UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

  (Mark One)  
      
  x  Qurterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014  
      
  ¨  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ____ to _____  

 

Commission File No. 000-28344

 

 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
South Carolina 57-1010751

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation

or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

5455 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, South Carolina 29072

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(803) 951-2265

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).          x     Yes      ¨ 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 ¨      Accelerated filer ¨     Non-accelerated filer ¨     Smaller reporting company x

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: On May 12, 2014, 6,652,189 shares of the issuer’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, were issued and outstanding.

 

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
  Item 1.   Financial Statements  
  Consolidated Balance Sheets  
  Consolidated Statements of Income  
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity  
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  
  Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  
  Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    
  Item 4.   Controls and Procedures  
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION  
  Item 1.   Legal Proceedings  
  Item 1A.   Risk Factors  
  Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  
  Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities  
  Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures  
  Item 5.   Other Information  
  Item 6. Exhibits  
     
SIGNATURES  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS  
EX-31.1 RULE 13A-14(A) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER  
EX-31.2 RULE 13A-14(A) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER  
EX-32 SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS  

 

 
 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

3
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   March 31,   
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)  2014  December 31,
   (Unaudited)  2013
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $13,073   $8,239 
Interest-bearing bank balances   23,698    5,668 
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell   357    259 
Investment securities - available for sale   253,233    224,355 
Other investments, at cost   2,251    2,674 
Loans held for sale   3,837    3,790 
Loans   443,868    347,597 
Less,  allowance for loan losses   4,161    4,219 
   Net loans   439,707    343,378 
Property, furniture and equipment - net   27,972    19,444 
Bank owned life insurance   14,326    11,072 
Other real estate owned   3,147    3,370 
Intangible assets   1,140    —   
Goodwill   5,078    571 
Other assets   10,054    10,489 
    Total assets  $797,873   $633,309 
LIABILITIES          
Deposits:          
  Non-interest bearing demand  $136,806   $111,198 
  NOW and money market accounts   289,786    174,224 
  Savings   50,212    51,134 
  Time deposits less than $100,000   102,431    96,096 
  Time deposits $100,000 and over   75,203    64,419 
     Total deposits   654,438    497,071 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   19,492    18,634 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   34,321    43,325 
Junior subordinated debt   15,464    15,464 
Other liabilities   5,393    6,144 
    Total liabilities   729,108    580,638 
Commitments and contingencies          
            SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
          
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued   —      —   
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 6,652,189 at March 31, 2014 5,302,674 at December 31, 2013   6,652    5,303 
Common stock warrants   48    48 
Nonvested restricted stock   (1,112)   (444)
Additional paid in capital   75,388    62,214 
Accumulated deficit   (11,374)   (11,923)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (837)   (2,527)
    Total shareholders’ equity   68,765    52,671 
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $797,873   $633,309 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


4
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  Three Months ended March 31,
   2014  2013
Interest and dividend income:          
  Loans, including fees  $5,080   $4,361 
  Taxable securities   983    680 
  Non-taxable securities   317    227 
  Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements   10    6 
  Other   13    9 
       Total interest income   6,403    5,283 
Interest expense:          
  Deposits   429    513 
  Federal funds sold and securities sold under agreement          
   to repurchase   10    9 
  Other borrowed money   468    482 
      Total interest expense   907    1,004 
Net interest income   5,496    4,279 
Provision for loan losses   150    150 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   5,346    4,129 
Non-interest income:          
  Deposit service charges   366    361 
  Mortgage banking income   619    1,015 
  Commissions on sale of non-deposit investment products   257    198 
  Gain on sale of securities   8    15 
  Gain (loss) on sale of other assets   12    (2)
  Other   613    496 
      Total non-interest income   1,875    2,083 
Non-interest expense:          
  Salaries and employee benefits   3,424    2,992 
  Occupancy   413    346 
  Equipment   339    283 
  Marketing and public relations   161    93 
  FDIC Assessment   124    99 
  Other real estate expense   138    112 
  Amortization of intangibles   42    51 
  Merger expenses   420    —   
  Other   965    831 
      Total non-interest expense   6,026    4,807 
Net income before tax   1,195    1,405 
  Income taxes   333    367 
Net income available to common shareholders  $862   $1,038 
           
Basic earnings per common share  $0.14   $0.20 
Diluted earnings per common share  $0.14   $0.20 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   Three months ended March 31,
   2014  2013
       
Net income  $862   $1,038 
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Unrealized gain (loss) during the period on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $875 and $125, respectively   1,696    (244)
           
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gain on available-for-sale securities included in net income, net of tax expense of $2 and $5, respectively   (6)   (10)
           
Other comprehensive income (loss)   1,690    (254)
Comprehensive income  $2,552   $784 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Three Months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Common Shares Issued  Common Stock  Common Stock Warrants  Additional Paid-in Capital  Nonvested Restricted Stock  Accumulated Deficit  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)  Total
Balance December 31, 2012   5,227   $5,227   $50   $61,615   $(152)  $(14,915)  $2,358   $54,183 
Net income                            1,038         1,038 
Other comprehensive loss net of $130                                 (254)   (254)
Issuance of restricted stock   60    60         493    (553)             —   
Amortization of compensation on restricted stock                       37              37 
Dividends: Common  ($0.05 per share)                            (259)        (259)
Dividend reinvestment plan   3    3         22                   25 
Balance, March  31, 2013   5,290   $5,290   $50   $62,130   $(668)  $(14,136)  $2,104   $54,770 
                                         
Balance December 31, 2013   5,303   $5,303   $48   $62,214   $(444)  $(11,923)  $(2,527)  $52,671 
Net income                            862         862 
Other comprehensive income net of tax of $871                                 1,690    1,690 
Issuance of restricted stock   71    71         697    (768)             —   
Amortization of compensation on restricted stock                       100              100 
Issuance of common stock   1,274    1,274         12,436                   13,710 
Dividends: Common  ($0.06 per share)                            (313)        (313)
Dividend reinvestment plan   4    4         41                   45 
Balance, March  31, 2014   6,652   $6,652   $48   $75,388   $(1,112)  $(11,374)  $(837)  $68,765 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

   Three months ended
March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)  2014  2013
Cash flows from operating activities:          
 Net income  $862   $1,038 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:          
       Depreciation   248    220 
       Premium amortization   774    980 
       Provision for loan losses   150    150 
       Write-down of other real estate owned   82    21 
       (Gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned   (12)   2 
       Origination of  loans held-for-sale   (18,191)   (36,059)
       Sale of loans held-for-sale   18,144    41,479 
       Amortization of intangibles   42    51 
       Gain on sale of securities   (8)   (15)
       Decrease in other assets   1,088    556 
       Decrease in other liabilities   (1,094)   (1,015)
         Net cash provided from operating activities   2,085    7,408 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
 Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale   (34,235)   (31,739)
 Maturity/call of investment securities available-for-sale   9,875    13,837 
 Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale   20,916    1,957 
 (Increase) decrease in loans   9,457    (1,969)
 Net cash disbursed in business combination   (11,353)   —   
 Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned   712    673 
 Purchase of property and equipment   (607)   (159)
         Net cash used in investing activities   (5,235)   (17,400)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
 Increase in deposit accounts   43,232    22,046 
 Increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase   858    1,316 
 Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank   20,000    8,500 
 Repayment of advances from FHLB   (37,710)   (8,505)
 Dividends paid:  Common Stock   (313)   (259)
 Dividend reinvestment plan   45    25 
        Net cash provided from financing activities   26,112    23,123 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   22,962    13,131 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   14,166    18,708 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $37,128   $31,839 
Supplemental disclosure:          
 Cash paid during the period for:          
   Interest  $791   $1,220 
   Income taxes  $—     $—   
 Non-cash investing and financing activities:          
   Unrealized gain on securities  $1,690   $254 
   Transfer of loans to foreclosed property  $559   $46 
Schedule of Noncash Investing Transactions:          
Acquisitions:          
Fair value of tangible assets acquired  $151,024   $—   
Other intangible assets acquired  $1,182   $—   
Liabilities assumed  $123,198   $—   
Net identifiable assets acquired over liabilities assumed  $29,008   $—   
Common stock issued in acquisition  $13,710   $—   

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

8
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 1- Basis of Presentation

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and the cash flows of First Community Corporation (“the Company”), present fairly in all material respects the Company’s financial position at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the Company’s results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to fairly present the consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are presented in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. The information included in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K should be referred to in connection with these unaudited interim financial statements.   

 

9
 

Note 2 – Earnings Per Common Share

 

The following reconciles the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per common share computation:

 

(In thousands except average market price)

 

   Three months ended
March 31,
   2014  2013
       
Numerator (Net income available to common shareholders)  $862   $1,038 
Denominator          
  Weighted average common shares outstanding for:          
     Basic earnings per share   6,169    5,255 
     Dilutive securities:          
         Deferred compensation   17    —   
         Warrants – Treasury stock method   43    37 
     Diluted earnings per share   6,229    5,292 
The average market price used in calculating assumed number of shares  $10.86   $8.93 

 

At March 31, 2014, there were 70,903 outstanding options at an average exercise price of $20.83. None of these options has an exercise price below the average market price of $10.86 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, and, therefore, they are not deemed to be dilutive. At March 31, 2013, there were 75,022 outstanding options at an average exercise price of $19.69. None of these options had an exercise price below the average market price of $8.93 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013, and, therefore, they were not deemed to be dilutive. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we issued $2.5 million in 8.75% subordinated notes maturing December 16, 2019. On November 15, 2012, the subordinated notes were redeemed in full at par. Warrants for 107,500 shares of common stock at $5.90 per share were also issued in connection with the issuance of the subordinated debt. These warrants expire December 16, 2019 and are included in dilutive securities in the table above.

