Capital City Bank Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CCBG) today reported net income of $1.9 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to net income of $1.1 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2012 and a net loss of $0.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2011. For the full year 2012, CCBG reported net income of $0.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.9 million, or $0.29 per diluted share in 2011.

Compared to the third quarter of 2012, the improvement in earnings reflects lower noninterest expense of $0.7 million, a reduction in the loan loss provision of $0.1 million, and an increase in operating revenues of $0.1 million, partially offset by higher income taxes of $0.1 million. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, the increase in earnings was due to a lower loan loss provision of $4.8 million and a decline in noninterest expense of $1.6 million, partially offset by a reduction in operating revenues of $1.6 million and higher income taxes of $2.4 million.

For the full year 2012, the decline in earnings was attributable to lower operating revenues of $11.3 million partially offset by a lower loan loss provision of $2.8 million, a decrease in noninterest expense of $1.7 million and a reduction in income taxes of $2.0 million. 2011 performance reflects the sale of our Visa Class B shares which resulted in a $2.6 million net gain ($3.2 million pre-tax included in noninterest income and a swap liability of $0.6 million included in noninterest expense).

"I am pleased with the fourth quarter results, which enabled Capital City Bank Group to be profitable for the year," said William G. Smith, Jr., chairman, president and CEO. "Though the market is still choppy, I am encouraged by fourth quarter improvements, which included lower credit costs and modest, yet noteworthy, growth in operating revenue. Nonperforming assets declined $10 million or 8 percent, and credit costs were down $0.8 million or 14 percent for the quarter. Credit metrics continue to improve and credit quality remains a top priority. With OREO sales exceeding $8 million in the fourth quarter and topping $28 million for the year, we believe a retail strategy focused on the disposition of other real estate owned continues to be in the best interest of our shareowners. Despite weak demand, loans declined at a slower pace in the fourth quarter, reinforcing my belief that our markets continue to exhibit signs of recovery as shown by decreasing unemployment and a firming of home prices. As we head into 2013, I am encouraged by these conditions, pleased with our progress and remain optimistic about our future."

The Return on Average Assets was 0.29% and the Return on Average Equity was 2.95% for the fourth quarter of 2012. These metrics were 0.17% and 1.77% for the third quarter of 2012, and -0.08% and -0.80% for the fourth quarter of 2011, respectively.

For the full year 2012, the Return on Average Assets was 0.00% and the Return on Average Equity was 0.04% compared to 0.19% and 1.86%, respectively, for the full year of 2011.

Discussion of Financial Condition

Average earning assets were $2.179 billion for the fourth quarter of 2012, a decrease of $30.2 million, or 1.4%, from the third quarter of 2012, and an increase of $32.5 million, or 1.5%, from the fourth quarter of 2011.  As compared to the third quarter of 2012, the decline in average earning assets is attributable to a lower level of overnight funds resulting from a seasonal decline in deposits and the resolution of problem loans. The shift in the mix of earning assets continued as the loan portfolio declined when compared to the prior quarter. The increase in average earning assets compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 primarily reflects a higher level of public funds. 

We maintained an average net overnight funds (deposits with banks plus fed funds sold less fed funds purchased) sold position of $366.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to an average net overnight funds sold position of $386.0 million in the third quarter of 2012 and an average overnight funds sold position of $191.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The lower balance when compared to the third quarter of 2012 reflects lower levels of deposits, primarily public funds and certificates of deposit, partially offset by a decrease in the loan portfolio. The higher balances when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 primarily reflect the decline in the loan portfolio.

When compared to the third quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2011, average loans declined by $23.0 million and $128.4 million, respectively. Most loan categories have experienced declines with the reduction primarily in the commercial real estate and residential categories. Our core loan portfolio continues to be impacted by normal amortization and a higher level of payoffs that have outpaced our new loan production. New loan production continues to be impacted by weak loan demand attributable to the trend toward consumers and businesses deleveraging, the lack of consumer confidence, and a persistently sluggish economy.

The resolution of problem loans (which has the effect of lowering the loan portfolio as loans are either charged off or transferred to other real estate owned "OREO") also contributed to the overall decline.  During the fourth quarter of 2012, loan charge-offs and loans transferred to OREO accounted for $13.7 million. This more than offset the net reduction in total loans of $12.0 million, which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2012. During the full year 2012, loan resolution accounted for $45.0 million, or 42%, of the net reduction in loans of $107.4 million¹.

