form10q93009.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 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 001-33126

                                                                   CITIZENS FIRST CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

KENTUCKY
61-0912615
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1065 Ashley Street
 
Bowling Green, Kentucky
42103
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(270) 393-0700
(Registrant’s telephone number)

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 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 X   No __
 
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   o
Non-accelerated filer   o
Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes  o    No  x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class
Outstanding at November 5, 2009
Common Stock, no par value per share
1,968,777 shares

 
1

 


 
CITIZENS FIRST CORPORATION
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
ITEM 1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3
     
ITEM 2
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
17
     
ITEM 3
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
29
     
ITEM 4
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
29
     
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
ITEM  6
EXHIBITS
30
     
SIGNATURES
31

 

 
2

 

Part 1. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Citizens First Corporation
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
     
 
September 30, 2009
 
December 31, 2008
 
(Dollars in thousands except share data)
Assets
Cash and due from financial institutions
$6,095
 
$9,248
Federal funds sold
7,260
 
6,083
       
Cash and cash equivalents
13,355
 
15,331
       
Available for sale securities
38,733
 
39,928
Loans held for sale
2,877
 
553
Loans, net of allowance of $3,777 and $3,816 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
 
255,631
 
267,929
Premises and equipment, net
11,213
 
11,315
Bank owned life insurance
6,685
 
6,457
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost
2,025
 
2,025
Accrued interest receivable
2,090
 
2,358
Deferred income taxes
4,112
 
2,971
Goodwill
2,575
 
2,575
Core deposit intangible
1,361
 
1,569
Other assets
1,083
 
2,114
       
Total assets
$341,740
 
$355,125
       
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
       
Liabilities
     
Deposits:
     
Non-interest bearing
$36,858
 
$27,247
Savings, NOW and money market
65,214
 
69,548
Time
173,702
 
176,220
       
Total deposits
275,774
 
273,015
       
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
1,517
 
8,258
FHLB advances
19,500
 
27,500
Subordinated debentures
5,000
 
5,000
Accrued interest payable
469
 
683
Other liabilities
1,502
 
1,384
       
Total liabilities
303,762
 
315,840
Stockholders' Equity:
     
6.5% cumulative preferred stock, no par value; authorized 250 shares; issued and outstanding  250 shares at September 30, 2009 and at December 31, 2008; liquidation preference of $7,659 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
7,659
 
7,659
5.0% Series A preferred stock, no  par value; authorized 250 shares; issued and outstanding 250 shares at September 30, 2009 and at December 31, 2008; liquidation preference of $8,779 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
8,507
 
8,459
Common stock, no par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,968,777 shares at September 30, 2009 and  at December 31, 2008
                             27,072
 
                                               27,058
Accumulated deficit
(5,036)
 
(3,228)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(224)
 
(663)
Total stockholders' equity
37,978
 
39,285
Total liabilities  and stockholders' equity
$341,740
 
$355,125
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
     

3

Citizens First Corporation
     
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
For the three months ended September 30
2009
 
2008
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income
     
Loans
$3,969
 
$4,630
Taxable securities
146
 
291
Non-taxable securities
188
 
189
Federal funds sold and other
27
 
48
Total interest and dividend income
4,330
 
5,158
Interest expense
     
Deposits
1,297
 
2,027
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings
13
 
82
FHLB advances
147
 
193
Subordinated debentures
29
 
57
Total interest expense
1,486
 
2,359
Net interest income
2,844
 
2,799
Provision for loan losses
300
 
575
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
2,544
 
2,224
Non-interest income
     
Service charges on deposit accounts
353
 
453
Net gains on sales of mortgage loans
63
 
76
Lease income
38
 
72
Gain on sale of investments
-
 
-
Income from company-owned life insurance
76
 
77
Other income
146
 
114
Total non-interest income
676
 
792
Non-interest expenses
     
Salaries and employee benefits
1,304
 
1,327
Net occupancy expense
336
 
338
Equipment expense
192
 
189
Advertising and public relations
113
 
129
Professional fees
120
 
104
Data processing services
179
 
166
Franchise shares and deposit tax
114
 
116
FDIC Insurance
128
 
54
Core deposit intangible amortization
69
 
70
Postage and office supplies
50
 
52
Telephone and other communication
49
 
62
Other
208
 
236
Total non-interest expenses
2,862
 
2,843
Income before income taxes
358
 
173
Provision for income taxes (benefit)
31
 
(24)
Net income
$  327
 
$  197
Dividends declared and discount accretion on preferred stock
256
 
130
Net income available for common stockholders
$   71
 
$  67
Earnings per common share, basic and diluted
$0.03
 
$0.03
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
     

 
4

 


Citizens First Corporation
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
 
For the nine months ended September 30
2009
 
2008
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income
     
Loans
$11,835
 
$14,134
Taxable securities
608
 
875
Non-taxable securities
565
 
550
Federal funds sold and other
78
 
166
Total interest and dividend income
13,086
 
15,725
Interest expense
     
Deposits
4,295
 
6,600
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings
96
 
109
FHLB advances
491
 
549
Subordinated debentures
103
 
192
Total interest expense
4,985
 
7,450
Net interest income
8,101
 
8,275
Provision for loan losses
3,500
 
852
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
4,601
 
7,423
Non-interest income
     
Service charges on deposit accounts
994
 
1,225
Net gains on sales of mortgage loans
258
 
214
Lease income
119
 
177
Gain on sale of investments
361
 
0
Income from company-owned life insurance
226
 
224
Other income
391
 
329
Total non-interest income
2,349
 
2,169
Non-interest expenses
     
Salaries and employee benefits
4,092
 
4,000
Net occupancy expense
1,010
 
958
Equipment expense
569
 
577
Advertising and public relations
340
 
360
Professional fees
448
 
296
Data processing services
501
 
546
Franchise shares and deposit tax
365
 
345
FDIC Insurance
489
 
145
Core deposit intangible amortization
207
 
220
Postage and office supplies
165
 
140
Telephone and other communication
149
 
193
Other
646
 
610
Total non-interest expenses
8,981
 
8,390
Income (loss) before income taxes
(2,031)
 
1,202
Provision for income taxes (benefit)
(987)
 
167
Net income (loss)
$(1,044)
 
$  1,035
Dividends declared and discount accretion on preferred stock
764
 
389
Net income (loss) available for common stockholders
$(1,808)
 
$  646
Earnings (loss) per common share, basic and diluted
$(0.92)
 
$0.33
Cash dividend per common share
-
 
$0.05
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
     

5

Citizens First Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
For the nine months ended September 30
 
     
 
2009
 
2008
 
(Dollars in thousands)
       
Balance January 1
$39,285
 
$37,296
Net income (loss)
(1,044)
 
1,035
Issuance of common stock
-
 
93
Stock-based compensation
13
 
     87
Payment of common dividend, $0.05 per share
-
 
(99)
Payment of preferred dividends, $1,432 and $1,557 per share for 2009 and 2008
(716)
 
(389)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
440
 
(883)
Balance at end of period
$37,978
 
$37,140
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
For the three months ended September 30
       
