Company Snapshot: FMER  Print This Story  Email This Story  Save this Link View PR Newswire's RSS Feed  Blogs Discussing this News Release  Search Blogs that Mention this News Release  Click this link to view linked Bookmarking Services Click this link to view linked Blogging Services


FirstMerit Reports Fourth Quarter and 2007 Full Year Results

   FirstMeric Corporation. (PRNewsFoto/FirstMerit Corporation)

AKRON, OH UNITED STATES
        2007 EPS of $1.53 Represents 29.7% Increase over Prior Year
                4Q07 EPS of $0.39 is 2.6% Increase over 3Q07

    AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FirstMerit Corporation
(Nasdaq: FMER) today announced fourth quarter 2007 net income of $31.5
million, or $0.39 per diluted share. This compares with $6.1 million, or
$0.07 per diluted share, for the prior-year quarter. For the full year
2007, the Company reported net income of $123.0 million, or $1.53 per
diluted share, compared with $94.9 million, or $1.18 per diluted share in
2006.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070920/CLTU138LOGO )

    Returns on average common equity ("ROE") and average assets ("ROA") for
the fourth quarter 2007 were 13.87% and 1.21%, respectively, compared with
2.66% and 0.24% for the prior-year quarter.

    Both fourth quarter and full year 2006 results were affected by the
sale of $80.9 million of commercial assets in transactions completed during
the first quarter of 2007.

    "I am very pleased with the energy and execution of our personnel this
past year. We are positioned to face a challenging environment and build
from our successes by executing our business strategy. For the quarter, our
credit performance remained sound, our net interest margin expanded, our
revenue grew, and expenses were well controlled, said Paul G. Greig,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FirstMerit Corporation.

    Mr. Greig continued, "We advanced on our primary objective of improving
and restoring credit quality this year. Many elements beyond the sale of
commercial assets, executed during the first quarter of 2007, factored into
this improvement. Over the past year, we strengthened our portfolio
management practices and procedures, changed the management structure of
the credit department, added key personnel and aligned incentives
throughout the organization to focus on credit quality."

    Net interest margin was 3.66% for the fourth quarter of 2007 compared
with 3.61% for the third quarter of 2007 and 3.58% for the fourth quarter
of 2006. The increases in net interest margin compared with the prior and
year-ago quarters were led by decreases in funding costs. During the fourth
quarter of 2007 the Company increased its average core deposits, which
excludes time deposits, by $58.7 million, or 1.35%, and decreased
certificates of deposits $198.9 million, or 6.33%.

    The Company's deposit composition mix shift to a higher concentration
of core deposits contributed to lower funding costs and an increased net
interest margin. Despite the lower interest rate environment, the Company's
investment portfolio yields increased in the fourth quarter of 2007, to
4.99%, compared with 4.87% in the third quarter of 2007, and 4.39% in the
fourth quarter of 2006. The increased investment portfolio yields partly
offset lower loan portfolio yields this quarter. For the full year 2007,
net interest margin was 3.62% compared with 3.71% for 2006.

    Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis was $87.6
million in the fourth quarter 2007 compared with $86.6 million in the third
quarter of 2007 and $84.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. The
increase in FTE net interest income compared with the third quarter 2007
resulted from expansion in the net interest margin, which offset a decrease
in average earning assets. Net interest margin expansion and average
earning asset growth led to increased FTE net interest income compared with
the fourth quarter of 2006. Compared with the fourth quarter of 2006,
average earning assets increased $119.0 million, or 1.27%. FTE net interest
income for the full year 2007 was $343.0 million, compared with $343.3
million in 2006. In 2007 average earning assets increased $221.5 million,
or 2.39%, compared with 2006. Average loans grew $173.1 million, or 2.55%,
driven by $181.5 million, or 4.98%, growth in average commercial loans.

    Noninterest income net of securities transactions for the fourth
quarter of 2007 was $48.9 million, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 0.52%,
from the third quarter of 2007 and an increase of $0.5 million, or 1.12%,
from the fourth quarter of 2006. For the full year 2007, noninterest income
net of securities transactions totaled $195.8 million, an increase of $0.7
million, or 0.35%, compared with $195.1 million for 2006. Reflective of a
strong fee base, other income, net of securities gains, as a percentage of
net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2007 was 35.80% compared with 36.20%
for third quarter of 2007 and 36.39% for the fourth quarter of 2006. For
the full year 2007, other income, net of securities gains, as a percentage
of net revenue was 36.34% compared with 36.24% for 2006. Net revenue is
defined as net interest income, on a FTE basis, plus other income, less
gains from securities sales.

    Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $83.3 million, a
decrease of $0.7 million, or 0.87%, from the third quarter of 2007 and a
decrease of $0.7 million, or 0.82%, from the fourth quarter of 2006.
Noninterest expense in the fourth quarter included $2.4 million of Visa
contingency accrual related to Visa Inc. litigation matters that FirstMerit
and other Visa member banks have direct and potential exposure to share
with Visa. For the full year 2007, noninterest expenses totaled $330.2
million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 0.65%, compared with $328.1
million for the full year 2006.

