10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2006

Filed August 9, 2006For Securities:FCNCAFCNCPFCNCBFCNCOFCNCN

Summary

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. /DE/ (FCNCA) reported solid financial performance for the second quarter and the first six months of 2006, demonstrating growth in key areas. The company experienced an increase in net income, driven by higher net interest income and a reduction in the provision for credit losses. Total assets grew to $15.53 billion as of June 30, 2006, up from $14.02 billion in the prior year, reflecting expansion in both loans and investment securities. The company's loan portfolio saw a 7.8% increase year-over-year, with notable growth in commercial and industrial loans. The investment securities portfolio also expanded, with a strategic shift towards available-for-sale securities to enhance liquidity and flexibility. Deposit growth, particularly in time deposits, funded this expansion, though it also contributed to higher interest expenses due to rising market rates. Despite increased expenses, the overall profitability improved, and the company maintained strong capital adequacy ratios, exceeding regulatory requirements.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased by 5.4% to $31.7 million for Q2 2006 compared to Q2 2005, and by 9.6% to $60.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the prior year.
  • 2Total assets grew by 10.7% year-over-year to $15.53 billion as of June 30, 2006.
  • 3The loan and lease portfolio increased by 7.8% to $10.03 billion as of June 30, 2006, compared to June 30, 2005, with significant growth in commercial and industrial loans.
  • 4Investment securities portfolio increased by 14.4% to $3.02 billion as of June 30, 2006, with a shift from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale securities.
  • 5Interest-bearing liabilities increased by 12.2% to $11.40 billion as of June 30, 2006, reflecting growth in deposits and borrowings, while interest expense rose by 68.7% in Q2 due to higher rates and volumes.
  • 6The company maintained strong capital adequacy, with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 13.56% and a total capital ratio of 16.05% as of June 30, 2006, exceeding regulatory minimums.
  • 7Provision for credit losses decreased significantly, contributing to improved net income.

Frequently Asked Questions

First Citizens BancShares demonstrated positive financial performance. Net income for the second quarter of 2006 increased by 5.4% to $31.7 million compared to the same period in 2005. For the first six months of 2006, net income rose by 9.6% to $60.4 million. This growth was primarily driven by higher net interest income and a reduced provision for credit losses.

The company's balance sheet expanded significantly. Total assets grew by 10.7% year-over-year to $15.53 billion as of June 30, 2006. This growth was fueled by an increase in loans and leases, which rose 7.8% to $10.03 billion, and a 14.4% increase in investment securities to $3.02 billion. Total liabilities also increased, primarily due to an 8.2% rise in total deposits to $12.72 billion and a 12.2% increase in interest-bearing liabilities to $11.40 billion, reflecting increased borrowing and deposit growth.

The increase in net interest income is primarily attributed to the growth in interest-earning assets, including loans and investment securities, and higher yields resulting from rising market interest rates. Despite an increase in interest expense on liabilities, the overall volume and yield expansion of assets led to a net increase in net interest income for both the quarter and the year-to-date periods.

First Citizens BancShares continues to prioritize asset quality, with nonperforming assets representing a small percentage of total loans and leases. The allowance for credit losses remains adequate. The company also maintains strong capital adequacy ratios, exceeding regulatory requirements, indicating a solid financial foundation. For example, the Tier 1 capital ratio was 13.56% and the total capital ratio was 16.05% as of June 30, 2006.