 

10
 

Note 3—Investment Securities

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities are summarized below:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value
March 31, 2014:                    
Government sponsored enterprises  $3,392   $6   $69   $3,329 
Mortgage-backed securities   147,243    872    1,258    146,857 
Small Business Administration pools    56,735    399    726    56,408 
State and local government   44,902    440    1,007    44,335 
Corporate and other securities   2,349    —      45    2,304 
   $254,621   $1,717   $3,105   $253,233 
December 31, 2013:                    
Government sponsored enterprises  $3,388   $1   $143   $3,246 
Mortgage-backed securities   120,925    757    2,006    119,676 
Small Business Administration pools    56,595    376    851    56,120 
State and local government   45,048    96    2,146    42,998 
Corporate and other securities   2,348    21    54    2,315 
   $228,304   $1,251   $5,200   $224,355 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Company received proceeds of $20.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively, from the sale of investment securities available-for-sale, amounting to gross gains of $8.3 thousand and $15.4 thousand in earnings for each respective period. There were no gross losses from the sale of investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013.

 

At March 31, 2014, corporate and other securities available-for-sale included the following at fair value: corporate bonds at $1.0 million, mutual funds at $827.2 thousand, foreign debt of $60.0 thousand, and corporate preferred stock in the amount of $416.8 thousand. At December 31, 2013, corporate and other securities available-for-sale included the following at fair value: corporate bonds at $1.0 million, mutual funds at $817.8 thousand, foreign debt of $59.7 thousand, and corporate preferred stock in the amount of $416.8 thousand.

 

Other investments, at cost, include Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock in the amount of $2.3 million and $2.7 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively.

 

11
 

Note 3—Investment Securities – continued

 

There were no OTTI losses recorded on available-for-sale securities for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013.

 

The following is an analysis of amounts relating to credit losses on debt securities recognized in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013.

 

(Dollars in thousands)      
   Three months ended 
March 31, 2014
  Three months ended 
March 31, 2013
   Available for  Available for
   Sale  Sale
       
Balance at beginning of period   —     $271 
           
Other-than-temporary-impairment not previously recognized   —      —   
           
Additional increase for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized related to credit losses   —      —   
           
Other-than-temporary-impairment previously recognized on securities sold   —      —   
Realized losses during the period   —      (26)
Balance related to credit losses on debt securities at end of period  $—     $245 

 

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 there were no non-agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBSs”) rated below investment grade.

 

In evaluating the non-agency MBSs, relevant assumptions, such as prepayment rate, default rate and loss severity on a loan level basis, are used in determining the expected recovery of the contractual cash flows. The balance of the underlying portfolio cash flows are evaluated using ongoing assumptions for loss severities, prepayment rates and default rates. The ongoing assumptions for average prepayment rate, default rate and severity used in the valuations were approximately 13.7%, 8.0%, and 50.4%, respectively. The underlying collateral on substantially all of these securities is fixed rate residential first mortgages located throughout the United States. The underlying collateral includes various percentages of owner-occupied as well as investment related single-family, 1-4 family and condominium residential properties. The securities were purchased at various discounts to par value. Based on the assumptions used in valuing the securities, the Company believes the existing discount and remaining subordinated collateral provide coverage against future credit losses on the downgraded securities for which no OTTI has been recognized.

 

12
 

Note 3—Investment Securities - continued

 

The following tables show gross unrealized losses and fair values, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

   Less than 12 months  12 months or more  Total
March 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
Available-for-sale securities:                              
Government Sponsored Enterprises  $2,354   $69   $—     $—     $2,354   $69 
Government Sponsored Enterprise mortgage-backed securities   57,604    933    13,546    317    71,150    1,250 
Small Business Administration pools   16,034    311    12,802    415    28,836    726 
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities   294    8    —      —      294    8 
State and local government   24,000    674    5,339    333    29,339    1,007 
Corporate bonds and other   —      —      827    45    827    45 
Total  $100,286   $1,995   $32,514   $1,110   $132,800   $3,105 

 

   Less than 12 months  12 months or more  Total
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
Available-for-sale securities:                              
Government Sponsored Enterprises  $3,230   $143   $—     $—     $3,230   $143 
Government Sponsored Enterprise mortgage-backed securities   74,251    1,814    6,354    184    80,605    1,998 
Small Business Administration pools   19,150    628    9,294    223    28,444    851 
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities   716    8    —      —      716    8 
State and local government   33,257    1,856    3,337    290    36,594    2,146 
Corporate bonds and other   872    53    50    1    922    54 
Total  $131,476   $4,502   $19,035   $698   $150,511   $5,200 

 

Government Sponsored Enterprise, Mortgage-Backed Securities: At March 31, 2014, the Company owns MBSs, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), with an amortized cost of $146.3 million and approximate fair value of $146.0 million, issued by government sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”). At December 31, 2013, the Company owned MBSs, including CMOs with an amortized cost of $120.9 million and approximate fair value of $119.7 million, issued by GSEs. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, all of the MBSs issued by GSEs were classified as “Available for Sale.” Unrealized losses on certain of these investments are not considered to be “other than temporary,” and we have the intent and ability to hold these until they mature or recover the current book value. The contractual cash flows of the investments are guaranteed by the GSE. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required to sell these securities before a recovery of its amortized cost, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider the investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2014.

 

13
 

Note 3—Investment Securities - continued

 

Non-agency Mortgage-Backed Securities: The Company also holds private label MBSs (“PLMBSs”), including CMOs, at March 31, 2014 with an amortized cost of $901.1 thousand and approximate fair value of $906.9 thousand. The Company held PLMBSs, including CMOs, at December 31, 2013 with an amortized cost of $954.2 thousand and approximate fair value of $949.0 thousand. Management monitors each of these securities on a quarterly basis to identify any deterioration in the credit quality, collateral values and credit support underlying the investments. There were no PLMBSs rated below investment grade as of March 31, 2014.

 

Corporate Bonds: Corporate bonds held by the Company are reviewed on a quarterly basis to identify downgrades by rating agencies as well as deterioration of the underlying collateral or the issuer’s ability to service the debt obligation. As of March 31, 2014, the Company owns one corporate bond which is rated above investment grade. The Company does not consider this investment to be OTTI.

 

State and Local Governments and Other: Management monitors these securities on a quarterly basis to identify any deterioration in the credit quality. Included in the monitoring is a review of the credit rating, a financial analysis and certain demographic data on the underlying issuer. The Company does not consider these securities to be OTTI at March 31, 2014.

 

The following sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2014 by contractual maturity. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay the obligations with or without prepayment penalties. MBSs are based on average life at estimated prepayment speeds.

 

   Available-for-sale
(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
Due in one year or less  $7,936   $7,943 
Due after one year through five years   111,929    111,990 
Due after five years through ten years   79,967    79,122 
Due after ten years   54,789    54,178 
   $254,621   $253,233 

 

Note 4—Loans

 

Loans summarized by category as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

   March 31,  December 31,  March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)  2014  2013  2013
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $34,860   $19,925   $20,981 
Real estate:               
  Construction   29,112    18,933    12,138 
  Mortgage-residential   46,810    37,579    38,301 
  Mortgage-commercial   292,995    237,701    230,644 
Consumer:               
  Home equity   31,378    25,659    26,316 
  Other   8,713    7,800    5,340 
Total  $443,868   $347,597   $333,720 

 

14
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

The detailed activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans receivable as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                        
         Real estate  Real estate            
      Real estate  Mortgage  Mortgage  Consumer  Consumer      
   Commercial  Construction  Residential  Commercial  Home equity  Other  Unallocated  Total
March 31, 2014                                        
Allowance for loan losses:                                        
Beginning balance
December 31, 2013
  $233   $26   $291   $1,117   $112   $80   $2,360   $4,219 
Charge-offs   —      —      35    187    —      8    —      230 
Recoveries   17    —      1    —      —      4    —      22 
Provisions   (7)   137    (1)   94    2    (13)   (62)   150 
Ending balance
March 31, 2014
  $243   $163   $256   $1,024   $114   $63   $2,298   $4,161 
                                         
Ending balances:                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $—     $—     $4   $—     $—     $—     $—     $4 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment   243    163    252    1,024    114    63    2,298    4,157 
                                         
Loans receivable:                                        
Ending balance-total  $34,860   $29,112   $46,810   $292,995   $31,378   $8,713   $—     $443,868 
                                         
Ending balances:                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment   65    —      956    7,332    71    9    —      8,433 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $34,795   $29,112   $45,854   $285,663   $31,307   $8,704   $—     $435,435 

 

 

15
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)                        
         Real estate  Real estate            
      Real estate  Mortgage  Mortgage  Consumer  Consumer      
   Commercial  Construction  Residential  Commercial  Home equity  Other  Unallocated  Total
March 31, 2013                                        
Allowance for loan losses:                                        
Beginning balance
December 31, 2012
  $338   $—     $235   $1,322   $400   $17   $2,309   $4,621 
Charge-offs   7    —      4    235    42    26    —      314 
Recoveries   11    —      61    —      —      5    —      77 
Provisions   67    21    (93)   (12)   (122)   82    207    150 
Ending balance
March 31, 2013
  $409   $21   $199   $1,075   $236   $78   $2,516   $4,534 
                                         
