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FirstMerit Reports Second Quarter 2008 EPS of $0.36 Per Share

Posted : Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:30:26 GMT
Author : FirstMerit Corporation
Category : Press Release
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AKRON, Ohio, July 22 OH-FirstMerit-earns
AKRON, Ohio, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FirstMerit Corporation (Nasdaq: FMER) today announced second quarter 2008 net income of $29.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share. This compares with $31.4 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the first quarter 2008 and $29.9 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2007.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070920/CLTU138LOGO )
Returns on average common equity ("ROE") and average assets ("ROA") for the second quarter 2008 were 12.31% and 1.11%, respectively, compared with 13.56% and 1.22%, respectively, for the first quarter 2008 and 13.75% and 1.16% for the second quarter 2007.
"Our second quarter financial results reflect the many initiatives that we have taken over the past several quarters to increase revenues, control expenses, and improve our credit quality. We are pleased to report revenue gains supported by net interest margin expansion, solid credit quality, continued capital strength and expense management," said Paul G. Greig, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FirstMerit Corporation. "Our unwavering focus on executing our super community banking model is generating positive results amidst a challenging environment. We believe our competitive array of financial services and products combined with our excellence in customer service will increase profitability and enhance shareholder value over the longer term."
Mr. Greig continued, "Commercial loan growth continued the strong momentum established in the first quarter. Relative economic stability and emerging opportunities in our markets are providing us a foundation to grow the balance sheet. Importantly, incentives within the organization remain aligned with maintaining a high standard of credit quality and the profitable expansion and penetration of our customer base."
Net interest margin was 3.69% for the second quarter of 2008 compared with 3.60% for the first quarter of 2008 and 3.62% for the second quarter of 2007. Reduced funding costs compared with the first quarter of 2008 and the second quarter of 2007 due to an increased composition of lower cost core deposits along with lower liability pricing from a falling interest rate environment supported margin expansion over both periods.
Average loans during the second quarter of 2008 increased $116.7 million, or 1.66%, compared with the first quarter of 2008 and increased $137.9 million, or 1.97%, compared with the second quarter of 2007. Increases in the respective periods were driven by average commercial loan growth of $127.7 million, or 3.24%, and $223.9 million, or 5.82%.
During the second quarter of 2008 the Company increased its average core deposits, which excludes time deposits, by $127.2 million, or 2.85%, compared with the first quarter of 2008, and $128.8 million, or 2.88%, compared with the second quarter of 2007.
The Company's investment portfolio yield decreased slightly in the second quarter of 2008, to 4.90%, compared with 4.91% in the first quarter of 2008, and increased from 4.72% in the second quarter of 2007. The increased investment portfolio yields compared with the second quarter of 2007 positively impacted the year-over-year increase in the net interest margin.
Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis was $89.0 million in the second quarter 2008 compared with $85.7 million in the first quarter of 2008 and $85.6 million in the second quarter of 2007. The increases in FTE net interest income compared with those two periods resulted from expansion in the net interest margin driven by the aforementioned decrease in liability pricing.
Noninterest income net of securities transactions for the second quarter of 2008 was $48.7 million, a decrease of $3.6 million, or 6.92%, from the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease of $0.2 million, or 0.45%, from the second quarter of 2007. Included in noninterest income in the first quarter 2008 is a $7.9 million gain from the partial redemption of Visa, Inc. shares.
Excluding the $7.9 million gain from the partial redemption of Visa, Inc. shares, noninterest income net of securities transactions increased $4.3 million, or 9.63%. The primary changes in other income for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2008, were as follows: service charges on deposits increased $1.3 million, or 8.77%, other operating income increased $1.2 million, or 42.7%, and credit card fees increased $1.0 million, or 8.86%.
Other income, net of securities gains, as a percentage of net revenue for the second quarter of 2008 was 35.38% compared with 37.91% for first quarter of 2008 and 36.37% for the second quarter of 2007. Net revenue is defined as net interest income, on a FTE basis, plus other income, less gains from securities sales.
Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2008 was $80.6 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 0.84%, from the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease of $0.8 million, or 1.01%, from the second quarter of 2007. Compared with the second quarter of 2007, professional services fell $1.9 million, down 42.96% due in part to the consulting services necessary to remediate Bank Secrecy Act issues performed in 2007 which were completed during the first quarter of 2008.
Net charge-offs totaled $10.7 million, or 0.60% of average loans, in the second quarter of 2008 compared with $11.3 million, or 0.65% of average loans, in the first quarter 2008 and $7.6 million, or 0.43% of average loans, in the second quarter of 2007.
Nonperforming assets totaled $41.6 million at June 30, 2008, an increase of $6.3 million, or 17.95%, compared with March 31, 2008. Nonperforming assets at June 30, 2008 represented 0.57% of period-end loans plus other real estate compared with 0.50% at March 31, 2008.
The allowance for loan losses totaled $98.2 million at June 30, 2008, an increase of $3.8 million from March 31, 2008. The increase was attributable to additional reserves that were established to address identified risks associated with the slow down in the housing markets and the decline in residential and commercial real estate values. At June 30, 2008, the allowance for loan losses was 1.36% of period-end loans compared with 1.33% at March 31, 2008. The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. For comparative purposes the allowance for credit losses was 1.46% at June 30, 2008 compared with 1.45% at March 31, 2008. The allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans was 288.50% at June 30, 2008, compared with 345.59% at March 31, 2008.
FirstMerit's total assets at June 30, 2008 were $10.6 billion, an increase of $48.0 million, or 0.46%, compared with March 31, 2008 and an increase of $135.7 million, or 1.30%, compared with June 30, 2007. Commercial loan growth of $116.1 million, or 2.89%, compared with March 31, 2008, and $237.3 million, or 6.09%, compared with June 30, 2007, provided the overall asset growth over both periods.
Total deposits were $7.3 billion at June 30, 2008, a decrease of $145.5 million, or 1.96%, from March 31, 2008 and a decrease of $197.3 million, or 2.64%, from June 30, 2007. The decrease compared with both periods was driven by a strategic reduction in the reliance on large brokered and consumer CDs to lower funding costs. Core deposits totaled $4.6 billion at June 30, 2008, an increase of $75.3 million, or 1.65%, from March 31, 2008 and an increase of $200.0 million, or 4.49%, from June 30, 2007.
Shareholders' equity was $924 million at June 30, 2008, compared with $937 million at March 31, 2008, and $862 million at June 30, 2007. The Company maintained a strong capital position as tangible equity to assets was 7.52% at June 30, 2008, compared with 7.68% and 7.00% at March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively. The common dividend per share paid in the second quarter 2008 was $0.29.
Second quarter 2008 Conference Call
FirstMerit will host an earnings conference call on July 22, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. EDT to provide an overview of second quarter results and highlights. To participate in the conference call, please dial (888) 693-3477 ten minutes before start time and provide the reservation number: 56237375. A replay of the conference call will be available at approximately 5:00 p.m., on July 22, 2008 through July, 29, 2008, by dialing (800) 642-1687, and entering the PIN: 56237375.
FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of $10.6 billion as of June 30, 2008 and 160 banking offices and 175 ATMs in 25 Ohio and Western Pennsylvania counties. FirstMerit provides a complete range of banking and other financial services to consumers and businesses through its core operations. Principal wholly-owned subsidiaries include: FirstMerit Bank, N.A., FirstMerit Mortgage Corporation, FirstMerit Title Agency, Ltd., and FirstMerit Community Development Corporation.
Forward-Looking Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors affecting the banking industry, and specifically the financial condition and results of operations, including without limitation, statements relating to the earnings outlook of the Company, as well as its operations, markets and products. Actual results could differ materially from those indicated. Among the important factors that could cause results to differ materially are interest rate changes, continued softening in the economy, which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans, changes in the mix of the Company's business, competitive pressures, changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements and those risk factors detailed in the Company's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Highlights
(Unaudited)  Quarters
(Dollars in thousands)
 2008 2008 2007
EARNINGS2nd Qtr  1st Qtr  4th Qtr
Net interest income FTE (a) $88,956  $85,695  $87,647
Provision for loan losses14,565   11,5219,334
Other income 48,758   52,854   49,993
Other expenses   80,550   81,234   83,295
FTE adjustment (a)1,4251,3961,486
Net income   29,153   31,443   31,459
Diluted EPS0.36 0.39 0.39