    Net charge-offs totaled $8.9 million, or 0.51% of average loans, in the
fourth quarter of 2007 compared with $7.9 million, or 0.45% of average
loans, in the third quarter 2007 and $18.6 million, or 1.06% of average
loans, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

    Nonperforming assets totaled $37.3 million at December 31, 2007, an
increase of $3.1 million, or 8.96%, compared with September 30, 2007 and a
decrease of $26.9 million, or 41.94%, compared with December 31, 2006. Of
the December 31, 2007 total, $2.3 million represents both vacant land no
longer considered for branch expansion and executive relocation property
not related to loan portfolios. Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2007
represented 0.53% of period-end loans plus other real estate compared with
0.49% at September 30, 2007 and 0.93% at December 31, 2006.

    The provision for loan losses increased to $9.3 million in the fourth
quarter of 2007 compared with $7.3 million in the third quarter of 2007.
For the prior-year quarter, the provision for loan losses was $44.2
million, reflecting the Company's preparation to sell $73.7 million of
commercial loans during the first quarter of 2007. For the full year of
2007, the provision for loan losses was $30.8 million, compared with $76.1
million for 2006.

    The allowance for loan losses totaled $94.2 million at December 31,
2007, an increase of $0.4 million and $2.9 million from September 30, 2007
and December 31, 2006, respectively. At December 31, 2007, the allowance
for loan losses was 1.35% of period-end loans compared with 1.34% at
September 30, 2007 and 1.33% at December 31, 2006. 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 1.45% at December 31, 2007 compared with 1.44% at
September 30, 2007 and 1.42% at December 31, 2006. The allowance for credit
losses to nonperforming loans was 323.22% at December 31, 2007, compared
with 339.04% on September 30, 2007, and 179.60% on December 31, 2006.

    FirstMerit's total assets at December 31, 2007 were $10.4 billion, a
decrease of $0.5 million, or 0.01%, compared with September 30, 2007 and an
increase of $154.7 million, or 1.51%, compared with December 31, 2006.

    Total deposits were $7.3 billion at December 31, 2007, a decrease of
$76.6 million, or 1.03%, from September 30, 2007 and a decrease of 167.2
million, or 2.23%, from December 31, 2006. Core deposits, totaled $4.5
billion at December 31, 2007, an increase of $182.0 million, or 4.21%, from
September 30, 2007 and a decrease of $16.8 million, or 0.37%, from December
31, 2006. Commercial customer investment sweeps increased $158.1 million,
or 20.74%, at December 31, 2007, compared with December 31, 2006.

    Mr. Greig commented on the Company's capital management strategies, "In
the fourth quarter we continued our long history of dividend payments that
are so highly valued by our shareholders. Additionally, we increased our
capital position this quarter which, relative to peer banks on a tangible
basis, is significantly stronger. Our current capital levels are in
alignment with our commitment to managing risk, improving profitability and
increasing shareholder value."

    Shareholders' equity was $904.8 million at December 31, 2007, compared
with $846.1 million at December 31, 2006, and the Company retains its
strong capital position as tangible equity to assets was 7.44%. The common
dividend per share paid in the fourth quarter 2007 was $0.29. For the full
year 2007, the common dividend per share paid was $1.16 compared with $1.14
in 2006, an increase per share of $0.02, or 1.75%.

    Fourth Quarter 2007 Conference Call

    FirstMerit will host an earnings conference call on January 22, 2008,
at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time to provide an overview of fourth 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:
30449862. A replay of the conference call will be available at
approximately 4:30 p.m., on January 22, 2008 through January 29, 2008, by
dialing (800) 642-1687, and entering the PIN: 30449862.

    FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company
headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of $10.4 billion as of December
31, 2007 and 160 banking offices and 176 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.