 
2009
 
2008
 
(Dollars in thousands)
       
Net income
$327
 
$197
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
     
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net
776
 
(431)
       
Comprehensive income (loss)
$1,103
 
$(234)
       
       
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
For the nine months ended September 30
       
 
2009
 
2008
 
(Dollars in thousands)
       
Net income (loss)
$(1,044)
 
$1,035
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
     
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net
440
 
(883)
       
Comprehensive income (loss)
$(604)
 
$152
       
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
6

 


Citizens First Corporation
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
   
For the nine months ended September 30
2009
2008
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating activities:
 
Net  income (loss)
$ (1,044)
$1,035
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
   
Depreciation and amortization
636
628
Stock-based compensation expense
13
87
Provision for loan losses
3,500
852
Amortization of premiums and discounts on securities
82
46
Amortization of core deposit intangible
207
220
Deferred income taxes
(1,141)
(454)
Sale of mortgage loans held for sale
19,311
13,244
Origination of mortgage loans for sale
(21,377)
(12,823)
Gain on the sale of securities available for sale
(361)
-
Gain on the sale of property plant and equipment
(14)
-
Gains on sales of loans
(258)
(214)
Net loss on sale of other real estate owned
92
33
FHLB stock dividends received
-
(79)
Changes in:
   
Interest receivable
268
346
Other assets
406
(417)
Interest payable and other liabilities
(322)
338
Net cash provided by operating  activities
(2)
2,842
Investing activities:
   
Loan originations and payments, net
8,313
(21,447)
Purchases of premises and equipment
(623)
(290)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
(22,092)
(10,538)
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities
11,953
9,302
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
12,278
-
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
792
860
Proceeds from disposal of property plant and equipment
103
-
Payment related to purchase of Commonwealth Mortgage
 and Southern KY Land Title, Inc., net of stock issued
-
(278)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
10,724
(22,391)
Financing activities:
   
Net change in demand deposits, money market, NOW, and savings accounts
5,277
(12,714)
Net change in time deposits
(2,518)
12,013
Proceeds from FHLB advances
21,500
17,500
Repayment of FHLB advances
(29,500)
(11,847)
Net change in repurchase agreements
(6,741)
8,852
Dividends paid on preferred stock
(716)
(389)
Dividends paid on common stock
-
(99)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(12,698)
13,316
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(1,976)
(6,233)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
15,331
13,862
Cash and cash equivalents, end of quarter
$13,355
$7,629
Supplemental Cash Flows  Information:
   
Interest paid
$5,199
$7,658
Income taxes paid
$       -
$     50
Loans transferred to other real estate
$  485
$   1,047
Stock issued for contingent payment related to purchase of Commonwealth Mortgage and Southern Ky. Land Title, Inc.
$       -
$     93
Deferred revenue related to a sale leaseback transaction
$    12
$       12
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
   


 
7

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
(1) Basis of Presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of Citizens First Corporation (the “Company”) and its subsidiary, Citizens First Bank, Inc. (the “Bank”), conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and general practices within the banking industry.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements are based on various factors including the current interest rate environment and the general strength of the local economy.  Changes in the overall interest rate environment can significantly affect the Company’s net interest income and the value of its recorded assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from those estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in the accompanying unaudited financial statements.  Those adjustments consist only of normal recurring adjustments. Results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.  The consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2008 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of that date.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior consolidated financial statements to conform to the current presentation.

(2) Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations” whereby assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies should be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date if fair value can be determined during the measurement period.  If fair value cannot be determined, companies should typically account for the acquired contingencies using existing accounting guidance.  This ASC is effective for new acquisitions consummated on or after January 1, 2009.  Adoption of FASB ASC Topic 805 did not impact the results of operations or financial position but will depend on future acquisitions, if any.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 320 “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities,” which amends existing guidance for determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary for debt securities.  The ASC requires an entity to assess whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis.  If either of these criteria is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized in earnings.  For securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment recognized in earnings is limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.  Additionally, the ASC expands and increases the frequency of existing disclosures about other-than-temporary impairments for debt and equity securities.  This ASC is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  The adoption of this ASC did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  This ASC emphasizes that even if there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity, the objective of a fair value measurement remains the same.  Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants.  The ASC provides a number of factors to consider when evaluating whether there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability in relation to normal market activity.  In addition, when transactions or quoted prices are not considered orderly, adjustments to those prices based on the weight of available information may be needed to determine the appropriate fair value.  The ASC also requires
 
8

 increased disclosures.  This ASC is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively.  Early adoption was permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  The adoption of this ASC did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments.”  This ASC requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies that were previously only required in annual financial statements.  This ASC is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The adoption of this ASC did not have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position as it only required disclosures which are included in the Footnotes.

In May 2009, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events.”  ASC Topic 855 moves part of the audit literature regarding subsequent events into the accounting standards.  The ASC does not change the criteria used when accounting for subsequent events, though the terms are changed to “recognized subsequent events” (previously Type 1) and “nonrecognized subsequent events” (previously Type 2).  Although the ASC did not change the recognition principles for subsequent events, it did create some new requirements and disclosures.  A public entity is required to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the “financial statements are issued”.  The ASC is effective for interim and annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively.  For the financial statements related to the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2009 contained herein, we evaluated subsequent events through November 5, 2009, the date these financial statements were filed with the SEC.

In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 105 “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”  With the issuance of ASC Topic 105 the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (Codification) became the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  On the effective date of this ASC, the Codification superseded all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards.  All other nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification became nonauthoritative.  This ASC is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The adoption of this ASC did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position.

Recently Issued and Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards:

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statements No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, and No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).  Statement No. 166 is currently being processed for inclusion in the Codification and will require more information about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where entities have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets.  It eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures.

Statement No. 167 is currently being processed for inclusion in the Codification and replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with a qualitative approach focused on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity (VIE) that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity.  Statement Nos. 166 and 167 will be effective at the start of a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009, or January 1, 2010, for a calendar year-end entity.  The Company plans to adopt these statements in the first quarter of 2010; however, does not expect the adoption to have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position.



 
9

 

(3) Stock Option Plans

In 2002, the board of directors adopted the employee stock option plan, which became effective upon the approval of the Company’s shareholders at the annual meeting in April 2003.  The purpose of the plan is to afford key employees the incentive to remain with the Company and to reward their service by providing the employees the opportunity to share in the Company’s future success.  132,300 shares of Company common stock have been reserved for issuance under the plan.  46,186 shares remain available for future issuance.  Options granted expire after ten years, and vest ratably over a three year period.

In 2003, the board of directors adopted the non-employee director stock option plan for non-employee directors, which became effective upon the approval of the Company’s shareholders at the annual meeting in April 2003.  The purpose of the plan is to assist the Company in promoting a greater identity of interest between the Company’s non-employee directors and shareholders, and in attracting and retaining non-employee directors by affording them an opportunity to share in the Company’s future successes.  43,946 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the plan. 29,835 shares remain available for future issuance.  Options granted expire after ten years, and are immediately vested.