PERFORMANCE RATIOS

Return on average assets (ROA) 1.11%1.22%1.21%
Return on average common equity (ROE) 12.31%   13.56%   13.87%
Net interest margin FTE (a)3.69%3.60%3.66%
Efficiency ratio  58.38%   58.69%   60.85%
Number of full-time equivalent
 employees2,6792,6762,688

MARKET DATA

Book value/common share  $11.43   $11.59   $11.39
Period-end common share mkt value 16.3120.6620.01
Market as a % of book   143% 178% 176%
Cash dividends/common share   $0.29$0.29$0.29
Common stock dividend payout ratio80.56%   74.36%   74.36%
Average basic common shares  80,855   80,655   80,477
Average diluted common shares80,898   80,722   80,595
Period end common shares 80,846   80,879   80,482
Common shares repurchased34,3805,4266,066
Common stock market capitalization   $1,318,598   $1,670,960   $1,610,445

ASSET QUALITY

Gross charge-offs   $14,830  $14,669  $11,768
Net charge-offs  10,737   11,3158,940
Allowance for loan losses98,239   94,411   94,205
Reserve for unfunded lending
 commitments  7,3107,9037,394
Nonperforming assets (NPAs)  41,639   35,301   37,262
Net charge-offs/average loans ratio0.60%0.65%0.51%
Allowance for loan losses/period-
 end loans 1.36%1.33%1.35%
Allowance for credit losses/period-
 end loans 1.46%1.45%1.45%
NPAs/loans and other real estate   0.57%0.50%0.53%
Allowance for loan
 losses/nonperforming loans  268.52%  318.89%  299.70%
Allowance for credit
 losses/nonperforming loans  288.50%  345.59%  323.22%

CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY

Period-end tangible equity to
 assets7.52%7.68%7.56%
Average equity to assets   9.06%8.98%8.72%
Average equity to loans   13.34%   13.27%   12.94%
Average loans to deposits 97.29%   95.82%   94.71%

