UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

Form 10-K/A

(Amendment No. 1)

 

x

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

 

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

 

OR

 

 

o

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

 

For the transition period from             to             

 

Commission file number  0-10537

 

OLD SECOND BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

36-3143493

(State of Incorporation)

 

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

 

37 South River Street, Aurora, Illinois 60507

(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)

 

(630) 892-0202

(Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1.00 par value

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market

Preferred Securities of Old Second Capital Trust I

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Preferred Share Purchase Rights

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o  No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes o  No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o  No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by Reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, on June 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $75.1 million.  The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, was 13,939,833 at March 11, 2010.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Parts I, II and IV.

 

Portions of the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

 

 


 

Explanatory Note

 

Old Second Bancorp, Inc. is filing this Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2010, in order to revise the following information:

 

·      As a result of a clerical error, the total weighted average yields for each maturity category in the table provided under the heading “Securities Available for Sale Maturity and Yields” in “Item 1. Business” were incorrectly reported in the original Form 10-K.  The Company reported the total yields as of December 31, 2008 as opposed to those as of December 31, 2009.  As corrected, the total yields as of December 31 2009 were as follows: 0.68% for securities maturing within one year, 1.91% for securities maturing after one but within five years, 4.09% for securities maturing after five but within ten years, 4.52% for securities maturing after ten years, and 3.39% for all securities available for sale in the aggregate.  Item 1 is hereby amended by insertion of the revised table reflecting the correct data, as set forth below.  The text accompanying the table in the original Form 10-K was correct and remains unchanged.

 

·      In “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” the amount of accruing loans disclosed as 30-89 days delinquent at December 31, 2009 under the heading “Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and could result in further losses in the future” was originally reported as $175.0 million. The correct amount of such loans at December 31, 2009 is $39.1 million.  The complete revised text of “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” is provided below.

 

·      In “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” the percentage of the Company’s total loan portfolio consisting of construction, land acquisition, and development loans at December 31, 2009 was originally reported as 44.8% under the heading “Real estate construction, land acquisition and development loans are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the complete project.  These estimates may be inaccurate, and we may be exposed to significant losses on loans for these projects.” The correct percentage of the Company’s total loan portfolio represented by such loans at December 31, 2009 is 13.3%. The complete revised text of “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” is provided below.

 

This Form 10-K/A does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the original Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2010, or modify or update those disclosures affected by subsequent events.  Except as described above, the Company has not modified or updated other disclosures or information presented in the original Form 10-K.

 

Item 1.   Business

 

Securities Available for Sale Maturity and Yields

 

 

 

 

 

After One But

 

After Five But

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within One Year

 

Within Five Years

 

Within Ten Years

 

After Ten Years

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury

 

$

1,523

 

3.79

% 

$

—

 

—

 

$

—

 

—

 

$

—

 

—

 

$

1,523

 

3.79

%

U.S. government agencies

 

36,374

 

0.34

%

23,833

 

0.97

%

15,096

 

4.09

% 

9,149

 

5.55

% 

84,452

 

1.74

%

States and political subdivisions

 

3,018

 

3.30

%

10,257

 

4.18

%

37,346

 

4.10

%

32,717

 

4.24

%

83,338

 

4.13

%

 

 

40,915

 

0.68

%

34,090

 

1.91

%

52,442

 

4.09

%

41,866

 

4.52

%

169,313

 

2.93

%

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,951

 

5.13

%

Collateralized debt obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,883

 

1.60

%

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

94

 

0.08

%

 

 

$

40,915

 

0.68

% 

$

34,090

 

1.91

% 

$

52,442

 

4.09

% 

$

41,866

 

4.52

% 

$

246,241

 

3.39

%

 

Item 1.A.   Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, stockholders or prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors:

 

Our business has been and may continue to be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.

 

The United States has been in a recession since December 2007.  Business activity across a wide range of industries and regions is greatly reduced, and many businesses and local governments are experiencing serious difficulty in remaining profitable due to the lack of consumer spending and the lack of liquidity in the credit markets.  Unemployment has increased significantly.  Since mid-2007, and particularly during the second half of 2008 and most of 2009, the financial services industry and the securities markets have been materially and adversely affected by significant declines in the values of nearly all asset classes and by a serious lack of liquidity.

 

As a result of this economic downturn, many lending institutions, including the Bank, have experienced declines in the performance of their loans, including commercial loans, commercial real estate loans and consumer loans.  Moreover, competition among depository institutions for deposits and quality loans has increased significantly.  In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages have declined and may continue to decline.  Bank and bank holding company stock prices have been negatively affected, and the ability of banks and bank holding companies to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets has become more difficult compared to recent years.  There is also the potential for new federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies in general have been very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of many formal or informal enforcement actions or orders.  The impact of new legislation in response to those developments, may negatively impact our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and adversely impact our financial performance or our stock price.

 

In addition, further negative market developments may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause adverse changes in payment patterns, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which may impact our charge-offs and provision for credit losses.  A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and others in the financial services industry.

 

Overall, during the past two years, the general business environment has had an adverse effect on our business, and there can be no assurance that the environment will improve in the near term.  Until economic conditions materially improve, we expect our business, financial condition and results of operations to be adversely affected.

 

2


 

Our loan portfolio is concentrated heavily in residential and commercial real estate loans, including construction loans, which involve risks specific to real estate values and the real estate and mortgage markets in general, all of which have been experiencing significant weakness.