The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  There were no options granted for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009.
 
 
The Company accounts for its employee and non-employee stock option plans under the recognition and measurement principles of ASC Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” effective January 1, 2006.  ASC Topic 718 requires the recognition of stock-based compensation for the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest.  For the three months ended September 30, 2009, and 2008, compensation expense was $0 and $29,000.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and 2008, compensation expense was $13,000 and $87,000.  As of September 30, 2009, there is no unrecognized compensation expense associated with stock options.

A summary of the status of the plans at September 30, 2009, and changes during the period then ended is presented below:
 
2009
 
 
Shares
Weighted-
Average Exercise
Price
   
         
Outstanding, beginning of year
139,133
$15.16
   
Granted
-
-
   
Exercised
-
-
   
Forfeited
(40,407)
$14.84
   
Expired
-
-
   
Outstanding, end of period
98,726
$15.31
   
Options exercisable, end of period
98,726
$15.31
   

The weighted average remaining term for outstanding and exercisable stock options was 5.55 years at September 30, 2009.  The aggregate intrinsic value at September 30, 2009 was $0 for both stock options outstanding and for stock options exercisable.  The intrinsic value for stock options is calculated based on the exercise price of the underlying awards and the market price of the Company’s common stock as of the reporting date.

(4)  Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share have been computed by dividing net income available for common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share have been computed the same as basic earnings per share, and assumes the conversion of outstanding vested stock options, warrants, and convertible preferred stock if dilutive.  The following table reconciles the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the quarters ending September 30, 2009 and 2008.




 
10

 



Dollars in thousands, except per share data

 
Quarter ended September 30, 2009
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2008
 
 
 
Income
Weighted
Average
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
 
 
 
Income
Weighted-
Average
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
Basic earnings per common share
             
Net income (loss)
     327
     
$  197
   
Less: Dividends and accretion on   preferred stock
 (256)
     
  (130)
   
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$        71
1,968,777
$   0.03
 
$    67
1,968,677
$0.03
               
Effect of dilutive securities
             
Convertible preferred stock
-
-
   
-
-
 
Stock options
-
-
   
-
-
 
    Warrant
-
-
   
-
-
 
Diluted earnings per common share
             
               
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders and assumed conversions
$       71
1,968,777
$   0.03
 
$   67
1,968,677
$0.03
 
 
 
Dollars in thousands, except per share data
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2009
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2008
 
 
 
Income
Weighted
Average
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
 
 
 
Income
Weighted-
Average
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
Basic earnings per common share
             
Net income (loss)
$ (1,044)
     
$1,035
   
Less: Dividends and accretion on   preferred stock
  (764)
     
(389)
   
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$ (1,808)
1,968,777
$      (0.92)
 
$ 646
1,963,677
$0.33
               
Effect of dilutive securities
             
Convertible preferred stock
-
-
   
-
-
 
Stock options
-
-
   
-
-
 
    Warrant
-
-
   
-
-
 
Diluted earnings per common share
             
               
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders and assumed conversions
$ (1,808)
1,968,777
$      (0.92)
 
$ 646
1,963,677
$0.33

Stock options for 98,726 and 139,133 shares of common stock, respectively, were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share for September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, because they are anti-dilutive.  Convertible preferred shares of 568,750 and the common stock warrant of 254,218 shares are not included because they are anti-dilutive as of September 30, 2009 and 2008.

 
11

 


(5)  Disclosures about Fair Value

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  ASC Topic 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, reflect a company’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions of fair value, and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The fair value of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (level 2 inputs).  The Company does not have any Level 1 securities.  Level 2 securities include certain U.S. agency bonds, collateralized mortgage and debt obligations, and certain municipal securities.


Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.

 
                         Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2009, Using
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
September  30, 2009
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Carrying value
     
Assets:
       
Securities available-for-sale
       
U. S. government agencies
$16,042
 
$16,042
 
State and municipal
$19,785
 
$19,785
 
Mortgage-backed securities -residential
$2,206
 
$2,206
 
Trust preferred security
$700
 
$700
 
         
Total investment securities
$38,733
-
$38,733
-



12


 





 
                         Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2008, Using
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
December 31, 2008
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Carrying Value
     
Assets:
       
Securities available-for-sale
       
U. S. government agencies
$4,504
 
$4,504
 
State and municipal
$19,042
 
$19,042
 
Mortgage-backed securities -residential
$15,582
 
$15,582
 
Trust preferred security
$800
 
$800
 
         
Total investment securities
$39,928
-
$39,928
-


Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis at September 30, 2009, consist of impaired loans and other real estate owned.  Total impaired loans as of September 30, 2009 were $2.7 million, an increase of $131,000 million from June 30, 2009.  Of the impaired loans at September 30, 2009, $2.6 million had specific allocations and were measured for impairment using the fair value of collateral for collateral dependent loans.  The carrying value of $2.6 million, with a valuation allowance of $604,000 results in a fair value, net of related allowance, of $2.0 million at September 30, 2009.  The change in valuation allowance for impaired loans was an increase of $192,000 and $29,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

The carrying value of other real estate owned is $785,000.  Total writedowns of other real estate owned during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $16,500 and $68,000, respectively.  Impaired loans and other real estate owned were measured at fair value based on independent third-party appraisals of the underlying collateral adjusted for other factors management deemed relevant to arrive at a representative fair value and are considered level 3 inputs.

Total impaired loans at September 30, 2008 were $1.6 million.  Of these loans, $1.4 million had specific allocations and were measured for impairment using the fair value of collateral for collateral dependent loans.  The carrying value of $1.4 million, with a valuation allowance of $303,000 results in a fair value, net of related allowance, of $1.1 million at September 30, 2008.  The change in valuation allowance for impaired loans was a decrease of $75,000 and $203,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.  Impaired loans were measured at fair value based on independent third-party appraisals of the underlying collateral and are considered level 3 inputs.

 
13

 

Carrying amount and estimated fair values of financial instruments, not previously presented, at September 30, 2009 were as follows:
 
September 30, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
   
 
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Financial Assets
       
         
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 13,355
$  13,355
$  15,331
$  15,331
Loans held for sale
2,877
2,877
553
553
Loans, net of allowance
253,538
252,188
265,954
270,146
Accrued interest receivable
2,090
2,090
2,358
2,358
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
2,025
n/a
2,025
n/a

Financial Liabilities
       
Deposits
$ 275,774
$ 276,567
$ 273,015
$ 276,473
Securities sold under repurchase
  agreements
1,517
1,517
8,258
8,258
FHLB advances
19,500
20,099
27,500
27,477
Subordinate debentures
5,000
2,998
5,000
2,998
Accrued interest payable
469
469
683
683

The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are described as follows:

Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, interest bearing deposits, accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits, short-term debt, and variable rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully.  For fixed rate loans or deposits and for variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk.  Fair value of loans held for sale is based on market quotes.  Fair value of debt is based on current rates for similar financing.  The fair value of off-balance-sheet items is not considered material.  It is not practicable to determine fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

(6)  
Investment Securities

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses therein:
 
Amortized
Gross
Gross
Fair
 
Cost
Unrealized
Unrealized
Value
   
Gains
Losses
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
September 30, 2009
       
U. S. government agencies
$  16,016
$30
$ (4)
$16,042
State and municipal
19,065
732
(12)
19,785
Mortgage-backed securities –residential
2,131
75
-
2,206
Trust preferred security
1,861
-
(1,161)
700
         
Total investment securities
$39,073
$837
$(1,177)
$38,733
         
December 31, 2008
       
U. S. government agencies
$4,470
$34
       $-
$4,504
State and municipal
19,362
155
(475)
19,042
Mortgage-backed securities – residential
15,241
342
(1)
15,582
Trust preferred security
1,860
-
(1,060)
800
         
Total investment securities
$40,933
$531
$(1,536)
$39,928

14


The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at September 30, 2009 by contractual maturity were as follows.  Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately.
 