AVERAGE BALANCES

Assets  $10,520,469  $10,388,359  $10,313,707
Deposits  7,339,5067,330,0977,339,827
Loans 7,140,6277,023,9286,951,544
Earning assets9,704,2529,581,1219,493,271
Shareholders' equity952,769  932,405  899,624

ENDING BALANCES

Assets  $10,564,752  $10,516,828  $10,400,666
Deposits  7,277,1847,422,6787,331,739
Loans 7,240,8827,072,7977,001,886
Goodwill139,245  139,245  139,245
Intangible assets 1,5771,7541,977
Earning assets9,724,8599,688,2709,509,680
Total shareholders' equity  924,429  937,439  916,977


NOTES:
(a) - Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis restates
interest on tax-exempt securities and loans as if such interest were
subject to federal income tax at the statutory rate.  Net interest income
on an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally accepted in the
United States of America.



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Highlights
(Unaudited) Quarters
(Dollars in thousands)
 2007  2007
EARNINGS   3rd Qtr   2nd Qtr
Net interest income FTE (a)$86,582   $85,593
Provision for loan losses7,324 9,967
Other income49,12448,930
Other expenses  84,03081,375
FTE adjustment (a)   1,428 1,368
Net income  30,26229,885
Diluted EPS   0.38  0.37

PERFORMANCE RATIOS

Return on average assets (ROA)1.16% 1.16%
Return on average common equity (ROE)13.71%13.75%
Net interest margin FTE (a)   3.61% 3.62%
Efficiency ratio 61.76%60.33%
Number of full-time equivalent employees 2,704 2,725

MARKET DATA

Book value/common share $11.00$10.71
Period-end common share mkt value19.76 20.93
Market as a % of book  180%  195%
Cash dividends/common share  $0.29 $0.29
Common stock dividend payout ratio   76.32%78.38%
Average basic common shares 80,46780,426
Average diluted common shares   80,56180,570
Period end common shares80,46780,477
Common shares repurchased   22,47336,159
Common stock market capitalization  $1,590,028$1,684,384

ASSET QUALITY

Gross charge-offs  $12,347   $10,609
Net charge-offs  7,945 7,580
Allowance for loan losses   93,81194,432
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments 7,409 6,553
Nonperforming assets (NPAs) 34,19937,038
Net charge-offs/average loans ratio   0.45% 0.43%
Allowance for loan losses/period-end loans1.34% 1.34%
Allowance for credit losses/period-end loans  1.44% 1.43%
NPAs/loans and other real estate  0.49% 0.52%
Allowance for loan
 losses/nonperforming loans 314.22%   295.08%
Allowance for credit
 losses/nonperforming loans 339.04%   315.56%

CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY

Period-end tangible equity to assets  7.24% 7.00%
Average equity to assets  8.45% 8.45%
Average equity to loans  12.49%12.45%
Average loans to deposits93.74%93.18%

AVERAGE BALANCES

Assets $10,360,739   $10,319,454
Deposits 7,479,960 7,515,205
Loans7,011,776 7,002,750
Earning assets   9,513,230 9,485,819
Shareholders' equity   875,720   871,554

ENDING BALANCES

Assets $10,407,765   $10,429,099
Deposits 7,408,296 7,474,466
Loans7,014,389 7,052,390
Goodwill   139,245   139,245
Intangible assets2,200 2,422
Earning assets   9,563,541 9,545,752
Total shareholders' equity 884,877   862,265


NOTES:
(a) - Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis restates
interest on tax-exempt securities and loans as if such interest were
subject to federal income tax at the statutory rate.  Net interest income
on an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally accepted in the
United States of America.



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited, except December 31,
  2007, which is derived from the   June 30,   December 31,   June 30,
  audited financial statements)   2008 2007 2007

ASSETS
  Cash and due from banks  $195,930 $207,335 $210,722
  Investment securities (at fair
   value) and federal funds sold  2,469,6922,460,4532,442,906
  Loans held for sale14,285   47,341   50,456
  Loans:
   Commercial loans   4,136,2733,906,4483,898,943
   Mortgage loans   569,516  577,219  586,612
   Installment loans  1,619,3831,598,8321,641,790
   Home equity loans697,729  691,922  712,021
   Credit card loans146,727  153,732  141,162
   Leases71,254   73,733   71,862
 Total loans  7,240,8827,001,8867,052,390
  Less allowance for loan losses(98,239) (94,205) (94,432)
Net loans 7,142,6436,907,6816,957,958
  Premises and equipment, net   126,021  130,469  133,493
  Goodwill  139,245  139,245  139,245
  Intangible assets   1,5771,9772,422
  Accrued interest receivable and
   other assets 475,359  506,165  491,897
  Total assets  $10,564,752  $10,400,666  $10,429,099

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
 EQUITY
  Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing  $1,576,584   $1,482,4801,424,892
Demand-interest bearing 698,829  727,966  755,931
Savings and money market
 accounts 2,367,8252,295,1472,262,828
Certificates and other time
 deposits 2,633,9462,826,1463,030,815
   Total deposits 7,277,1847,331,7397,474,466