Ending balances:                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $11   $—     $—     $—     $—     $—     $—     $11 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment   398    21    199    1,075    236    78    2,516    4,523 
                                         
Loans receivable:                                        
Ending balance-total  $20,981   $12,138   $38,301   $230,644   $26,316   $5,340   $—     $333,720 
                                         
Ending balances:                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment   992    —      352    4,944    —      8    —      6,296 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $19,989   $12,138   $37,949   $225,700   $26,316   $5,332   $—     $327,424 

 

 

16
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)                        
         Real estate  Real estate            
      Real estate  Mortgage  Mortgage  Consumer  Consumer      
   Commercial  Construction  Residential  Commercial  Home equity  Other  Unallocated  Total
December 31, 2013                                        
Allowance for loan losses:                                        
Beginning balance  $338   $—     $235   $1,322   $400   $17   $2,309   $4,621 
Charge-offs   —      —      (47)   (897)   (67)   (79)   —      (1,090)
Recoveries   47    —      72    —      —      41    —      160 
Provisions   (152)   26    31    692    (221)   101    51    528 
Ending balance
December 31, 2013
  $233   $26   $291   $1,117   $112   $80   $2,360   $4,219 
                                         
Ending balances:                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $—     $—     $4   $—     $—     $—     $—     $4 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment   233    26    287    1,117    112    80    2,360    4,215 
                                         
Loans receivable:                                        
Ending balance-total  $19,925   $18,933   $37,579   $237,701   $25,659   $7,800   $—     $347,597 
                                         
Ending balances:                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment   76    —      951    4,834    109    12    —      5,982 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $19,849   $18,933   $36,628   $232,867   $25,550   $7,788    —     $341,615 

 

Loans outstanding and available lines of credit to bank directors, executive officers and their related business interests amounted to $11.1 million and $10.8 million at March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively. Repayments on these loans during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were $517.3 thousand and loans made amounted to $977.0 thousand. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, repayments on these loans were $128.0 thousand and there were no new loans made. Related party loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and generally do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability.

 

17
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

The following table presents at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 loans individually evaluated and considered impaired under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” Impairment includes performing troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”).

 

(Dollars in thousands)  March 31,  December 31,
   2014  2013
Total loans considered impaired  $8,433   $5,982 
Loans considered impaired for which there is a related allowance for loan loss:          
Outstanding loan balance   55    55 
Related allowance   4    4 
Loans considered impaired and previously written down to fair value   8,378    5,927 
Average impaired loans   10,866    7,637 

 

The following tables are by loan category and present at March 31, 2014, March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013 loans individually evaluated and considered impaired under FAS ASC 310 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” Impairment includes performing TDRs.

 

(Dollars in thousands)           Three months ended
      Unpaid     Average  Interest
March 31, 2014  Recorded  Principal  Related  Recorded  Income
   Investment  Balance  Allowance  Investment  Recognized
With no allowance recorded:                         
  Commercial  $65   $69   $—     $135   $—   
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   901    1,002    —      1,112    1 
    Mortgage-commercial   7,332    7,948    —      9,468    9 
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   71    71    —      75    —   
    Other   9    11    —      21    —   
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
  Commercial   —      —      —      —      —   
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   55    55    4    55    —   
    Mortgage-commercial   —      —      —      —      —   
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   —      —      —      —      —   
    Other   —      —      —      —      —   
                          
Total:                         
  Commercial   65    69    —      135    —   
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   956    1,057    4    1,167    1 
    Mortgage-commercial   7,332    7,948    —      9,468    9 
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   71    71    —      75    —   
    Other   9    11    —      21    —   
   $8,433   $9,156   $4   $10,866   $10 

 

18
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)           Three months ended
      Unpaid     Average  Interest
March 31, 2013  Recorded  Principal  Related  Recorded  Income
   Investment  Balance  Allowance  Investment  Recognized
With no allowance recorded:                         
  Commercial  $627   $633   $—     $705   $9 
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   352    379    —      417    —   
    Mortgage-commercial   4,944    5,469    —      5,660    7 
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   —      —      —      —      —   
    Other   8    8    —      20    —   
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
  Commercial   365    365    11    365    9 
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-commercial   —      —      —      —      —   
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   —      —      —      —      —   
    Other   —      —      —      —      —   
                          
Total:                         
  Commercial   992    998    11    1,070    18 
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   352    379    —      417    —   
    Mortgage-commercial   4,944    5,469    —      5,660    7 
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   —      —      —      —      —   
    Other   8    8    —      20    —   
   $6,296   $6,854   $11   $7,167   $25 

 

19
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)           Year ended
December 31, 2013     Unpaid     Average  Interest
   Recorded  Principal  Related  Recorded  Income
   Investment  Balance  Allowance  Investment  Recognized
With no allowance recorded:                         
  Commercial  $76   $76   $—     $146   $8 
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   896    998    —      1,096    121 
    Mortgage-commercial   4,834    5,447    —      6,204    27 
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   109    109    —      109    4 
    Other   12    13    —      26    1 
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
  Commercial   —      —      —      —      —   
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   55    55    4    56    9 
    Mortgage-commercial   —      —      —      —      —   
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   —      —      —      —      —   
    Other   —      —      —      —      —   
                          
Total:                         
  Commercial   76    76    —      146    8 
  Real estate:                         
    Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
    Mortgage-residential   951    1,053    4    1,152    121 
    Mortgage-commercial   4,834    5,447    —      6,204    36 
  Consumer:                         
    Home Equity   109    109    —      109    4 
    Other   12    13    —      26    1 
   $5,982   $6,698   $4   $7,637   $170 

 

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, including: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a monthly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

 

Special Mention. Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

 

Substandard. Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

20
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

Doubtful. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

 

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered as pass rated loans. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is shown in the table below. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no loans were classified as doubtful.

 

(Dollars in thousands)               
March 31, 2014     Special         
   Pass  Mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Total
Commercial, financial & agricultural  $33,382   $1,410   $68   $—     $34,860 
Real estate:                         
   Construction   25,853    3,259    —      —      29,112 
   Mortgage – residential   44,235    1,055    1,520    —      46,810 
   Mortgage – commercial   272,070    7,291    13,634    —      292,995 
Consumer:                         
  Home Equity   30,536    715    127    —      31,378 
  Other   8,543    161    9    —      8,713 
Total  $414,619   $13,891   $15,358   $—     $443,868 

 

(Dollars in thousands)               
December 31, 2013     Special         
   Pass  Mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Total
Commercial, financial & agricultural  $19,627   $218   $80   $—     $19,925 
Real estate:                         
   Construction   15,341    3,592    —      —      18,933 
   Mortgage – residential   36,614    229    736    —      37,579 
   Mortgage – commercial   223,110    5,813    8,778    —      237,701 
Consumer:                         
  Home Equity   23,800    855    1,004    —      25,659 
  Other   7,788    —      12    —      7,800 
Total  $326,280   $10,707   $10,610   $—     $347,597 

 

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, non-accrual loans totaled $7.9 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

 

TDRs that are still accruing and included in impaired loans at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 amounted to $568 thousand and $576 thousand, respectively. TDRs in nonaccrual status at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 amounted to $2.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

 

Loans greater than ninety days delinquent and still accruing interest at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 amounted to $126 thousand and $2 thousand, respectively.

 

21
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

We account for acquisitions under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk.

 

Acquired credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality, found in FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Receivables—Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Loans acquired in business combinations with evidence of credit deterioration are considered impaired. Loans acquired through business combinations that do not meet the specific criteria of FASB ASC Topic 310-30, but for which a discount is attributable, at least in part to credit quality, are also accounted for under this guidance. Certain acquired loans, including performing loans and revolving lines of credit (consumer and commercial), are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-20, where the discount is accreted through earnings based on estimated cash flows over the estimated life of the loan.

 

Purchase credit impaired (PCI) loans acquired totaled $4.2 million at estimated fair value, and acquired performing loans totaling $102.3 million at estimated fair value were not credit impaired. The gross contractual amount receivable for PCI loans and acquired performing loans was approximately $5.7 million and $116.0 million, respectively, as of the acquisition date. For the acquired performing loans, the best estimate at acquisition date of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected is $825 thousand. Determining the fair value of PCI loans at acquisition required the Company to estimate cash flows expected to result from those loans and to discount those cash flows at appropriate rates of interest. For such loans, the excess of cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is recognized as interest income over the remaining lives of the loans and is called the accretable yield. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition reflects the impact of estimated credit losses and is called the nonaccretable difference. In accordance with GAAP, there was no carry-over of previously established allowance for credit losses from the acquired company.

