 

The following table summarizes Cornerstone’s non-performing assets at each quarter end from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 (amounts in thousands):

 

    September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,  
    2013     2013     2013     2012  
      Non-accrual loans   $ 4,096     $ 6,883     $ 6,364     $ 6,005  
      Foreclosed assets     14,924       18,867       21,159       20,332  
Total non-performing assets   $ 19,020     $ 25,750     $ 27,523     $ 26,337  
                                 
30-89 days past due loans   $ 1,659     $ 5,111     $ 4,023     $ 6,594  
Total loans outstanding   $ 284,181     $ 276,063     $ 272,550     $ 276,991  
Allowance for loan losses     3,159       5,095       5,669       6,141  
                                 
Ratio of non-performing loans                                
to total loans outstanding                                
at the end of the period     1.44 %     2.49 %     2.33 %     2.17 %
                                 
Ratio of non-performing assets                                
to total allowance for loan losses                                
at the end of the period     602.09 %     505.40 %     485.00 %     428.87 %

 

* The Bank’s non-accrual loans have declined during the third quarter of 2013.   Management has attempted to proactively resolve loans that have been classified as non-accrual, when possible, through aggressive collection efforts and the Bank’s Special Assets department.  Management anticipates that non-accrual balances will decline as the Bank continues to see a decline in the rate of loans being downgraded and management continues to proactively address these loans.
   
* The Bank’s foreclosed assets have declined over the last three quarters.  The Bank’s Special Asset department has been successful in stabilizing, improving and marketing the foreclosed assets.  As a result of these efforts, the Bank has seen a reduction in its foreclosed assets of approximately $5.4 million since December 31, 2012.   Currently, the Bank has approximately $1.2 million under contract to sell.  The disposition of nonperforming assets is one of the key factors to the Bank’s success.
   
* As mentioned previously, the Bank has been able to reduce its non-accrual loans and foreclosed assets.  The progress in these two areas demonstrates an improvement in the Bank’s nonperforming assets.  Since December 31, 2012, the Bank has been able to reduce its nonperforming assets from approximately $26 million to approximately $19 million as of September 30, 2013.  This is a significant improvement in Bank’s risk profile and expense amounts.  Management also believes the positive trend in 30-89 past due loans demonstrates that the Bank’s asset quality is improving.

 

35
 

 

Deposits and Other Borrowings- The Bank’s deposits consist of non-interest bearing demand deposits, interest- bearing demand accounts, savings and money market accounts, and time deposits. The Bank has agreements with some customers to sell certain of its securities under agreements to repurchase the security the following day. The Bank has also obtained advances from the FHLB.

 

The following table presents the Bank’s deposits and other borrowings as either core funding or non-core funding. Core funding consists of all deposits except for time deposits issued in denominations of $100,000 or greater. All other funding is classified as non-core (amounts in thousands).

 

    September 30, 2013     December 31, 2012  
Core funding:   Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
     Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   $ 54,452       14.10 %   $ 60,054       15.0 %
     Interest-bearing demand deposits     25,464       6.59 %     30,179       7.6 %
     Savings and money market accounts     90,666       23.47 %     80,994       20.3 %
     Time deposits under $100,000     81,064       20.99 %     85,917       21.5 %
Total core funding     251,646       65.15 %     257,144       64.4 %
                                 
Non-core funding:                                
     Time deposit of $100,000 or more   $ 89,110       23.07 %   $ 87,737       22.0 %
     Fed funds purchased and securities                                
        sold under agreements to repurchase     20,509       5.31 %     19,587       4.9 %
     Federal Home Loan Bank advances     25,000       6.47 %     35,000       8.7 %
Total non-core funding     134,619       34.85 %     142,324       35.6 %
                                 
Total   $ 386,265       100.00 %   $ 399,468       100.0 %

 

* The Bank has seen a significant improvement in its liability structure by improving its core funding position and reducing its reliance on non-core funding sources.  For example, the Bank has been able to reduce its FHLB borrowings to $25 million as of September 30, 2013.  Management is currently considering how best to fund future loan growth and maintain sufficient liquidity levels.  Additional FHLB advances with defined maturity dates and fixed interest rates may allow the Bank to improve its net interest margin as well as assist in managing interest rate risk in the future.  
   
* The Bank continues to offer competitive interest rates to attract and maintain its savings and money market accounts. Management anticipates that the local deposit market will continue to place funds in savings and money market accounts instead of time deposit accounts.

 

Capital Resources- At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Cornerstone’s stockholders’ equity amounted to approximately $40.1 million and approximately $40.9 million, respectively.

 

* Cornerstone’s stockholders’ equity decreased by approximately $739 thousand during the first nine months of 2013. The primary reason for the decrease can be attributed to the decline in accumulated other comprehensive income which captures the Bank’s decrease in its unrealized security gains.  As of December 31, 2012, the Bank had approximately $1.5 million in unrealized security gains.  As of September 30, 2013, the amount of unrealized security gains had decreased to approximately $321 thousand.  One reason for the decrease can be attributed to the liquidation of approximately $5 million of the Bank’s security portfolio to realize an approximate gain of $425 thousand.  The second reason for the decline can be attributed to changes in the bond market.  Stockholder’s equity has also been decreased by the payment of dividends on its Series A convertible preferred stock.  As of September 30, 2013, Cornerstone had paid approximately $1.1 million in preferred stock dividends during 2013.  The overall decrease in stockholders’ equity has been offset by Cornerstone’s year-to-date earnings of approximately $1.3 million.  

