Relationships
= results. As a super-community bank in the relationship banking business, I believe
the cover of this year's annual report says it all. Capital City has been in the
business of building relationships for 110 years and those relationships produced
record results in 2005. Earnings of $30.3 million or
$1.66 per share were up 11.9% over 2004 after adjusting for the one-time gain
from the sale of the bank's credit card portfolio. The results produced a return
on assets of 1.22% and a return on equity of 10.56%. Capital City enjoyed a margin
of 5.09%, a primary driver of our earnings. Net charge-offs remained historically
low at .13% of total loans. Credit quality continues to be our number one internal
goal. Earnings growth is critical to continued success
and is the work of over 1,000 dedicated associates who understand we are in the
relationship building business. These associates have the company's 2010 goal
of $50 million in annual earnings firmly etched in their thought process. The
results were driven by a variety of factors including our strategy of focusing
on smaller markets not well served by our competitors, and communities which value
and appreciate the Capital City style of relationship banking. We want our clients
to not only have a bank, but also a banker. Perhaps
the most exciting event in 2005 was the rollout of Absolutely Free Checking, a
change in the way we do business, not just a short-lived promotion or campaign.
The offering produced new deposits at a rate double initial expectations. I am
extremely proud of the talented bankers across the company who set an incredible
pace for us. Capital City Securities finished 2005 with
15 investment executives and is on track to exceed the 2006 goal of more than
$1.4 million in revenues. Auto Finance grew at a rate of 22.5% in 2005 while reducing
charge-offs by 45%. Our home equity product, FreedomLine, generated $43 million
in new loans in 2005 with a 2006 goal of $60 million. Institutional Banking has
been one of the best received offerings by our community presidents in smaller
markets. Capital City Services Company provides the
often overlooked, but much appreciated back-office support to the company and
other institutions in our trade area. Residential lending enjoyed significant
growth, as we closed over $311 million in new home loans, which exceeded budget
by 8%. Capital City Trust Company ended the year with
almost $700 million in assets under management for individuals, partnerships,
corporate clients, and foundations and plans to open an office in Gainesville
during 2006. Capital City's talented team of lenders including community presidents,
the commercial real estate division, and the business bank grew loans to over
$2.0 billion at year-end. This continues to be the primary engine driving our
record earnings. During the year we opened or renovated
five offices and welcomed our new clients and associates from the First National
Bank of Alachua to the Capital City team. We continue to share our growth strategy
with our shareowners, institutional investors, and analysts. The Brand Leadership
team of Marketing, Human Resources, and Opportunity Capital City further strengthened
the Capital City Bank brand. It was another great year
for CCBG. Tom Barron, Capital City Bank President and Kim Davis, Capital City
Bank Group CFO manage the day-to-day effort and should be applauded for their
tireless effort and intellect in leading this great group of associates we call
the Capital City family. After six years of tremendous service, John Lewis, former
President of Super-Lube, retired from the board following the sale of his primary
business. I will miss his wise counsel, attention to detail, and drive for world
class service. As always, I welcome your comments and
thoughts. |