  Securities sold under agreements
   to repurchase  1,239,9251,256,0801,302,175
  Wholesale borrowings  953,759  705,121  578,659
  Accrued taxes, expenses, and
   other liabilities169,455  190,749  211,534
 Total liabilities9,640,3239,483,6899,566,834
  Commitments and contingencies
  Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, without par
 value:
  authorized and unissued
  7,000,000 shares --   --   --
Preferred stock, Series A,
 without par value:
  designated 800,000 shares;
  none outstanding --   --   --
Convertible preferred stock,
 Series B, without par value:
  designated 220,000 shares;
  none outstanding --   --   --
Common stock, without par
 value:
  authorized 300,000,000
  shares; issued 92,026,350 at
  June 30, 2008, December 31,
  2007 and June 30, 2007127,937  127,937  127,937
Capital surplus  93,267  100,028  100,700
Accumulated other comprehensive
 loss   (51,434) (43,085) (82,073)
Retained earnings 1,041,4731,027,7751,012,699
Treasury stock, at cost,
 11,180,046, 11,543,882 and
 11,548,911 shares at June 30,
 2008, December 31, 2007 and June
 30, 2007, respectively(286,814)(295,678)(296,998)
 Total shareholders' equity 924,429  916,977  862,265
Total liabilities and shareholders'
 equity $10,564,752  $10,400,666  $10,429,099



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
   Quarterly Periods
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)June 30, March 31,  December 31,
2008 2008 2007

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks$173,044 $171,028 $175,164
Investment securities/fed funds
 sold 2,515,5462,508,1252,494,975
Loans held for sale  48,079   49,068   46,752
Loans:
  Commercial loans4,069,3053,941,5733,839,242
  Mortgage loans577,178  584,000  581,370
  Installment loans   1,584,8251,587,2671,615,035
  Home equity loans 692,567  686,603  696,259
  Credit card loans 147,242  150,575  149,466
  Leases 69,510   73,910   70,172
Total loans   7,140,6277,023,9286,951,544
Less allowance for loan losses   94,002   93,804   92,667

Net loans 7,046,6256,930,1246,858,877

Total earning assets  9,704,2529,581,1219,493,271

Premises and equipment, net 126,488  128,185  132,129
Accrued interest receivable and
 other assets   610,687  601,829  605,810

TOTAL ASSETS$10,520,469  $10,388,359  $10,313,707


LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  Demand-non-interest bearing$1,518,841   $1,446,889   $1,435,358
  Demand-interest bearing   709,922  702,115  699,675
  Savings and money market accounts   2,366,2962,318,8992,262,818
  Certificates and other time
   deposits   2,744,4472,862,1942,941,976

Total deposits7,339,5067,330,0977,339,827

Securities sold under agreements to
 repurchase   1,312,4361,310,3641,517,241
Wholesale borrowings711,132  618,572  369,685

Total funds   9,363,0749,259,0339,226,753
Accrued taxes, expenses and other
 liabilities204,626  196,921  187,330

Total liabilities 9,567,7009,455,9549,414,083

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock   ---
Common stock127,937  127,937  127,937
Capital surplus  92,313   96,048   99,749
Accumulated other comprehensive
 (loss) income  (40,757) (32,170) (60,430)
Retained earnings 1,059,8401,032,0361,028,170
Treasury stock (286,564)(291,446)(295,802)

Total shareholders' equity  952,769  932,405  899,624

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
 EQUITY $10,520,469  $10,388,359  $10,313,707



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
  Quarterly Periods
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)   September 30,  June 30,
   2007  2007

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks   $180,426  $177,524
Investment securities/fed funds sold 2,455,777 2,440,015
Loans held for sale 45,67743,054
Loans:
  Commercial loans   3,868,235 3,845,395
  Mortgage loans   586,911   596,758
  Installment loans  1,640,380 1,636,669
  Home equity loans704,499   711,113
  Credit card loans143,312   141,294
  Leases68,43971,521
Total loans  7,011,776 7,002,750
Less allowance for loan losses  94,39392,298

Net loans6,917,383 6,910,452

Total earning assets 9,513,230 9,485,819

Premises and equipment, net133,303   135,255
Accrued interest receivable and other
 assets628,173   613,154

TOTAL ASSETS   $10,360,739   $10,319,454


LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  Demand-non-interest bearing   $1,400,848$1,408,827
  Demand-interest bearing  714,216   763,907
  Savings and money market accounts  2,224,048 2,293,567
  Certificates and other time
   deposits  3,140,848 3,048,904

Total deposits   7,479,960 7,515,205

Securities sold under agreements to
 repurchase  1,555,235 1,458,982
Wholesale borrowings   256,356   280,914

Total funds  9,291,551 9,255,101
Accrued taxes, expenses and other
 liabilities   193,468   192,799

Total liabilities9,485,019 9,447,900

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock  - -
Common stock   127,937   127,937
Capital surplus100,511   102,355
Accumulated other comprehensive
 (loss) income (77,215)  (72,170)
Retained earnings1,020,979 1,012,675
Treasury stock(296,492) (299,243)

Total shareholders' equity 875,720   871,554

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
 EQUITY$10,360,739   $10,319,454



AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
   Three months ended
(Dollars in thousands)   June 30, 2008