Analysts and Media: Thomas P. O'Malley (330) 384-7109 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) Quarters (Dollars in thousands) 2007 2007 2007 EARNINGS 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr Net interest income FTE (a) $87,647 $86,582 $85,593 Provision for loan losses 9,334 7,324 9,967 Other income 49,993 49,124 48,930 Other expenses 83,295 84,030 81,375 FTE adjustment (a) 1,486 1,428 1,368 Net income 31,459 30,262 29,885 Diluted EPS 0.39 0.38 0.37 PERFORMANCE RATIOS Return on average assets (ROA) 1.21% 1.16% 1.16% Return on average common equity (ROE) 13.87% 13.71% 13.75% Net interest margin FTE (a) 3.66% 3.61% 3.62% Efficiency ratio 60.85% 61.76% 60.33% Number of full-time equivalent employees 2,688 2,704 2,725 MARKET DATA Book value/common share $11.24 $11.00 $10.71 Period-end common share mkt value 20.01 19.76 20.93 Market as a % of book 178% 180% 195% Cash dividends/common share $0.29 $0.29 $0.29 Common stock dividend payout ratio 74.36% 76.32% 78.38% Average basic common shares 80,477 80,467 80,426 Average diluted common shares 80,595 80,561 80,570 Period end common shares 80,482 80,467 80,477 Common shares repurchased 6,066 22,473 36,159 Common stock market capitalization $1,610,445 $1,590,028 $1,684,384 ASSET QUALITY Gross charge-offs $11,768 $12,347 $10,609 Net charge-offs 8,940 7,945 7,580 Allowance for loan losses 94,205 93,811 94,432 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments 7,394 7,409 6,553 Nonperforming assets (NPAs) 37,262 34,199 37,038 Net charge-offs/average loans ratio 0.51% 0.45% 0.43% Net charge-offs and allowance related to loans held for sale/ average loans ratio 0.51% 0.45% 0.43% Allowance for loan losses/period- end loans 1.35% 1.34% 1.34% Allowance for credit losses/period- end loans 1.45% 1.44% 1.43% NPAs/loans and other real estate 0.53% 0.49% 0.52% Allowance for loan losses/nonperforming loans 299.70% 314.22% 295.08% Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans 323.22% 339.04% 315.56% CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY Period-end tangible equity to assets 7.44% 7.24% 7.00% Average equity to assets 8.72% 8.45% 8.45% Average equity to loans 12.94% 12.49% 12.45% Average loans to deposits 94.71% 93.74% 93.18% AVERAGE BALANCES Assets $10,313,707 $10,360,739 $10,319,454 Deposits 7,339,827 7,479,960 7,515,205 Loans 6,951,544 7,011,776 7,002,750 Earning assets 9,493,271 9,513,230 9,485,819 Shareholders' equity 899,624 875,720 871,554 ENDING BALANCES Assets $10,407,230 $10,407,765 $10,429,099 Deposits 7,331,739 7,408,296 7,474,466 Loans 7,001,886 7,014,389 7,052,390 Goodwill 139,245 139,245 139,245 Intangible assets 1,977 2,200 2,422 Earning assets 9,509,680 9,563,541 9,545,752 Total shareholders' equity 904,786 884,877 862,265 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) Quarters (Dollars in thousands) 2007 2006 EARNINGS 1st Qtr 4th Qtr Net interest income FTE (a) $83,218 $84,502 Provision for loan losses 4,210 44,235 Other income 48,876 48,332 Other expenses 81,526 83,987 FTE adjustment (a) 1,212 919 Net income 31,421 6,117 Diluted EPS 0.39 0.07 PERFORMANCE RATIOS Return on average assets (ROA) 1.24% 0.24% Return on average common equity (ROE) 14.91% 2.66% Net interest margin FTE (a) 3.58% 3.58% Efficiency ratio 61.55% 63.06% Number of full-time equivalent employees 2,751 2,755 MARKET DATA Book value/common share $10.78 $10.56 Period-end common share mkt value 21.11 24.14 Market as a % of book 196% 229% Cash dividends/common share $0.29 $0.29 Common stock dividend payout ratio 74.36% 414.29% Average basic common shares 80,113 80,091 Average diluted common shares 80,298 80,316 Period end common shares 80,112 80,101 Common shares repurchased 27,011 15,876 Common stock market capitalization $1,691,164 $1,933,638 ASSET QUALITY Gross charge-offs $9,424 $22,323 Net charge-offs 3,507 18,559 Allowance for loan losses 92,045 91,342 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments 6,746 6,294 Nonperforming assets (NPAs) 32,664 64,177 Net charge-offs/average loans ratio 0.21% 1.06% Net charge-offs and allowance related to loans held for sale/average loans ratio 0.21% 1.40% Allowance for loan losses/period-end loans 1.32% 1.33% Allowance for credit losses/period- end loans 1.42% 1.42% NPAs/loans and other real estate 0.47% 0.93% Allowance for loan losses/nonperforming loans 331.93% 168.03% Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans 356.26% 179.60% CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY Period-end tangible equity to assets 7.07% 6.96% Average equity to assets 8.32% 8.91% Average equity to loans 12.35% 13.17% Average loans to deposits 92.47% 92.97% AVERAGE BALANCES Assets $10,276,241 $10,227,154 Deposits 7,481,969 7,440,331 Loans 6,918,636 6,917,572 Earning assets 9,437,418 9,374,223 Shareholders' equity 854,713 911,348 ENDING BALANCES Assets $10,347,121 $10,252,572 Deposits 7,701,202 7,498,921 Loans 6,951,631 6,878,873 Goodwill 139,245 139,245 Intangible assets 2,644 2,865 Earning assets 9,447,346 9,382,033 Total shareholders' equity 863,641 846,111 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. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES December 31, ASSETS 2007 2006 (In thousands) Cash and due from banks $207,335 $200,204 Investment securities (at market value) and federal funds sold 2,460,453 2,407,888 Loans held for sale 47,341 95,272 Loans: Commercial loans 3,906,448 3,694,121 Mortgage loans 577,219 608,008 Installment loans 1,598,832 1,619,747 Home equity loans 691,922 731,473 Credit card loans 153,732 147,553 Leases 73,733 77,971 Total loans 7,001,886 6,878,873 Allowance for loan losses (94,205) (91,342) Net loans 6,907,681 6,787,531 Premises and equipment, net 113,993 122,954 Goodwill 139,245 139,245 Other intangible assets 1,977 2,865 Accrued interest receivable and other assets 529,205 496,613 Total assets $10,407,230 $10,252,572 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand-non-interest bearing $1,482,480 $1,455,097 Demand-interest bearing 727,966 799,571 Savings and money market accounts 2,295,147 2,267,686 Certificates and other time deposits 2,826,146 2,976,567 Total deposits 7,331,739 7,498,921 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 1,256,080 1,261,821 Wholesale borrowings 705,121 464,227 Accrued taxes, expenses, and other liabilities 209,504 181,492 Total liabilities 9,502,444 9,406,461 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 December 31, 2007 and 2006 127,937 127,937 Capital surplus 100,028 106,916 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (55,276) (79,508) Retained earnings 1,027,775 998,079 Treasury stock, at cost, 11,543,882 and 11,925,803 shares, at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively (295,678) (307,313) Total shareholders' equity 904,786 846,111 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $10,407,230 $10,252,572 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) Quarterly Periods (Dollars in thousands) December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 ASSETS Cash and due from banks $175,164 $180,426 $177,524 $179,566 $175,735 Investment securities/ fed funds sold 2,494,975 2,455,777 2,440,015 2,429,539 2,410,879 Loans held for sale 46,752 45,677 43,054 89,243 45,772 Loans: Commercial loans 3,839,242 3,868,235 3,845,395 3,749,067 3,730,110 Mortgage loans 581,370 586,911 596,758 607,602 614,204 Installment loans 1,615,035 1,640,380 1,636,669 1,622,324 1,625,962 Home equity loans 696,259 704,499 711,113 717,806 738,630 Credit card loans 149,466 143,312 141,294 143,853 144,351 Leases 70,172 68,439 71,521 77,984 64,315 Total loans 6,951,544 7,011,776 7,002,750 6,918,636 6,917,572 Less allowance for loan losses 92,667 94,393 92,298 91,256 88,175 Net loans 6,858,877 6,917,383 6,910,452 6,827,380 6,829,397 Total earning assets 9,493,271 9,513,230 9,485,819 9,437,418 9,374,223 Premises and equipment, net 115,673 117,970 119,818 121,988 121,956 Accrued interest receivable and other assets 622,266 643,506 628,591 628,525 643,415 TOTAL ASSETS $10,313,707 $10,360,739 $10,319,454 $10,276,241 $10,227,154 LIABILITIES Deposits: Demand-non- interest bearing $1,435,358 $1,400,848 $1,408,827 $1,389,455 $1,413,682 Demand- interest bearing 699,675 714,216 763,907 756,678 767,430 Savings and money market accounts 2,262,818 2,224,048 2,293,567 2,284,549 2,267,268 Certificates and other time deposits 2,941,976 3,140,848 3,048,904 3,051,287 2,991,951 Total deposits 7,339,827 7,479,960 7,515,205 7,481,969 7,440,331 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 1,517,241 1,555,235 1,458,982 1,352,961 1,269,873 Wholesale borrowings 369,685 256,356 280,914 399,638 446,950 Total funds 9,226,753 9,291,551 9,255,101 9,234,568 9,157,154 Accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities 187,330 193,468 192,799 186,960 158,652 Total liabilities 9,414,083 9,485,019 9,447,900 9,421,528 9,315,806 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock - - - - - Common stock 127,937 127,937 127,937 127,937 127,937 Capital surplus 99,749 100,511 102,355 107,178 106,339 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (60,430) (77,215) (72,170) (76,926) (36,045) Retained earnings 1,028,170 1,020,979 1,012,675 1,003,605 1,020,518 Treasury stock (295,802) (296,492) (299,243) (307,081) (307,401) Total shareholders' equity 899,624 875,720 871,554 854,713 911,348 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $10,313,707 $10,360,739 $10,319,454 $10,276,241 $10,227,154 AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Three months ended (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2007 Average Average Balance Interest Rate ASSETS Cash and due from banks $175,164 Investment securities and federal funds sold: U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable) 1,977,627 22,949 4.60% Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt) 