Average total deposits were $2.051 billion for the fourth quarter of 2012, a decrease of $24.4 million, or 1.2%, from the third quarter of 2012 and higher by $18.1 million, or 0.9%, over the fourth quarter of 2011.  The decrease in deposits when compared to the third quarter of 2012 resulted from lower public funds, money markets and certificates of deposit, partially offset by growth in noninterest bearing accounts and regular savings. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, the increase was driven primarily by higher public fund balances, savings and noninterest bearing deposits. This was partially offset by a reduction of certificates of deposit. The seasonal low in public fund balances occurred during the fourth quarter and these balances are anticipated to increase through the first quarter of 2013.

Our mix of deposits continues to improve as higher cost certificates of deposit are replaced with lower rate non-maturity deposits and noninterest bearing demand accounts.  Prudent pricing discipline will continue to be the key to managing our mix of deposits.  Therefore, we do not attempt to compete with higher rate paying competitors for deposits. 

Borrowings decreased by $9.1 million when compared to the third quarter of 2012 as a result of lower balances in repurchase agreements, and were lower by $1.0 million when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, as a result of normal amortization in FHLB advances.

Nonperforming assets (nonaccrual loans and OREO) totaled $117.7 million at year-end 2012 compared to $127.2 million at the end of the third quarter of 2012 and $137.6 million at year-end 2011. Nonaccrual loans totaled $64.2 million at year-end 2012, a decrease of $9.9 million from the third quarter of 2012 and $10.8 million from year-end 2011, reflective of loan resolutions (charge-offs and transfer of loans to OREO) and loans restored to an accrual status, which outpaced gross additions. Gross additions slowed significantly year over year, by approximately $45 million. The balance of OREO totaled $53.4 million at year-end 2012, a $0.2 million increase over the third quarter of 2012 and a decrease of $9.2 million from year-end 2011. We continued to experience progress during 2012 in our efforts to dispose of OREO selling properties totaling $28.2 million compared to $27.8 million in 2011. Nonperforming assets represented 4.47% of total assets at December 31, 2012 compared to 5.10% at September 30, 2012 and 5.21% at December 31, 2011.

Equity capital was $246.9 million as of December 31, 2012, compared to $250.4 million as of September 30, 2012 and $251.9 million as of December 31, 2011. Our leverage ratio was 9.90%, 9.83%, and 10.26%, respectively, for these periods. Further, our risk-adjusted capital ratio of 15.72% at December 31, 2012 exceeds the 10.0% threshold to be designated as "well-capitalized" under the risk-based regulatory guidelines. At December 31, 2012, our tangible common equity ratio was 6.35%, compared to 6.86% at September 30, 2012 and 6.51% at December 31, 2011. The tangible common equity ratio was impacted by a $5.5 million unfavorable variance in the pension component of our other comprehensive income. This unfavorable variance was driven by a reduction in our pension plan's discount rate due to a decline in market rates, and a lower than anticipated return on plan assets.  

Discussion of Operating Results

Tax equivalent net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $20.7 million compared to $21.2 million for the third quarter of 2012 and $22.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2011.  For the full year 2012, tax equivalent net interest income totaled $84.9 million compared to $92.8 million in 2011. Factors affecting net interest income relative to the third quarter of 2012 include a reduction in loan income attributable to declining loan balances and unfavorable asset repricing. Year over year, the decrease was due to reduction in loan income attributable to lower portfolio balances and unfavorable asset repricing, which was partially offset by a reduction in interest expense.  The lower interest expense is primarily attributable to certificates of deposit and reflects both lower balances and favorable repricing. 

The decline in the loan portfolio, coupled with the low rate environment continues to put pressure on our net interest income.  The loan portfolio yield is declining as the existing portfolio reprices. Lowering our cost of funds, to the extent we can, and continuing to shift the mix of our deposits will help to partially mitigate the unfavorable impact of weak loan demand and repricing, although the impact is expected to be minimal.