 

Our loan portfolio generally reflects the profile of the communities in which we operate.  Because we are located in areas that have seen rapid growth over the past decade, real estate lending (including commercial, construction and residential) is a significant portion of our loan portfolio, with these three categories constituting $1.85 billion, or approximately 89.3% of our total loan portfolio, as of December 31, 2009.  Specifically, as of December 31, 2009, commercial real estate loans comprised approximately 44.8% of our total loan portfolio, real estate construction loans comprised approximately 13.3% and residential real estate loans comprised approximately 31.1%.  Given that the primary (if not only) source of collateral on these loans is real estate, additional adverse developments affecting real estate values in our market area could increase the credit risk associated with our real estate loan portfolio.  Additionally, if the loans are not repaid according to their terms, we may not be able to realize the amount of security that we anticipated at the time of originating the loan.

 

The effects of ongoing mortgage market challenges, combined with the ongoing correction in residential real estate market prices and reduced levels of home sales, have adversely affected our real estate loan portfolio over the past two years and have the potential to further adversely affect such portfolio in several ways, each of which could further adversely affect our operating results and/or financial condition.  First, as noted above, approximately 13.3% of our loan portfolio consists of real estate construction loans, which primarily are loans made to home builders and developers.  A continuation of the significantly lower demand for properties constructed by home builders and developers could result in additional delinquencies and charge-offs in future periods on loans made to such borrowers.  Second, the current market environment has caused and continues to cause a significantly softer demand for residential real estate loans, which constitute a significant part of our overall portfolio.  This continued softened demand in residential real estate lending may require us to devote a larger portion of our total assets to lower yielding investment securities, which could adversely affect our net interest margin.

 

Finally, if the problems that have occurred in the residential real estate and mortgage markets were to spread to the commercial real estate market, particularly within our market area, the value of collateral securing our real estate loans could decline and the demand for our commercial real estate loans could decrease.  In light of the uncertainty that exists in the economy and credit markets nationally, there can be no guarantee that we will not experience any deterioration in such performance.

 

Our business is concentrated in and dependent upon the continued growth and welfare of several counties in Illinois.

 

Our primary market area is Aurora, Illinois, and its surrounding communities.  The city of Aurora is located in northeastern Illinois, approximately 40 miles west of Chicago.  The Bank operates primarily in Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, DuPage, LaSalle, Will and southwestern Cook Counties in Illinois, and as a result, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to changes in the economic conditions in those areas.  We have developed a strong presence in the counties we serve, with particular concentration in Aurora, Illinois and surrounding communities.  Based on recent estimates, these counties together represent a market of more than 2.4 million people, and the city of Aurora itself has an estimated population of 170,000 residents.  In addition, in 2008 we added an office in southwestern Cook County, which has an estimated population of 5.3 million people.  The Bank offers banking services for retail, commercial, industrial, and public entity customers in the Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Burlington, Elburn, Elgin, Maple Park, Kaneville, Sugar Grove, Naperville, Lisle, Joliet, Yorkville, Plano, Wasco, DeKalb, Ottawa, Oswego, Shorewood, Sycamore, New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort, and Chicago Heights communities and surrounding areas.  The Bank also offers complete trust investment management and other fiduciary services and, through a registered broker/dealer, provides stocks, bonds, securities, annuities, and non-FDIC insured mutual funds.

 

Although the communities that we serve have grown rapidly over the past decade and we intend to continue concentrating our business efforts in the communities we currently serve and the immediately surrounding communities, our continued success is largely dependent upon the growth of these communities and the economic health of these communities.  Because of our geographic concentration, we are less able than other regional or national financial institutions to diversify our credit risks across multiple markets.  A decline in the growth of these communities could negatively impact our net income and profitability.  Additionally, declines in the economies of these communities could affect our ability to generate new loans or to receive repayments of existing loans, adversely affecting our financial condition.

 

We must effectively manage our credit risk.

 

There are risks inherent in making any loan, including risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers, risks of nonpayment, risks resulting from uncertainties as to the future value of collateral and cash flows available to service debt and risks resulting from changes in economic and market conditions.  We attempt to mitigate our credit risk through prudent loan application approval procedures, careful monitoring of the concentration of our loans within specific industries and periodic independent reviews of outstanding loans by our credit review department.  However, we cannot assure you that such approval and monitoring procedures will reduce these credit risks, and they cannot be expected to completely eliminate our credit risks.  Should the economic climate fail to improve, borrowers may experience difficulty, and the level of nonperforming loans, charge-offs, and delinquencies could rise and require further increases in the provision for loan losses, which would cause our net income and return on equity to decrease.

 

3


 

Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb potential losses in our loan portfolio.

 

We established our allowance for loan losses and maintain it at a level considered adequate by management to absorb potential loan losses based on a continual analysis of our portfolio and market environment. The allowance for loan losses represents our estimate of probable losses in the portfolio at each balance sheet date and is based upon other relevant information available to us.  The allowance contains provisions for probable losses that have been identified relating to specific borrowing relationships, as well as probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio and credit undertakings that are not specifically identified.  Additions to the allowance for loan losses, which are charged to earnings through the provision for loan losses, are determined based on a variety of factors, including an analysis of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience and an evaluation of current economic conditions in the relevant market areas. The actual amount of loan losses is affected by changes in economic, operating, and other conditions within our markets, which may be beyond our control, and such losses may exceed current estimates.

