Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006

OR

o  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 000-50962

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
FEDERAL
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
 
59-3764686
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
     
505 Haines Avenue
Waycross, Georgia
(Address of principal Executive Offices)
 
 
31501
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (800) 342-2824

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 o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer o  Accelerated Filer o  Non-Accelerated Filer x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. YES o NO x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date.
 
Class 
Outstanding at August 10, 2006 
 Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value 
14,147,254
 

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION

Form 10-Q Quarterly Report

Table of Contents
 
   
Page
Number
PART I.
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
2
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
12
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
30
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
32
     
PART II.
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
33
Item 1A
Risk Factors
33
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
33
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
33
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
33
Item 5.
Other Information
33
Item 6.
Exhibits
33
     
Form 10-Q
Signature Page
34
     
Ex-31.1
Section 302 Certification of CEO
Ex-31.2
Section 302 Certification of CFO
Ex-32
Section 906 Certification of CEO and CFO
 

 

PART I

ITEM 1- FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and December 31, 2005
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
ASSETS
             
Cash and due from financial institutions
 
$
14,016,007
 
$
22,041,346
 
Short-term interest bearing deposits
   
26,454,082
   
15,917,657
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
   
40,470,089
   
37,959,003
 
Other interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions
   
1,500,000
   
1,800,000
 
Securities available for sale
   
69,143,183
   
71,964,998
 
Real estate mortgages held for sale
   
1,154,818
   
99,853
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $4,619,231 at June 30, 2006 and $4,586,736 at December 31, 2005
   
613,838,324
   
580,440,609
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
6,822,700
   
7,074,400
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
2,936,135
   
2,722,398
 
Land, premises and equipment
   
15,247,032
   
14,485,195
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
20,940,768
   
20,526,254
 
Other real estate owned
   
320,325
   
310,000
 
Goodwill
   
2,661,190
   
2,661,190
 
Other assets
   
3,833,654
   
3,804,603
 
               
Total assets
 
$
778,868,218
 
$
743,848,503
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
Deposits
             
Non-interest-bearing demand
 
$
46,631,022
 
$
38,454,438
 
Interest-bearing demand
   
51,590,579
   
79,738,995
 
Savings and money market
   
129,158,989
   
100,259,277
 
Time
   
320,663,317
   
297,868,790
 
Total deposits
   
548,043,907
   
516,321,500
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
12,000,000
   
-
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
119,000,000
   
129,000,000
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
4,734,130
   
5,610,335
 
Total liabilities
   
683,778,037
   
650,931,835
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
   
-
   
-
 
               
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized none issued
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock: $0.01 par value; 18,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 14,813,469 at June 30, 2006 and 14,805,969 at December 31, 2005; shares outstanding: 14,148,850 at June 30, 2006 and 14,141,350 at December 31, 2005
   
148,135
   
148,060
 
Additional paid in capital
   
57,434,938
   
56,876,105
 
Unearned employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) shares of 349,140 at June 30, 2006 and 372,416 at December 31, 2005
   
(3,491,400
)
 
(3,724,160
)
Retained earnings
   
50,829,926
   
49,193,384
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(228,504
)
 
26,193
 
Treasury stock, at cost, 664,619 shares at June 30, 2006 and at December 31, 2005
   
(9,602,914
)
 
(9,602,914
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
95,090,181
   
92,916,668
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
778,868,218
 
$
743,848,503
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
2

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)

   
Three Months
Ended June 30,
 
Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Interest and dividend income
                         
Loans, including fees
 
$
9,995,282
 
$
8,359,595
 
$
19,402,494
 
$
16,201,776
 
Securities and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
   
1,160,630
   
859,808
   
2,268,295
   
1,387,946
 
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
72,411
 
Total interest and dividend income
   
11,155,912
   
9,219,403
   
21,670,789
   
17,662,133
 
                           
Interest expense
                         
Deposits
   
4,248,900
   
2,893,957
   
8,100,823
   
5,319,207
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
1,292,602
   
1,228,155
   
2,619,550
   
2,280,505
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
137,187
   
-
   
194,566
   
-
 
Total interest expense
   
5,678,689
   
4,122,112
   
10,914,939
   
7,599,712
 
                           
Net interest income
   
5,477,223
   
5,097,291
   
10,755,850
   
10,062,421
 
                           
Provision for loan losses
   
204,059
   
577,048
   
280,439
   
1,100,289
 
                           
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
5,273,164
   
4,520,243
   
10,475,411
   
8,962,132
 
                           
Noninterest income
                         
Service charges and fees
   
1,501,926
   
1,233,362
   
2,843,688
   
2,129,094
 
Net gain (loss) on available for sale securities
   
11,158
   
-
   
(165,495
)
 
-
 
Gain on sale of real estate mortgages held for sale
   
12,782
   
53,235
   
15,906
   
64,634
 
Gain (loss) on sale of foreclosed assets
   
(4,162
)
 
40,875
   
(1,201
)
 
41,727
 
Commission income
   
67,763
   
102,996
   
148,911
   
202,240
 
Interchange fees
   
198,777
   
192,795
   
394,190
   
373,237
 
Bank owned life insurance earnings
   
210,587
   
153,090
   
414,514
   
204,040
 
Other
   
189,207
   
18,614
   
175,757
   
66,630
 
     
2,188,038
   
1,794,967
   
3,826,270
   
3,081,602
 
                           
Noninterest expense
                         
Compensation and benefits
   
2,617,208
   
2,352,317
   
5,244,224
   
4,583,781
 
Occupancy and equipment
   
489,691
   
434,421
   
997,415
   
808,034
 
Data processing
   
440,162
   
292,411
   
805,586
   
541,484
 
Advertising
   
214,658
   
172,852
   
430,489
   
279,561
 
Outside professional services
   
456,522
   
643,167
   
949,723
   
1,248,385
 
Interchange charges
   
161,574
   
154,347
   
328,043
   
301,396
 
Collection expense and repossessed asset losses
   
80,686
   
83,464
   
163,359
   
162,808
 
Telephone
   
119,963
   
132,856
   
242,857
   
249,221
 
Other
   
674,200
   
711,260
   
1,326,832
   
1,309,374
 
     
5,254,664
   
4,977,095
   
10,488,528
   
9,484,044
 
                           
Income before income tax expense
   
2,206,538
   
1,338,115
   
3,813,153
   
2,559,690
 
                           
Income tax expense
   
713,882
   
435,651
   
1,213,560
   
874,834
 
                           
Net income
 
$
1,492,656
 
$
902,464
 
$
2,599,593
 
$
1,684,856
 
 
                         
Earnings per common share:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.12
 
Diluted
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.12
 
                           
Dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.05
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
3

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                   
ACCUMULATED
         
       
ADDITIONAL
 
UNEARNED
     
OTHER
         
   
COMMON
 
PAID IN
 
ESOP
 
RETAINED
 
COMPREHENSIVE
 
TREASURY
 
TOTAL
 
   
STOCK
 
CAPITAL
 
STOCK
 
EARNINGS
 
INCOME(LOSS)
 
STOCK
 
EQUITY
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2006
                                           
                                             
Balance at January 1, 2006
 
$
148,060
 
$
56,876,105
 
$
(3,724,160
)
$
49,193,384
 
$
26,193
 
$
(9,602,914
)
$
92,916,668
 
                                             
ESOP shares earned, 23,276 shares
         
112,653
   
232,760
                     
345,413
 
                                             
Management restricted stock issued, 7,500 shares
   
75
   
(75
)
                         
-
 
                                             
Management restricted stock expense
         
294,239
                           
294,239
 
                                             
Stock options expense
         
152,016
                           
152,016
 
                                             
Dividends declared ( $.19 per share)
                     
(963,051
)
             
(963,051
)
                                             
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
                     
2,599,593
               
2,599,593
 
Other comprehensive income(loss)
                           
(254,697
)
       
(254,697
)
Total comprehensive income
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
2,344,896
 
                                             
Balance at June 30, 2006 (unaudited)
 
$
148,135
 
$
57,434,938
 
$
(3,491,400
)
$
50,829,926
 
$
(228,504
)
$
(9,602,914
)
$
95,090,181
 
                                             
                                             
For the six months ended June 30, 2005
                                           
                                             
Balance at January 1, 2005
 
$
145,475
 
$
56,332,850
 
$
(4,189,680
)
$
46,412,522
 
$
(904
)
$
-
 
$
98,700,263
 
                                             
ESOP shares earned, 23,276 shares
         
55,661
   
232,760
                     
288,421
 
                                             
Dividend declared ($.11 per share)
                     
(1,117,714
)
             
(1,117,714
)
                                             
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
                     
1,684,856
               
1,684,856
 
Other comprehensive income(loss)
                           
(17,411
)
       
(17,411
)
Total comprehensive income
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
1,667,445
 
                                             
Balance at June 30, 2005 (unaudited)
 
$
145,475
 
$
56,388,511
   
($3,956,920
)
$
46,979,664
   
($18,315
)
$
-
 
$
99,538,415
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
4

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
 
   
Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
           
Cash flows from operating activities
             
Net income
 
$
2,599,593
 
$
1,684,856
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
             
Provision for loan losses
   
280,439
   
1,100,289
 
Net loss on available for sale securities
   
165,495
   
-
 
Gain on sale of real estate mortgages held for sale
   
(15,906
)
 
(64,634
)
Loans originated for sale
   
(2,248,398
)
 