 

In conjunction with the acquisition of SRFC on February 1, 2014, the acquired PCI loan portfolio was accounted for at fair value as follows: 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  February 1, 2014
    
Contractual principal and interest at acquisition  $5,717 
Nonaccretable difference   (1,205)
Expected cash flows at acquisition   4,512 
Accretable yield   (272)
Basis in PCI loans at acquisition – estimated fair value  $4,240 

 

22
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

A summary of changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follows (in thousands): 

 

   Twelve Months
Ended
March 31, 2014
    
Accretable yield, beginning of period  $—   
Additions   272 
Accretion   (33)
Reclassification of nonaccretable difference due to improvement in expected cash flows   —   
Other changes, net   —   
Accretable yield, end of period  $239 

 

The following tables are by loan category and present loans past due and on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
  30-59 Days
Past Due
  60-89 Days Past Due  Greater than 90 Days and Accruing  Nonaccrual  Total Past Due  Current  Total Loans
Commercial  $2   $462   $—     $65   $529   $34,331   $34,860 
Real estate:                                   
  Construction   249    —      —      —      249    28,863    29,112 
  Mortgage-residential   159    357    35    901    1,452    45,358    46,810 
  Mortgage-commercial   682    401    91    6,819    7,993    285,002    292,995 
Consumer:                                   
  Home equity   288    18    —      71    377    31,001    31,378 
  Other   17    2    —      9    28    8,685    8,713 
Total  $1,397   $1,240   $126   $7,865   $10,628   $433,240   $443,868 

 

(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2013
  30-59 Days
Past Due
  60-89 Days Past Due  Greater than 90 Days and Accruing  Nonaccrual  Total Past Due  Current  Total Loans
Commercial  $—     $8   $2   $76   $86   $19,839   $19,925 
Real estate:                                   
  Construction   —      —      —      —      —      18,933    18,933 
  Mortgage-residential   331    277    —      895    1,503    36,076    37,579 
  Mortgage-commercial   54    908    —      4,314    5,276    232,425    237,701 
Consumer:                                   
  Home equity   40    —      —      109    149    25,510    25,659 
  Other   8    —      —      12    20    7,780    7,800 
Total  $433   $1,193   $2   $5,406   $7,034   $340,563   $347,597 

 

23
 

Note 4—Loans - continued

 

As a result of adopting the amendments in Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-02 (Receivables-Topic 310), the Company reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption (January 1, 2011) to determine whether they are considered TDRs under the amended guidance. The Company identified as TDRs certain loans for which the allowance for loan losses had previously been measured under a general allowance methodology. Upon identifying those loans as TDRs, the Company identified them as impaired under the guidance in ASC 310-10-35. The amendments in ASU 2011-02 require prospective application of the impairment measurement guidance in ASC 310-10-35 for those loans newly identified as impaired.

 

As shown in the table below, one loan was determined to be a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The loan was modified to extend the terms outside the Company’s guidelines. There were no loans determined to be TDRs that were restructured during the three-month period ended March 31, 2014.

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings  For the three months ended March 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)         
   Number
of Contracts
  Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Nonaccrual               
  Mortgage-Commercial   1   $257   $257 
Total nonaccrual   1   $257   $257 
                
Accrual               
  Mortgage-Commercial   —     $—     $—   
Total Accrual   —     $—     $—   
                
Total TDRs   1   $257   $257 

 

During the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, there were no loans determined to be TDRs in the previous twelve months that had payment defaults. Any payment that is past due greater than 30 days is considered to be a payment default.

 

In the determination of the allowance for loan losses, all TDRs are reviewed to ensure that one of the three proper valuation methods (fair market value of the collateral, present value of cash flows, or observable market price) is adhered to. All non-accrual loans are written down to their corresponding collateral value. All troubled TDR accruing loans that have a loan balance that exceeds the present value of cash flows will have a specific allocation. All nonaccrual loans are considered impaired. Under ASC 310-10, a loan is impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due including both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

 

Note 5 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements:

 

The Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC was amended in June 2011. The amendment eliminated the option to present other comprehensive income as a part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and required consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income. The amendments were applicable to the Company January 1, 2012 and have been applied retrospectively. In December 2011, the topic was further amended to defer the effective date of presenting reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements while the FASB re-deliberated the presentation requirements for the reclassification adjustments. In February 2013, the FASB further amended the Comprehensive Income topic clarifying the conclusions from such re-deliberations. Specifically, the amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, in certain circumstances an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The amendments were effective for the Company on a prospective basis for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. These amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

24
 

Note 5 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - continued

 

In February 2013, the FASB amended the Liabilities topic to address obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements. The guidance addresses recognition of financial commitments arising from joint and several liability arrangements. Specifically, the amendments require recognition of financial commitments arising from loans, contracts, and legal rulings if the Company can be held liable for the entire claim. The amendments became effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In April 2013, the FASB issued guidance addressing application of the liquidation basis of accounting. The guidance is intended to clarify when an entity should apply the liquidation basis of accounting. In addition, the guidance provides principles for the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities and requirements for financial statements prepared using the liquidation basis of accounting. The amendments went into effect for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim reporting periods therein and those requirements should be applied prospectively from the day that liquidation becomes imminent. The amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance to eliminate the diversity in practice regarding presentation of unrecognized tax benefits in the statement of financial position. Under the clarified guidance, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, will be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset unless certain criteria are met. The requirements should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The amendments became effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In January 2014, the FASB amended the Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures topic of the Codification to address accounting for investments in qualified affordable housing projects. If certain conditions are met, the amendments

permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects by amortizing the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizing the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). If those conditions are not met, the investment should be accounted for as an equity method investment or a cost method investment in accordance with existing accounting guidance. The amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and should be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In January 2014, the FASB amended the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other topic of the Codification to address accounting for goodwill by private companies. An entity within the scope of the ASU is allowed to elect an accounting alternative to amortize goodwill on a straight-line basis over 10 years (or less if another useful life is more appropriate). An entity that elects the accounting alternative will be required to make an accounting policy election to test goodwill for impairment when a triggering event occurs that indicates that the fair value may be below its carrying amount. The accounting alternative, if elected, should be applied prospectively to goodwill existing as of the beginning of the period of adoption and new goodwill recognized in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted, including application to any period for which the entity’s annual or interim financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

25
 

Note 5 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - continued

 

In January 2014, the FASB amended the Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors subtopic of the Codification to address the reclassification of consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate upon foreclosure. The amendments clarify the criteria for concluding that an in substance repossession or foreclosure has occurred, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan. The amendments also outline interim and annual disclosure requirements. The amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Companies are allowed to use either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method when adopting this update. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

26
 

Note 6– Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company adopted FASB ASC Fair Value Measurement Topic 820, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 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 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 l

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2

Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3   Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

 

FASB ASC 825-10-50 “Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires the Company to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below.

 

Cash and short term investments—The carrying amount of these financial instruments (cash and due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell) approximates fair value. All mature within 90 days and do not present unanticipated credit concerns and are classified as Level 1.

 

Investment Securities—Measurement is on a recurring basis based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for prepayment assumptions, projected credit losses, and liquidity. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, or by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Level 2 securities include MBSs issued both by government sponsored enterprises and PLMBSs. Generally these fair values are priced from established pricing models. Level 3 securities include corporate debt obligations and asset–backed securities that are less liquid or for which there is an inactive market.

 

Loans Held for Sale— The Company originates fixed rate residential loans on a servicing released basis in the secondary market. Loans closed but not yet settled with an investor, are carried in the Company’s loans held for sale portfolio. These loans are fixed rate residential loans that have been originated in the Company’s name and have closed. Virtually all of these loans have commitments to be purchased by investors at a locked in by price with the investors on the same day that the loan was locked in with the company’s customers. Therefore, these loans present very little market risk for the Company and are classified as Level 2. The carrying amount of these loans approximates fair value.

 

Loans—The fair value of loans are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities and are classified as Level 2. As discount rates are based on current loan rates as well as management estimates, the fair values presented may not be indicative of the value negotiated in an actual sale. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are primarily valued on a nonrecurring basis at the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral. Such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be Level 3 inputs.

 

27
 

Note 6 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments - continued

 

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) — OREO is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value is based upon independent appraisals or management’s estimation of the collateral and is considered a Level 3 measurement.

 

Accrued Interest Receivable—The fair value approximates the carrying value and is classified as Level 1.

 

Interest rate swap—The fair value approximates the carrying value and is classified as Level 3.

 

Deposits—The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and money market accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposits is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Deposits are classified as Level 2.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances—Fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows using current market rates for borrowings with similar terms and are classified as Level 2.

 

Short Term Borrowings—The carrying value of short term borrowings (securities sold under agreements to repurchase and demand notes to the Treasury) approximates fair value. These are classified as Level 2.

 

Junior Subordinated Debentures—The fair values of junior subordinated debentures is estimated by using discounted cash flow analyses based on incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments. These are classified as Level 2.

 

Accrued Interest Payable—The fair value approximates the carrying value and is classified as Level 1.

 

Commitments to Extend Credit—The fair value of these commitments is immaterial because their underlying interest rates approximate market.