   Average   Average
   BalanceInterestRate

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks$173,044
Investment securities and federal
 funds sold:
  U.S. Treasury securities and U.S.
   Government agency obligations
   (taxable)  2,021,209 23,6094.70%
  Obligations of states and political
   subdivisions (tax exempt)279,757  4,2706.14%
  Other securities and federal funds
   sold 214,580  2,7775.21%

Total investment securities and
 federal funds sold   2,515,546 30,6564.90%

Loans held for sale  48,0796515.45%
Loans 7,140,627105,8895.96%

Total earning assets  9,704,252137,1965.69%

Allowance for loan losses   (94,002)
Other assets737,175

Total assets$10,520,469

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits:
  Demand - non-interest bearing  $1,518,841 --  --
  Demand - interest bearing 709,9225910.33%
  Savings and money market accounts   2,366,296  6,5001.10%
  Certificates and other time deposits2,744,447 26,5873.90%

Total deposits7,339,506 33,6781.85%

Securities sold under agreements to
 repurchase   1,312,436  8,3192.55%
Wholesale borrowings711,132  6,2433.53%

Total interest bearing liabilities7,844,233 48,2402.47%

Other liabilities   204,626

Shareholders' equity952,769

Total liabilities and shareholders'
 equity $10,520,469

Net yield on earning assets  $9,704,252 88,9563.69%

Interest rate spread  3.22%


Note:  Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been
   adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis. Nonaccrual loans have
   been included in the average balances.



AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
  Year ended
(Dollars in thousands)December 31, 2007

   Average   Average
   Balance InterestRate

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks$178,164
Investment securities and federal
 funds sold:
  U.S. Treasury securities and U.S.
   Government agency obligations
   (taxable)  1,955,049 85,5444.38%
  Obligations of states and political
   subdivisions (tax exempt)255,461 15,5956.10%
  Other securities and federal funds
   sold 244,749 17,1277.00%

Total investment securities and
 federal funds sold   2,455,259118,2664.82%

Loans held for sale  56,036  3,0505.44%
Loans 6,971,464521,1727.48%

Total earning assets  9,482,759642,4886.78%

Allowance for loan losses   (92,662)
Other assets750,527

Total assets$10,318,788

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits:
  Demand - non-interest bearing  $1,408,726 --  --
  Demand - interest bearing 733,410  6,8240.93%
  Savings and money market accounts   2,266,070 54,1662.39%
  Certificates and other time deposits3,045,715146,5594.81%

Total deposits7,453,921207,5492.78%

Securities sold under agreements to
 repurchase   1,471,785 71,2984.84%
Wholesale borrowings326,460 20,6016.31%

Total interest bearing liabilities7,843,440299,4483.82%

Other liabilities   191,096

Shareholders' equity875,526

Total liabilities and shareholders'
 equity $10,318,788

Net yield on earning assets  $9,482,759343,0403.62%

Interest rate spread  2.96%


Note:  Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been
   adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis. Nonaccrual loans have
   been included in the average balances.



AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 Three months ended
(Dollars in thousands)  June 30, 2007

   Average   Average
   Balance InterestRate

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks$177,524
Investment securities and federal
 funds sold:
  U.S. Treasury securities and U.S.
   Government agency obligations
   (taxable)  1,936,833 20,3594.22%
  Obligations of states and political
   subdivisions (tax exempt)256,153  3,8836.08%
  Other securities and federal funds
   sold 247,029  4,4777.27%

Total investment securities and
 federal funds sold   2,440,015 28,7194.72%

Loans held for sale  43,0547396.88%
Loans 7,002,750131,3697.52%

Total earning assets  9,485,819160,8276.80%

Allowance for loan losses   (92,298)
Other assets748,409

Total assets$10,319,454

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits:
  Demand - non-interest bearing  $1,408,827 --  --
  Demand - interest bearing 763,907  1,8760.99%
  Savings and money market accounts   2,293,567 13,9922.45%
  Certificates and other time deposits3,048,904 36,7254.83%

Total deposits7,515,205 52,5932.81%

Securities sold under agreements to
 repurchase   1,458,982 18,0054.95%
Wholesale borrowings280,914  4,6366.62%

Total interest bearing liabilities7,846,274 75,2343.85%

Other liabilities   192,799

Shareholders' equity871,554

Total liabilities and shareholders'
 equity $10,319,454


Net yield on earning assets  $9,485,819 85,5933.62%

Interest rate spread  2.95%


Note:  Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been
   adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis. Nonaccrual loans have
   been included in the average balances.