 
September 30, 2009
 
Available for Sale
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
     
Due in one year or less
$          -
$          -
Due from one to five years
16,675
16,781
Due from five to ten years
9,003
9,333
Due after ten years
11,264
10,413
Mortgage-backed
2,131
2,206
Total
$39,073
$38,733


Securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, are as follows:
 
 
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Description of
Securities
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
(Dollars in Thousands)
           
September 30, 2009
           
U.S. government agencies
$ 1,994
$  (4)
$    -
 $            -
  $  1,994
 $   (4)
State and municipal
603
(12)
-
-
603
(12)
Trust preferred security
-
-
700
(1,161)
700
(1,161)
             
Total temporarily impaired
$2,597
$(16)
$700
$(1,161)
$3,297
$(1,177)


 
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Description of
Securities
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
(Dollars in Thousands)
           
December 31, 2008
           
State and municipal
$8,964
$(346)
$2,012
$(129)
$10,976
$(475)
Mortgage-backed securities - residential
-
-
290
(1)
290
(1)
Trust preferred security
800
(1,060)
-
-
800
(1,060)
             
Total temporarily impaired
$9,764
$(1,406)
$2,302
$(130)
$12,066
$(1,536)

 
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale were $12.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Gross gains of $361,000 were realized on these sales during 2009.  No securities were sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
There were no sales of securities available for sale for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 

15

 

 
Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment
 
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  Investment securities classified as available for sale are generally evaluated for OTTI under ASC Topic 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.”
 
In determining OTTI under the ASC Topic 320 model, management considers many factors, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the entity has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery.  The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.
 
As of September 30, 2009, the Company’s security portfolio consisted of $38.7 million fair value of securities, $3.3 million of which were in an unrealized loss position.  The majority of unrealized losses are related to the Company’s trust preferred securities, as discussed below.

Current market conditions have allowed some increase in the fair market value of the investment portfolio at September 30, 2009; however, a full recovery has not yet occurred.  No impairment charge is being taken as no loss of principal or interest is anticipated.  All principal and interest payments are being received as scheduled.  All rated securities are investment grade.  For those that are not rated, the financial condition has been evaluated and no adverse conditions were identified related to repayment.  Declines in fair value are a function of rates differences in the market and market illiquidity.  The Company does not intend or is not expected to be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis.

The Company’s unrealized losses relate primarily to its investment in a single trust preferred security.  The security is a single-issuer trust preferred that is not rated. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer. Based on the issuer’s continued profitability and strong capital position, we do not deem that there is credit loss.  The decline in fair value is primarily attributable to temporary illiquidity and the financial crisis affecting these markets and not to the expected cash flows of the individual securities.  We have evaluated the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer and expect to fully recover our cost basis.  This security is not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

 
16

 


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

Management’s discussion and analysis of Citizens First Corporation (the “Company”) is included to provide the shareholders with an expanded narrative of the Company’s results of operations, changes in financial condition, liquidity and capital adequacy.  This narrative should be reviewed in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-Looking Statements
The Company may from time to time make written or oral statements, including statements contained in this report, which may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  The words “may”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “consider”, “plan”, “believe”, “seek”, “should”, “estimate”, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but other statements may constitute forward-looking statements.  These statements should be considered subject to various risks and uncertainties.  Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s belief as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors.  Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially are economic conditions generally and in the market areas of the Company, a continuation or worsening of the current disruption in credit and other markets, goodwill impairment, overall loan demand, increased competition in the financial services industry which could negatively impact the Company’s ability to increase total earning assets, and retention of key personnel.  Actions by the Department of the Treasury and federal and state bank regulators in response to changing economic conditions, changes in interest rates, loan prepayments by and the financial health of the Company’s borrowers, and other factors described in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission could also impact current expectations.

Results of Operations

The Company reported net income before dividends to preferred shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2009 of $327,000 compared to net income of $197,000 in the third quarter of 2008.  Net income available to common shareholders was $71,000 or, $0.03 per basic and diluted share this quarter, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $67,000, or $0.03 per basic and diluted common share for the third quarter of 2008.  Net income for the year has been impacted negatively by further compression in the net interest margin, provision expense, and a FDIC insurance special assessment in addition to a normal increase in premiums.

The annualized return on average assets for the Company was (.40)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to .38% for the previous year.  The decline in return on average assets is primarily attributable to an increase in the provision in the second quarter of 2009 by $2.7 million over the second quarter of 2008.  The Company’s annualized return on average equity was (3.52)% for the nine months ending September 30, 2009, compared to an annualized return of 3.65% for the nine months ending September 30, 2008.

 
During the third quarter, the Company completed a comprehensive reevaluation of its branch delivery model, which resulted in the decision to close and consolidate two branch locations and to restructure the Company’s workforce both at the branch level and in the administrative services area.  As a result, during October, 2009 two branch closures were announced and seventeen positions were eliminated.  The Company expects charges of approximately $425,000 during the fourth quarter of 2009, primarily due to severance payments and fixed asset expenses related to the branch closures.  Additionally, the Company expects a reduction in operating expenses in 2010 of approximately $800,000 as a result of these actions.
 

It is expected that professional fees and other costs and expenses will increase in the fourth quarter as a result of an unsolicited tender offer for the Company’s common stock commenced in the fourth quarter.

 
17

 


Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the Company’s principal source of earnings, is the difference between the interest income generated by earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the total interest cost of the deposits and borrowings obtained to fund these assets.  Factors that influence the level of net interest income include the volume of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, yields earned and rates paid, the level of non-performing loans and non-earning assets, and the amount of non-interest bearing deposits supporting earning assets.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, net interest income was $2.8 million, consistent with net interest income of $2.8 million for the comparable period in 2008.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net interest income was $8.1 million, a decrease of $200,000 from net interest income of $8.3 million for the comparable period in 2008.

The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis (“TE”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was 3.57%, compared to 3.55% in 2008.  The Company’s yield on earning assets (TE) for the current year was 5.69%, a decrease of 95 basis points from 6.64% in the same period a year ago.  While the yield declined in most areas of earning assets, loans were the primary contributor, decreasing 95 basis points.  A significant amount of loans were tied to the prime rate without a minimum interest rate provision, causing loans to reprice downward.  However, we were able to lower the cost of funds in order to maintain the interest margin.  The cost of funds for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was 2.46%, a decrease of 92 basis points from 3.38% in the same period a year ago.