 

28
 

Note 6 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments - continued

 

The carrying amount and estimated fair value by classification Level of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

   March 31, 2014
      Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)  Carrying
Amount
  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and short term investments  $37,128   $37,128   $37,128   $—     $—   
Available-for-sale securities   253,233    253,233    827    251,989    417 
Other investments, at cost   2,251    2,251    —      —      2,251 
Loans held for sale   3,837    3,837    —      3,837    —   
Net loans receivable   439,707    439,403    —      430,974    8,429 
Accrued interest   2,408    2,408    2,408    —      —   
Financial liabilities:                         
Non-interest bearing demand  $136,806   $136,806   $—     $136,806   $—   
NOW and money market
accounts
   289,786    289,786    —      289,786    —   
Savings   50,212    50,212    —      50,212    —   
Time deposits   177,634    178,749    —      178,749    —   
Total deposits   654,438    655,553    —      655,553    —   
Federal Home Loan Bank
Advances
   34,321    37,702    —      37,702    —   
Short term borrowings   19,492    19,492    —      19,492    —   
Junior subordinated debentures   15,464    15,464    —      15,464    —   
Accrued interest payable   810    810    810    —      —   

 

   December 31, 2013
      Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)  Carrying
Amount
  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and short term investments  $14,166   $14,166   $14,166   $—     $—   
Available-for-sale securities   224,355    224,355    818    223,120    417 
Other investments, at cost   2,674    2,674    —      —      2,674 
Loans held for sale   3,790    3,790    —      3,790    —   
Net loans receivable   343,378    345,262    —      339,284    5,978 
Accrued interest   2,267    2,267    2,267    —      —   
Financial liabilities:                         
Non-interest bearing demand  $111,198   $111,198   $—     $111,198   $—   
NOW and money market
accounts
   174,224    174,224    —      174,224    —   
Savings   51,134    51,134    —      51,134    —   
Time deposits   160,515    161,623    —      161,623    —   
Total deposits   497,071    498,179    —      498,179    —   
Federal Home Loan Bank
Advances
   43,325    47,011    —      47,011    —   
Short term borrowings   18,634    18,634    —      18,634    —   
Junior subordinated debentures   15,464    15,464    —      15,464    —   
Accrued interest payable   694    694    694    —      —   

 

29
 

Note 6 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments - continued

 

The following tables summarize quantitative disclosures about the fair value for each category of assets carried at fair value as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 that are measured on a recurring basis. There were no liabilities carried at fair value as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013 that are measured on a recurring basis.

 

Description  March 31, 2014  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Available for sale securities                    
Government sponsored enterprises  $3,329   $—     $3,329   $—   
Mortgage-backed securities   146,857    —      146,857    —   
Small Business Administration securities   56,408    —      56,408    —   
State and local government   44,335    —      44,335    —   
Corporate and other securities   2,304    827    1,060    417 
               Total  $253,233   $827   $251,989   $417 

 

Description  December 31, 2013  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Available for sale securities                    
Government sponsored enterprises  $3,246   $—     $3,246   $—   
Mortgage-backed securities   119,676    —      119,676    —   
Small Business Administration securities   56,120    —      56,120    —   
State and local government   42,998    —      42,998    —   
Corporate and other securities   2,315    818    1,080    417 
               Total  $224,355   $818   $223,120   $417 

 

30
 

Note 6 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments - continued

 

The following table reconciles the changes in Level 3 financial instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 that are measured on a recurring basis.

 

   2013  2014
(Dollars in thousands)  Interest rate
Swap
  Corporate Preferred Stock  Corporate Preferred Stock
Beginning Balance  $(338)  $417   $417 
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings   —      —      —   
                
Included in other comprehensive income   —      —      —   
                
Purchases, issuances, and settlements   84    —      —   
                
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3   —      —      —   
Ending Balance  $(254)  $417   $417 

 

The following tables summarize quantitative disclosures about the fair value for each category of assets carried at fair value as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 that are measured on a non-recurring basis.

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
Description  March 31,
2014
  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Impaired loans:                    
  Commercial & Industrial  $65   $—     $—     $65 
  Real estate:                    
    Mortgage-residential   952    —      —      952 
    Mortgage-commercial   7,332    —      —      7,332 
  Consumer:                    
    Home equity   71    —      —      71 
    Other   9    —      —      9 
      Total impaired   8,429    —      —      8,429 
Other real estate owned:                    
  Construction   301    —      —      301 
  Mortgage-residential   168    —      —      168 
  Mortgage-commercial   2,678    —      —      2,678 
      Total other real estate owned   3,147    —      —      3,147 
Total  $11,576   $—     $—     $11,576 

 

31
 

Note 6 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments - continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
Description  December 31,
2013
  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Impaired loans:                    
  Commercial & Industrial  $76   $—     $—     $76 
  Real estate:                    
    Mortgage-residential   947    —      —      947 
    Mortgage-commercial   4,834    —      —      4,834 
  Consumer:                    
    Home equity   109    —      —      109 
    Other   12    —      —      12 
      Total impaired   5,978    —      —      5,978 
Other real estate owned:                    
  Construction   301    —      —      301 
  Mortgage-residential   168    —      —      168 
  Mortgage-commercial   2,901    —      —      2,901 
      Total other real estate owned   3,370    —      —      3,370 
Total  $9,348   $—     $—     $9,348 

 

The Company has a large percentage of loans with real estate serving as collateral. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are primarily valued on a nonrecurring basis at the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral. Such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be Level 3 inputs. Third party appraisals are generally obtained when a loan is identified as being impaired or at the time it is transferred to OREO. This internal process consists of evaluating the underlying collateral to independently obtained comparable properties. With respect to less complex or smaller credits, an internal evaluation may be performed. Generally the independent and internal evaluations are updated annually. Factors considered in determining the fair value include geographic sales trends, the value of comparable surrounding properties as well as the condition of the property. The aggregate amount of impaired loans was $8.4 million and $6.0 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

32
 

Note 6 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments - continued

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Fair Value as of
March 31, 2014
  Valuation Technique  Significant Observable Inputs  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Preferred stock  $417   Estimation based on comparable non-listed securities  Comparable transactions  n/a
OREO  $3,147   Appraisal Value/Comparison Sales/Other estimates  Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties  Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost
Impaired loans  $8,429   Appraisal Value  Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties  Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Fair Value as of December 31, 2013  Valuation Technique  Significant Observable Inputs  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Preferred stock  $417   Estimation based on comparable non-listed securities  Comparable transactions  n/a
OREO  $3,370   Appraisal Value/Comparison Sales/Other estimates  Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties  Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost
Impaired loans  $5,978   Appraisal Value  Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties  Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost

 

Note 7 — Mergers and Acquisitions – Savannah River Financial Corporation

 

On February 1, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Savannah River Financial Corporation (“Savannah River”), of Augusta, Georgia, the bank holding company for Savannah River Banking Company (“SRBC”), in a cash and stock transaction. The total purchase price was approximately $33.5 million, consisting of $19.8 million in cash and 1,274,200 shares of our common stock valued at $13.7 million based on a provision in the merger agreement that 60% of the outstanding shares of Savannah River common stock be exchanged for cash and 40% of the outstanding shares of Savannah River common stock be exchanged for shares of the Company’s common stock. The value of the Company’s common stock issued was determined based on the closing price of the common stock on January 31, 2014 as reported by NASDAQ, which was $10.76. Savannah River common shareholders received 1.0618 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for each share of Savannah River common stock, or $11.00 per share, subject to the limitations discussed above. The Company issued 1,274,200 shares of its common stock in connection with the merger.

 

The Savannah River transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to a year.

 

33
 

Note 7 — Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

 

The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of February 1, 2014 as recorded by the Company on the acquisition date and initial fair value adjustments.

 

   As Recorded by  Fair Value  As Recorded
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Savannah River  Adjustments  by the Company
Assets               
Cash and cash equivalents  $8,451   $—     $8,451 
Investment securities   23,014    126(a)   23,140 
Loans   109,532    (3,016)(b)   106,516 
Premises and equipment   7,695    473(c)   8,168 
Intangible assets   —      1,182(d)   1,182 
Bank owned life insurance   3,158    —      3,158 
Other assets   1,839    (248)(e)   1,591 
Total assets  $153,689   $(1,483)  $152,206 
                
Liabilities               
Deposits:               
Noninterest-bearing  $11,045   $—     $11,045 
Interest-bearing   102,891    211(f)   103,102 
Total deposits   113,936    211    114,147 
FHLB advances   8,684    22(g)   8,706 
Other liabilities   345    —      345 
Total liabilities   122,965    233    123,198 
Net identifiable assets acquired over (under) liabilities assumed   30,724    (1,716)   29,008 
Goodwill   —      4,507    4,507 
Net assets acquired over liabilities assumed  $30,724   $2,791   $33,515 
                
Consideration:               
First Community Corporation common shares issued   1,274,200           
Purchase price per share of the Company’s common stock  $10.76           
   $13,710           
Cash exchanged for stock and fractional shares   19,805           
Fair value of total consideration transferred  $33,515           

 


Explanation of fair value adjustments

(a)—Adjustment reflects marking the securities portfolio to fair value as of the acquisition date.

(b)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired loan portfolio. and excludes the allowance for loan losses recorded by Savannah River.

(c)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired premises and equipment.

(d)—Adjustment reflects the recording of the core deposit intangible on the acquired deposit accounts.

(e)—Adjustment reflects the deferred tax adjustment related to fair value adjustments at 34%.

(f)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment on interest-bearing deposits.

(g)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment on FHLB Advances which was equal to the prepayment fee paid to pay-off the FHLB Advances upon consummation of the merger.

 

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Note 7 — Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

 

The operating results of the Company for the period ended March 31, 2014 include the operating results of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities for the 59 days subsequent to the acquisition date of February 1, 2014. Merger-related charges of $420 thousand are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and include incremental costs related to closing the acquisition, including legal, accounting and auditing, investment banker, travel, printing, supplies and other costs. Additional merger related costs of $539 thousand were included in the consolidated statement of income of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

The following table discloses the impact of the merger with Savannah River (excluding the impact of merger-related expenses) since the acquisition on February 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if Savannah River had been acquired on January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2013. These results combine the historical results of Savannah River in the Company’s consolidated statement of income and, while certain adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity, they are not indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2014 or January 1, 2013.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Actual since Acquisition (February 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014)  Pro Forma Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  Pro Forma Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
          
Total revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income)  $5,135   $7,890   $7,953 
Net income  $795   $1,311   $1,287 

 

Note 8 – Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements.  Nonrecognized subsequent events are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date.  Management has reviewed events occurring through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and no subsequent events occurred requiring accrual or disclosure.