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share  Quarters endedSix months ended
 data)June 30,  June 30,
  2008  2007 2008  2007
Interest income:
  Interest and fees on loans,
   including held for sale  $106,516  $132,076$222,804  $262,165
  Interest and dividends on
   investment securities and
   federal funds sold 29,25527,383  58,49154,229
  Total interest income  135,771   159,459 281,295   316,394
Interest expense:
  Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest bearing  591 1,876   1,555 3,795
Savings and money market
 accounts  6,50013,992  16,14327,998
Certificates and other time
 deposits 26,58736,725  58,57472,805
  Interest on securities sold
   under agreements to
   repurchase  8,31918,005  19,86134,790
  Interest on wholesale
   borrowings  6,243 4,636  13,33210,775
 Total interest expense   48,24075,234 109,465   150,163
 Net interest income  87,53184,225 171,830   166,231
Provision for loan losses 14,565 9,967  26,08614,177
 Net interest income after
  provision for loan losses   72,96674,258 145,744   152,054
Other income:
  Trust department income  5,824 6,096  11,27411,692
  Service charges on deposits 16,02817,055  30,76433,304
  Credit card fees12,14611,712  23,30322,811
  ATM and other service fees   2,770 3,189   5,564 6,260
  Bank owned life insurance
   income  3,217 3,290   6,418 6,458
  Investment services and
   insurance   2,790 2,660   5,655 5,113
  Investment securities gains,
   net47 1 571 1
  Loan sales and servicing
   income  1,885 1,911   3,276 7,349
  Gain on Visa, Inc. redemption- -   7,898 -
  Other operating income   4,051 3,016   6,889 4,818
 Total other income   48,75848,930 101,61297,806
Other expenses:
  Salaries, wages, pension and
   employee benefits  44,36443,538  87,42986,038
  Net occupancy expense6,204 6,521  12,95813,207
  Equipment expense5,842 6,328  12,03612,773
  Stationery, supplies and
   postage 2,242 2,252   4,567 4,585
  Bankcard, loan processing and
   other costs 7,356 7,607  14,60015,077
  Professional services2,581 4,525   4,468 9,354
  Amortization of intangibles177   222 400   445
  Other operating expense 11,78410,382  25,32621,422
 Total other expenses 80,55081,375 161,784   162,901
 Income before federal
  income tax expense  41,17441,813  85,57286,959
Federal income tax expense12,02111,928  24,97625,653
  Net income $29,153   $29,885 $60,596   $61,306

Other comprehensive income, net
 of taxes
  Unrealized securities'
   holding gain, net of taxes   $(22,119) $(13,051)   $(10,510)  $(4,938)
  Unrealized hedging (loss)
   gain, net of taxes  1,419   561 786   628
  Minimum pension liability
   adjustment, net of taxes  873 1,746   1,746 1,746
  Less: reclassification
   adjustment for securities'
   gain realized in net income,
   net of taxes   31 1 371 1
 Total other comprehensive
  income, net of taxes   (19,858)  (10,745) (8,349)   (2,565)
Comprehensive income  $9,295   $19,140 $52,247   $58,741
 Net income applicable to
  common shares  $29,153   $29,885 $60,596   $61,306
 Net income used in diluted EPS
  calculation$29,154   $29,889 $60,601   $61,314
Weighted average number of
 common shares outstanding -
 basic80,85580,426  80,75580,270
Weighted average number of
 common shares outstanding -
 diluted  80,89880,570  80,81280,433
Basic earnings per share   $0.36 $0.37   $0.75 $0.76
Diluted earnings per share $0.36 $0.37   $0.75 $0.76
Dividend per share $0.29 $0.29   $0.58 $0.58



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME---LINKED
QUARTERS


(Unaudited) Quarterly Results
(Dollars in thousands,
 except share data) 2008  2008  2007  2007  2007
2nd Q 1st Q 4th Q 3rd Q 2nd Q

  Interest and fees on
   loans, including held
   for sale  $106,516  $116,288  $128,078  $133,860  $132,076
  Interest and dividends
   - securities and
   federal funds sold  29,25529,23629,89128,77127,383
  Total interest
   income 135,771   145,524   157,969   162,631   159,459
  Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest
 bearing  591   964 1,352 1,677 1,876
Savings and money
 market accounts6,500 9,64312,66713,50113,992
Certificates and
 other time deposits   26,58731,98735,29038,46436,725
 Securities sold
  under agreements
  to repurchase 8,31911,54216,99419,51418,005
Wholesale borrowings6,243 7,089 5,505 4,321 4,636
 Total interest
  expense  48,24061,22571,80877,47775,234
 Net interest income   87,53184,29986,16185,15484,225
Provision for loan
 losses14,56511,521 9,334 7,324 9,967
 Net interest income
  after provision
  for loan losses  72,96672,77876,82777,83074,258
Other income:
  Trust department
   income   5,824 5,450 5,896 5,657 6,096
  Service charges on
   deposits16,02814,73617,06717,00317,055
  Credit card fees 12,14611,15712,01211,67911,712
  ATM and other service
   fees 2,770 2,794 3,055 3,306 3,189
  Bank owned life
   insurance income 3,217 3,201 3,283 3,735 3,290
  Investment services
   and insurance2,790 2,865 3,121 3,007 2,660
  Investment securities
   gains (losses), net 47   524 1,122 - 1
  Loan sales and
   servicing income 1,885 1,391 1,551 1,411 1,911
  Gain on Visa, Inc.
   redemption   - 7,898 - - -
  Other operating income4,051 2,838 2,886 3,326 3,016
 Total other income48,75852,85449,99349,12448,930
Other expenses:
  Salaries, wages,
   pension and employee
   benefits44,36443,06543,08741,33243,538
  Net occupancy expense 6,204 6,754 6,284 6,188 6,521
  Equipment expense 5,842 6,194 6,239 6,389 6,328
  Stationery, supplies
   and postage  2,242 2,325 2,388 2,463 2,252
  Bankcard, loan
   processing and other
   costs7,356 7,244 7,482 7,222 7,607
  Professional services 2,581 1,887 3,588 2,923 4,525
  Amortization of
   intangibles177   223   222   222   222
  Other operating
   expense 11,78413,54214,00517,29110,382
 Total other
  expenses 80,55081,23483,29584,03081,375
Income before income tax
 expense   41,17444,39843,52542,92441,813
Federal income taxes   12,02112,95512,06612,66211,928
Net income$29,153   $31,443   $31,459   $30,262   $29,885
Other comprehensive
 income (loss), net of
 taxes(19,858)   11,50923,26715,721   (10,745)
Comprehensive income   $9,295   $42,952   $54,726   $45,983   $19,140
Net income applicable to
 common shares$29,153   $31,443   $31,459   $30,262   $29,885
Adjusted net income used
 in diluted EPS
 calculation  $29,154   $31,447   $31,463   $30,266   $29,889
Weighted-average common
 shares - basic80,85580,65580,47780,46780,426
Weighted-average common
 shares - diluted  80,89880,72280,59580,56180,570