The net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2012 was 3.78%, a decrease of 4 basis points from the third quarter of 2012 and a decline of 39 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2011.  For the full year 2012, the margin declined by 37 basis points to 3.81%. The decrease in the margin for all comparable periods is attributable to the shift in our earning asset mix and unfavorable asset repricing, partially offset by a lower average cost of funds.

The provision for loan losses for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $2.8 million compared to $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2012 and $7.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2011. For the full year 2012, the loan loss provision totaled $16.2 million compared to $19.0 million for 2011. Slower problem loan migration, lower loan loss experience, and improved credit metrics resulted in a lower level of loan loss provision for both the second half of 2012 and the full year 2012. Net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2012 totaled $3.8 million, or 1.00% of average loans, compared to $2.6 million, or 0.66%, in the third quarter of 2012, and $6.2 million, or 1.50%, in the fourth quarter of 2011. For 2012, our net charge-offs totaled $18.0 million, or 1.16%, of average loans, compared to $23.4 million, or 1.39%, for 2011. Over the last five years, we have recorded a cumulative loan loss provision totaling $131.5 million, or 6.9%, of beginning loans and have recognized cumulative net charge-offs of $120.0 million, or 6.3%. At year-end 2012, the allowance for loan losses of $29.2 million was 1.93% of outstanding loans (net of overdrafts) and provided coverage of 45% of nonperforming loans compared to 1.97% and 41%, respectively, at the end of the third quarter of 2012, and 1.91% and 41%, respectively, at year-end 2011. 

Noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2012 totaled $14.1 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 4.0%, over the third quarter of 2012 and an increase of $0.2 million, or 1.7%, over the fourth quarter of 2011. The increase over the third quarter of 2012 reflects higher deposit fees of $0.4 million and wealth management fees (trust fees and retail brokerage fees) of $0.1 million. The favorable variance compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 was driven by higher deposit fees of $0.2 million. For the full year 2012, noninterest income totaled $55.2 million, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 6.2%, from 2011 attributable to a reduction in other income of $4.6 million, data processing fees of $0.5 million, and wealth management fees of $0.4 million, partially offset by higher deposit fees of $0.3 million, mortgage banking fees of $0.9 million and bank card fees of $0.6 million. The decline in other income was primarily attributable to a $3.2 million gain from the sale of our Visa stock recognized during 2011 and to a lesser extent a reduction in gains from the sale of other real estate properties. Data processing fees declined due to a reduction in the number of banks that we process for as two of our user banks were acquired and discontinued service in early 2011. The reduction in wealth management fees reflects a decline in trust fees reflective of a lower level of assets under management due to account distributions, and a decrease in retail brokerage fees due to lower client trading activity. The increase in deposit fees was driven by a lower level of charged off checking accounts and improved fee collection experience. Increased loan origination volume drove the higher level of mortgage banking fees reflecting increased home purchase activity in our markets. The increase in bank card fees was attributable to an increase in active cards and higher card utilization.

Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2012 totaled $29.5 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 2.4%, from the third quarter of 2012 and a decrease of $1.6 million, or 5.3%, from the fourth quarter of 2011. The decrease from the third quarter was driven by a decrease in OREO expense of $0.7 million, occupancy expense of $0.2 million, and other expense of $0.1 million, partially offset by higher compensation expense of $0.3 million. The reduction in OREO expense was driven by a lower level of valuation adjustments and to a lesser extent a reduction in property carrying costs. Occupancy expense declined due to lower property tax expense and utilities expense. The reduction in other expense reflects a decrease in printing and supplies due to lower usage and a lower level of operational losses. The increase in compensation was attributable to higher pension plan expense and stock compensation expense partially offset by lower expense for cash incentives. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, the decrease was primarily attributable to lower OREO expense of $1.5 million and other expense of $0.7 million partially offset by higher compensation expense of $0.5 million. A lower level of valuation adjustments and property carrying costs drove the reduction in OREO expense. Other expense declined due to a reduction in advertising expense and lower expense for the Visa swap liability associated with the sale of our Visa shares during 2011. A higher level of expense for our pension plan and stock compensation plans partially offset by lower associate salary expense drove the unfavorable variance in compensation.       