 

At December 31, 2009 our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 3.13% and as a percentage of total nonperforming loans was approximately 34.0%.  Although management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb losses on any existing loans that may become uncollectible, in light of the current economic environment, there is no guarantee that we will not be required to take additional provisions for loan losses in the future to further supplement the allowance for loan losses, particularly if economic conditions worsen beyond what management currently expects, either due to management’s decision to do so or requirements by the regulators. Additional provisions to the allowance for loan losses and loan losses in excess of our allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

A significant portion of the loans in our portfolio is secured by real estate.

 

At December 31, 2009, approximately 89.3% of our loans were collateralized by real estate.  The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of market conditions in the area in which the real estate is located.  Adverse changes affecting real estate values and the liquidity of real estate in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio, and could result in losses which would adversely affect profitability.  Adverse changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity in our primary market area could significantly impair the value of property pledged as collateral on loans and affect our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure without a loss or additional losses.  Collateral may have to be sold for less than the outstanding balance of the loan which could result in losses.

 

The effects of ongoing mortgage market challenges, combined with the ongoing correction in residential real estate market prices and reduced levels of home sales, has the potential to adversely affect our real estate loan portfolio in several ways, each of which could adversely affect our operating results and/or financial condition.  In particular, as of December 31, 2009, approximately 13.3% of our loan portfolio consisted of real estate construction loans, which primarily are loans made to home builders and developers.  Demand for residential construction loans has decreased significantly since 2007, and a further decrease in demand for the properties constructed by home builders and developers could result in higher delinquencies and greater charge-offs in future periods on loans made to such borrowers.  The current market environment has also negatively affected the demand for residential real estate loans, which constitute a significant part of our overall portfolio.  Although we believe that we have adequately provided for known losses in our loan portfolio, no assurance is given that our future loan losses and provisions for loan losses will not be higher or that our allowance for loan losses will be sufficient.

 

Finally, a risk exists that the problems that have occurred in the residential real estate and mortgage markets could spread to the commercial real estate market.  If that were to occur, the value of some of the collateral securing our commercial real estate loans could decline.  In light of the uncertainty that exists in the economy and credit markets, there can be no guarantee that we will not experience deterioration in the performance of commercial real estate and other real estate loans in the future.

 

Commercial and industrial loans make up a significant portion of our loan portfolio.

 

Commercial and industrial loans were $207.2 million, or approximately 10.0% of our total loan portfolio, as of December 31, 2009.  Our commercial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower.  Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate.  Credit support is provided by the borrower for most of these loans and the probability of repayment is based on the liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee, if any exists.  As a result, in the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.  The collateral securing other loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

 

The widespread effect of falling housing prices on financial markets could adversely affect our profitability, liquidity, and financial condition.

 

In addition to the risks faced in our real estate lending portfolio, turmoil in the financial markets, precipitated by falling housing prices and rising delinquencies and foreclosures, has negatively impacted the valuation of securities supported by real estate collateral, including certain securities owned by the Company.  We rely on our investment portfolio as a source of net interest income and as a means to manage our funding and liquidity needs.  If defaults in the underlying collateral are such that the security can no longer meet its debt service requirements, our net interest income, cash flows and capital will be reduced.

 

4


 

We are required to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, and if we fail to maintain sufficient capital, whether due to losses, an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as our ability to maintain regulatory compliance, would be adversely affected.

 

The Company and the Bank must meet regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity.  We also face significant capital and other regulatory requirements as a financial institution and a participant in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  Our ability to raise additional capital, when and if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry and market condition, and governmental activities, many of which are outside our control, and on our financial condition and performance.  Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us.  If we fail to meet these capital and other regulatory requirements, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our failure to remain “well capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes could affect customer confidence, our ability to grow, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to pay dividends on common and preferred stock and to make distributions on our trust preferred securities, our ability to make acquisitions, and our business, results of operations and financial condition.  Under FDIC rules, if the Bank ceases to be a “well capitalized” institution for bank regulatory purposes, the interest rates that it pays on deposits and its ability to accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits may be restricted.  As of December 31, 2009, we had $61.8 million of brokered deposits, or 2.8% of our total deposits.

 

Government regulation can result in limitations on our operations.

 

We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to supervision and regulation by a number of governmental regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, Treasury, the FDIC and the OCC.  Regulations adopted by these agencies, which are generally intended to provide protection for depositors and customers rather than for the benefit of shareholders, govern a comprehensive range of matters relating to ownership and control of our shares, our acquisition of other companies and businesses, permissible activities for us to engage in, maintenance of adequate capital levels and other aspects of our operations.  These bank regulators possess broad authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law.  The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Increased regulation could increase our cost of compliance and adversely affect profitability.  For example, new legislation or regulation may limit the manner in which we may conduct our business, including our ability to offer new products, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads.

 

In addition, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory proposals that have arisen in the wake of the recent troubles in the credit markets in the United States that would have an impact on the operation of bank holding companies and their bank and nonbank subsidiaries.  It is impossible to predict whether or in what form these proposals may be adopted in the future and, if adopted, what their effect will be on us.

 

We incurred a net loss for 2009 and cannot make any assurances that we will not incur further losses.