(5,607,503
)
Proceeds from loan sales
   
1,209,339
   
5,666,379
 
Gain on sale of other real estate owned
   
1,201
   
(41,727
)
Loss on disposal of equipment
   
30,297
   
-
 
ESOP compensation expense
   
345,413
   
288,421
 
Share-based compensation expense
   
446,255
   
-
 
Net depreciation and amortization
   
964,859
   
855,878
 
Net change in accrued interest receivable
   
(213,737
)
 
(255,310
)
Increase in cash surreneder value of bank owned life insurance
   
(414,514
)
 
(204,041
)
Net change in other assets
   
265,224
   
(293,264
)
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
(966,873
)
 
728,719
 
Net cash from operating activites
   
2,448,687
   
3,858,063
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities
             
Net change in securities purchased under agreements to resell
   
-
   
11,800,000
 
Proceeds from maturities and payments of securites available for sale
   
8,873,150
   
16,834,841
 
Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale
   
15,934,506
   
500,000
 
Purchase of securities available for sale
   
(22,767,549
)
 
(29,685,798
)
Loans purchased
   
(16,313,454
)
 
(22,591,484
)
Net change in loans
   
(18,098,910
)
 
(12,149,246
)
Expenditures on premises and equipment
   
(1,356,865
)
 
(1,791,344
)
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
   
389,797
   
348,407
 
Net (purchase) redemption of FHLB stock
   
251,700
   
(1,113,000
)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
   
-
   
(10,000,000
)
Net change in other investments
   
300,000
   
900,000
 
Net cash from investing activities
   
(32,787,625
)
 
(46,947,624
)

(Continued)

5

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
 
   
Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
           
Cash flows from financing activities
             
Net increase in deposits
 
$
31,722,407
 
$
49,885,043
 
FHLB advances
   
-
   
20,000,000
 
Net change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
12,000,000
   
-
 
Repayment of FHLB advances
   
(10,000,000
)
 
(657,143
)
Dividends paid
   
(872,383
)
 
(290,950
)
Net cash from financing activities
   
32,850,024
   
68,936,950
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
2,511,086
   
25,847,389
 
               
Cash and equivalents beginning of period
   
37,959,003
   
25,707,885
 
               
Cash and equivalents at end of period
 
$
40,470,089
 
$
51,555,274
 
               
Supplemental information:
             
Interest paid
 
$
10,778,826
 
$
7,407,687
 
Income taxes paid
   
2,207,000
   
657,500
 
               
Supplemental noncash disclosures:
             
Loans transferred to other real estate
 
$
401,323
 
$
494,000
 
Other real estate exchanged for loans
   
-
   
826,764
 

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

6

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation (or the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Coast Bank (the “Bank”), which was formerly known as Atlantic Coast Federal. The Company changed the name of the Bank on July 17, 2006 to better reflect the nature of the Bank’s operations. Also included in the unaudited consolidated statements is Atlantic Coast Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, which manages and invests in certain securities, and owns 100% of the common stock and 85% of the Preferred Stock of Coastal Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust (the “REIT”). All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with instructions for Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring in nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six month periods ending June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2006. The 2005 Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation consolidated financial statements, as presented in the Company’s Form 10-K, should be read in conjunction with these statements.

Some items in the prior year Form 10-Q were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

NOTE 2. USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from current estimates. Estimates associated with the allowance for loan losses, realization of deferred tax assets, valuation of intangible assets, including goodwill and the fair values of securities and other financial instruments are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term.

NOTE 3. IMPACT OF CERTAIN ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Revised, requires all public companies to record compensation cost for stock or stock options awarded to employees in return for employee service. The cost is measured at the grant-date fair value of the award and recognized as compensation expense over the employee service period, which is normally the vesting period. This SFAS was to apply to awards granted or modified after the first quarter or year beginning after June 15, 2005. However, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) announced that they would allow public companies to delay adoption until the first interim period of 2006. The Company elected to early adopt SFAS No. 123, Revised as of July 1, 2005, to account for awards made during the quarter then ended. The Company’s stockholders approved a stock option plan and a stock award plan for recognition and retention of key employees and directors at the stockholders’ annual meeting on May 27, 2005. Initial awards under the 2005 Recognition and Retention Plan (the “Recognition Plan”) were made on July 1, 2005 and initial awards under our 2005 Stock Option Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) were made on July 28, 2005.

7

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

NOTE 3. IMPACT OF CERTAIN ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 115-1 and 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” The guidance in this FSP addresses the determination of when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. The FSP also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. The guidance in this FSP amends SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and SFAS No. 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations.” The guidance in this FSP also nullifies certain requirements of EITF No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments.” The guidance in FSP 115-1 and 124-1 is required to be applied to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Considering the latest guidance in FSP 115-1 and 124-1, management believes the Company’s current accounting for investment securities is appropriate for evaluating and accounting for any impairment of its investment security portfolio.

On July 13, 2006 the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-An Interpretation of FASB No. 109.FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 also defines how an enterprise will determine if a tax position taken or expected to be taken on its tax returns may be recognized and, if recognized, how to measure the amount of the tax position recognized. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is presently assessing the impact FIN 48 may have on its financial statements, but no determination has been made at this time.

NOTE 4. AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES

For purposes of managing its net interest margin, the Company had identified for disposal at March 31, 2006, certain FHLB debt securities. The securities, which were reported as available for sale securities, had an original cost of $16.0 million, an approximate carrying value of $15.8 million and a weighted average yield of 3.84%. Due to the planned sale of the securities, the $177,000 difference between the original acquired cost and the estimated market value at March 31, 2006, was deemed to be an other-than-temporary loss and, accordingly, was charged to earnings as a net loss on securities available for sale for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

As planned, the identified securities were sold during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 resulting in a realized loss of $166,000. The $11,000 difference between the estimated loss of $177,000 recorded at June 30, 2006, and the realized loss of $166,000 has been recorded as a gain from available for sale securities for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment, at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. In analyzing an issuer's financial condition, the Company may consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or one of its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer's financial condition. As of June 30, 2006 unrealized losses on available for sale securities were $1,210,000 and are largely due to the current interest rate environment, relative to the interest rate of the securities, and as the security approaches maturity the fair value will return to par.

8

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2006
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 5. SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are secured by mortgage-backed securities with a carrying amount of $12,794,000 at June 30, 2006. The Company had no such agreements as of December 31, 2005.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are financing arrangements that mature in February 2011, or, beginning in February 2007, may be terminated by the lender each following quarter. At maturity or termination, the securities underlying the agreements are returned to the Company. Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of, and for the six months ended June 30, 2006 is summarized as follows:

Average daily balance
 
$
8,536,000
 
Average interest rate
   
4.53
%
Maximum month-end balance
 
$
12,000,000
 
Weighted average interest rate at period end
   
4.53
%

The interest rate remains fixed at 4.53% until February 2007, at which time it converts to a floating rate of 8.50% minus 3-month LIBOR up to a maximum rate of 5.75%.

NOTE 6. INTEREST RATE SWAPS

In connection with its asset liability management strategy, the Company terminated, prior to its contractual maturity, an interest rate swap agreement during the second quarter of 2006. The interest rate swap agreement had a notional amount of $5,000,000 and was designated as a cash flow hedge of certain Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances. A gain of $208,000 was realized as a result of terminating the interest rate swap agreement early and is recorded in other non-interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. The $5,000,000 FHLB advance hedged by the interest rate swap was repaid at the time the interest rate swap was terminated. There were no early termination fees for repayment of the FHLB advance.

Summary information regarding interest-rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of June 30, 2006 is as follows:
       
Notional amounts
 
$
10,000,000
 
Weighted average pay rates
   
3.43
%
Weighted average receive rates
   
5.23
%
Weighted average maturity
   
7.6 years
 
Fair value
 
$
856,000
 

NOTE 7. DIVIDENDS

During the second quarter of 2006, the Company’s board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend at a rate of $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable on July 31, 2006 for stockholders of record on July 14, 2006. Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC (MHC) which holds 8,728,500 shares, or 61.7% of the Company’s total outstanding stock has informed the Company that it will waive receipt of the second quarter dividend on their owned shares, as was done in the first quarter of 2006.
 
Total dividends charged to retained earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $963,051.
 
9

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2006
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 8. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, reduced for average unallocated ESOP shares and average unearned restricted stock awards. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period increased for the dilutive effect of unvested stock options and stock awards. The dilutive effect of the unvested stock options and stock awards is calculated under the treasury stock method utilizing the average market value of the Company’s stock for the period. A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per common share computation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, is as follows:

   
For the three-months
ended June 30,
 
For the six-months
ended June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Basic
                         
Net income
 
$
1,492,656
 
$
902,464
 
$
2,599,593
 
$
1,684,856
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
14,145,800
   
14,547,500
   
14,144,002
   
14,547,500
 
Less: Average unallocated ESOP shares
   
372,416
   
418,968
   
372,416
   
418,968
 
  Average unvested restricted stock awards
   
262,919
   
-
   
261,121
   
-
 
                           
Average shares
   
13,510,465
   
14,128,532
   
13,510,465
   
14,128,532
 
                           
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.12
 
                           
Diluted
                         
Net income
 
$
1,492,656
 
$
902,464
 
$
2,599,593
 
$
1,684,856
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
   
13,510,465
   
14,128,532
   
13,510,465
   
14,128,532
 
Add: Dilutive effects of assumed exercises of stock options
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Add: Dilutive effects of full vesting of stock awards
   
91,385
   
-
   
80,536
   
-
 
  Average shares and dilutive potential common shares
   
13,601,850
   
14,128,532
   
13,591,001
   
14,128,532
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.12
 

Stock options for 542,400 shares of common stock were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. There were no potentially dilutive securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.
 