Basic net income per
 share  $0.36 $0.39 $0.39 $0.38 $0.37

Diluted net income per
 share  $0.36 $0.39 $0.39 $0.38 $0.37



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ASSET QUALITY INFORMATION

(Unaudited, except December 31, 2007 annual period which
 is derived from the audited financial statements)
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)

Quarterly Periods

Allowance for Credit   Jun 30Mar 31Dec 31   Sept 30   June 30
 Losses 2008  2008  2007  2007  2007

Allowance for loan
 losses, beginning of
 period   $94,411   $94,205   $93,811   $94,432   $92,045
Provision for loan
 losses14,56511,521 9,334 7,324 9,967
Charge-offs14,83014,66911,76812,34710,609
Recoveries  4,093 3,354 2,828 4,402 3,029
  Net charge-offs  10,73711,315 8,940 7,945 7,580
Allowance for loan
 losses, end of period$98,239   $94,411   $94,205   $93,811   $94,432
Reserve for unfunded
 lending commitments,
 beginning of period   $7,903$7,394$7,409$6,553$6,746
Provision for credit
 losses  (593)  509   (15)  856  (193)
Reserve for unfunded
 lending commitments,
 end of period $7,310$7,903$7,394$7,409$6,553

Allowance for Credit
 Losses  $105,549  $102,314  $101,599  $101,220  $100,985

Ratios

Provision for loan
 losses as a % of
 average loans   0.82% 0.66% 0.53% 0.41% 0.57%
Provision for credit
 losses as a % of
 average loans  -0.03% 0.03% 0.00% 0.05%-0.01%
Net charge-offs as a %
 of average loans0.60% 0.65% 0.51% 0.45% 0.43%
Allowance for loan
 losses as a % of
 period-end loans1.36% 1.33% 1.35% 1.34% 1.34%
Allowance for credit
 losses as a % of
 period-end loans1.46% 1.45% 1.45% 1.44% 1.43%
Allowance for loan
 losses as a % of
 nonperforming loans   268.52%   318.89%   299.70%   314.22%   295.08%
Allowance for credit
 losses as a % of
 nonperforming loans   288.50%   345.59%   323.22%   339.04%   315.56%


Asset Quality

Impaired loans:
  Nonaccrual  $26,702   $19,777   $21,513   $20,165   $20,877
Other nonperforming
 loans:
  Nonaccrual9,884 9,829 9,920 9,69011,125

Total nonperforming
 loans 36,58629,60631,43329,85532,002

Other real estate
 ("ORE")5,053 5,695 5,829 4,344 5,036

Total nonperforming
 assets ("NPAs")  $41,639   $35,301   $37,262   $34,199   $37,038

NPAs as % of period-end
 loans + ORE0.57% 0.50% 0.53% 0.49% 0.52%

Past due 90 days or more
 & accruing interest  $10,654   $10,931   $11,702   $13,107   $10,536



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ASSET QUALITY INFORMATION

(Unaudited, except December 31, 2007 annual period which
 is derived from the audited financial statements)
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
   Annual Period

Dec 31
Allowance for Credit Losses  2007

Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period $91,342
Provision for loan losses   30,835
Charge-offs 44,148
Recoveries  16,176
  Net charge-offs   27,972
Allowance for loan losses, end of period   $94,205
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, beginning of
 period $6,294
Provision for credit losses  1,100
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, end of period $7,394

Allowance for Credit Losses   $101,599

Ratios

Provision for loan losses as a % of average loans 0.44%
Provision for credit losses as a % of average loans   0.02%
Net charge-offs as a % of average loans   0.40%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of period-end loans  1.35%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of period-end loans1.45%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans 299.70%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans   323.22%


Asset Quality

Impaired loans:
  Nonaccrual   $21,513
Other nonperforming loans:
  Nonaccrual 9,920

Total nonperforming loans   31,433

Other real estate ("ORE")5,829

Total nonperforming assets ("NPAs")$37,262

NPAs as % of period-end loans + ORE   0.53%

Past due 90 days or more & accruing
 interest  $11,702



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION
NONINTEREST INCOME AND NONINTEREST EXPENSE DETAIL

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
2008 2008 2007 2007 2007
QUARTERLY OTHER INCOME DETAIL  2nd Qtr  1st Qtr  4th Qtr  3rd Qtr  2nd Qtr