 

We incurred a net loss of $65.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  In light of the persistent challenging economic challenges and continuing depressed real estate markets, we cannot provide any assurances that we will not incur future losses.  Any future losses may affect our ability to raise additional capital if needed and to pay dividends on our common stock.  Furthermore, any future losses likely will cause a decline in our regulatory capital ratios, which may require us to curtail our operations to ensure that we maintain capital levels in excess of minimum regulatory requirements.

 

Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and could result in further losses in the future.

 

At December 31, 2009, our nonperforming loans (which consist of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing loans) totaled $189.7 million, or 9.2% of our loan portfolio, and our nonperforming assets (which include nonperforming loans plus other real estate owned) were $231.4 million, or 8.9% of total assets.  In addition, we had $39.1 million in accruing loans that were 30-89 days delinquent at December 31, 2009.  Our nonperforming assets adversely affect our net income in various ways.  We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our income and returns on assets and equity, and our loan administration costs increase and our efficiency ratio is adversely affected.  When we take collateral in foreclosures and similar proceedings, we are required to mark the collateral to its then-fair market value, which, when compared to the value of the loan, may result in a loss.  These nonperforming loans and other real estate owned also increase our risk profile and the capital our regulators believe is appropriate in light of such risks.  The resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant time commitments from management, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities.  There is no assurance that we will not experience further increases in nonperforming loans in the future, or that our nonperforming assets will not result in further losses in the future.

 

5


 

Real estate construction, land acquisition and development loans are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the complete project.  These estimates may be inaccurate, and we may be exposed to significant losses on loans for these projects.

 

Construction, land acquisition, and development loans comprised approximately 13.3% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2009, and such lending involves additional risks because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion, and costs may exceed realizable values in declining real estate markets.  Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs and the realizable market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio.  As a result, construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest.  If our appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be overstated or market values or rental rates decline, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project.  If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, there can be no assurance that we will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time while we attempt to dispose of it.

 

Interest rates and other conditions impact our results of operations.

 

Our profitability is in part a function of the spread between the interest rates earned on investments and loans and the interest rates paid on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities.  Like most banking institutions, our net interest spread and margin will be affected by general economic conditions and other factors, including fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government, that influence market interest rates and our ability to respond to changes in such rates.  At any given time, our assets and liabilities will be such that they are affected differently by a given change in interest rates.  As a result, an increase or decrease in rates, the length of loan terms or the mix of adjustable and fixed rate loans in our portfolio could have a positive or negative effect on our net income, capital and liquidity.  We measure interest rate risk under various rate scenarios and using specific criteria and assumptions.  A summary of this process, along with the results of our net interest income simulations is presented at “Interest Rate Risk” included in the Annual Report to Stockholders attached to this Form 10-K as Exhibit 13.1.  Although we believe our current level of interest rate sensitivity is reasonable and effectively managed, significant fluctuations in interest rates may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may experience difficulties in managing our growth and our growth strategy involves risks that may negatively impact our net income.

 

As part of our general growth strategy, we may expand into additional communities or attempt to strengthen our position in our current markets by opening new branches and acquiring existing branches of other financial institutions.  To the extent that we undertake additional branch openings and acquisitions, we are likely to continue to experience the effects of higher operating expenses relative to operating income from the new operations, which may have an adverse effect on our levels of reported net income, return on average equity and return on average assets.  Other effects of engaging in such growth strategies may include potential diversion of our management’s time and attention and general disruption to our business.

 

Although we do not have any current plans to do so, we may also acquire banks and related businesses that we believe provide a strategic fit with our business or engage in de novo bank formations.  To the extent that we grow through acquisitions and de novo bank formations, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately and profitably manage this growth.  Acquiring other banks and businesses will involve similar risks to those commonly associated with branching, but may also involve additional risks, including:

 

·    potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of banks and businesses we acquire;

 

·    exposure to potential asset quality issues of the acquired bank or related business;

 

·    difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of banks and businesses we acquire; and

 

·    the possible loss of key employees and customers of the banks and businesses we acquire.

 

6


 

Liquidity risks could affect operations and jeopardize our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Liquidity is essential to our business.  An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans, and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity.  Our primary sources of funds consist of cash from operations, investment maturities and sales, deposits and funds from sales of capital securities.  Additional liquidity is provided by brokered deposits, bank lines of credit, repurchase agreements and the ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank.  Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities or on terms that are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us directly or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as further disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry.

 

Since late 2007, and particularly during the second half of 2008 and most of 2009, the financial services industry and the credit markets generally have been materially and adversely affected by significant declines in asset values and by a lack of liquidity.  The liquidity issues have been particularly acute for regional and community banks, as many of the larger financial institutions have significantly curtailed their lending to regional and community banks to reduce their exposure to the risks of other banks.  In addition, many of the larger correspondent lenders have reduced or even eliminated federal funds lines for their correspondent customers.  Furthermore, regional and community banks generally have less access to the capital markets than do the national and super-regional banks because of their smaller size and limited analyst coverage.

 

As a result, we rely more on our ability to generate deposits and effectively manage the repayment and maturity schedules of our loans and investment securities, respectively, to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to fund our operations.  Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses, pay dividends to our stockholders, or to fulfill obligations such as repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could adversely affect our financial condition.

 

FDIC insurance premiums increased substantially in 2009, and we expect to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums in the future.  Bank failures have significantly depleted the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund and reduced the Deposit Insurance Fund’s ratio of reserves to insured deposits.  The FDIC adopted a revised risk-based deposit insurance assessment schedule on February 27, 2009, which raised deposit insurance premiums.  On May 22, 2009, the FDIC also implemented a special assessment equal to five basis points of each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009, but no more than 10 basis points times the institution’s assessment base for the second quarter of 2009, which was collected on September 30, 2009.  Additional special assessments may be imposed by the FDIC for future periods.