10


ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2006
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 9. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income (loss) components and related taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

   
For the three-months
ended June 30,
 
For the six-months
ended June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Unrealized holding gains and (losses) on securities available for sale
 
$
(396,971
)
$
31,482
 
$
(714,468
)
$
(147,137
)
Less reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses recognized in income
   
11,158
   
-
   
(165,495
)
 
-
 
Net unrealized gains and (losses)
   
(408,129
)
 
31,482
   
(548,973
)
 
(147,137
)
Tax effect
   
148,049
   
(11,963
)
 
198,768
   
55,912
 
Net-of-tax amount 
   
(260,080
)
 
19,519
   
(350,205
)
 
(91,225
)
                           
Change in fair value of derivatives used for cash flow hedges
   
82,776
   
(340,378
)
 
361,895
   
119,055
 
Less reclassification adjustments for (gains) recognized in income 
   
(207,850
)
 
-
   
(207,850
)
 
-
 
Net unrealized gains and (losses) 
   
(125,074
)
 
(340,378
)
 
154,045
   
119,055
 
Tax effect
   
47,528
   
129,344
   
(58,537
)
 
(45,241
)
Net-of-tax amount
   
(77,546
)
 
(211,034
)
 
95,508
   
73,814
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(337,626
)
$
(191,515
)
$
(254,697
)
$
(17,411
)
 
11

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION

ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that are statements that are not historical or current facts. When used in this filing and in future filings by Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s press releases or other public or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases, “anticipate,” “would be,” “will allow,” “intends to,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “projected,” or similar expressions are intended to identify, “forward looking statements.” Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in economic conditions in Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s market area, changes in policies by regulatory agencies, fluctuations in interest rates, demand for loans in Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s market area, changes in the position of banking regulators on the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, and competition, all or some of which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected.
 
Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and advise readers that various factors, including regional and national economic conditions, substantial changes in levels of market interest rates, credit and other risks of lending and investing activities, and competitive and regulatory factors, could affect Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s financial performance and could cause Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.
 
Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
 
Critical Accounting Policies

Certain of our accounting policies are important to the portrayal of our financial condition, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates associated with these policies are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances. Facts and circumstances that could affect these judgments include, but without limitation, changes in interest rates, in the performance of the economy or in the financial condition of borrowers. Management believes that its critical accounting policies include determining the allowance for loan losses, determining the fair value of securities, accounting for deferred income taxes, and the valuation of intangible assets including goodwill. Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses, increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge-offs less recoveries. Management estimates the allowance balance required by considering the past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated value of any underlying collateral, whether the loan was originated through the Company’s retail network or through a broker, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed.

12

 

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually evaluated and determined to be impaired. Loans individually evaluated are generally large balance and/or complex loans, such as multi-family and commercial real estate loans. This evaluation is often based on significant estimates and assumptions due to the level of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change. The general component relates to large groups of small balance homogeneous loans that are evaluated in the aggregate based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.

We believe that the allowance for loan losses and related provision expense are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term as a result of significant changes in individual borrower circumstances on larger balance loans. The provision for loan loss expense was $280,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and $1.1 million for the same period in 2005. This decrease was due to the recording of a $400,000 specific reserve in the first quarter of 2005 on one impaired loan relationship and an additional provision for loan loss expense of $303,000 in the second quarter of 2005 when a loan charge-off of $605,000 exceeded the specific reserve. There were no significant changes to specific reserves in the first or second quarter of 2006.

Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation obtains market values from a third party on a monthly basis in order to adjust the securities to fair value. Other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from changes in the fair market value of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s available for sale securities portfolio totaled $(350,000) and $(91,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Additionally, securities available for sale are required to be written down to fair value when a decline in fair value is not temporary; therefore, future changes in the fair value of securities could have a significant impact on Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s operating results. In determining whether a market value decline is other than temporary, management considers the reason for the decline, the extent of the decline and the duration of the decline.

Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation assesses the carrying value of intangible assets and goodwill at least annually in order to determine if such intangible assets are impaired. In reviewing the carrying value of intangible assets, Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation assesses the recoverability of such assets by evaluating the fair value of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s community banking segment, which is the Company’s only business segment. Any impairment would be required to be recorded during the period identified. Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s goodwill totaled $2.7 million as of June 30, 2006, therefore, if Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s goodwill was determined to be impaired, Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s financial results could be materially impacted.

After converting to a federally chartered savings association, Atlantic Coast Federal became a taxable organization. Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary difference between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations are subject to interpretation with respect to the determination of the tax basis of assets and liabilities for credit unions that convert charters and become a taxable organization. Since Atlantic Coast Federal’s transition to a federally chartered thrift, Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation has recorded income tax expense based upon management’s interpretation of the applicable tax regulations. Positions taken by Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation in preparing our federal and state tax returns are subject to the review of taxing authorities, and the review of the positions we have taken by taxing authorities could result in a material adjustment to our financial statements.
 
13

 

Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

General. Our balance sheet growth for the period ended June 30, 2006 as compared to December 31, 2005 indicates an annualized asset growth rate of approximately 9.4%, and reflects a slower pace of loan and deposit growth compared to recent previous quarters.

Following is a summarized comparative balance sheet as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005:

   
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
Increase (decrease)
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
Dollars
 
Percentage
 
Assets
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
40,470
 
$
37,959
 
$
2,511
   
6.6
%
Other interest bearing investments
   
1,500
   
1,800
   
(300
)
 
-16.7
%
Securitites available for sale
   
69,143
   
71,965
   
(2,822
)
 
-3.9
%
Loans
   
618,457
   
585,028
   
33,429
   
5.7
%
Allowance for loan losses
   
(4,619
)
 
(4,587
)
 
(32
)
 
0.7
%
Loans, net
   
613,838
   
580,441
   
33,397
   
5.8
%
Loans held for sale
   
1,155
   
100
   
1,055
   
1055.0
%
Other assets
   
52,762
   
51,584
   
1,178
   
2.3
%
Total assets
 
$
778,868
 
$
743,849
 
$
35,019
   
4.7
%
                           
Liabilities and Stockholders' equity
                         
Deposits
                         
Non-interest bearing
 
$
46,631
 
$
38,454
 
$
8,177
   
21.3
%
Interest bearing transaction accounts
   
51,591
   
79,739
   
(28,148
)
 
-35.3
%
Savings and money-market
   
129,159
   
100,260
   
28,899
   
28.8
%
Time
   
320,663
   
297,869
   
22,794
   
7.7
%
Total deposits
   
548,044
   
516,322
   
31,722
   
6.1
%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
12,000
   
-
   
12,000
   
100.0
%
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
119,000
   
129,000
   
(10,000
)
 
-7.8
%
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
4,734
   
5,610
   
(876
)
 
-15.6
%
Total liabilities
   
683,778
   
650,932
   
32,846
   
5.0
%
Stockholders' equity
   
95,090
   
92,917
   
2,173
   
2.3
%
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
778,868
 
$
743,849
 
$
35,019
   
4.7
%
 
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash-on-hand and interest earning and non-interest earning balances held in other depository institutions. We expect the balances we maintain in cash and cash equivalents will fluctuate as our other interest earning assets mature, or we identify opportunities for longer-term investments that fit the Company’s growth strategy.

Securities available for sale. Securities available for sale is comprised principally of debt securities of U.S. Government-sponsored organizations, or mortgage-backed securities. In the near-term we expect the composition of our investment in securities available for sale to continue to be heavily weighted in mortgage-backed securities or the debt of government-sponsored organizations. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company purchased approximately $22.8 million of investment securities, which includes securities purchased to replace those designated for sale as of March 31, 2006 (see Comparison of Results of Operation for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005- Non-interest Expense), nearly all of which were mortgage-backed securities or the debt of government-sponsored organizations.

14

 
 
Loans. Following is a comparative composition of net loans as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005:

                       
Increase (decrease)
 
   
As of June 30,2006
 
% of total loans
   
As of December 31, 2005
 
% of total loans
   
Dollars
 
Percentage
 
   
(Dollars In Thousands)
           
Commercial non-mortgage
 
$
7,949
   
1.3
%
 
$
6,880
   
1.2
%
 
$
1,069
   
15.5
%
Commercial real estate and multifamily
   
70,878
   
11.5
%
   
66,726
   
11.5
%
   
4,152
   
6.2
%
Construction loans
   
46,056
   
7.5
%
   
26,820
   
4.6
%
   
19,236
   
71.7
%
One- to four- family residential mortgages
   
327,323
   
53.2
%
   
324,681
   
55.9
%
   
2,642
   
0.8
%
Consumer and other loans
                                         
Automobile
   
28,221
   
4.6
%
   
31,133
   
5.4
%
   
(2,912
)
 
-9.4
%
Unsecured
   
17,827
   
2.9
%
   
18,188
   
3.1
%
   
(361
)
 
-2.0
%
Home equity
   
85,732
   
13.9
%
   
79,016
   
13.6
%
   
6,716
   
8.5
%
Land
   
16,025
   
2.6
%
   
14,200
   
2.4
%
   
1,825
   
12.9
%
Other
   
14,895
   
2.4
%
   
13,525
   
2.3
%
   
1,370
   
10.1
%
Total loans
   
614,906
           
581,169
           
33,737
   
5.8
%
Allowance for loan losses
   
(4,619
)
 
-0.8
%
   
(4,587
)
 
-0.8
%
   
(32
)
 
0.7
%
Net deferred loan (fees) costs
   
3,124
   
0.5
%
   
3,164
   
0.5
%
   
(40
)
 
-1.3
%
Premiums on purchased loans
   
427
   
0.1
%
   
695
   
0.1
%
   
(268
)
 
-38.6
%
                                           
Loans, net
 
$
613,838
         
$
580,441
         
$
33,397
   
5.8
%

 
The composition of our net loan portfolio is heavily weighted toward loans secured by first mortgages, home equity loans, or second mortgages, all secured by one- to four-family residences, with approximately 67% of our loans invested in those types of loans at June 30, 2006, and 70% at December 31, 2005. The balance as of June 30, 2006 of our largest loan category, one- to four-family residential mortgages, has remained virtually flat compared to the year-end 2005 balance. The limited growth reflects a change made in the second half of 2005 to reduce our emphasis on this category of loans due to the ongoing flat yield curve, which continued to hold interest rates on longer-term loans low relative to our cost of funds. Until rates on longer-term loans demonstrate more attractive yields relative to our cost of funds, we intend to maintain our current level of this category of loans. During the first half of 2006, we purchased $16.3 million of variable-rate one- to four-family residential loans, to supplement our normal retail loan originations. Depending on liquidity, earning needs, and the availability of high quality loans, we expect to continue to purchase adjustable rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans to supplement our internal loan originations and maintain at least our current balance.