The following table sets forth for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities and average yields and costs.  Such yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balances of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.

 
18

 




Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis (Dollars in thousands)
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
Average
Balance
Income/
Expense
Average
Rate
Average
Balance
Income/
Expense
Average
Rate
Earning assets:
           
Federal funds sold
$  4,214
$      7
.22%
$  4,400
$ 87
2.64%
Available-for-sale securities (1)
           
Taxable
22,683
608
3.58%
22,946
875
5.09%
Nontaxable (1)
19,330
857
5.93%
18,808
833
5.92%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
2,025
71
4.69%
1,970
79
5.36%
Loans (2)
266,296
11,835
5.94%
273,970
14,134
6.89%
Total interest earning assets
314,548
13,378
5.69%
322,094
16,008
6.64%
Non-interest earning assets
33,447
   
40,789
   
Total Assets
 $ 347,995
   
 $ 362,883
   
             
Interest-bearing liabilities:
           
Interest-bearing transaction accounts
$  60,202
$  282
.63%
$  65,974
$  453
.92%
Savings accounts
8,915
20
.30%
7,727
31
.54%
Time deposits
166,759
3,993
3.20%
192,820
6,117
4.24%
Total interest-bearing deposits
235,876
4,295
2.43%
266,521
6,601
3.31%
Short-term borrowings
17
0
0.00%
353
8
3.03%
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
4,572
96
2.81%
5,330
101
2.53%
FHLB borrowings
24,993
491
2.63%
17,533
549
4.18%
Subordinated debentures
5,000
103
2.75%
5,000
191
5.10%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
270,458
4,985
2.46%
294,737
7,450
3.38%
Non-interest bearing deposits
35,999
   
27,367
   
Other liabilities
1,867
   
2,856
   
Total liabilities
308,324
   
324,960
   
Stockholders’ equity
39,671
   
37,923
   
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’   Equity
$  347,995
   
$  362,883
   
Net interest income
 
$ 8,393
   
$ 8,558
 
Net interest spread (1)
   
3.23%
   
3.26%
Net interest margin  (1) (3)
   
3.57%
   
3.55%
Return on average assets ratio
   
(.40%)
   
.38%
Return on average equity ratio
   
(3.52%)
   
3.65%
Average equity to assets ratio
   
11.40%
   
10.45%
_______________
           
(1)  Income and yield stated at a tax equivalent basis for nontaxable securities using the marginal corporate Federal     tax rate of 34.0%
(2)  Average loans include nonperforming loans.  Interest income includes interest and fees on loans, but does not include interest on loans on non-accrual.
(3)  Net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

 
19

 


Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.  Information is provided with respect to (1) effects on interest income attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate) and (2) effects on interest income attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume).  Changes attributable to the combined input of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.
 
Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30,
 
2009 vs. 2008
 
Variance Attributed to
   
Rate
 
Volume
 
Net
Interest-earning assets:
           
Federal funds sold
 
$(76)
 
$   (4)
 
$ (80)
Available-for-sale-securities:
           
Taxable
 
(256)
 
(11)
 
(267)
Nontaxable (1)
 
1
 
23
 
24
FHLB stock
 
(9)
 
1
 
(8)
Loans, net
 
(1,899)
 
(400)
 
(2,299)
Total net change in income on earning assets
 
(2,239)
 
(391)
 
(2,630)
             
Interest-bearing liabilities:
           
Interest-bearing transaction accounts
 
(131)
 
(40)
 
(171)
Savings accounts
 
(16)
 
5
 
(11)
Time deposits
 
(1,298)
 
(826)
 
(2,124)
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
 
9
 
(14)
 
(5)
FHLB borrowings
 
(291)
 
233
 
(58)
Short-term borrowings
 
0
 
(8)
 
(8)
Subordinated debentures
 
(88)
 
0
 
(88)
Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities
 
 (1,815)
 
(650)
 
(2,465)
             
Net change in net interest income
 
$  (424)
 
$  259
 
$ (165)
             
Percentage change
 
(256.97)%
 
 (156.97)%
 
100.0%
______________
(1) Income stated at a fully tax equivalent basis using the marginal corporate Federal tax rate of 34.0%.


Provision for Loan Losses

We have established an allowance for loan losses through a provision for loan losses charged as an expense on our statement of operations.  We review our loan portfolio periodically to evaluate our outstanding loans and to measure both the performance of the portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Please see the discussion below under “Asset Quality and the Allowance for Loan Losses.”

The provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2009 was $300,000, or 0.11% of average loans, compared to $575,000, or 0.21% of average loans for the third quarter of 2008.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the provision for loan losses was $3.5 million and $852,000, respectively.  The increase in the provision expense is reflective of the charge-off of previously classified loans that have experienced further deterioration in the current economic environment.  Non-performing assets totaled $3.5 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $3.7 million at December 31, 2008, a decrease of $200,000.  The decrease in non-performing assets can be attributed primarily to the sale of other real estate owned since December 31, 2008.


 
20

 


Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, was $676,000 and $792,000, a decrease of $116,000, or 14.6%.  Service charges on deposit accounts decreased $100,000, or 22.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period for 2008 due primarily to a decline in NSF fees.

Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, was $2,349,000 and $2,169,000, an increase of $180,000, or 8.3%.  Included in non-interest income for the first nine months of  2009 is a decrease in lease income of $58,000, or 32.8%, resulting from the loss of a tenant in the Company’s main office building due to the tenant’s termination of the lease agreement.  Service charges on deposit accounts decreased $231,000 for the first nine months of 2009, or 18.9%, as compared to the first nine months of 2008 due primarily to a reduction in NSF fees.  Gain on the sale of mortgage loans increased $44,000, or 20.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period for 2008, as mortgage lending increased primarily as a result of first time home buyer tax credits.  With lower mortgage rates, home refinancings have also increased.

The following table shows the detailed components of non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to September 30, 2008:

( Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2009
September 30, 2008
     Increase
(Decrease)
Service charges on deposit accounts
$994
$1,225
$(231)
Gain on the sale of mortgage loans held for sale
258
214
44
Lease income
119
177
(58)
Gain on the sale of investments
361
-
361
BOLI income
226
224
2
Other income
391
329
62
 
$2,349
$2,169
$ 180

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense was $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2009, up from $2.8 million in the same quarter of 2008, an increase of $19,000, or ..7%.  Professional fees increased $16,000, or 15.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008.  FDIC insurance increased $74,000 in the third quarter of 2009, or 137.0%, as compared to the same period for 2008.  The second quarter of 2009 included a 5 basis point special assessment in addition to the increased premiums implemented in 2009 to replenish the deposit insurance fund.

Non-interest expense was $9.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, up from $8.4 million in the same period of 2008.  Occupancy expense increased $52,000 due to a new branch opening in the first quarter of 2009.  Professional fees increased $152,000 or 51.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period for 2009.  FDIC insurance increased $344,000 for the first nine months of 2009 as compared to the first nine months of 2008 due to the increased FDIC assessments which were significantly impacted by the special assessment in the second quarter.  While not announced, additional FDIC special assessments may be necessary in future periods.