 

We participate in the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, or TLG, for noninterest-bearing transaction deposit accounts.  Banks that participate in the TLG’s noninterest-bearing transaction account guarantee pay the FDIC an annual assessment of between 15 to 25 basis points, depending on the depository institution’s risk assessment category rating, on the amounts in such accounts above the amounts covered by FDIC deposit insurance.  To the extent that these TLG assessments are insufficient to cover any loss or expenses arising from the TLG program, the FDIC is authorized to impose an emergency special assessment on all FDIC-insured depository institutions.  The FDIC has authority to impose charges for the TLG program upon depository institution holding companies, as well.

 

These actions significantly increased our noninterest expense in 2009 and are expected to increase our costs for the foreseeable future.  We anticipate that our FDIC insurance premiums may continue to increase in the future, perhaps significantly, which will adversely impact our future earnings.

 

Our ability to pay dividends is subject to certain limitations and restrictions, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to continue paying the same level of dividends in the future that we paid in 2009 or that we will be able to pay future dividends at all.

 

Our ability to pay dividends is limited by regulatory restrictions and the need to maintain sufficient consolidated capital.  The ability of the Bank to pay dividends to us is limited by its obligations to maintain sufficient capital and liquidity and by other general restrictions on dividends that are applicable to the Bank, including the requirement under the National Bank Act that it may not pay dividends in any calendar year that, in the aggregate, exceed its year-to-date net income plus its retained net income for the two preceding years.  The OCC, FDIC and other bank regulators have proposed guidelines and seek greater liquidity, and have been discussing increasing capital requirements.  If these regulatory requirements are not met, the Bank will not be able to pay dividends to us, and we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock or preferred stock.

 

In addition, as a bank holding company, our ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to the guidelines of the Federal Reserve regarding capital adequacy and dividends.  The Federal Reserve guidelines generally require us to review the effects of the cash payment of dividends on common stock and other Tier 1 capital instruments (i.e., perpetual preferred stock and trust preferred debt) in light of our earnings, capital adequacy and financial condition.  In addition, as a matter of policy, the Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should not pay dividends on common stock (or make distributions on trust preferred securities)

 

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using funds from the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  As a general matter, the Federal Reserve indicates that the board of directors of a bank holding company (including a financial holding company) should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce the dividends if:

 

·            the company’s net income available to stockholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends;

 

·            the prospective rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or

 

·            the company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

 

As of December 31, 2009, we had $58.4 million of junior subordinated debentures held by two statutory business trusts that we control.  Interest payments on the debentures, which totaled $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, must be paid before we pay dividends on our capital stock, including our common stock.  We have the right to defer interest payments on the debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters.  However, if we elect to defer interest payments, all deferred interest must be paid before we may pay dividends on our capital stock.  Deferral of interest payments on the debentures could cause a subsequent decline in the market price of our common stock because we would not be able to pay dividends on our common stock.

 

In addition, in January 2009, we issued $73.0 million of perpetual senior preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury as part of the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  The terms of the senior preferred stock restrict the payment of dividends on shares of our common stock.  Without the prior consent of Treasury, we are prohibited from increasing common stock dividends beyond the $0.16 quarterly dividend that we paid prior to closing the U.S. Treasury’s investment for the first three years while Treasury holds the senior preferred stock.  Further, we are prohibited from continuing to pay dividends on our common stock unless we have fully paid all required dividends on the senior preferred stock.  For the first five years, the senior preferred stock accrues cumulative dividends at a rate of 5.0% per annum, or $3.7 million per year; thereafter, the dividend rate increases to 9.0% per annum, or $6.6 million per year.  Although we expect to be able to pay all required dividends on the senior preferred stock, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so.

 

We cannot predict the effect on our operations of recent legislative and regulatory initiatives that were enacted in response to the ongoing financial crisis.

 

U.S. federal, state and foreign governments have taken or are considering extraordinary actions in an attempt to deal with the worldwide financial crisis.  To the extent adopted, many of these actions have been in effect for only a limited time, and have produced limited or no relief to the capital, credit and real estate markets.  There is no assurance that these actions or other actions under consideration will ultimately be successful.

 

In the United States, the federal government adopted the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  With authority granted under these laws, the U.S. Treasury has proposed a financial stability plan that is intended to:

 

·            invest in financial institutions and purchase troubled assets and mortgages from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets;

 

·            temporarily increase the limit on FDIC deposit insurance coverage to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2013; and

 

·            provide for various forms of economic stimulus, including assisting homeowners restructure and lower mortgage payments on qualifying loans.

 

Numerous other actions have been taken by the U.S. Congress, the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Treasury, the FDIC, the SEC and others to address the liquidity and credit crisis that has followed the subprime mortgage crisis that commenced in 2007, including the financial stability plan adopted by the U.S. Treasury.  In addition, President Obama has announced various financial regulatory reform proposals, and the House and Senate are expected to consider competing proposals over the coming years.