Our loan growth during the six months ended June 30, 2006, was primarily achieved with home equity lending and construction loans, primarily for the construction of one- to four-family residential properties. Interest terms for both loan types are generally indexed to the current prime rate and, as such, have more favorable interest margins relative to our cost of funds. The majority of the construction loan balances at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 are composed of loans acquired from mortgage brokers under arrangements requiring that at the completion of construction the Company will sell the loan back to the mortgage broker at par, or the balance will be paid off with permanent financing from a third party lender. Given the current interest rate environment the Company expects to continue in the near term to focus its lending efforts on home equity lending products and financing the construction of one- to four-family residences.
 
15

 

Allowance for loan losses. Our allowance for loan losses was .75% and .78% of total loans outstanding at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Allowance for loan losses activity for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was as follows:

   
2006
 
2005
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
           
Beginning balance
 
$
4,587
 
$
3,956
 
Loans charged-off
   
(668
)
 
(1,284
)
Recoveries
   
420
   
417
 
Net charge-offs
   
(248
)
 
(867
)
               
Provision for loan losses
   
280
   
1,100
 
               
Ending balance
 
$
4,619
 
$
4,189
 

Loans charged off in 2005 included a charge of $605,000 in the second quarter of that year for the remaining balance of a commercial real estate loan relationship which had been made for the construction of a commercial water treatment plant. There have been no similarly large charge-offs in the six months ended June 30, 2006.

The allowance for loan losses consists of general allowance allocations made for pools of homogeneous loans and specific allocations on individual loans for which management has significant concerns regarding the borrowers’ ability to repay the loans in accordance with the terms of the loans. Non-performing loans totaled approximately $3.8 million and $2.6 million at June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively, and total impaired loans were approximately $3.8 million at June 30, 2006, and $4.5 million at December 31, 2005. The increase in non-performing loans was primarily due to the classification of $1.5 million of commercial real estate loans as non-performing at June 30, 2006, that had been considered performing at December 31, 2005, and the reduction of $300,000 of non-performing small balance homogeneous loans. The increase in non-performing commercial real estate loans is primarily due to an individual loan of $900,000 that was considered impaired at both June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005 and had specific reserves allocated as of those period ends of $193,000 and $100,000, respectively. The total allowance allocated for impaired loans was approximately $832,000 at June 30, 2006 and $1.0 million as of December 31, 2005. As of June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005, all non-performing loans were classified as non-accrual, and we did not have any restructured loans or loans 90 days past due and accruing interest as of June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005. Non-performing loans, excluding small balance homogeneous loans, were $2.7 million and $1.2 million at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and, all such non-performing loans were also reported as impaired loans.

Other consumer loans include a non-performing loan representing a pool of leases we purchased in 2001 with a balance of approximately $777,000 as of June 30, 2006. We have $150,000 of our allowance for loan losses allocated for this loan. Collection of the total amount owed on the leases from the surety who had provided payment performance bonds for the leases, continues to be vigorously pursued in court under the terms of the bonds. The balance due is approximately $1.7 million (representing the balance outstanding prior to the charge-offs being taken). Total legal fees incurred on this matter for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were $103,000 and $150,000, respectively. Collection of any amount, including the $627,000 net amount included in our consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2006, or the gross amount of $1.7 million, cannot be assured. We believe there is a possibility that no amount will be collected in the future; therefore, we may incur additional losses up to the $627,000 net amount remaining as an asset. Additionally, we anticipate we will incur additional legal costs as we pursue collection on the surety bonds.
 
16

 

Deposits. Savings and money market deposit account balances grew during the first half of 2006, as the Bank increased the interest rates paid on its money market products to meet the rate of competitors in its markets. While raising the interest rates was necessary to both protect and grow deposit balances, we believe to a certain degree it has led to a disintermediation within our deposit products, particularly from our interest-bearing demand accounts, whose balances have declined during the first six months of 2006 nearly off setting the growth in money market account balances over the same period of time. To increase the growth of new deposit balances, the Company began offering a unique interest-bearing demand account. The account offers the highest interest rate in the market for an interest-bearing demand account, has no tiers and no minimum balance requirement. 
 
The growth in time deposits as of June 30, 2006, as compared to the end of 2005, includes approximately $16.1 million of additional brokered deposits. The brokered deposits have been used to replace maturing certificate of deposits and fund loan growth. We expect future deposit growth as we expand our products and services in new and existing markets particularly in core deposits, and we also anticipate we will continue to purchase brokered deposits to meet liquidity demands when interest rates are favorable.

The growth in non-interest bearing deposits as of June 30, 2006, as compared to December 31, 2005, is primarily due to timing associated with payroll and other month-end deposits.
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase. Historically, the Company has only utilized advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) as an alternative to deposits for funding its lending and investment activities. While we expect FHLB advances to continue to be a significant source of funds in the future, the Company also initiated its first financing arrangement involving the sale of securities under an agreement to repurchase during the first quarter of 2006 to take advantage of favorable interest rates relative to deposits with comparable maturities.
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are secured by mortgage-backed securities with a carrying amount of $12.8 million at June 30, 2006 and mature in February 2011, or, beginning in February 2007, may be terminated in whole by the lender each following quarter. At maturity or termination, the securities underlying the agreements will be returned to the Company. At the date of the transaction, the interest rate was fixed at 4.53% until February 2007, at which time it converts to a floating rate of 8.50% minus 3-month LIBOR up to a maximum rate of 5.75%.

Depending on the availability of suitable securities and the prevailing interest rates and terms of alternative source of funds, the Company may continue to sell securities under agreements to repurchase in the future.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances. In connection with its asset liability management strategy, the Company pre-paid a $5.0 million advance from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The advance, which did not have a pre-payment penalty, had an original maturity date of February 2014 and an interest rate based on the 3-month LIBOR plus 22 basis points. At the same time the Company also terminated an interest rate swap agreement prior to maturity it had used to hedge the FHLB advance, recognizing a gain of approximately $208,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2006.
 
  Following the pre-payment of the advance discussed above and the maturity of another $5.0 million advance on April 6, 2006, FHLB advances had a weighted- average maturity of 72 months and a weighted- average rate of 4.30%. The Company expects to continue to utilize FHLB advances to manage short and long- term liquidity needs to the extent it has borrowing capacity, needs funding and the interest cost of FHLB advances is attractive compared to deposits and other alternative source of funds.
 
17

 

Stockholders’ equity. Activity in the Company’s stockholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was as follows (in thousands):
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
 
$
92,917
 
         
Increases to stockholders' equity:
       
         
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2006
   
2,600
 
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(255
)
ESOP shares allocated to employees
   
345
 
Management restricted stock earned under Recognition Plan
   
294
 
Stock options earned under Stock Option Plan
   
152
 
Total increases to stockholders' equity
   
3,136
 
         
Decreases to stockholders' equity:
       
         
Dividends
   
(963
)
Treasury stock purchased at cost
   
-
 
Total decreases to stockholders' equity
   
(963
)
         
     
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2006
 
$
95,090
 

Net other comprehensive loss for the six months ending June 30, 2006 resulted from an increase in unrealized gains on an interest rate swap of $96,000, offset by additional unrealized losses on AFS securities of $350,000, net of taxes. The interest rate swap has been designated as a cash flow hedge of a particular FHLB advance, and the hedge was determined to be fully effective during the first half of 2006. The Company expects the hedge to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swap. The unrealized losses on AFS securities are due to changes in interest rates, and we consider their decline in value below their cost to be temporary. Going forward, we expect changes in interest rates to continue to cause swings in unrealized gains and losses from our interest rate swaps and AFS securities.

Management restricted stock earned under the Recognition Plan and stock options earned under the Stock Option Plan reflect the recognition of compensation expense under SFAS No.123 Revised. The Company early adopted SFAS No. 123 Revised during the third quarter of 2005 to account for its share based compensation plans. Under this new accounting standard, the cost of awards granted under the Recognition Plan and the Stock Option Plan are being amortized over the vesting period of five years, which begins on the date of grant.