 

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

 

This report contains statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other matters, the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business of our Company. Forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors which are beyond our control. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “assume,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “goal,” and “estimate,” as well as similar expressions, are meant to identify such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the following:

 

·credit losses as a result of, among other potential factors, declining real estate values, increasing interest rates, increasing unemployment, changes in payment behavior or other factors;
·the amount of our loan portfolio collateralized by real estate and weaknesses in the real estate market;
·restrictions or conditions imposed by our regulators on our operations;
·the adequacy of the level of our allowance for loan losses and the amount of loan loss provisions required in future periods;
·expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the acquisition of Savannah River may not be fully realized;
·examinations by our regulatory authorities, including the possibility that the regulatory authorities may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for loan losses or write-down assets;
·reduced earnings due to higher other-than-temporary impairment charges resulting from additional decline in the value of our securities portfolio, specifically as a result of increasing default rates, and loss severities on the underlying real estate collateral;
·increases in competitive pressure in the banking and financial services industries;
·changes in the interest rate environment which could reduce anticipated or actual margins;
·changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment, including governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry;
·general economic conditions resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality;
·changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;
·changes in access to funding or increased regulatory requirements with regard to funding;
·increased cybersecurity risk, including potential business disruptions or financial losses;
·changes in deposit flows;

 

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·changes in technology;
·changes in monetary and tax policies;
·changes in accounting policies and practices;
·the rate of delinquencies and amounts of loans charged-off;
·the rate of loan growth in recent years and the lack of seasoning of a portion of our loan portfolio;
·our ability to maintain appropriate levels of capital, including levels of capital required under the capital rules implementing Basel III;
·our ability to attract and retain key personnel;
·our ability to retain our existing clients, including our deposit relationships;
·adverse changes in asset quality and resulting credit risk-related losses and expenses;
·loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions resulting from terrorist activities; and
·other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, our results could differ materially from those expressed, implied or projected by us in such forward-looking statements. For additional information with respect to factors that could cause actual results to differ from the expectations stated in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We urge investors to consider all of these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this document and we do not intend, and assume no obligation, to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those expressed, implied or projected by the forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

The following discussion describes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and also analyzes our financial condition as of March 31, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013. Like most community banks, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments. Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits. Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

 

There are risks inherent in all loans, so we maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. We establish and maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings. In the following section we have included a discussion of this process, as well as several tables describing our allowance for loan losses and the allocation of this allowance among our various categories of loans.

 

In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other expenses we charge to our customers. We describe the various components of this non-interest income, as well as our non-interest expense, in the following discussion.

 

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The following discussion and analysis identifies significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements. We encourage you to read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes and the other statistical information also included in this report.

 

Recent Events

 

On February 1, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Savannah River and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SRBC. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Savannah River shareholders received either $11.00 in cash or 1.0618 shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, for each Savannah River share they owned immediately prior to the merger, subject to the limitation that 60% of the outstanding shares of Savannah River common stock were exchanged for cash and 40% of the outstanding shares of Savannah River common stock were exchanged for shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company issued 1,274,200 shares of common stock in connection with the merger. These shares were outstanding for 65.6% of the days in the quarter. Total intangibles, including goodwill of $4.5 million and a core deposit premium of $1.2 million, were recorded in conjunction with the acquisition (See Note 7 “Mergers and Acquisition” to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with general practices within the banking industry in the preparation of our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in the footnotes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2014 and our notes included in the consolidated financial statements in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC.

 

Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by us that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. We consider these accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgment and assumptions we use are based on historical experience and other factors, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgment and assumptions we make, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates that could have a material impact on the carrying values of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

We believe the allowance for loan losses is the critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgment and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Some of the more critical judgments supporting the amount of our allowance for loan losses include judgments about the credit worthiness of borrowers, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, the assumptions about cash flow, determination of loss factors for estimating credit losses, the impact of current events, and conditions, and other factors impacting the level of probable inherent losses. Under different conditions or using different assumptions, the actual amount of credit losses incurred by us may be different from management’s estimates provided in our consolidated financial statements. Refer to the portion of this discussion that addresses our allowance for loan losses for a more complete discussion of our processes and methodology for determining our allowance for loan losses.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the balance of goodwill was $5.1 million and $571 thousand, respectively. This increase in goodwill was due to the acquisition of Savannah River in the first quarter of 2014 which added $4.5 million in additional goodwill. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. Qualitative factors are assessed to first determine if it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the carrying value of goodwill is less than fair value. These qualitative factors include but are not limited to overall deterioration in general economic conditions, industry and market conditions, and overall financial performance. If determined that it is more likely than not that there has been a deterioration in the fair value of the carrying value than the first of a two-step process would be performed. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment.

 

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If required, the second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted. Management has determined that the Company has one reporting unit.

 

Core deposit intangibles consist of costs that resulted from the acquisition of deposits from Savannah River. Core deposit intangibles represent the estimated value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in this transaction. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the deposit accounts acquired on a method that we believe reasonably approximates the anticipated benefit stream from the accounts. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness.

 

Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

 

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in our consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related to differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of certain assets and liabilities, including available-for-sale securities, allowance for loan losses, write downs of OREO properties, accumulated depreciation, net operating loss carry forwards, accretion income, deferred compensation, intangible assets, and pension plan and post-retirement benefits. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. We file a consolidated federal income tax return for the Bank. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we were in a net deferred tax asset position.

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

 

We evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis. Consideration is given to (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) the outlook for receiving the contractual cash flows of the investments, (4) the anticipated outlook for changes in the general level of interest rates, and (5) our intent and ability to retain our investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

Business Combinations, Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired

 

We account for acquisitions under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk.

 

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Acquired credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality, found in FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Receivables—Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Loans acquired in business combinations with evidence of credit deterioration are considered impaired. Loans acquired through business combinations that do not meet the specific criteria of FASB ASC Topic 310-30, but for which a discount is attributable, at least in part to credit quality, are also accounted for under this guidance. Certain acquired loans, including performing loans and revolving lines of credit (consumer and commercial), are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-20, where the discount is accreted through earnings based on estimated cash flows over the estimated life of the loan.

 

Comparison of Results of Operations for Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

 

Net Income

 

As noted above, our acquisition of Savannah River was closed on February 1, 2014. Therefore, the results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 include the impact of this acquisition from February 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014. Our net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $862 thousand or $0.14 diluted earnings per common share, as compared to $1.0 million or $0.20 diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in net income between the two periods is primarily due to $420 thousand in merger expenses related to our acquisition of Savannah River. Net interest income increased $1.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period 2013. Non-interest expense in the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $1.2 million as compared to the same period in 2013. Both of these fluctuations are primarily a result of the impact of the Savannah River acquisition. Average earning assets increased by $109.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. Average earning assets were $671.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to $562.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis increased to 3.40% during the first quarter of 2014 as compared to 3.15% during the first quarter of 2013.

 

Net Interest Income

 

Please refer to the table at the end of this Item 2 for the yield and rate data for interest-bearing balance sheet components during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, along with average balances and the related interest income and interest expense amounts.

 

Net interest income was $5.5 million and $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest rates over the last several years have remained at historically low levels and continued this trend in the first quarter of 2014. Our tax equivalent net interest margin increased by 25 basis points from 3.15% at March 31, 2013 to 3.40% at March 31, 2014. The yield on earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 3.87% and 3.81%, respectively. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities during the first three months of 2014 was 0.68% as compared to 0.90% in the same period of 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, loans averaged 61.9% of average earning assets as compared to 60.1% in the same period of 2013. The yield on loans decreased 27 basis points in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. This was offset by an increase on the yield on securities of 47 basis points in comparing the same two periods. The overall yield on securities increased due to a significant slowdown in prepayment rates in the MBS portfolio. As a result, the related premiums on these securities are amortized over a longer time period. The continued focus and resulting shift in our deposit funding mix has allowed us to lower our overall cost of funds. During the first quarter of 2014, deposit account funding, excluding time deposits, represented 70.2% of total average deposits. For the first quarter of 2013, funding from these lower cost deposit sources represented 61.8% of total deposits on average. The continued improvement in the overall mix of our funding sources resulted in the reduction of our cost of funds during the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.

 

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Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses was $4.2 million, or .94%, and $4.2 million, or 1.21%, of total loans (excluding loans held for sale), respectively. No allowance for loan losses related to the Savannah River acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk. Loans acquired were recorded at the acquisition date fair value, which was based on expected cash flows and included an estimation of expected future loan losses for the purchased credit-impaired loans, including principal and interest. Under current accounting principles, information regarding our estimate of loan fair values may be adjusted for a period of up to one year as we continue to refine our estimate of expected future cash flows in the acquired portfolio. At March 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses plus the fair value adjustment related to credit as a percentage of total loans (excluding loans held for sale) was 1.36%. Our provision for loan losses was $150 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. This provision is made based on our assessment of general loan loss risk and asset quality. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Our judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on a number of assumptions about future events, which we believe to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. Our determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans, the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio, the experience ability and depth of lending personnel, economic conditions (local and national) that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans, our historical loan loss experience, and a review of specific problem loans. We also consider subjective issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity of problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight, and concentrations of credit. Periodically, we adjust the amount of the allowance based on changing circumstances. We charge recognized losses to the allowance and add subsequent recoveries back to the allowance for loan losses.