The Company accounts for its employee and non-employee stock option plans under the recognition and measurement principles of ASC Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation.”  ASC Topic 718 requires the recognition of stock-based compensation for the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest.  For the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, compensation expense recorded was $0 and $29,000, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, compensation expense recorded was $13,000 and $87,000, respectively.   Stock option compensation expense ended in the first quarter of 2009 as all options fully vested.


 
21

 


The increases (decreases) in expense by major categories are as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to September 30, 2008:

Dollars in thousands
September 30, 2009
September 30, 2008
Increase
(Decrease)
Salaries and employee benefits
$4,092
$4,000
$92
Net occupancy expense
1,010
958
52
Equipment expense
569
577
(8)
Advertising
340
360
(20)
Professional fees
448
296
152
Data processing services
501
546
(45)
Franchise shares and deposit tax
365
345
20
FDIC Insurance
489
145
344
Core deposit intangible amortization
207
220
(13)
Postage and office supplies
165
140
25
Telephone and other communication
149
193
(44)
Other operating expenses
646
610
36
 
$8,981
$8,390
$591

Income Taxes

 
Income tax expense has been calculated based on the Company’s anticipated effective tax rate for 2009.  During the third quarter of 2009, income tax (benefit) expense totaled $31,000, compared to $(24,000) for the same period of 2008.  The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2009 was 8.7%, compared to (13.9%) for 2008.  Income tax (benefit) expense for the first nine months of 2009 was $(987,000), compared to $167,000 for the first nine months of 2008.  The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2009 was (48.6%), compared to 13.9% for 2008.  The decrease is related to the pre tax loss, and also impacted by the fact that income on tax-exempt securities and earnings from company-owned life insurance has remained consistent.
 
We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis as warranted.  In performing our analysis, we consider all information currently available, both positive and negative, in determining whether the deferred tax asset will be realized.  We establish a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that a recorded tax benefit is not expected to be realized.  At this time, we have determined that a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets is not considered necessary, as we are able to carryback approximately $500,000 of our deferred tax asset and expect to generate taxable income in future years. As a result of the Company’s actions in October to reduce operating expenses, the Company determined that future taxable income will be available to absorb existing deferred tax assets, so all tax benefits from operating losses in 2009 have been recognized.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and a Kentucky franchise and Tennessee income tax return.  These returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities for all years after 2004.

Balance Sheet Review

Overview

Total assets at September 30, 2009 were $341.7 million, down from $355.1 million at December 31, 2008, a decrease of $13.4 million, or 3.8%. Loans decreased $12.3 million and federal funds sold increased $1.2 million.  Available-for-sale securities decreased $1.2 million.  Deposits increased by $2.8 million from the prior year end and FHLB borrowings decreased $8.0 million.

Loans

At September 30, 2009, gross loans totaled $259.4 million, compared to $271.7 million at December 31, 2008, a decrease of $12.3 million, or 4.5%.  Total loans, net of the allowance for loan losses, averaged $262.6 million for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $270.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of $8.2 million, or 3.0%.  The Company experienced loan declines in the first nine months of the year compared to year-end, primarily in commercial, agricultural, and commercial real estate loans.  While the Company continues to generate new loan originations, the Company has experienced payoffs on loans whose pricing did not contribute positively to the overall net interest margin.  In addition, $2.6 million of participation loans purchased by the
 
22

Company were bought back due to low loan demand at the originating institutions.  The following table presents a summary of the loan portfolio by category:

(Dollars in thousands)
September 30,
         % of
December 31,
   % of
 
2009
Total Loans
2008
Total Loans
 
Commercial and agricultural
$74,539
28.74%
$79,248
29.16%
Commercial real estate
102,502
39.51%
104,043
38.29%
Residential real estate
70,876
27.32%
74,027
27.24%
Consumer
11,491
4.43%
14,427
5.31%
 
$259,408
100.00%
$271,745
100.00%

Substantially all of the Company’s loans are to customers located in Warren, Simpson, Hart and Barren counties in Kentucky.  As of September 30, 2009, the Company’s 20 largest credit relationships consisted of loans and loan commitments ranging from $1.7 million to $5.2 million.  The aggregate amount of these credit relationships was $53.9 million.

The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2009.  Maturities are based on contractual terms.  The Company’s policy is to specifically review and approve all loans renewed; loans are not automatically rolled over.

Loan Maturities
       
September 30, 2009
Within One Year
After One But Within Five Years
After Five Years
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
       
         
Commercial and agricultural
$ 33,610
 
$29,308
$11,621
 
$ 74,539
 
Commercial real estate
29,318
 
34,498
 
38,686
102,502
Residential real estate
3,918
17,354
49,604
70,876
 Consumer
2,860
8,214
417
11,491
Total
$69,706
$89,374
$100,328
$259,408


Asset Quality and the Allowance for Loan Losses

Asset quality is considered by management to be of primary importance, and the Company employs two full-time internal credit review officers to monitor adherence to the lending policy during the loan review and to take appropriate actions where warranted.  The following table sets forth selected asset quality measures and ratios for the periods indicated.

 
September 30, 2009
December 31, 2008
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Non-performing loans
$ 2,698
$2,550
Non-performing assets
3,482
3,733
Allowance for loan losses
3,777
3,816
Non-performing assets to total loans
1.34%
1.37%
Non-performing assets to total assets
1.02%
1.03%
Net charge-offs to average total loans
1.36%
.48%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
139.90%
149.65%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
1.46%
1.40%

Non-performing loans are defined as non-accrual loans, loans accruing but past due 90 days or more, and restructured loans.  Non-performing assets are defined as non-performing loans, other real estate owned, and repossessed assets.  The non-performing loans at September 30, 2009 consisted of $2.4 million of non-accrual loans
 
23

 and $307,000 of loans past due 90 days or more.  Of the non-accrual loans, $655,000 are loans secured by real estate in the process of collection, $148,000 are loans secured by real estate not in foreclosure, $1.5 million are commercial loans, and $50,000 are consumer loans in the process of collection.  The $307,000 of loans past due 90 days or more include two residential real estate loans totaling $46,000, two commercial loans totaling $234,000, and four consumer loans totaling $26,000.  These past due loans are in varying stages of collection and no future losses have been identified at this time.  Other non-performing assets include $785,000 in other real estate.

Of the $2.6 million in non-performing loans at December 31, 2008, $1.1 million represented 10 non-accrual loans, and 26 loans over 90 days past due totaling $1.5 million.  Loans over 90 days past due which are still accruing either have adequate collateral or a definite repayment plan in place.  Non-performing assets also included other real estate owned of one commercial property of $574,000 and four residential real estate properties totaling $608,000.