On June 29, 2006, the Company’s board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend at a rate of $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable on July 31, 2006, for stockholders of record on July 14, 2006. Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC (MHC) which holds 8,728,500 shares, or 61.7% of the Company’s total outstanding stock has informed the Company that it will waive receipt of the second quarter dividend on their owned shares. Accordingly, stockholders’ equity for the three months ending June 30, 2006, was reduced approximately $505,000 for the declared dividend. Total dividends for the six months ended June 30, 2006, charged to stockholders’ equity was approximately $963,000, and approximately $1,658,000 of dividend payments were waived by the MHC. We expect the MHC to waive receipt of payment on future dividends for its owned shares.

During the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company did not repurchase any stock under the stock repurchase plan that began in early November 2005. Under this plan, the Company is permitted to purchase, over a 12-month period, up to 10%, or 579,520 shares of its outstanding common stock. As of June 30, 2006, approximately 200,000 shares of common stock remained to be repurchased under this plan although no assurances can be made about the number of shares, if any, that will actually be purchased, or the price that will be paid for such shares.

18

 

The equity to assets ratio decreased to 12.21% at June 30, 2006, from 12.49% at December 31, 2005. The decrease was primarily due to the rate of asset growth through June 30, 2006. Despite this decrease, we continued to be well in excess of all minimum regulatory capital requirements, and are considered “well capitalized” under those formulas. Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets was 14.50%, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 13.69%, and Tier 1 capital to total adjusted total assets was 9.76% at June 30, 2006. These ratios as of December 31, 2005 were 15.90%, 15.00% and 10.00%, respectively.

Comparison of Results of Operation for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

General. Our net income for the three months ended June 30, 2006, was $1.5 million, which was $590,000 more than for the same period in 2005. Net interest income increased 7.5%, or $380,000 in the second quarter of 2006, compared to the same quarter in 2005, as growth in interest earning assets combined with an increase in the interest yield on such assets, offsetting the rising cost of deposits. Provision for loan losses decreased 64.6%, or $373,000, to $204,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 2006, as compared to $577,000 for the same quarter in 2005. Non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2006 grew by 21.9% to $2.2 million as compared to $1.8 million for the same three months in 2005, due primarily to increased service charges and fees, along with a $208,000 gain on termination of interest rate swap agreement. The increase in non-interest income was partially offset by increased non-interest expense which grew $277,000, or 5.6%, to $5.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, from $5.0 million for the same quarter in 2005 due to increased compensation and benefit costs and other operating costs.

Average Balances, Net Interest Income, Yields Earned and Rates Paid. The following table sets forth certain information for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. The average yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.

   
For the three months ended June 30,
   
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
   
         
   
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield /Cost
   
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield /Cost
 
                             
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
                                       
Loans receivable(1)
 
$
609,548
 
$
9,995
   
6.56
%
 
$
546,899
 
$
8,360
   
6.11
%
Securites(2)
   
68,536
   
764
   
4.46
%
   
58,510
   
459
   
3.14
%
Other interest-earning assets(3)
   
30,690
   
397
   
5.17
%
   
50,378
   
400
   
3.18
%
Total interest-earning assets
   
708,774
   
11,156
   
6.30
%
   
655,787
   
9,219
   
5.62
%
Non-interest earning assets
   
55,658
                 
43,190
             
Total assets
 
$
764,432
               
$
698,977
             
                                         
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
                                       
Savings deposits
 
$
52,073
 
$
51
   
0.39
%
 
$
62,783
 
$
67
   
0.43
%
Interest bearing demand accounts
   
57,219
   
342
   
2.39
%
   
56,147
   
278
   
1.98
%
Money market accounts
   
71,923
   
652
   
3.63
%
   
57,935
   
392
   
2.71
%
Time deposits
   
307,081
   
3,205
   
4.17
%
   
262,522
   
2,157
   
3.29
%
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
123,010
   
1,292
   
4.20
%
   
117,569
   
1,228
   
4.18
%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
12,000
   
137
   
4.53
%
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
623,306
   
5,679
   
3.64
%
   
556,956
   
4,122
   
2.96
%
Non-interest bearing liabilities
   
47,397
                 
41,293
             
Total liabilities
   
670,703
                 
598,249
             
Stockholders' equity
   
93,729
                 
100,728
             
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
764,432
               
$
698,977
             
                                         
Net interest income
       
$
5,477
               
$
5,097
       
Net interest spread
               
2.65
%
               
2.66
%
Net earning assets
 
$
85,468
               
$
98,831
             
Net interest margin(4)
               
3.09
%
               
3.11
%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
         
113.71
%
               
117.74
%
     

(1) Calculated net of deferred loan fees and loss reserve. Nonaccrual loans included as loans carrying a zero yield
     
(2) Calculated based on carrying value. Not full tax equivalents, as the numbers would not change materially from those presented in the table.
(3) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock at cost and term deposits with other financial institutions.
     
(4) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
               
 
19

 

Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume multiplied by the old rate; and (2) changes in rate, which are changes in rate multiplied by the old volume; and (3) changes not solely attributable to rate or volume have been allocated proportionately the change due to volume and the change due to rate.  
 
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
Total
 
   
Due to
 
Increase
 
   
Volume
 
Rate
 
(Decrease)
 
     
(In Thousands) 
 
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
                   
Loans receivable
 
$
1,000
 
$
635
 
$
1,635
 
Securites
   
88
   
217
   
305
 
Other interest-earning assets
   
(195
)
 
192
   
(3
)
Total interest-earning assets
   
893
   
1,044
   
1,937
 
                     
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
                   
Savings deposits
   
(11
)
 
(5
)
 
(16
)
Interest bearing demand accounts
   
6
   
58
   
64
 
Money market accounts
   
108
   
152
   
260
 
Time deposits
   
404
   
644
   
1,048
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
57
   
7
   
64
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
137
   
-
   
137
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
701
   
856
   
1,557
 
                     
Net interest income
 
$
192
 
$
188
 
$
380
 
 
Interest income. As shown in the table above the increase in interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, is attributed nearly equally to growth in average outstanding interest-earning assets, and the rate of interest earned on those assets. Loans accounted for approximately 84% of the interest income growth, or $1.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same quarter in 2005. While the majority of the increased interest income from loans is due to increased outstanding balances, the Company also increased its yield on average outstanding loan balances as a result of growth in prime interest rate-based loans. As discussed above in “Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 - Loans,” the flat yield curve over the last 12 months led the Company to increase its emphasis on prime rate interest-based loans, such as home equity lending and construction loans and reduce our focus on growing one- to four-family loans with interest rates that lagged increases in the Federal Reserve Bank discount rate. The growth in average outstanding balances of home equity loans and construction loans for the three months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, accounted for approximately 70%, or $44.1 million of the total $63.0 million in average loan growth. During these same periods, the average prime rate increased 170 basis points from 5.91% to 7.61%.

The growth in interest income from investment securities and other interest-earning assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same quarter in 2005 is due to increased yields on these assets which have tracked upward consistent with increases to short-term interest rates.

We expect our interest income will increase as average interest earning assets and interest rates on such assets increase. Growth in interest earnings assets is partly dependent on funding from deposit growth in existing markets and the opening of new branches in the second-half of 2006. Our interest income could be adversely impacted by continued low interest rates on longer-term loans, such as one- to four-family residential loans and the availability of the type of interest earning-assets desired for investment by the Company.

20

 
 
Interest expense. The increase in interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, is partially due to growth in average outstanding balances of interest-bearing deposit accounts, but more significantly due to increases to interest rates paid on those accounts. During the period of time from the end of the second quarter of 2005, until the end of the second quarter of 2006, the Federal Reserve Board increased the target rate for Federal Funds borrowings by 200 basis points, from 3.25% to 5.25%. In general, this led to significant rate increases on interest-bearing deposit accounts in our markets, where competition for deposits among financial institutions is stiff. In order to fund loan growth and maintain deposit market share, the Company has increased interest rates on its money-market accounts, interest bearing demand accounts and time deposits. The rate of interest expense on our FHLB advances has remained relatively flat for the first quarter of 2006 as compared to the first quarter of 2005, as the average interest rate on new advances have been slightly lower than the average rate of the total outstanding FHLB advances. We expect interest rates on deposits will continue to increase over the near term as market rates for deposits increase and competition for those deposits in our market intensifies.

Net interest income. Net interest income increased during the three months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, as the growth in interest income outpaced the growth in interest expense. As discussed above, increases in prime rate based loans has, in part, enabled the Company to increase the overall yield of the loan portfolio, in addition to strong growth in average outstanding balances. Our net interest spread, which is the difference between the interest yield earned on interest earning assets and the interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities, declined 1 basis point for the second quarter of 2006 as compared to the same quarter in 2005. For the same comparative periods, our net interest margin, which is net interest income expressed as a percentage of our average interest earning assets declined 2 basis points. The rate of decline in net interest spread and net interest margin has slowed considerably compared to the recent previous four quarters as shown below:

   
Net Interest
 
Net Interest
 
Comparative Quarters
 
Spread
 
Margin
 
2nd quarter-2006
   
2.65
%
 
3.09
%
  2005
   
2.66
%
 
3.11
%
decline
   
0.01
%
 
0.02
%
               
1st quarter-2006
   
2.66
%
 
3.04
%
2005
   
2.73
%
 
3.21
%
decline
   
0.07
%
 
0.17
%
               
4th quarter-2005
   
2.65
%
 
3.06
%
 2004
   
2.80
%
 
3.34
%
decline
   
0.15
%
 
0.28
%
               
3rd quarter-2005
   
2.42
%
 
2.86
%
 2004
   
3.12
%
 
3.50
%
decline
   
0.70
%
 
0.64
%
               
2nd quarter-2005
   
2.66
%
 
3.11
%
              2004
   
3.48
%
 
3.71
%
decline
   
0.82
%
 
0.60
%
 
Our rapid loan growth during 2004, primarily in adjustable rate one- to four-family residential mortgages (ARMs), as well as the near-complete refinancing of our existing residential mortgage portfolio, occurred during a period of unprecedented low interest rates. Due to the various interest rate reset terms of our ARM products, recent increases in market interest rates have not generally resulted in immediate increases in interest rate yields. Due to the fact that one- to four-family residential loans comprise over 50% of our total loan portfolio, we do not expect our net interest spread or net interest margin to increase in the near term. However, we believe our recent growth in prime rate based loans, along with limited repricing of our hybrid ARM loans will allow us to us to keep pace with future increases to cost of funds and limit the compression to interest margins. Management does expect net interest income to continue to grow as the Company utilizes deposit growth to expand its business and continues to emphasize loan growth in home equity, construction and commercial loans.