 

We perform an analysis quarterly to assess the risk within the loan portfolio. The portfolio is segregated into similar risk components for which historical loss ratios are calculated and adjusted for identified changes in current portfolio characteristics. Historical loss ratios are calculated by product type and by regulatory credit risk classification (See Note 4– Loans). The annualized weighted average loss ratios over the last 24 months for loans classified substandard, special mention and pass have been approximately 2.94%, 2.03% and 0.07%, respectively. The allowance consists of an allocated and unallocated allowance. The allocated portion is determined by types and ratings of loans within the portfolio. The unallocated portion of the allowance is established for losses that exist in the remainder of the portfolio and compensates for uncertainty in estimating the loan losses. As a result of the economic downturn beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2013, real estate values have been dramatically impacted. With our loan portfolio consisting of a large percentage of real estate secured loans we, like most financial institutions, continue to experience higher delinquencies and problem loans from pre 2008 historical levels. Non-performing assets were $12.8 million (2.16% of total assets) at December 31, 2011, $8.8 million (1.45% of total assets) at December 31, 2012, and $8.8 million (1.39% of total assets) at December 31, 2013. We believe these ratios are favorable in comparison to current industry results nationally and specifically in our local markets. As noted below in the “Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses” table, the unallocated portion of the allowance as a percentage of the total allowance has grown over the last several years. The allocated portion of the allowance is based on historical loss experience as well as certain qualitative factors as explained above. The qualitative factors have been established based on certain assumptions made as a result of the current economic conditions and are adjusted as conditions change to be directionally consistent with these changes. The unallocated portion of the allowance is composed of factors based on management’s evaluation of various conditions that are not directly measured in the estimation of probable losses through the experience formula or specific allowances. The unallocated allowance of the portfolio is primarily identified through discussions with senior credit management and through consideration of various portfolio specifics and other uncertainties outside of our markets that could impact the risk inherent in the portfolio. These include factors such as uncertainty as to a sustainable economic recovery, ongoing global economic conditions and sustained levels of high national unemployment. Given these uncertainties in economic conditions and particularly real estate valuations, we do not believe it would be prudent to reduce substantially the overall level of our allowance at this time. The unallocated portion as a percentage of the loan portfolio has grown recently, primarily as a result of higher historical loss periods dropping out of our overall analysis accompanied by a relatively flat loan portfolio. As economic conditions show sustainable improvement, we believe the unallocated portion of the allowance should decrease as a percentage of the total allowance. In the near term, however, this percentage may continue to increase slightly.

 

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Our loan portfolio consists of a large percentage of real estate secured loans. Real estate values continue to be adversely impacted as a result of the economic downturn over the last several years. Impaired values of the underlying real estate collateral as well as continued slowdown in both residential and commercial real estate sales impacts our ability to sell collateral upon foreclosure, and there is a risk that this trend will continue.  The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended.  If real estate values decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for loan losses.  If during a period of reduced real estate values we are required to liquidate the property collateralizing a loan to satisfy the debt or to increase the allowance for loan losses, it could materially reduce our profitability and adversely affect our financial condition.  

 

Non-performing assets were $11.1 million (1.40% of total assets) at March 31, 2014 as compared to $8.8 million (1.39% of total assets) at December 31, 2013. The increase in non-performing assets results primarily from one credit that had previously been identified as a potential problem loan being placed in non-accrual status. This $2.3 million loan is secured by a residential subdivision and commercial real estate. While we believe the non-performing assets to total assets ratios are favorable in comparison to current industry results (both nationally and locally), we continue to be concerned about the impact of this economic environment on our customer base of local businesses and professionals. There were 48 loans, totaling $8.0 million, included in non-performing status (non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days and still accruing) at March 31, 2014. The largest non-performing loan is the $2.3 million loan discussed above. The average balance of the remaining 47 loans is approximately $121 thousand and the majority of these loans are secured by first mortgage liens. At the time the loans are placed in non-accrual status, we typically obtain an updated appraisal and, if the loan balance exceeds fair value, write the balance down to the fair value. At March 31, 2014, we had loans totaling $2.6 million that were delinquent 30 days to 89 days representing 0.59% of total loans.

 

Our management continuously monitors non-performing, classified and past due loans to identify deterioration regarding the condition of these loans. We have identified three loan relationships in the aggregate amount of $1.7 million that are current as to principal and interest and not included in non-performing assets that could represent potential problem loans. These balances are included as substandard loans in Note 4 of the financial statements.

 

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The following table summarizes the activity related to our allowance for loan losses:

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Three Month Ended
   March 31,
   2014  2013
       
Average loans outstanding (including loans held for sale)  $415,785   $337,923 
Loans outstanding at period end  $443,868   $333,720 
Non-performing assets:          
     Nonaccrual loans  $7,865   $5,388 
     Loans 90 days past due still accruing   126    325 
     Foreclosed real estate   3,147    3,317 
     Repossessed-other   —      17 
Total non-performing assets  $11,138   $9,047 
           
Beginning balance of allowance  $4,219   $4,621 
Loans charged-off:          
  Construction and development   —      —   
  1-4 family residential mortgage   35    4 
   Non-residential real estate   187    235 
  Home equity   —      42 
  Commercial   —      7 
  Installment & credit card   8    26 
     Total loans charged-off   230    314 
Recoveries:          
  1-4 family residential mortgage   1    61 
  Non-residential real estate   —      —   
  Home equity   —      —   
  Commercial   17    11 
  Installment & credit card   4    5 
     Total recoveries   22    77 
Net loan charge offs (recoveries)   208    237 
Provision for loan losses   150    150 
Balance at period end  $4,161   $4,534 
           
Net charge -offs to average loans   .05%   .07%
Allowance as percent of total loans   0.94%   1.36%
Non-performing assets as % of total assets   1.40%   1.45%
Allowance as % of non-performing loans   52.1%   79.4%

 

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The following allocation of the allowance to specific components is not necessarily indicative of future losses or future allocations. The entire allowance is available to absorb losses in the portfolio.

 

Composition of the Allowance for Loan Losses

 

(Dollars in thousands)  March 31,  2014  December 31, 2013
      % of loans in     % of   loans in
   Amount  Category  Amount  Category
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $243    7.8%  $233    5.7%
Real Estate – Construction   163    6.6%   26    5.5%
Real Estate Mortgage:                    
  Commercial   1,024    66.0%   1,117    68.4%
  Residential   256    10.5%   291    10.8%
Consumer:                    
  Home Equity   114    7.1%   112    7.4%
  Other   63    2.0%   80    2.2%
Unallocated   2,298          N/A    2,360    N/A 
Total  $4,161    100.0%  $4,219    100.0%

 

Accrual of interest is discontinued on loans when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts that a borrower’s financial condition is such that the collection of interest is doubtful. A delinquent loan is generally placed in nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days or more past due. At the time a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, all interest, which has been accrued on the loan but remains unpaid is reversed and deducted from earnings as a reduction of reported interest income. No additional interest is accrued on the loan balance until the collection of both principal and interest becomes reasonably certain.

 

Non-interest Income and Non-interest Expense

 

Non-interest income during the first quarter of 2014 was $1.9 million as compared to $2.1 million during the same period in 2013. Mortgage banking income decreased $396 thousand. This decrease is a result of a slowdown in mortgage loan activity that began in the second half of 2013. The slowdown resulted from an increase in mortgage loan interest rates during this period that significantly impacted refinancing activity, and this slowdown has carried into 2014. Although the level of purchase money activity has increased as a percentage of total production it has not been enough to offset the decline in refinancing activity. Commissions on the sale of non-deposit investment products increased by $59 thousand in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. During the last quarter of 2013, we added one new investment advisor to our financial planning unit.

 

Total non-interest expense increased by $1.2 million, or 25%, during the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the same quarter in 2013. Salary and benefit expense increased $432 thousand from $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2013 to $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2014. At March 31, 2014, we had 185 full time equivalent employees as compared to 163 at March 31, 2013. This increase in number of full time equivalent employees results from the employees that were added in connection with the acquisition of Savannah River. Occupancy expense and equipment expense increased $67 thousand and $56 thousand, respectively, as compared to the first quarter of 2013, and both are a direct result of the Savannah River merger. Marketing and public relations expense increased to $161 thousand in the first quarter of 2014 from $93 thousand in the first quarter of 2013. The timing of a media campaign in the first quarter of 2014 resulted in increased marketing cost as compared to the same period of 2013. During the first quarter of 2014, we incurred merger-related expenses in conjunction with the Savannah River acquisition of $420 thousand. We do not expect merger expenses related to Savannah River to impact future quarters. There were no merger expenses in 2013.

 

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The following is a summary of the components of other non-interest expense:

 

(In thousands)  Three months ended
   March 31,
   2014  2013
Data processing  $116   $100 
Supplies   30    25 
Telephone   87    86 
Courier   19    14 
Correspondent services   45    48 
Insurance   66    59 
Postage   45    48 
Professional fees   159    133 
Loss on limited partnership interest   46    42 
Director fees   101    72 
Shareholder expense   49    32 
Other   202    172 
   $965   $831 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective tax rate was 27.9% and 26.1% in the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. As a result of our current level of tax exempt securities in our investment portfolio, our effective tax rate is expected to remain at 26.5% to 28.0% throughout the remainder of 2014.