For the full year 2012, noninterest expense totaled $124.6 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 1.3%, from 2011 primarily attributable to a decline in OREO expense of $1.2 million, occupancy expense of $0.5 million, intangible amortization of $0.2 million, and other expense of $0.7 million, partially offset by higher compensation expense of $0.6 million and furniture/equipment expense of $0.3 million. A lower level of valuation adjustments drove the decline in OREO expense. Occupancy expense decreased due to a decline in building maintenance/repairs and utility expense reflecting our efforts to re-negotiate vendor contracts and proactively manage our energy costs. The reduction in intangible amortization expense reflects the full amortization of certain core deposit intangibles related to past acquisitions. Other expense decreased primarily due to lower expense for advertising of $0.7 million, FDIC insurance of $0.4 million, postage of $0.2 million, and miscellaneous expense of $0.7 million, partially offset by higher professional fees of $1.0 million and processing costs of $0.3 million. The decline in advertising expense reflects a lower level of brand promotional activities and improved control over public relations costs. FDIC insurance costs declined due to maintenance of a lower assessment base during 2012. The reduction in postage primarily reflects migration of clients to electronic statements and improved control over mailing activities. Lower expense for the Visa swap liability associated with the sale of our Visa shares during 2011 drove the decline in miscellaneous expense. The increase in professional fees was primarily due to higher consulting fees and external audit fees. The aforementioned unfavorable variance in compensation expense reflects higher pension plan expense that was partially offset by lower expense for associate salaries and performance compensation. Utilization of a lower discount rate in 2012 due to lower long-term bond interest rates drove the aforementioned increase in pension plan expense. Higher software and maintenance costs for newly implemented information systems drove the unfavorable variance in furniture/equipment expense.

We realized income tax expense of $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to income tax expense of $0.4 million for the third quarter of 2012 and a tax benefit of $1.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2011.  For the full year 2012, we realized a tax benefit of $1.3 million compared to income tax expense of $0.6 million for 2011.  The decrease in the tax provision year over year primarily reflects lower operating profits and to a lesser extent the resolution of certain tax contingencies during the fourth quarter of 2012.

ABOUT CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP

Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CCBG) is one of the largest publicly traded bank holding companies headquartered in Florida and has approximately $2.6 billion in assets. The Company provides a full range of banking services, including traditional deposit and credit services, asset management, trust, mortgage banking, merchant services, bankcards, data processing and securities brokerage services. The Company's bank subsidiary, Capital City Bank, was founded in 1895 and now has 69 locations and 72 ATMs in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For more information about Capital City Bank Group, Inc., visit www.ccbg.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Forward-looking statements in this Press Release are based on current plans and expectations that are subject to uncertainties and risks, which could cause the Company's future results to differ materially. The following factors, among others, could cause the Company's actual results to differ: the Company's need and our ability to incur additional debt or equity financing; the accuracy of the Company's financial statement estimates and assumptions, including the estimate used for the Company's loan loss provision and deferred tax valuation allowance; continued depression of the market value of the Company that could result in an impairment of goodwill; legislative or regulatory changes, including the Dodd-Frank Act and Basel III; the strength of the U.S. economy and the local economies where the Company conducts operations; the frequency and magnitude of foreclosure of the Company's loans; restrictions on our operations, including the inability to pay dividends without our regulators' consent; the effects of the health and soundness of other financial institutions, including the FDIC's need to increase Deposit Insurance Fund assessments; the effects of the Company's lack of a diversified loan portfolio, including the risks of geographic and industry concentrations; harsh weather conditions and man-made disasters; fluctuations in inflation, interest rates, or monetary policies; changes in the stock market and other capital and real estate markets; customer acceptance of third-party products and services; increased competition and its effect on pricing, including the impact on our net interest margin from the repeal of Regulation Q; negative publicity and the impact on our reputation; technological changes; the effects of security breaches and computer viruses that may affect the Company's computer systems; changes in consumer spending and savings habits; the Company's growth and profitability; changes in accounting; and the Company's ability to manage the risks involved in the foregoing. Additional factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, and the Company's other filings with the SEC, which are available at the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Forward-looking statements in this Press Release speak only as of the date of the Press Release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements or the reasons why actual results could differ.

 ^[1]The reductions in loan portfolio balances stated in this paragraph are based on "as of" balances, not averages.

CONTACT: J. Kimbrough Davis
         Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
         850.402.7820

Released January 29, 2013