 

 

36
 

 

The following is a summary of the Bank’s capital ratios as of September 30, 2013:

 

Tier 1 leverage ratio 8.45%

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 11.72%

Total risk-based capital ratio 12.75%

 

* Cornerstone had total outstanding borrowings of approximately $1.7 million as of September 30, 2013 included in Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings.
   
* Cornerstone has requested permission from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (the “Federal Reserve”) to pay its scheduled June 30, 2013 dividend on its Series A convertible preferred stock in the amount of $0.625 per share.  Cornerstone is waiting for a final decision from the Federal Reserve authorizing the payment of the dividend.

 

 

Market and Liquidity Risk Management

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

The Bank’s Asset Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) is responsible for making decisions regarding liquidity and funding solutions based upon approved liquidity, loan, capital and investment policies. The ALCO must consider interest rate sensitivity and liquidity risk management when rendering a decision on funding solutions and loan pricing. To assist in this process the Bank has contracted with an independent third party to prepare quarterly reports that summarize several key asset-liability measurements. In addition, the third party will also provide recommendations to the Bank’s ALCO regarding future balance sheet structure, earnings and liquidity strategies. The following is a brief discussion of the primary tools used by the ALCO to perform its responsibilities:

 

* Earnings at Risk Model

The Bank uses an earnings at risk model to analyze interest rate risk. Forecasted levels of earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities, and off-balance sheet financial instruments are combined with ALCO forecasts of interest rates for the next 12 months and are combined with other factors in order to produce various earnings simulations.

 

* Economic Value of Equity

The Bank’s economic value of equity model measures the extent that estimated economic values of the Bank’s assets and liabilities will change as a result of interest rate changes. Economic values are determined by discounting expected cash flows from assets and liabilities, which establishes a base case economic value of equity.

 

* Liquidity Analysis

The Bank uses a liquidity analysis model to examine the current liquidity position and analyze the potential sources of coverage in the event of a liquidity crisis. The following is a brief description of the key measurements contained in the analysis:

 

Regular Liquidity Position -This is a measurement used to capture the ability of an institution to cover its current debt obligations.

 

Basic Surplus -The basic surplus ratio is used to determine the number of times non-obligated assets could be used to meet immediate liquidity needs.

 

Dependency Ratio -The dependency ratio determines the reliance on short-term liabilities.

 

* Leverage Analysis

The leverage analysis examines the potential of the institution to absorb additional debt. The key measurements included in this analysis are the Bank’s tier 1 capital, leverage and total capital ratios.

 

37
 

 

* Balance Sheet Analytics

Balance sheet analytics involve an in depth examination of the balance sheet structure, including diversification of structure and most recent pricing practices. This review uses trend analysis to compare previous balance sheet positions. The analysis enables the ALCO to review significant changes in the Bank’s loan and security portfolios as well as the Bank’s deposit composition.

 

Liquidity Risk Management

 

Liquidity is measured by the Bank's ability to raise cash at a reasonable cost or with a minimum of loss. These funds are used primarily to fund loans and satisfy deposit withdrawals. Several factors must be considered by management when attempting to minimize liquidity risk. Examples include changes in interest rates, competition, loan demand, and general economic conditions. Minimizing liquidity risk is a responsibility of the ALCO and is reviewed by the Bank’s regulatory agencies on a regular basis.

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

A comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis regarding market risk was disclosed in Cornerstone’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. No material changes in the assumptions used in preparing, or results obtained from, the model have occurred since December 31, 2012.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including Cornerstone’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Cornerstone has evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of September 30, 2013 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, Cornerstone’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to Cornerstone (including its consolidated subsidiary) required to be included in Cornerstone’s periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

 

There were no changes in Cornerstone’s internal control over financial reporting during Cornerstone’s fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Cornerstone’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

38
 

  

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

There are various claims and lawsuits in which the Bank is periodically involved incidental to the Bank’s business. In the opinion of management, no material loss is expected from any of such pending claims or lawsuits.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Cornerstone, as a smaller reporting company, is not required to provide the information required by this Item.

 

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

 

None

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number Description
31 Certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32 Certifications under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

39
 

  

SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc.
   
Date: November 14, 2013    /s/ Nathaniel F. Hughes
  Nathaniel F. Hughes,
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (principal executive officer)
   
Date: November 14, 2013    /s/ Gary W. Petty, Jr.
  Gary W. Petty, Jr.
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (principal financial officer and accounting officer)

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

Exhibit Number Description
31 Certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32 Certifications under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

40

EXHIBIT 31

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Nathaniel F. Hughes, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc (the “Registrant”);
   
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
   
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
   
4. The Registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
   
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervisions, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiary, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
   
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervisions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5. The Registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:    November 14, 2013    /s/ Nathaniel F. Hughes
  Nathaniel F. Hughes
President and Chief Executive Officer
  (principal executive officer)

  

 

EXHIBIT 31

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Gary W. Petty, Jr., certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc (the “Registrant”);
   
2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
   
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
   
4. The Registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
   
(a)     Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervisions, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiary, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
   
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervisions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
(d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5. The Registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
(b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:   November 14, 2013    /s/ Gary W. Petty, Jr.
  Gary W. Petty, Jr.
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (principal financial and accounting officer)

  

 

Exhibit 32

 

 

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)

 

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (“Cornerstone”), on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), Nathaniel F. Hughes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone, and Gary W. Petty, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cornerstone, respectively, do each hereby certify, pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350), that to his knowledge:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of Cornerstone.

 

/s/ Nathaniel F. Hughes

Nathaniel F. Hughes

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

November 14, 2013

 

/s/ Gary W. Petty, Jr.

Gary W. Petty, Jr.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial officer and accounting officer)

 

November 14, 2013

 

[A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and will be retained by Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.]