276,989 4,249 6.09% Other securities and federal funds sold 240,359 4,154 6.86% Total investment securities and federal funds sold 2,494,975 31,352 4.99% Loans held for sale 46,752 760 6.45% Loans 6,951,544 127,343 7.27% Total earning assets 9,493,271 159,455 6.66% Allowance for loan losses (92,667) Other assets 737,939 Total assets $10,313,707 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand - non-interest bearing $1,435,358 -- -- Demand - interest bearing 699,675 1,352 0.77% Savings and money market accounts 2,262,818 12,667 2.22% Certificates and other time deposits 2,941,976 35,290 4.76% Total deposits 7,339,827 49,309 2.67% Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 1,517,241 16,994 4.44% Wholesale borrowings 369,685 5,505 5.91% Total interest bearing liabilities 7,791,395 71,808 3.66% Other liabilities 187,330 Shareholders' equity 899,624 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $10,313,707 Net yield on earning assets $9,493,271 87,647 3.66% Interest rate spread 3.00% FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Year ended (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2006 Average Average Balance Interest Rate ASSETS Cash and due from banks $186,029 Investment securities and federal funds sold: U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable) 2,050,736 81,207 3.96% Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt) 114,548 7,390 6.45% Other securities and federal funds sold 250,221 15,264 6.10% Total investment securities and federal funds sold 2,415,505 103,861 4.30% Loans held for sale 47,449 3,153 6.65% Loans 6,798,338 499,746 7.35% Total earning assets 9,261,292 606,760 6.55% Allowance for loan losses (88,020) Other assets 770,714 Total assets $10,130,015 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand - non-interest bearing 1,434,539 -- -- Demand - interest bearing 818,735 9,217 1.13% Savings and money market accounts 2,271,654 50,083 2.20% Certificates and other time deposits 2,859,218 123,877 4.33% Total deposits 7,384,146 183,177 2.48% Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 1,283,951 56,151 4.37% Wholesale borrowings 404,723 24,140 5.96% Total interest bearing liabilities 7,638,281 263,468 3.45% Other liabilities 167,266 Shareholders' equity 889,929 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $10,130,015 Net yield on earning assets $9,261,292 343,292 3.71% Interest rate spread 3.10% FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Three months ended (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2006 Average Average Balance Interest Rate ASSETS Cash and due from banks $175,735 Investment securities and federal funds sold: U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable) 1,996,290 20,246 4.02% Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt) 163,815 2,448 5.93% Other securities and federal funds sold 250,774 3,987 6.31% Total investment securities and federal funds sold 2,410,879 26,681 4.39% Loans held for sale 45,772 743 6.44% Loans 6,917,572 130,973 7.51% Total earning assets 9,374,223 158,397 6.70% Allowance for loan losses (88,175) Other assets 765,371 Total assets $10,227,154 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand - non-interest bearing $1,413,682 -- -- Demand - interest bearing 767,430 2,031 1.05% Savings and money market accounts 2,267,268 14,068 2.46% Certificates and other time deposits 2,991,951 35,569 4.72% Total deposits 7,440,331 51,668 2.76% Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 1,269,873 15,393 4.81% Wholesale borrowings 446,950 6,834 6.07% Total interest bearing liabilities 7,743,472 73,895 3.79% Other liabilities 158,652 Shareholders' equity 911,348 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $10,227,154 Net yield on earning assets $9,374,223 84,502 3.58% Interest rate spread 2.92% 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 Twelve months ended Twelve months ended (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 Average Average Average Average Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate ASSETS Cash and due from banks $178,164 186,029 Investment securities and federal funds sold: U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable) 1,955,049 85,544 4.38% 2,050,736 81,207 3.96% Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt) 255,461 15,595 6.10% 114,548 7,390 6.45% Other securities and federal funds sold 244,749 17,127 7.00% 250,221 15,264 6.10% Total investment securities and federal funds sold 2,455,259 118,266 4.82% 2,415,505 103,861 4.30% Loans held for sale 56,036 3,050 5.44% 47,449 3,153 6.65% Loans 6,971,464 521,172 7.48% 6,798,338 499,746 7.35% Total earning assets 9,482,759 642,488 6.78% 9,261,292 606,760 6.55% Allowance for loan losses (92,662) (88,020) Other assets 750,527 770,714 Total assets $10,318,788 10,130,015 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand - non-interest bearing $1,408,726 -- -- 1,434,539 -- -- Demand - interest bearing 733,410 6,824 0.93% 818,735 9,217 1.13% Savings and money market accounts 2,266,070 54,166 2.39% 2,271,654 50,083 2.20% Certificates and other time deposits 3,045,715 146,559 4.81% 2,859,218 123,877 4.33% Total deposits 7,453,921 207,549 2.78% 7,384,146 183,177 2.48% Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 1,471,785 71,298 4.84% 1,283,951 56,151 4.37% Wholesale borrowings 326,460 20,601 6.31% 404,723 24,140 5.96% Total interest bearing liabilities 7,843,440 299,448 3.82% 7,638,281 263,468 3.45% Other liabilities 191,096 167,266 Shareholders' equity 875,526 889,929 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $10,318,788 10,130,015 Net yield on earning assets $9,482,759 343,040 3.62% 9,261,292 343,292 3.71% Interest rate spread 2.96% 3.10% 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) Quarters ended Twelve months ended (In thousands except per share data) December 31, December 31, 2007 2006 2007 2006 Interest income: Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale $128,078 $131,683 $524,103 $502,763 Interest and dividends on investment securities and federal funds sold 29,891 25,795 112,891 101,078 Total interest income 157,969 157,478 636,994 603,841 Interest expense: Interest on deposits: Demand-interest bearing 1,352 2,031 6,824 9,217 Savings and money market accounts 12,667 14,068 54,166 50,083 Certificates and other time deposits 35,290 35,569 146,559 123,877 Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase 16,994 15,393 71,298 56,151 Interest on wholesale borrowings 5,505 6,834 20,601 24,140 Total interest expense 71,808 73,895 299,448 263,468 Net interest income 86,161 83,583 337,546 340,373 Provision for loan losses 9,334 44,235 30,835 76,112 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 76,827 39,348 306,711 264,261 Other income: Trust department income 5,896 5,794 23,245 22,653 Service charges on deposits 17,067 18,198 67,374 71,524 Credit card fees 12,012 11,325 46,502 44,725 ATM and other service fees 3,055 3,135 12,621 12,817 Bank owned life insurance income 3,283 3,001 13,476 14,339 Investment services and insurance 3,121 2,011 11,241 9,820 Investment securities gains, net 1,122 - 1,123 22 Loan sales and servicing income 1,551 1,504 10,311 7,513 Other operating income 2,886 3,364 11,030 11,735 Total other income 49,993 48,332 196,923 195,148 Other expenses: Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits 43,087 43,700 170,457 176,700 Net occupancy expense 6,284 6,143 25,679 24,814 Equipment expense 2,886 3,030 11,779 11,999 Stationery, supplies and postage 2,388 2,633 9,436 9,912 Bankcard, loan processing and other costs 7,482 7,508 29,781 28,211 Professional services 3,588 5,000 15,865 16,971 Amortization of intangibles 222 222 889 889 Other operating expense 17,358 15,751 66,340 58,591 Total other expenses 83,295 83,987 330,226 328,087 Income before federal income tax expense 43,525 3,693 173,408 131,322 Federal income tax expense 12,066 (2,424) 50,381 36,376 Net income $31,459 $6,117 $123,027 $94,946 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Unrealized securities' holding gain (loss), net of taxes $11,271 $2,516 $22,716 $7,984 Unrealized hedging gain (loss), net of taxes (340) - (1,249) (747) Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes 874 (43,881) 3,495 (2,559) Less: reclassification adjustment for securities' gains losses realized in net income, net of taxes 729 - 730 14 Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes 11,076 (41,365) 24,232 4,664 Comprehensive income $42,535 $(35,248) $147,259 $99,610 Net income applicable to common shares $31,459 $6,117 $123,027 $94,946 Net income used in diluted EPS calculation $31,463 $6,121 $123,043 $94,964 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 80,477 80,091 80,372 80,128 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 80,595 80,316 80,510 80,352 Basic earnings per share $0.39 $0.07 $1.53 $1.18 Diluted earnings per share $0.39 $0.07 $1.53 $1.18 Dividend per share $0.29 $0.29 $1.16 $1.14 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME---LINKED QUARTERS (Unaudited) Quarterly Results (Dollars in thousands, except share data) 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 4th Q 3rd Q 2nd Q 1st Q 4th Q Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale $128,078 $133,860 $132,076 $130,089 $131,683 Interest and dividends - securities and federal funds sold 29,891 28,771 27,383 26,846 25,795 Total interest income 157,969 162,631 159,459 156,935 157,478 Interest on deposits: Demand-interest bearing 1,352 1,677 1,876 1,919 2,031 Savings and money market accounts 12,667 13,501 13,992 14,006 14,068 Certificates and other time deposits 35,290 38,464 36,725 36,080 35,569 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 16,994 19,514 18,005 16,785 15,393 Wholesale borrowings 5,505 4,321 4,636 