 

There can be no assurance that the financial stability plan proposed by the U.S. Treasury, the other proposals under consideration or any other legislative or regulatory initiatives will be effective at dealing with the ongoing economic crisis and improving economic conditions globally, nationally or in our markets, or that the measures adopted will not have adverse consequences.  The terms and costs of these activities, or the failure of these actions to help stabilize the financial markets, asset prices, market liquidity and a continuation or worsening of current financial market and economic conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and the trading prices of our securities.

 

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Changes in future rules applicable to TARP recipients could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

January 2009, we issued $73.0 million of perpetual senior preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury as part of the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  The rules and policies applicable to recipients of capital under the TARP Capital Purchase Program continue to evolve and their scope, timing and effect cannot be predicted.  Any redemption of the securities sold to the U.S. Treasury to avoid these restrictions would require prior Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury approval.  Based on guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve, institutions seeking to redeem TARP Capital Purchase Program preferred stock must demonstrate an ability to access the long-term debt markets, successfully demonstrate access to public equity markets and meet a number of additional requirements and considerations before such institutions can redeem any securities sold to the U.S. Treasury.

 

Our ability to attract and retain management and key personnel may affect future growth and earnings, and legislation enacted in 2009 imposed new compensation restrictions on participates in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, which could adversely affect our ability to retain management and key personnel.

 

Much of our success and growth has been influenced strongly by our ability to attract and retain management experienced in banking and financial services and familiar with the communities in our market areas.  Our ability to retain executive officers, the current management teams, branch managers, and loan officers will continue to be important to the successful implementation of our strategy.  It is also critical, as we grow, to be able to attract and retain qualified additional management and loan officers with the appropriate level of experience and knowledge about our market areas to implement our community-based operating strategy.  The unexpected loss of services of any key management personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that was signed into law in February 2009 includes extensive new restrictions on our ability to pay retention awards, bonuses and other incentive compensation during the period in which we have any outstanding securities held by the U.S. Treasury that were issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  Many of the restrictions are not be limited to our senior executives and could cover other employees whose contributions to our performance are significant.  The limitations may adversely affect our ability to recruit and retain these key employees in addition to our senior executive officers, especially if we are competing for talent against institutions that are not subject to the same restrictions.  The Federal Reserve is contemplating proposed rules governing the compensation practices of financial institutions and these rules, if adopted, may make it more difficult to attract and retain the people we need to operate our businesses and limit our ability to promote our objectives through our compensation and incentive programs.

 

Our community banking strategy relies heavily on our ability to attract and retain management and key personnel, and the unexpected loss of key managers may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  Furthermore, the economic stimulus legislation passed in 2009 imposes new compensation restrictions that could adversely affect our ability to retain management and key personnel.

 

Much of our success to date has been influenced strongly by our ability to attract and to retain senior management experienced in banking and financial services and familiar with the communities in our market area.  Our ability to retain executive officers, the current management teams, branch managers, and loan officers of the Bank will continue to be important to the successful implementation of our “right size” strategy.  It is also critical to be able to attract and retain qualified additional management and loan officers with the appropriate level of experience and knowledge about our market area to implement our community-based operating strategy.  The unexpected loss of services of any key management personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that was signed into law in February 2009 includes extensive new restrictions on our ability to pay retention awards, bonuses and other incentive compensation during the period in which we have any outstanding securities held by the U.S. Treasury that were issued under TARP.  Many of the restrictions are not limited to our senior executives and cover other employees whose contributions to revenue and performance can be significant. The limitations may adversely affect our ability to recruit and retain these key employees in addition to our senior executive officers, especially if we are competing for talent against institutions that are not subject to the same restrictions.  The Federal Reserve and the FDIC are contemplating proposed rules governing the compensation practices of financial institutions and these rules, if adopted, may make it more difficult to attract and retain the people we need to operate our businesses and limit our ability to promote our objectives through our compensation and incentive programs.

 

The trading volume of our common stock is less than that of other larger financial services companies.

 

Although our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the trading volume of our common stock is less than that of other larger financial services companies.  For the public trading market for our common stock to have the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity, and orderliness requires the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time.  This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control.  Given the lower trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common

 

9


 

stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause the our stock price to fall more than would otherwise be expected if the trading volume of our common stock were commensurate with the trading volumes of the common stock of other financial services companies.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examinations and challenges by taxing authorities, and tax laws or interpretations of existing laws may change.

 

In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are routinely subject to examinations and challenges from federal and state taxing authorities regarding the amount of taxes due in connection with investments made and the businesses in which it has engaged.  Federal and state taxing authorities have recently become increasingly aggressive in challenging tax positions taken by financial institutions, including positions that have been taken by the Company.  These tax positions may relate to tax compliance, sales and use, franchise, gross receipts, payroll, property, or income tax issues, including tax base, apportionment, and tax credit planning.  The challenges made by taxing authorities may result in adjustments to the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions.  If any such challenges are not resolved in the Company’s favor, they could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  In addition, changes in federal and state tax laws or interpretations, including changes affecting tax rates, income not subject to tax under existing laws or interpretations, income sourcing, or consolidation and combination rules may also have an adverse impact upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

Changes in accounting standards could impact reported earnings.

 

Current accounting and tax rules, standards, policies and interpretations influence the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance, and govern financial reporting and disclosures.  These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time.  Events that may not have a direct impact on us, such as the bankruptcy of major U.S. companies, have resulted in legislators, regulators, and authoritative bodies, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and various taxing authorities, responding by adopting and/or proposing substantive revision to laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations.  New accounting pronouncements and varying interpretations of accounting pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future. A change in accounting standards may adversely affect reported financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our wealth management business may be negatively impacted by changes in economic and market conditions.