21

 

Provision for loan losses. We establish provisions for loan losses, which are charged to operations, at a level required to reflect probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, the source of origination of those loans, adverse situations that may affect borrowers’ ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, small commercial real estate, home equity and consumer loans, are evaluated in the aggregate using historical loss factors adjusted for current economic conditions, source of loan origination, and other relevant data. Larger non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial loans for which management has concerns about the borrowers’ ability to repay, are evaluated individually, and specific allowance allocations are provided for such loans when necessary.

Based on management’s evaluation of these factors, provisions of $204,000 and $577,000 were made during the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Comparatively, the provision for loan losses in the second quarter of 2006 was reduced over same quarter in 2005, due to a $605,000 charge-off of a commercial real estate loan that exceeded the reserve of $302,000 and therefore required additional provision for loan loss of that amount.

Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses as necessary in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses based on all known and inherent losses that are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future loan loss provisions may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions and changes in borrower situations. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require us to recognize additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination. The allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2006, is maintained at a level that represents management’s best estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio.

Non-interest income. The components of non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:
 
           
Increase(decrease)
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
 Dollars
 
Percentage
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)  
 
Service charges and fees
 
$
1,502
 
$
1,233
 
$
269
   
21.8
%
Net loss on available for sale securities
   
11
   
-
   
11
   
-100.0
%
Gain on sale of real estate mortgages
                         
held for sale
   
13
   
53
   
(40
)
 
-75.5
%
Gain on sale of foreclosed assets
   
(4
)
 
41
   
(45
)
 
-109.8
%
Commission income
   
68
   
103
   
(35
)
 
-34.0
%
Interchange fees
   
199
   
193
   
6
   
3.1
%
Bank owned life insurance earnings
   
210
   
153
   
57
   
37.3
%
Other
   
189
   
19
   
170
   
894.7
%
   
$
2,188
 
$
1,795
 
$
393
   
21.9
%
 
22

 

Services charges and fees, which are earned primarily based on transaction services for deposit account customers, increased as a result of increased ATM and check card overdraft fees which began in the third quarter of 2005. The implementation of overdraft fees for ATM and check card overdrafts was part of several fee income initiatives started in 2005, which focused on improving our discipline over service charge fees and collections. We expect the growth of service charges and fees for the remainder of 2006, as compared to 2005, to be moderate as most of the initiatives became fully effective in the third and fourth quarters of 2005. This growth will principally result from expanded products and services in existing markets and new branches opened in the second half of 2006.

The growth in bank owned life insurance earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, was due to an increase in the average amount invested from $15.0 million in 2005 to $20.8 million in 2006.

Other non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2006 includes a gain of $208,000 resulting from the early termination of an interest rate swap agreement that had been used as a cash flow hedge for a FHLB advance of $5,000,000. In connection with our asset liability strategy, the FHLB advance was prepaid during the second quarter and the interest rate swap agreement was terminated with the counter-party resulting in the realized gain. We do not expect future gains from early termination of the remaining interest rate swap cash flow hedge, which at June 30, 2006 had a fair market value of $531,000, net of taxes.

Non-interest expense. The components of non-interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

       
Increase(decrease)
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
Dollars
 
Percentage
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
     
Compensation and benefits
 
$
2,617
 
$
2,352
 
$
265
   
11.3
%
Occupancy and equipment
   
490
   
434
   
56
   
12.9
%
Data processing
   
440
   
292
   
148
   
50.7
%
Advertising
   
215
   
173
   
42
   
24.3
%
Outside professional services
   
456
   
643
   
(187
)
 
-29.1
%
Interchange charges
   
162
   
155
   
7
   
4.5
%
Collection expense and repossessed asset losses
   
81
   
84
   
(3
)
 
-3.6
%
Telephone
   
120
   
133
   
(13
)
 
-9.8
%
Other
   
674
   
711
   
(37
)
 
-5.2
%
   
$
5,255
 
$
4,977
 
$
278
   
5.6
%
 
Compensation and benefit expense for the three months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, increased $226,000 for the recognition of compensation expense for awards made under the Company’s share-based compensation plans which were initially awarded in the third quarter of 2005. Normal annual merit increases for associates as well as increased salary expense related to the operation and management of our retail branch network along with increased retirement expense was higher by $171,000 for the second quarter of 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005. Compensation and benefits expense in 2005 included a payment of $152,000 made to retiring directors under the Company’s Director Emeritus program. The increased data processing costs for the three months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, are primarily due to increased software licensing costs for the Company’s operating system, the fees for which are based partly on the asset size of the Company. The Company is currently negotiating a new contract for software licensing with terms that we believe will reduce the rate of growth in these costs. We expect the new contract to begin in the third quarter of 2006. Outside and professional services cost decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005, as the Company incurred significant fees associated with Sarbanes-Oxley initiatives and tax planning initiatives that have not been incurred in 2006.

23

 

In general, we expect non-interest expense will increase in future periods as a result of continued growth and expansion and the costs associated with our operation as a public company. Specifically, we expect compensation expense will increase in future periods as the Company makes additional awards under the Recognition Plan and Stock Option Plan and new branches are put into operation in the second half of 2006.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense increased to $714,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $436,000 for the same period in 2005. The increase is primarily due to an increase in income before income tax expense when comparing the two quarters. The effective income tax rate on income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2006 was 32.3%, which is approximately the same rate as for second quarter 2005, but is less than federal and state statutory rates of 37.8%. The actual tax rate is less than the statutory rate primarily due to increased bank owned life insurance earnings of $211,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2006, and $153,000 for the same period in 2005, that are not taxable for federal income tax purposes. We anticipate that income tax expense will continue to vary as income before income taxes varies.

Comparison of Results of Operation for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

General. Our net income for the six months ended June 30, 2006, was $2.6 million, which was $915,000 more than for the same period in 2005. Net interest income increased 6.9%, or $694,000 in the first half of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005, as growth in interest earning assets combined with an increase in the interest yield on such assets, offset the rising cost of deposits. Provision for loan losses decreased 74.5%, or $820,000, to $280,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to $1.1 million in the same period in 2005, on the basis of improved credit quality. Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 grew by 24.1% to $3.8 million, as compared to $3.1 million for the same six months in 2005, due primarily to increased service charges and fees. The increase in non-interest income was offset by increased non-interest expense which grew $1.0 million, or 10.6%, to $10.5 million for the first half of 2006, from $9.50 million for the period 2005, due to increased compensation and benefit costs and other operating costs.
 
24

 

Average Balances, Net Interest Income, Yields Earned and Rates Paid. The following table sets forth certain information for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. The average yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.
  
   
For the six months ended June 30,
   
   
2006
   
2005
   
   
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield /Cost
   
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield /Cost
   
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
                                         
Loans receivable(1)
 
$
599,976
 
$
19,402
   
6.47
%
 
$
539,213
 
$
16,202
   
6.01
%
 
Securites(2)
   
69,983
   
1,500
   
4.29
%
   
55,511
   
804
   
2.90
%
 
Other interest-earning assets(3)
   
31,219
   
769
   
4.92
%
   
43,105
   
656
   
3.04
%
 
                                           
Total interest-earning assets
   
701,178
   
21,671
   
6.18
%
   
637,830
   
17,662
   
5.54
%
 
Non-interest-earning assets
   
56,778
                 
38,616
               
Total assets
 
$
757,956
               
$
676,446
               
                                           
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
                                         
Savings deposits
 
$
52,594
   
105
   
0.40
%
 
$
64,761
   
142
   
0.44
%
 
Interest on interest-bearing demand
   
66,275
   
800
   
2.41
%
   
45,622
   
382
   
1.67
%
 
Money market accounts
   
60,874
   
1,035
   
3.40
%
   
57,590
   
729
   
2.53
%
 
Time deposits
   
304,134
   
6,161
   
4.05
%
   
256,822
   
4,066
   
3.17
%
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
125,989
   
2,620
   
4.16
%
   
109,765
   
2,281
   
4.16
%
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
8,536
   
195
   
4.53
%
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
                                           
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
618,402
   
10,915
   
3.53
%
   
534,559
   
7,600
   
2.84
%
 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
46,375
                 
41,703
               
Total liabilities
   
664,777
                 
576,262
               
Stockholders' equity
   
93,179
                 
100,184
               
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
757,956
               
$
676,446
               
                                           
Net interest income
       
$
10,756
               
$
10,062
         
Net interest spread
               
2.65
%
               
2.69
%
 
Net earning assets
 
$
82,776
               
$
103,271
               
Net interest margin(4)
               
3.07
%
               
3.17
%
 
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
         
113.39
%
               
119.32
%
       

                           
                           
(1) Calculated net of deferred loan fees and loss reserve. Nonaccrual loans included as loans carrying a zero yield
       
(2) Calculated based on carrying value. Not full tax equivalents, as the numbers would not change materially from those presented in the table.
(3) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock at cost and term deposits with other financial institutions.
       