Loans are placed on a non-accrual basis when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more and the loan is not adequately collateralized and is in the process of collection, or when, in the opinion of management, principal or interest is not likely to be paid in accordance with the terms of the obligation.  Non-accrual loans are not reclassified as accruing until principal and interest payments are brought current and future payments appear reasonably certain.  Loans are categorized as restructured if the original interest rate, repayment terms, or both were restructured due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower.  However, restructured loans that demonstrate performance under the restructured terms and that yield a market rate of interest may be removed from restructured status in the year following the restructure.  Consumer loans are charged off after 120 days of delinquency unless adequately secured and in the process of collection.

Loans that exhibit probable or observed credit weaknesses are subject to individual review.  Where appropriate, reserves are allocated to individual loans based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flow and legal options available to the Company.  Included in the review of individual loans are those that are impaired as provided in ASC Topic 310, “Receivables.”  The Company evaluates the collectibility of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual.  Historical loss rates are applied to other loans not subject to reserve allocations.  These historical loss rates may be adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, reflect the impact of any current conditions on loss recognition.  Factors which management considers in the analysis include the effects of the national and local economies, trends in the nature and volume of loans (delinquencies, charge-offs and nonaccrual loans), changes in mix, asset quality trends, risk management and loan administration, changes in internal lending policies and credit standards, and examination results from bank regulatory agencies and the Company’s internal credit examiners.  Reserves on individual loans and historical loss rates are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on changing borrower and/or collateral conditions and actual collection and charge-off experience.

The following table sets forth an analysis of the Company’s allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

Summary of Loan Loss Experience
 
September 30, 2009
September 30, 2008
(Dollars In thousands)
   
Balance, beginning of year
$3,816
$3,194
Provision for loan losses
3,500
852
Amounts charged off:
   
Commercial
(2,612)
(432)
Commercial real estate
(555)
(16)
Residential real estate
(151)
(304)
Consumer
(300)
(90)
Total loans charged off:
(3,618)
(842)
Recoveries of  amounts previously charged off:
   
Commercial
59
13
Commercial real estate
-
-
Residential real estate
17
13
Consumer
3
16
Total recoveries
79
42
Net (charge-offs) recoveries
(3,539)
(800)
Balance, end of period
$3,777
$3,246

24




The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated.  This allocation is not intended to suggest how actual losses may occur.

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Loss
 
September 30, 2009
December 31, 2008
September 30, 2008
 
 
 
 
Amount
% of
Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
 
 
Amount
% of
Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
 
 
Amount
% of
Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential real estate
$     818
27.32%
$       823
27.24%
$     900
27.18%
Consumer and other loans
176
4.43%
340
5.31%
228
5.29%
Commercial and agriculture
1,781
28.74%
1,641
29.16%
1,162
28.98%
Commercial real estate
886
39.51%
830
38.29%
678
38.55%
Unallocated
116
0.00%
         182
    0.00%
278
0.00%
Total allowance for loan losses
$  3,777
100.00%
$    3,816
100.00%
$  3,246
100.00%

The Company believes that the allowance for loan losses of $3.8 million at September 30, 2009 is adequate to absorb probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio as of that date.  That determination is based on the best information available to management, but necessarily involves uncertainties and matters of judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision and could be susceptible to significant change in the future.  In addition, bank regulatory authorities, as a part of their periodic examinations, may reach different conclusions about the quality of our loan portfolio and the level of the allowance, which could require us to make additional provisions in the future.  The Company has an unallocated amount within our allowance for loan losses that fluctuates from period to period due to the trends in the loan portfolio.

Securities
The investment securities portfolio is comprised primarily of U.S. Government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and tax-exempt securities of states and political subdivisions.  The purchase of nontaxable obligations of states and political subdivisions is a part of managing the Company’s effective tax rate.  Securities are all classified as available-for-sale, and averaged $42.0 million for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $41.8 million for 2008.  The table below presents the carrying value of securities by major category.

 
September 30, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
(Dollars in thousands)
     
U.S. Government agencies
$  16,042
     $   4,504
Mortgage-backed securities
2,206
15,582
Municipal securities
19,785
19,042
Trust preferred security
700
     800 2,000,249
Total available-for-sale securities
$ 38,733
$   39,928

The table below presents the maturities and yield characteristics of securities as of September 30, 2009.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

25

         
September 30, 2009
 
Over
Over
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
One Year
Five Years
Over
   
 
One Year
Through
Through
Ten
Total
Market
 
or Less
Five Years
Ten Years
Years
Maturities
Value
U.S. Government agencies
$     -
$  15,019
$    997
$         -
$ 16,016
$ 16,042
Mortgage-backed securities:(1)
-
2,131
-
-
2,131
2,206
Municipal securities
-
1,656
8,006
9,403
19,065
19,785
Trust preferred security
-
-
-
1,861
1,861
700
  Total available- for sale -securities
$     -
$  18,806
$ 9,003
$ 11,264
$ 39,073
$ 38,733
             
Percent of total
0.0%
48.1%
23.1%
28.8%
100.0%
 
Weighted average yield(2)
 
2.39%
5.21%
6.01%
4.10%
 
_______________
(1)  Mortgage-backed securities are grouped into average lives based on September 2009 prepayment projections.
(2) The weighted average yields are based on amortized cost and municipal securities are calculated on a fully tax- equivalent basis.

Current market conditions have allowed an increase in the fair market value of the investment portfolio at September 30, 2009.  However, the total portfolio has not yet recovered.  The primary decline in market value stems from one single issue trust preferred security which has declined due to inactivity in the market.  No impairment charge is being taken as no loss of principal is anticipated and all principal and interest payments are being received as scheduled.  All rated securities are investment grade. For those that are not rated, the financial condition has been evaluated and no adverse conditions were identified related to repayment.  Declines in fair value are a function of rates changes in the market and market illiquidity.  The Company does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities.


Deposits

The Company’s primary source of funding for its lending and investment activities results from customer and brokered deposits.  As of September 30, 2009, total deposits were $275.8 million, compared to total deposits of $273.0 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of $2.8 million or 1.0%.

Total deposits averaged $271.9 million during the first nine months of 2009, a decrease of $22.0 million, or 7.5%, compared to $293.9 million in 2008.  Time deposits of $100,000 or more averaged $67.2 million and $75.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and 2008, respectively.  Interest expense on time deposits of $100,000 or more was $1.9 million for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $2.6 million for the first nine months of 2008.  The average cost of time deposits greater than $100,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2009, and 2008, was 3.73% and 4.66%, respectively.  The following table shows the maturities of time deposits greater than $100,000 as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.


Maturity of Time Deposits of $100,000 or more
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
       
Three months or less
 
$9,857
$9,118
Over three through six months
 
10,432
20,842
Over six through twelve months
 
30,351
16,028
Over one year through three years
 
21,016
20,225
Over three years through 5 years
 
4,643
10,127
Over five years
 
          -
           -
Total
 
$76,299
$76,340

Borrowings

FHLB Advances. We obtain advances from the Federal Home Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB) for funding and liability management.  These advances are collateralized by a blanket agreement of eligible 1-4 family residential mortgage
 
26

 loans and eligible commercial real estate.  Rates vary based on the term to repayment, and are summarized below as of September 30, 2009:

(Dollars in thousands)
     
Type
Maturity
Rate
Amount
Fixed
October 22, 2009
4.49%
2,000
Fixed
November 24, 2009
0.25%
6,000
Fixed
November 30, 2009
4.00%
3,000
Fixed
February 16, 2010
5.11%
2,000
Fixed
August 28, 2012
4.25%
500
Fixed
December 24, 2012
3.36%
2,000
Fixed
December 24, 2014
3.46%
2,000
Fixed
February 25, 2015
2.85%
2,000
       
     
$19,500

At September 30, 2009, we had available collateral to borrow an additional $19.1 million from the FHLB.