 

Our wealth management business may be negatively impacted by changes in general economic conditions and the conditions in the financial and securities markets, including the values of assets held under management.  Our management contracts generally provide for fees payable for wealth management services based on the market value of assets under management.  Because most of our contracts provide for a fee based on market values of securities, fluctuations in securities prices will have an adverse effect on our results of operations from this business.  In addition, the significant decline in the financial and securities markets since the second half of 2008 has adversely affected the values of the assets that we manage and has resulted in a corresponding decline in the performance of our customers’ portfolios. As a result of market declines and reductions in the value of our customers’ wealth management accounts, we may lose wealth management customers, including those who are also banking customers.

 

We face intense competition in all phases of our business from other banks and financial institutions.

 

Our “right size” strategy is to provide a broad range of services and the convenience of a large bank as well as the personal relationships and community focus of a smaller bank.  Many of the entities that we compete with are substantially larger in size and may have greater resources available to them, offer the consumers the most competitive interest rates, have more locations and may provide a greater range of products than we do.  We also compete with smaller financial institutions that may be perceived to offer a higher degree of customer service.  Additionally, many nonbank financial intermediaries are not subject to the regulatory restrictions applicable to our bank subsidiary.  We have experienced an increase in the level of competition as well as the number of competitors over the past decade and this increase may affect our future profitability.

 

With respect to specific products, we compete for deposits with a large number of depository institutions including commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, money market funds and other financial institutions and financial intermediaries serving our market area.  We also compete for loans with other banks headquartered in northern Illinois, with loan production offices of large money center banks headquartered in other states, as well as with savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, mortgage bankers, leasing companies and other institutions.  This competition may lead to a reduction in our net interest income and increases in our costs of doing business.

 

10


 

There may be future sales or other dilutions of our equity, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

Except as our authorized capital stock may be limited by our charter documents, we are not restricted from issuing additional common stock, including securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive our common stock.  In connection with its purchase of shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, the U.S. Treasury received a warrant to purchase shares of our common stock at an initial per share exercise price of $13.43, subject to adjustment, which expires 10 years from the issuance date.  The issuance of any additional shares of common stock as a result of exercise of the warrant held by the U.S. Treasury or the issuance of any other common stock or convertible securities could dilute the ownership interest of our existing common stockholders.  The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of any future issuances of our common stock or other equity securities or the perception that such sales could occur.

 

The holders of debt have rights that are senior to those of our stockholders.

 

We currently have a $75.5 million credit facility with a correspondent lender, which includes up to $30.5 million of senior debt, comprised of a $30.0 million revolving line of credit and $500,000 in term debt, and $45.0 million of subordinated debt.  As of December 31, 2009, the $500,000 term debt was outstanding and $45.0 million of the subordinated debt was outstanding.  No amounts were outstanding under the revolving line of credit, which expires on March 31, 2010.  The term debt and subordinated debt matures on March 31, 2018.  The senior debt is secured by all of the capital stock of the Bank.  In addition, as of December 31, 2009, we also had $58.4 million in junior subordinated debentures outstanding that were issued to statutory trusts that we control.  The trusts purchased the junior subordinated debentures from us using the proceeds from the sale of trust preferred securities to third party investors. Payments of the principal and interest on the trust preferred securities are conditionally guaranteed by us to the extent the trusts have funds available for such obligations.

 

The rights of the holders of our senior debt, subordinated debt and junior subordinated debentures are senior to the shares of our common stock and Series B Preferred Stock.  As a result, we must make payments on our senior debt, subordinated debt and junior subordinated debentures (and the related trust preferred securities) before any dividends can be paid on our common stock or preferred stock and, in the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, the holders of our senior debt, subordinated debt and junior subordinated debentures must be satisfied before any distributions can be made to our stockholders.

 

The holders of our Series B Preferred Stock have rights that are senior to those of our common stockholders.

 

In January 2009, we issued and sold 73,000 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, which ranks senior to our common stock in the payment of dividends and on liquidation, to the U.S. Treasury (together with the warrant to acquire 815,339 shares of our common stock) for $73.0 million.  The liquidation amount of the Series B Preferred Stock is $1,000 per share.  In the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution, or liquidation, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will receive distributions of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock.

 

Issuances or sales of common stock or other equity securities could result in an “ownership change” as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  If an ownership change were to occur, we could realize a loss of a portion of our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets, including certain built-in losses that have not been recognized for tax purposes, as a result of the operation of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The amount of the permanent loss would be determined by the annual limitation period and the carryforward period (generally up to 20 years for U.S. federal net operating losses).  Any resulting loss could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We did not establish a valuation allowance against our U.S. federal, state and local deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2009, as we believed that it was more likely than not that all of these assets would be realized.  An important element in our analysis was that we do not believe we have had an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.  Section 382 imposes restrictions on the use of a corporation’s net operating losses, certain recognized built-in losses and other carry-overs after an ownership change occurs.  An ownership change generally occurs if the aggregate percentage ownership of the stock of the corporation held by one or more “5% shareholders” increases by more than 50 percentage points over the aggregate of such shareholders’ lowest percentage ownership during the testing period, which is generally the three year-period ending on the transaction date.  Upon an ownership change, a corporation generally is subject to an annual limitation on its utilization of pre-ownership change losses, including certain recognized built-in losses, equal to the value of the stock of the corporation immediately before the ownership change (subject to certain adjustments), multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate.  A number of special rules apply to calculating this annual limit.  The annual limitation is increased each year to the extent that there is an unused limitation in a prior year.  Because U.S. federal net operating losses generally may be carried forward for up to 20 years, the annual limitation may effectively provide a cap on the cumulative amount of pre-ownership change losses, including certain recognized built-in losses that may be utilized.  Such pre-ownership change losses in excess of the cap may be lost. In addition, if an ownership change were to occur, it is possible that the limitations imposed on our ability to use pre-ownership change losses and certain recognized built-in losses could cause a net increase in our U.S. federal income tax liability and U.S. federal income taxes to be paid earlier than otherwise would be paid if such limitations were not in effect.