(4) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
                 
 
25

 

Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume multiplied by the old rate; and (2) changes in rate, which are changes in rate multiplied by the old volume; and (3) changes not solely attributable to rate or volume have been allocated proportionately the change due to volume and the change due to rate.
 
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
Total
 
   
Due to
 
Increase
 
   
Volume
 
Rate
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In Thousands) 
 
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
                 
Loans receivable
 
$
1,909
 
$
1,291
 
$
3,200
 
Securites
   
245
   
451
   
696
 
Other interest-earning assets
   
(216
)
 
329
   
113
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,938
   
2,071
   
4,009
 
                     
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
                   
Savings deposits
   
(25
)
 
(12
)
 
(37
)
Interest bearing demand accounts
   
211
   
207
   
418
 
Money market accounts
   
44
   
262
   
306
 
Time deposits
   
832
   
1,262
   
2,094
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
337
   
2
   
339
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
195
   
-
   
195
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
1,594
   
1,721
   
3,315
 
                     
Net interest income
 
$
344
 
$
350
 
$
694
 
 
Interest income. As shown in the table above the increase in interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, is attributed nearly equally to growth in average outstanding interest-earning assets, and the rate of interest earned on those assets. Loans accounted for approximately 80% of the interest income growth, or $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to for the same six months in 2005. While the majority of the increased interest income from loans is due to increased outstanding balances, the Company also increased its yield on average outstanding loan balances as a result of growth in prime interest rate-based loans. As discussed above in “Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 - Loans,” the flat yield curve over the last 12 months led the Company to increase its emphasis on prime rate interest-based loans, such as home equity lending and construction loans and reduce our focus on growing one- to four-family loans with interest rates that lagged increases in the Federal Reserve Bank discount rate. The growth in average outstanding balances of home equity loans and construction loans for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, accounted for approximately 64%, or $38.4 million of the total $60.1 million in average loan growth. During these same periods, the average prime rate increased 180 basis points from 5.68% to 7.48%.

The growth in interest income from investment securities and other interest-earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005 is due to increased yields on these assets which have tracked upward consistent with increases to short-term interest rates.

We expect our interest income will increase as average interest earning assets and interest rates on such assets increase. Growth in interest earnings assets is partly dependent on funding from deposit growth in existing markets and the opening of new branches in the second-half of 2006. Our interest income could be adversely impacted by continued low interest rates on longer-term loans, such as one- to four-family residential loans and the availability of the type of interest earning-assets desired for investment by the Company.

26

 

Interest expense. The increase in interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, is partially due to growth in average outstanding balances of interest-bearing deposit accounts, but more significantly due to increases to interest rates paid on those accounts. During the period of time from the end of the second quarter of 2005, until the end of the second quarter of 2006, the Federal Reserve Board increased the target rate for Federal Funds borrowings by 200 basis points, from 3.25% to 5.25%. In general, this has led to significant rate increases to interest-bearing deposit accounts in our markets, where competition for deposits among financial institutions is stiff. In order to fund loan growth and maintain deposit market share, the Company has increased interest rates on its money-market accounts, interest bearing demand accounts and time deposits. The rate of interest expense on our FHLB advances has remained relatively flat for the first quarter of 2006 as compared to the first quarter of 2005, as the average interest rate on new advances have been slightly lower than the average rate of the total outstanding FHLB advances. We expect interest rates on deposits will continue to increase over the near term as market rates for deposits increase and competition for those deposits in our market intensifies.

Net interest income. Net interest income increased during the first half of 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, as the growth in interest income outpaced the growth in interest expense. As discussed above, increases in prime rate based loans has, in part, enabled the Company to increase the overall yield of the loan portfolio, in addition to strong growth in average outstanding balances. Our net interest spread, which is the difference between the interest yield earned on interest earning assets and the interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities, declined 4 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the six months in 2005. For the same comparative periods, our net interest margin, which is net interest income expressed as a percentage of our average interest earning assets declined 10 basis points. The rate of decline in net interest spread and net interest margin has slowed considerably compared to the recent previous four quarters as shown above (See “Comparison of Results of Operation for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 - Net interest income”).

Our rapid loan growth during 2004, primarily in adjustable rate one- to four-family residential mortgages (ARMs), as well as the near-complete refinancing of our existing residential mortgage portfolio, occurred during a period of unprecedented low interest rates. Due to the various interest rate reset terms of our ARM products, recent increases in market interest rates have not generally, resulted in immediate increase in interest rate yields. Due to the fact that one- to four-family residential loans comprise over 50% of our total loan portfolio we do not expect our net interest spread or net interest margin to increase in the near term. However, we believe our recent growth in prime rate based loans, along with limited repricing of our hybrid ARM loans will allow us to us to keep pace with future increases to cost of funds and limit the compression to interest margins. Management does expect net interest income to continue to grow as the Company utilizes deposit growth to expand its business and continues to emphasize loan growth in home equity, construction and commercial loans.

Provision for loan losses. We establish provisions for loan losses, which are charged to operations, at a level required to reflect probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, the source of origination of those loans, adverse situations that may affect borrowers’ ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, small commercial real estate, home equity and consumer loans, are evaluated in the aggregate using historical loss factors adjusted for current economic conditions, source of loan origination, and other relevant data. Larger non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial loans for which management has concerns about the borrowers’ ability to repay, are evaluated individually, and specific allowance allocations are provided for such loans when necessary.
 
27

 

Based on management’s evaluation of these factors, provisions of $280,000 and $1.1 million were made during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The provision for loan losses in 2005 included a specific allowance of $400,000 for a single commercial real estate loan, which subsequently was paid off entirely in the third quarter of 2005, and a $605,000 charge-off of a commercial real estate loan that exceeded the reserve of $302,000 and therefore required additional provision for loan loss for the difference. There was not any similarly large activity to the allowance for loan loss reserve during the first six months of 2006.

Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses as necessary in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses based on all known and inherent losses that are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future loan loss provisions may necessarily be based on changes in economic conditions and changes in borrower situations. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require us to recognize additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination. The allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2006, is maintained at a level that represents management’s best estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio.

Non-interest income. The components of non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

       
Increase(decrease)
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
Dollars
 
 Percentage
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Service charges and fees
 
$
2,844
 
$
2,129
 
$
715
   
33.6
%
Net loss on available for sale securities
   
(166
)
 
-
   
(166
)
 
-100.0
%
Gain on sale of real estate mortgages held for sale
   
16
   
65
   
(49
)
 
-75.4
%
Gain on sale of foreclosed assets
   
(1
)
 
42
   
(43
)
 
-102.4
%
Commission income
   
149
   
202
   
(53
)
 
-26.2
%
Interchange fees
   
394
   
373
   
21
   
5.6
%
Bank owned life insurance earnings
   
414
   
204
   
210
   
102.9
%
Other
   
176
   
67
   
109
   
162.7
%
   
$
3,826
 
$
3,082
 
$
744
   
24.1
%

Services charges and fees, which are earned primarily based on transaction services for deposit account customers, increased as a result of increased ATM and check card overdraft fees which began in the third quarter of 2005. The implementation of overdraft fees for ATM and check card overdrafts was part of a several fee initiatives started in 2005, which focused on improving our discipline over service charge fees and collections. We expect the growth of service charges and fees for the remainder of 2006, as compared to 2005, to be moderate as most of the initiatives became fully effective in the third and fourth quarters of 2005. This growth will principally result from expanded products and services in existing markets and new branches opened in the second half of 2006.

The net loss on available for sale securities for the six months ended June 30, 2006, is due to the recognition of an impairment loss on certain FHLB debt securities held at the end of the first quarter of 2006 for $177,000. The impairment loss was estimated based on the difference between the original cost of the securities and their estimated fair value as March 31, 2006. The securities were sold during the second quarter for an actual loss of $166,000 and the loss recorded at the time the securities were identified for disposal was adjusted to the actual loss at the time of the sale. The securities disposed of had an original purchase cost of $16.0 million and a weighted average yield of 3.84%. They were identified for disposal in an effort to improve the Company’s net interest margin. During the second quarter of 2006 the Company purchased a like amount of securities with a weighted average interest rate of 5.77%.

28

 

The growth in bank owned life insurance earnings for the first half of 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, was due to an increase in the average amount invested from $10.6 million in 2005 to $20.7 million in 2006.

Other non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 includes a gain of $208,000 resulting from the early termination of an interest rate swap agreement that had been used as a cash flow hedge for a FHLB advance of $5,000,000. In connection with our asset liability strategy, the FHLB advance was prepaid during the second quarter and the interest rate swap agreement was terminated with the counter-party resulting in the realized gain. We do not expect future gains from early termination of the remaining interest rate swap cash flow hedge, which at June 30, 2006 had a fair market value of $531,000, net of taxes.