Other Borrowings.

At September 30, 2009, we had established Federal Funds lines of credit totaling $14.6 million with three correspondent banks.  No amounts were drawn as of September 30, 2009.


Repurchase agreements mature in one business day.  The rate paid on these accounts is variable at the Bank’s discretion and is based on a tiered balance calculation.  During the third quarter of 2008 the Bank was awarded a bid for a public school construction account for $10 million that was included in the repurchase agreement balance at a fixed rate.  By September 30, 2009, all of the $10 million public fund repurchase agreement had been withdrawn.  Information regarding federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements as of September 30, 2009, is presented below.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
September 30, 2009
 Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements:
 
Balance at period end
$1,517
Weighted average rate at period end
2.01%
Average balance during the nine months ended September 30, 2009
$4,589
Weighted average rate for the nine months ending September 30, 2009 during the year
2.81%
Maximum month-end balance
$6,878

We issued $5.0 million in subordinated debentures in October, 2006 in conjunction with the acquisition of Kentucky Banking Centers.  These trust preferred securities bear an interest rate, which reprices each calendar quarter, of 165 basis points over 3-month LIBOR (London Inter Bank Offering Rate).  The rate as of September 30, 2009 was 2.25%.  The subordinated debentures may be included with tier 1 capital (with certain limitations) under current regulatory guidelines.


Liquidity

To maintain a desired level of liquidity, the Company has several sources of funds available.  The Company primarily relies upon net inflows of cash from financing activities, supplemented by net inflows of cash from operating activities, to provide cash used in its investing activities.  As is typical of most banking companies, significant financing activities include issuance of common stock, deposit gathering, and the use of short-term borrowing facilities, such as federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements.  The Company’s primary investing activities include purchases of securities and loan originations, offset by maturities, prepayments and sales of securities, and loan and dividend payments.

The Company’s objective as it relates to liquidity is to ensure that it has funds available to meet deposit withdrawals and credit demands without unduly penalizing profitability.  The Company’s asset and liability management committee meets monthly and monitors the composition of the balance sheet to ensure comprehensive management of interest rate risk and liquidity.


27

Capital Resources

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory – and possibly additional discretionary – actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under the regulatory accounting practices.  The Company’s and the Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgements by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets and to total average assets.  The Company’s capital ratios (calculated in accordance with regulatory guidelines) were as follows:

 
September 30, 2009
December 31, 2008
Regulatory Minimum
Tier I leverage ratio
11.01%
11.31%
4.00%
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
13.05%
13.52%
4.00%
Total risk-based capital ratio
14.30%
14.77%
8.00%

The Bank’s capital ratios (calculated in accordance with regulatory guidelines) were as follows:

 
September 30,
2009
December 31, 2008
Regulatory Minimum
“Well-capitalized” Minimum
Tier I leverage ratio
9.48%
9.68%
4.00%
5.00%
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
11.24%
11.53%
4.00%
6.00%
Total risk-based capital ratio
12.49%
12.78%
8.00%
10.00%

At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company and the Bank were categorized as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  The Company’s capital ratios decreased at September 30, 2009 due to the net loss in the second quarter of 2009 and an increase in the amount of tax credit disallowed for Tier 1 capital purposes.

During the third quarter of 2004, we completed the private placement of 250 shares of Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock at a stated value of $31,992 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $7,998,000.  The preferred stock is entitled to quarterly cumulative dividends at an annual fixed rate of 6.5% and is convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at a conversion price per share of $14.06.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, 250 shares of Series A preferred stock, at a stated value of $35,116 per share, were issued to the U.S. Treasury in connection with the TARP Capital Purchase Program for a purchase price of $8,779,000.  The Series A preferred stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes and ranks senior to common stock and pari passu with the Company’s cumulative convertible preferred stock.  This cumulative preferred stock pays a 5% annual dividend, increasing to 9% after 5 years.


 
28

 


ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company uses a simulation model as a tool to monitor and evaluate interest rate risk exposure.  The model is designed to measure the sensitivity of net interest income and net income to changing interest rates over future time periods.  Forecasting net interest income and its sensitivity to changes in interest rates requires the Company to make assumptions about the volume and characteristics of many attributes, including assumptions relating to the replacement of maturing earning assets and liabilities.  Other assumptions include, but are not limited to, projected prepayments, projected new volume, and the predicted relationship between changes in market interest rates and changes in customer account balances.  These effects are combined with the Company’s estimate of the most likely rate environment to produce a forecast of net interest income and net income.  The forecasted results are then adjusted for the effect of a gradual increase and decrease in market interest rates on the Company’s net interest income and net income.  Because assumptions are inherently uncertain, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income or net income or the effect of interest rate changes on net interest income and net income.  Actual results could differ significantly from simulated results.

At September 30, 2009, the model indicated that if rates were to increase by 200 basis points during the remainder of the calendar year, then net interest income would increase 1.35% over the next twelve months.  The model indicated that if rates were to decrease by 200 basis points over the same period, then net interest income would increase 3.18%.  Net interest income would increase at a slower pace in the rising rate environment due to the increased cost of liabilities that would reprice during this time period compared to the assets which would not reprice in the same timeframe.


ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective in all material respects to ensure that all material information required to be disclosed in this report has been made known to them in a timely fashion.

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the Chief Executive Officer’s and Chief Financial Officer’s evaluation, nor were there any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the controls which required corrective action.


 
29

 


PART II-OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens First Corporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (No. 333-103238)).
 
3.2
Articles of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens First Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3. 3 of the Registrant’s Form 10-QSB dated June 30, 2004).
 
3.3
Articles of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens First Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3. 1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed June 5, 2007).
 
3.4
Articles of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens First Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3. 1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008).
 
3.5
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Citizens First Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed April 27, 2009).
 
4.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens First Corporation, as amended (see Exhibit 3.1).
 
4.2
Articles of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens First Corporation (see Exhibits 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4).
 
4.3
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Citizens First Corporation (see Exhibit 3.5).
 
4.4
Copy of Registrants’ Agreement Pursuant to Item 601(b) (4) (iii) (A) of Regulation S-K dated March 30, 2007 with respect to certain debt instruments (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s Form 10K-SB dated March 31, 2007).
 
4.5
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008).
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

32.1           Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section1350.
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section1350.
 

 
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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


   
CITIZENS FIRST CORPORATION
     
     
Date:
November 5, 2009
/s/M. Todd Kanipe
   
M. Todd Kanipe
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
     
     
 
November 5, 2009
/s/ Steve Marcum 
   
Steve Marcum
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     


 
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