Trust department income$5,824   $5,450   $5,896   $5,657   $6,096
Service charges on deposits16,028   14,736   17,067   17,003   17,055
Credit card fees   12,146   11,157   12,012   11,679   11,712
ATM and other service fees  2,7702,7943,0553,3063,189
Bank owned life insurance
 income 3,2173,2013,2833,7353,290
Investment services and
 insurance  2,7902,8653,1213,0072,660
Investment securities gains
 (losses), net 47  5241,122-1
Loan sales and servicing
 income 1,8851,3911,5511,4111,911
Visa redemption -7,898---
Other operating income  4,0512,8382,8863,3263,016

 Total Other Income   $48,758  $52,854  $49,993  $49,124  $48,930




QUARTERLY OTHER EXPENSES   2008 2008 2007 2007 2007
DETAIL2nd Qtr  1st Qtr  4th Qtr  3rd Qtr  2nd Qtr

Salaries, wages, pension and
 employee benefits$44,364  $43,065  $43,087  $41,332  $43,538
Net occupancy expense   6,2046,7546,2846,1886,521
Equipment expense   5,8426,1946,2396,3896,328
Taxes, other than federal
 income taxes   1,7011,7021,2741,9841,655
Stationery, supplies and
 postage2,2422,3252,3882,4632,252
Bankcard, loan processing and
 other costs7,3567,2447,4827,2227,607
Advertising 2,4892,6662,9893,3321,260
Professional services   2,5811,8873,5882,9234,525
Telephone 9941,0191,0061,1421,094
Amortization of intangibles   177  223  222  222  222
Other operating expense 6,6008,1558,736   10,8336,373

Total Other Expenses  $80,550  $81,234  $83,295  $84,030  $81,375



FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Net Charge-off Detail

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)Quarters ended   Year ended
 June 30, December 31,
  2008 20072007

Allowance for loan losses - beginning
 of period   $94,411  $92,045 $91,342
Loans charged off:
  Commercial   3,7181,212   7,856
  Mortgage 1,2291,568   5,026
  Installment  5,6204,321  18,343
  Home equity  1,2261,478   4,151
  Credit cards 2,5002,025   8,497
  Leases   -5  41
  Overdrafts 537- 234
Total 14,830   10,609  44,148
Recoveries:
  Commercial   1,032   11   4,351
  Mortgage 7-  44
  Installment  2,0992,092   8,021
  Home equity142  307   1,265
  Credit cards   557  474   1,842
  Manufactured housing54   96 323
  Leases  31   49 286
  Overdrafts 171-  44
Total  4,0933,029  16,176

Net charge-offs   10,7377,580  27,972
Provision for loan losses 14,5659,967  30,835
Allowance for loan losses - end of
 period  $98,239  $94,432 $94,205

Average loans outstanding $7,140,627   $7,002,750  $6,971,464
Ratio to average loans:
  (Annualized) net charge-offs 0.60%0.43%   0.40%
  Provision for loan losses0.82%0.57%   0.44%
Loans outstanding - period-end$7,240,882   $7,052,390  $7,001,886

Allowance for credit losses:$105,549 $100,985$101,599
  As a multiple of (annualized) net
   charge-offs  2.44 3.323.63
Allowance for loan losses:
  As a percent of period-end loans
   outstanding 1.36%1.34%   1.35%
  As a multiple of (annualized) net
   charge-offs  2.27 3.113.37


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Net Charge-off Detail

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)   Six months ended
 June 30,
 2008   2007
Allowance for loan losses - beginning
 of period $94,205$91,342
Loans charged off:
  Commercial 7,171  1,660
  Mortgage   2,509  2,558
  Installment   11,624  9,067
  Home equity2,292  2,298
  Credit cards   4,793  4,424
  Leases - 26
  Overdrafts 1,110  -
Total   29,499 20,033
Recoveries:
  Commercial 1,754  2,889
  Mortgage  39  8
  Installment3,841  4,206
  Home equity  242564
  Credit cards   1,016948
  Manufactured housing 126170
  Leases69161
  Overdrafts   360  -
Total7,447  8,946

Net charge-offs 22,052 11,087
Provision for loan losses   26,086 14,177
Allowance for loan losses - end of
 period$98,239$94,432

Average loans outstanding   $7,082,279 $6,961,099
Ratio to average loans:
  (Annualized) net charge-offs   0.63%  0.32%
  Provision for loan losses  0.74%  0.41%
Loans outstanding - period-end  $7,240,882 $7,052,390

Allowance for credit losses:  $105,549   $100,985
  As a multiple of (annualized) net
   charge-offs2.38   4.52
Allowance for loan losses:
  As a percent of period-end loans
   outstanding   1.36%  1.34%
  As a multiple of (annualized) net
   charge-offs2.22   4.22



FirstMerit Corporation
Analysts/Media Contact: Thomas O'Malley
Director Corporate Communications/Investor Relations Officer
Phone: 330.384.7109

SOURCE FirstMerit Corporation

Copyright © 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.




Article : FirstMerit Reports Second Quarter 2008 EPS of $0.36 Per Share
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