Non-interest expense. The components of non-interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

       
Increase(decrease)
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
Dollars
 
Percentage
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
     
Compensation and benefits
 
$
5,244
 
$
4,584
 
$
660
   
14.4
%
Occupancy and equipment
   
997
   
808
   
189
   
23.4
%
Data processing
   
806
   
542
   
264
   
48.7
%
Advertising
   
431
   
280
   
151
   
53.9
%
Outside professional services
   
950
   
1,248
   
(298
)
 
-23.9
%
Interchange charges
   
328
   
301
   
27
   
9.0
%
Collection expense and repossessed asset losses
   
163
   
163
   
-
   
0.0
%
Telephone
   
243
   
249
   
(6
)
 
-2.4
%
Other
   
1,327
   
1,309
   
18
   
1.4
%
   
$
10,489
 
$
9,484
 
$
1,005
   
10.6
%
 
Compensation and benefit expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, increased $442,000 for the recognition of compensation expense for awards made under the Company’s share-based compensation plans which were initially awarded in the third quarter of 2005. Normal annual merit increases for associates as well as increased salary expense related to the operation and management of our retail branch network along with increased retirement expense was higher by $324,000 for the first six months of 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005. Finally, compensation and benefits expense in 2005 included a payment of $152,000 made to retiring directors under the Company’s Director Emeritus program. Occupancy and equipment charges have increased for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the period in 2005, due to higher real estate taxes and increased building and equipment maintenance costs along with additional lease expense associated with the Company’s Florida Regional Center, which we began occupying in latter part of the first quarter of 2005. The increased data processing costs for the first half of 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, are primarily due to increased software licensing costs for the Company’s operating system, the fees for which are based partly on the asset size of the Company. The Company is currently negotiating a new contract for software licensing with terms that we believe will reduce the rate of growth in these costs. We expect the new contract to begin in the third quarter of 2006. Advertising expenses for the first six months of 2006 increased compared to the same period in 2005, as the Company has been more active in marketing through print and television advertisements. Outside and professional services cost decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005, as the Company incurred significant fees associated with Sarbanes-Oxley initiatives and tax planning initiatives in 2005 that have not been incurred in 2006.
 
29

 

In general, we expect non-interest expense will increase in future periods as a result of continued growth and expansion and the costs associated with our operation as a public company. Specifically, we expect compensation expense will increase in future periods as the Company makes additional awards under the Recognition Plan and Stock Option Plan and new branches are put into operation in the second half of 2006.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense increased to $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $875,000 for the same period in 2005. The increase is primarily due to an increase in income before income tax expense when comparing the two periods. The effective income tax rate on income before income taxes for the first half of 2006 was 31.8%, compared to 34.2% for the same period in 2005. The actual tax rate is less than the federal and state statutory rate of 37.8% primarily due to increased bank owned life insurance earnings of $415,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and $204,000 for the same period in 2005, which are not taxable for federal income tax purposes. We anticipate that income tax expense will continue to vary as income before income taxes varies.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the extent that its interest-bearing liabilities, primarily deposits and FHLB advances, re-price more rapidly or at different rates than its interest-earning assets.
 
In order to minimize the potential for adverse effects of material prolonged increases or decreases in interest rates on our results of operations, we have adopted an asset and liability management policy. The Board of Directors sets the asset and liability policy for the Company, which is implemented by the Asset/Liability Committee (“Committee”).

The purpose of this Committee is to communicate, coordinate and control asset/liability management consistent with our business plan and board approved policies. The committee establishes and monitors the volume and mix of assets and funding sources taking into account relative costs and spreads, interest rate sensitivity and liquidity needs. The objectives are to manage assets and funding sources to produce results that are consistent with liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk, and profitability goals.

The Committee generally meets on a quarterly basis to review, among other things, economic conditions and interest rate outlook, current and projected liquidity needs and capital position, anticipated changes in the volume and mix of assets and liabilities and interest rate exposure limits versus current projections pursuant to market value of portfolio equity analysis and income simulations. The Committee recommends appropriate strategy changes based on this review. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting the effects of the policy implementations and strategies to the Board of Directors at least quarterly.

A key element of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s asset/liability plan is to protect net earnings by managing the maturity or re-pricing mismatch between its interest-earning assets and rate-sensitive liabilities. Historically, the Company has sought to reduce exposure to its earnings through the use of adjustable rate loans and through the sale of certain fixed rate loans in the secondary market, and by extending funding maturities through the use of FHLB advances.

As part of its efforts to monitor and manage interest rate risk, the Company uses a financial modeling tool that estimates the impact of different interest rate scenarios on the value of the company’s equity. This financial modeling tool is referred to as Economic Value of Equity (EVE). In essence, this tool measures the changes in equity due to the impact on net interest margin, over a five- year horizon, from instantaneous and sustained parallel shifts in the yield curve, in 100 basis point increments, up and down 300 basis points. We believe the use of EVE improves the visibility of the effect of current interest rate risk on future earnings under increasing or decreasing interest rate environments. Accordingly, the Company believes it is in a better position to be proactive in reducing future interest rate risk through management of the growth of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities within a meaningful time horizon. The EVE, considering the assumed changes in interest rates as of June 30, 2006, is as follows:

30

 
 
   
Economic Value of Equity and Duration of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2006
Change in Interest Rate
 
   
Decrease
 
Decrease
 
Decrease
 
Increase
 
Increase
 
Increase
 
   
3%
 
2%
 
1%
 
1%
 
2%
 
3%
 
                           
Duration of assets(1)
   
3.17
   
3.17
   
3.19
   
3.25
   
3.26
   
3.26
 
Duration of liabilities(1)
   
2.89
   
2.89
   
2.89
   
2.93
   
2.93
   
2.93
 
Differential in duration
   
0.28
   
0.28
   
0.30
   
0.32
   
0.33
   
0.33
 
                                       
Amount of change in Economic Value of Equity(2)
 
$
6,613,333
 
$
4,408,889
 
$
2,299,176
 
$
(2,453,845
)
$
(5,161,347
)
$
(7,742,020
)
Percentage change in Economic Value of Equity(2)
   
6.63
%
 
4.42
%
 
2.31
%
 
-2.46
%
 
-5.18
%
 
-7.76
%

                           
(1) Expressed as number of years before the asset/liability reprices to achieve stated rate of interest rate increase/decrease
             
(2) Represents the cummulative five year pre-tax impact on the Company's equity due to increased or (decreased) net interest margin
         

In managing its asset/liability mix, the Company, depending on the relationship between long and short-term interest rates, market conditions and consumer preference, may place somewhat greater emphasis on maximizing its net interest margin than on strictly matching the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. Management believes that the increased net income which may result from an acceptable mismatch in the actual maturity or re-pricing of its asset and liability portfolios can, during periods of declining or stable interest rates, provide sufficient returns to justify the increased exposure to sudden and unexpected increases in interest rates which may result from such a mismatch. Management believes that Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s level of interest rate risk is acceptable under this approach.

In evaluating Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s exposure to interest rate movements, certain shortcomings inherent in the EVE methodology must be considered. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or re-pricing periods, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in interest rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM’s), have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, in the event of a significant change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in our EVE methodology. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation considers all of these factors in monitoring its exposure to interest rate risk.

We believe that certain factors afford Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation the ability to operate successfully despite its exposure to interest rate risk. Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation manages its interest rate risk by originating and retaining adjustable-rate loans in its portfolio and by selling most of our currently originated fixed-rate, one- to four-family real estate loans. Also, to a limited degree, we have utilized interest rate swap agreements as a part of our asset/liability management strategy to reduce interest rate risk. As of June 30, 2006, the Company held interest rate swaps agreements classified as cash flow hedges of certain FHLB advances with notional amounts totaling $10.0 million. We have determined that the fair value of these interest rate swaps was approximately $856,000 as of June 30, 2006. The Company also had two interest rate swaps with a combined notional value of $10.0 million as of June 30, 2006, used to promote our asset/liability management strategy by mitigating the impact to our net interest margin of sudden and unplanned interest rate changes. These swaps, which do not qualify for hedge accounting, had an estimated value on June 30, 2006 of $(91,000). Finally, Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s investment strategy is to maintain a diversified portfolio of high quality investments that balances the goals of minimizing interest rate and credit risks while striving to maximize investment return and provide the liquidity necessary to meet funding needs.

31

 
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

(b) Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2006, that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
32

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

June 30, 2006

Part II - Other Information

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings
                 None.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
                 None.
 
Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
                 None
 
Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities
             None

Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
At the Company's Annual Stockholder's Meeting (the “Meeting”) held on May 12, 2006, all nominees for director proposed by the Company were elected. The votes cast for each nominee were as follows:

   
For
 
Withheld
 
Fred D. Franklin, Jr.
   
13,044,993
   
11,776
 
Robert J. Smith
   
13,043,993
   
12,776
 
H. Dennis Woods
   
13,013,724
   
43,045
 

Also at the Meeting, the stockholders ratified the appointment of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC as the independent registered public accounting firm for Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. The votes cast for and against and the number of abstentions was as follows:

 
For
 
 
Against
 
 
Abstain
 
Broker
Non-Vote
 
 
Withheld
12,876,371
 
42,799
 
26,802
 
110,797
 
0

Item 5.     Other Information
                 None

Item 6.     Exhibits
                 a. Exhibits

31.1  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation pursuant to Section 906

33

 

ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

June 30, 2006

Part II - Other Information

Signatures
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
     
  ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: August 11, 2006   /s/ Robert J. Larison, Jr
 

Robert J. Larison, Jr., President and Chief
Executive Officer

     
Date: August 11, 2006   /s/ Jon C. Parker, Sr.
 

Jon C. Parker, Sr., Senior Vice-President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
34