6,139 6,834 Total interest expense 71,808 77,477 75,234 74,929 73,895 Net interest income 86,161 85,154 84,225 82,006 83,583 Provision for loan losses 9,334 7,324 9,967 4,210 44,235 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 76,827 77,830 74,258 77,796 39,348 Other income: Trust department income 5,896 5,657 6,096 5,596 5,794 Service charges on deposits 17,067 17,003 17,055 16,249 18,198 Credit card fees 12,012 11,679 11,712 11,099 11,325 ATM and other service fees 3,055 3,306 3,189 3,071 3,135 Bank owned life insurance income 3,283 3,735 3,290 3,168 3,001 Investment services and insurance 3,121 3,007 2,660 2,453 2,011 Investment securities gains (losses), net 1,122 - 1 - - Loan sales and servicing income 1,551 1,411 1,911 5,438 1,504 Other operating income 2,886 3,326 3,016 1,802 3,364 Total other income 49,993 49,124 48,930 48,876 48,332 Other expenses: Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits 43,087 41,332 43,538 42,500 43,700 Net occupancy expense 6,284 6,188 6,521 6,686 6,143 Equipment expense 2,886 2,958 2,851 3,084 3,030 Stationery, supplies and postage 2,388 2,463 2,252 2,333 2,633 Bankcard, loan processing and other costs 7,482 7,222 7,607 7,470 7,508 Professional services 3,588 2,923 4,525 4,829 5,000 Amortization of intangibles 222 222 222 223 222 Other operating expense 17,358 20,722 13,859 14,401 15,751 Total other expenses 83,295 84,030 81,375 81,526 83,987 Income before income tax expense 43,525 42,924 41,813 45,146 3,693 Federal income taxes 12,066 12,662 11,928 13,725 (2,424) Net income $31,459 $30,262 $29,885 $31,421 $6,117 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes 11,076 15,721 (10,745) 8,180 (41,365) Comprehensive income $42,535 $45,983 $19,140 $39,601 $(35,248) Net income applicable to common shares 31,459 30,262 29,885 31,421 6,117 Adjusted net income used in diluted EPS calculation 31,463 30,266 29,889 31,425 6,121 Weighted-average common shares - basic 80,477 80,467 80,426 80,113 80,091 Weighted-average common shares - diluted 80,595 80,561 80,570 80,298 80,316 Basic net income per share $0.39 $0.38 $0.37 $0.39 $0.07 Diluted net income per share $0.39 $0.38 $0.37 $0.39 $0.07 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES ASSET QUALITY INFORMATION (Unaudited, except December 31, 2006 annual period which is derived from the audited financial statements) (Dollars in thousands, except ratios) Quarterly Periods Dec 31 Sept 30 June 30 Allowance for Credit Losses 2007 2007 2007 Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period $93,811 $94,432 $92,045 Allowance related to loans held for sale - - - Provision for loan losses 9,334 7,324 9,967 Charge-offs 11,768 12,347 10,609 Recoveries 2,828 4,402 3,029 Net charge-offs 8,940 7,945 7,580 Allowance for loan losses, end of period $94,205 $93,811 $94,432 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, beginning of period $7,409 $6,553 $6,746 Provision for credit losses (15) 856 (193) Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, end of period $7,394 $7,409 $6,553 Allowance for Credit Losses $101,599 $101,220 $100,985 Ratios Provision for loan losses as a % of average loans 0.53% 0.41% 0.57% Provision for credit losses as a % of average loans 0.00% 0.05% -0.01% Net charge-offs as a % of average loans 0.51% 0.45% 0.43% Net charge-offs and allowance related to loans held for sale as a % of average loans 0.51% 0.45% 0.43% Allowance for loan losses as a % of period-end loans 1.35% 1.34% 1.34% Allowance for credit losses as a % of period-end loans 1.45% 1.44% 1.43% Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans 299.70% 314.22% 295.08% Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans 323.22% 339.04% 315.56% Asset Quality Impaired loans: Nonaccrual $21,513 $20,165 $20,877 Other nonperforming loans: Nonaccrual 9,920 9,690 11,125 Total nonperforming loans 31,433 29,855 32,002 Other real estate ("ORE") 5,829 4,344 5,036 Total nonperforming assets ("NPAs") $37,262 $34,199 $37,038 NPAs as % of period-end loans + ORE 0.53% 0.49% 0.52% Past due 90 days or more & accruing interest $11,702 $13,107 $10,536 Annual Quarterly Periods Period Mar 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Allowance for Credit Losses 2007 2006 2006 Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period $91,342 $88,755 $90,661 Allowance related to loans held for sale - (23,089) (23,089) Provision for loan losses 4,210 44,235 76,112 Charge-offs 9,424 22,323 70,728 Recoveries 5,917 3,764 18,386 Net charge-offs 3,507 18,559 52,342 Allowance for loan losses, end of period $92,045 $91,342 $91,342 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, beginning of period $6,294 $6,307 $6,072 Provision for credit losses 452 (13) 222 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, end of period $6,746 $6,294 $6,294 Allowance for Credit Losses $98,791 $97,636 $97,636 Ratios Provision for loan losses as a % of average loans 0.25% 