 

11


 

The relevant calculations under Section 382 are technical and highly complex and depend on changes in percentage stock ownership among stockholders.  Future issuances or sales of our stock (including certain transactions involving our stock that are outside of our control) could result in an ownership change under Section 382.  An ownership change could occur if, due to the sale or issuance of shares of our common stock, the aggregate ownership of one or more persons treated as “5% shareholders” were to increase by more than 50 percentage points over such shareholders’ lowest percentage ownership during the relevant testing period.  There are currently no restrictions on the transfer of our stock that would discourage or prevent transactions that could cause an ownership change, although we may adopt such restrictions in the future.  Furthermore, we may decide in the future that it is necessary or in our interest to take certain actions that could result in an ownership change. Therefore, no assurance can be provided as to whether an ownership change has occurred or will occur in the future.  As of December 31, 2009, our net deferred tax asset reflected on our balance sheet was approximately $49.0 million.  If an ownership change were to occur at some point in the future, it is possible that we could permanently lose the ability to realize a portion of this asset, resulting in reduction to our total stockholders’ equity.  This could also decrease the Bank’s regulatory capital.

 

We have a continuing need for technological change and we may not have the resources to effectively implement new technology.

 

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services.  In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs.  Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our market area.  Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements.  As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products to those that we will be able to offer, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage.  Accordingly, we cannot provide you with assurance that we will be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing such products and services to our customers.

 

System failure or breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other liabilities.

 

The computer systems and network infrastructure we use could be vulnerable to unforeseen problems.  Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event, as well as from security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers.  Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Computer break-ins, phishing and other disruptions could also jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability to us and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with us.  Although we, with the help of third-party service providers, intend to continue to implement security technology and establish operational procedures to prevent such damage, there can be no assurance that these security measures will be successful.  In addition, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms we and our third-party service providers use to encrypt and protect customer transaction data.  A failure of such security measures could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are subject to certain operational risks, including, but not limited to, customer or employee fraud and data processing system failures and errors.

 

Employee errors and employee and customer misconduct could subject us to financial losses or regulatory sanctions and seriously harm our reputation.  Misconduct by our employees could include hiding unauthorized activities from us, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of our customers or improper use of confidential information.  It is not always possible to prevent employee errors and misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases.  Employee errors could also subject us to financial claims for negligence.

 

We maintain a system of internal controls and insurance coverage to mitigate against operational risks, including data processing system failures and errors and customer or employee fraud.  Should our internal controls fail to prevent or detect an occurrence, or if any resulting loss is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Turmoil in the financial markets could impair the market value of fixed income securities.

 

Major disruptions in the capital markets, similar to the recent turmoil experienced in response to the decline of the subprime mortgage market could adversely affect the market values of fixed income securities that we may hold in our securities portfolio from time to time.  Significant reduced investor demand for a fixed income security could materially impact liquidity, and as a result, the market value of such security.  Such circumstances could negatively impact our financial statements.

 

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Downgrades in the credit rating of one or more insurers that provide credit enhancement for our state and municipal securities portfolio may have an adverse impact on the market for and valuation of these types of securities.

 

We invest in tax-exempt state and local municipal securities, some of which are insured by monoline insurers.  Since the economic crisis unfolded in 2008, several of these insurers have come under scrutiny by rating agencies.  Even though management generally purchases municipal securities on the overall credit strength of the issuer, the reduction in the credit rating of an insurer may negatively impact the market for and valuation of our investment securities.  This downgrade could adversely affect our liquidity and capital.

 

Our stock price can fluctuate.

 

The volatility in the price of our common stock and the Nasdaq Global Select Market, where our common stock is listed, may make it difficult for you to resell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. Our stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors including, among other things: actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly results of operations; recommendations by securities analysts; operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us; news reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the financial services industry, including the failures of other financial institutions in the current economic downturn; perceptions in the marketplace regarding us and/or our competitors and other financial services companies; new technology used, or services offered, by competitors; and changes in government regulations.

 

General market fluctuations, industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns or recessions, interest rate changes or credit loss trends, could also cause our stock price to decrease regardless of our operating results as evidenced by the volatility and disruption of capital and credit markets that occurred during 2008 and much of 2009.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are included along with this 10-K/A filing:

 

Item 601
Table II. No.

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) (filed herewith)

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) (filed herewith)

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

OLD SECOND BANCORP, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

/s/ William B. Skoglund

 

 

 

William B. Skoglund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board,

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

/s/ J. Douglas Cheatham

 

 

 

J. Douglas Cheatham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Vice-President and

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer,

 

 

 

(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

DATE:  March 25, 2010

 

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