2.54% 1.12% Provision for credit losses as a % of average loans 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% Net charge-offs as a % of average loans 0.21% 1.06% 0.77% Net charge-offs and allowance related to loans held for sale as a % of average loans 0.21% 1.40% 1.11% Allowance for loan losses as a % of period-end loans 1.32% 1.33% 1.33% Allowance for credit losses as a % of period-end loans 1.42% 1.42% 1.42% Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans 331.93% 168.03% 168.03% Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans 356.26% 179.60% 179.60% Asset Quality Impaired loans: Nonaccrual $17,049 $45,045 $45,045 Other nonperforming loans: Nonaccrual 10,681 9,317 9,317 Total nonperforming loans 27,730 54,362 54,362 Other real estate ("ORE") 4,934 9,815 9,815 Total nonperforming assets ("NPAs") $32,664 $64,177 $64,177 NPAs as % of period-end loans + ORE 0.47% 0.93% 0.93% Past due 90 days or more & accruing interest $15,209 $16,860 $16,860 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION NONINTEREST INCOME AND NONINTEREST EXPENSE DETAIL (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 QUARTERLY OTHER INCOME DETAIL 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 4th Qtr Trust department income $5,896 $5,657 $6,096 $5,596 $5,794 Service charges on deposits 17,067 17,003 17,055 16,249 18,198 Credit card fees 12,012 11,679 11,712 11,099 11,325 ATM and other service fees 3,055 3,306 3,189 3,071 3,135 Bank owned life insurance income 3,283 3,735 3,290 3,168 3,001 Investment services and insurance 3,121 3,007 2,660 2,453 2,011 Investment securities gains (losses), net 1,122 - 1 - - Loan sales and servicing income 1,551 1,411 1,911 5,438 1,504 Other operating income 2,886 3,326 3,016 1,802 3,364 Total Other Income $49,993 $49,124 $48,930 $48,876 $48,332 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 QUARTERLY OTHER EXPENSES DETAIL 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 4th Qtr Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits $43,087 $41,332 $43,538 $42,500 $43,700 Net occupancy expense 6,284 6,188 6,521 6,686 6,143 Equipment expense 2,886 2,958 2,851 3,084 3,030 Taxes, other than federal income taxes 1,274 1,984 1,655 1,662 1,753 Stationery, supplies and postage 2,388 2,463 2,252 2,333 2,633 Bankcard, loan processing and other costs 7,482 7,222 7,607 7,470 7,508 Advertising 2,989 3,332 1,260 1,420 798 Professional services 3,588 2,923 4,525 4,829 5,000 Telephone 1,006 1,142 1,094 1,120 1,362 Amortization of intangibles 222 222 222 223 222 Other operating expense 12,089 14,264 9,850 10,199 11,838 Total Other Expenses $83,295 $84,030 $81,375 $81,526 $83,987 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Net Charge-off Detail (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) Quarters ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2007 2006 2007 2006 Allowance for loan losses - beginning of period $93,811 88,755 91,342 90,661 Loans charged off: Commercial 2,969 9,745 7,856 32,628 Mortgage 958 513 5,026 1,670 Installment 4,745 5,296 18,343 20,682 Home equity 758 969 4,151 3,847 Credit cards 2,104 2,254 8,497 8,294 Leases - 3,546 41 3,607 Overdrafts 234 - 234 - Total 11,768 22,323 44,148 70,728 Recoveries: Commercial 357 786 4,351 3,734 Mortgage 36 47 44 142 Installment 1,705 2,010 8,021 10,340 Home equity 182 275 1,265 1,293 Credit cards 390 504 1,842 2,123 Manufactured housing 71 79 323 451 Leases 43 63 286 303 Overdrafts 44 - 44 - Total 2,828 3,764 16,176 18,386 Net charge-offs 8,940 18,559 27,972 52,342 Provision for loan losses 9,334 44,235 30,835 76,112 Allowance related to loans held for sale - (23,089) - (23,089) Allowance for loan losses - end of period $94,205 91,342 94,205 91,342 Average loans outstanding $6,951,544 6,917,572 6,971,464 6,798,338 Ratio to average loans: (Annualized) net charge-offs 0.51% 1.06% 0.40% 0.77% (Annualized) net charge-offs and allowance related to loans held for sale 0.51% 1.40% 0.40% 1.11% Provision for loan losses 0.53% 2.54% 0.44% 1.12% Loans outstanding - period-end $7,001,886 6,878,873 7,001,886 6,878,873 Allowance for credit losses: 101,599 97,636 101,599 97,636 As a multiple of (annualized) net charge-offs 2.86 1.33 3.63 1.87 As a multiple of (annualized) net charge-offs and allowance related to loans held for sale 2.86 1.01 3.63 1.29 Allowance for loan losses: As a percent of period-end loans outstanding 1.35% 1.33% 1.35% 1.33% As a multiple of (annualized) net charge-offs 2.66 1.24 3.37 1.75 As a multiple of (annualized) net charge-offs and allowance related to loans held for sale 2.66 0.94 3.37 1.21
SOURCE FirstMerit Corporation




Back to Topback to top

Related links:
  • http://www.firstmerit.com
    Photo Notes:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070920/CLTU138LOGO
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
    CONTACT:
    Thomas P. O'Malley of FirstMerit Corporation,
    +1-330-384-7109