 

Financial Position

 

Assets totaled $797.9 million at March 31, 2014 as compared to $633.3 million at December 31, 2013, an increase of $164.6 million. The acquisition of Savannah River added $152.2 million in total assets at fair value during the first quarter of 2014. Loans (excluding loans held for sale) at March 31, 2014 were $443.9 million as compared to $347.6 million at December 31, 2013. Organic loans (loans not acquired from the Savannah River acquisition) decreased by approximately $10.2 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2014. Although organic loan production was $16.8 million during the first quarter of 2014, this did not overcome some anticipated and significant loan payoffs. Total loans at fair value acquired in the acquisition of Savannah River amounted to $106.5 million. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, loans (excluding loans held for sale) accounted for 61.0% and 58.9% of earning assets, respectively. The loan-to-deposit ratio at March 31, 2014 was 68.4% as compared to 70.7% at December 31, 2013. Investment securities increased to $255.5 million at March 31, 2014 from $227.0 million at December 31, 2013. We acquired $23.1 million in securities at fair value as result of the Savannah River acquisition. Most of these securities were sold subsequent to the closing of the transaction. The increase in the investment portfolio during the first quarter of 2014 was funded by an organic increase in deposits of $43.2 million. A continued focus on growing pure deposits (deposits less time deposits) resulted in an organic increase in these balances of $50.8 million in the first quarter of 2014. Deposits were $654.4 million at March 31, 2014 as compared to $497.0 million at December 31, 2013. One of our goals as a community bank has been, and continues to be, to grow our assets through quality loan growth by providing credit to small and mid-size businesses and individuals within the markets we serve. Loan production and portfolio growth rates continue to be impacted by the current economic recession as borrowers are less inclined to leverage their corporate and personal balance sheets. However, we remain committed to meeting the credit needs of our local markets. A continuation of the slow recovery from recessionary national and local economic conditions as well as deterioration of asset quality within our Company could significantly impact our ability to grow our loan portfolio.

 

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The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio by category:

 

(In thousands)  March 31,  December 31,
   2014  2013
   Amount  Percent  Amount  Percent
             
Commercial, financial & agricultural  $34,860    7.8%  $19,925    5.7%
Real estate:                    
   Construction   29,112    6.5%   18,933    5.5%
   Mortgage – residential   46,810    10.5%   37,579    68.4%
   Mortgage – commercial   292,995    66.0%   237,701    10.8%
Consumer:                    
   Home Equity   31,378    7.1%   25,659    7.4%
   Other   8,713    2.0%   7,800    2.2%
Total gross loans   443,868    100.0%   347,597    100.0%
Allowance for loan losses   (4,161)        (4,219)     
     Total net loans  $439,707        $343,378      

 

In the context of this discussion, a real estate mortgage loan is defined as any loan, other than loans for construction purposes and advances on home equity lines of credit, secured by real estate, regardless of the purpose of the loan. Advances on home equity lines of credit are included in consumer loans. We follow the common practice of financial institutions in our market areas of obtaining a security interest in real estate whenever possible, in addition to any other available collateral. This collateral is taken to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan and tends to increase the magnitude of the real estate loan components. Generally we limit the loan-to-value ratio to 80%.

 

Market Risk Management

 

The effective management of market risk is essential to achieving our strategic financial objectives. Our most significant market risk is interest rate risk. We have established an Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) to monitor and manage interest rate risk. The ALCO monitors and manages the pricing and maturity of assets and liabilities in order to diminish the potential adverse impact that changes in interest rates could have on net interest income. The ALCO has established policy guidelines and strategies with respect to interest rate risk exposure and liquidity.

 

A monitoring technique employed by the ALCO is the measurement of interest sensitivity “gap,” which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time. Also, asset/liability simulation modeling is performed to assess the impact varying interest rates and balance sheet mix assumptions will have on net interest income. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets or liabilities, selling securities available-for-sale, replacing an asset or liability at maturity or by adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability. Managing the amount of assets and liabilities repricing in the same time interval helps to hedge the risk and minimize the impact on net interest income of rising or falling interest rates.

 

We are currently liability sensitive within one year. However, neither the “gap” analysis nor asset/liability modeling is a precise indicator of our interest sensitivity position due to the many factors that affect net interest income, including changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is also impacted by other significant factors, including changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Through simulation modeling, we monitor the effect that an immediate and sustained change in interest rates of 100 basis points and 200 basis points up and down will have on net interest income over the next twelve months.

 

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Based on the many factors and assumptions used in simulating the effect of changes in interest rates, the following table estimates the percentage change in net interest income at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 over twelve months.

 

Net Interest Income Sensitivity

 

Change in short term interest rates   Hypothetical
percentage change in
net interest income
     March 31, 2014   December 31, 2013
+200bp     2.78 %     2.54 %  
+100bp     1.22 %     1.22 %  
Flat              
-100bp     -5.55 %     -6.23 %  
-200bp     -11.32 %     -11.05 %  

 

The significant decrease in net interest income in a down 200 basis point environment primarily results from the current level of interest rates being paid on our interest bearing transaction accounts as well as money market accounts. The interest rates on these accounts are at a level where they cannot be repriced in proportion to the change in interest rates. The increase and decrease of 100 and 200 basis points assume a simultaneous and parallel change in interest rates along the entire yield curve. At the current historically low interest rate levels, we believe that a downward shift of 200 basis points across the entire yield curve is unlikely.

 

We also perform a valuation analysis projecting future cash flows from assets and liabilities to determine the Present Value of Equity (PVE) over a range of changes in market interest rates. The sensitivity of PVE to changes in interest rates is a measure of the sensitivity of earnings over a longer time horizon. At March 31, 2014, the PVE exposure in a plus 200 basis point increase in market interest rates was estimated to be 0.71% as compared to (3.3%) at December 31, 2013.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We believe our liquidity remains adequate to meet operating and loan funding requirements. Interest-bearing bank balances, federal funds sold, and investment securities available-for-sale represent 34.7% of total assets at March 31, 2014. We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits along with continued growth in this deposit base will enable us to meet our long-term and short-term liquidity needs successfully. These needs include the ability to respond to short-term demand for funds caused by the withdrawal of deposits, maturity of repurchase agreements, extensions of credit and the payment of operating expenses. Other sources of liquidity, in addition to deposit gathering activities, include maturing loans and investments, purchase of federal funds from other financial institutions and selling securities under agreements to repurchase. We monitor closely the level of large certificates of deposits in amounts of $100 thousand or more as they tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes and, thus, less reliable sources of funding for liquidity purposes. At March 31, 2014, the amount of certificates of deposits of $100 thousand or more represented 11.5% of total deposits. These deposits are issued to local customers many of whom have other product relationships with the Bank. At March 31, 2014, we had brokered CDs in the amount of $2.4 million which were acquired in the Savannah River acquisition.

 

Through the operations of our Bank, we have made contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money to our customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time. At March 31, 2014, we had issued commitments to extend credit of $66.1 million, including $29.8 million in unused home equity lines of credit, through various types of lending arrangements. We evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial and residential real estate. We manage the credit risk on these commitments by subjecting them to normal underwriting and risk management processes.

 

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Other than as described elsewhere in this report, we are not aware of any trends, events or uncertainties that we expect to result in a significant adverse effect on our liquidity position. However, no assurances can be given in this regard, as rapid growth, deterioration in loan quality, and poor earnings, or a combination of these factors, could change the liquidity position in a relatively short period of time.

 

The Company has generally maintained a high level of liquidity and adequate capital, which along with continued retained earnings, we believe will be sufficient to fund the operations of the Bank for at least the next 12 months. Shareholders’ equity was 8.6% and 8.3% of total assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Bank maintains federal funds purchased lines in the total amount of $20.0 million with two financial institutions, although these were not utilized in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, the Bank has a repo line in the amount of $10.0 million with another financial institution. Specific investment securities would be pledged if and when we were to utilize the line. The FHLB of Atlanta has approved a line of credit of up to 25% of the Bank’s assets, which would be collateralized by a pledge against specific investment securities and/or eligible loans. We regularly review the liquidity position of the Company and have implemented internal policies establishing guidelines for sources of asset based liquidity and evaluate and monitor the total amount of purchased funds used to support the balance sheet and funding from noncore sources. We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits along with continued growth in this deposit base will enable us to meet our long term liquidity needs successfully.

 

The Federal Reserve Board and bank regulatory agencies require bank holding companies and financial institutions to maintain capital at adequate levels based on a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 100%. Under the capital adequacy guidelines, regulatory capital is classified into two tiers. These guidelines require an institution to maintain a certain level of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets. Tier 1 capital consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, minus certain intangible assets. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100% based on the risks believed to be inherent in the type of asset. Tier 2 capital consists of Tier 1 capital plus the general reserve for loan losses, subject to certain limitations. We are also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on total average assets, which is known as the Tier 1 leverage ratio. At both the holding company and bank level, we are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. To be considered “well capitalized,” we must maintain total risk-based capital of at least 10%, Tier 1 capital of at least 6%, and a leverage ratio of at least 5%. Generally, to be considered adequately capitalized, the FDIC and Federal Reserve regulatory capital guidelines for Tier 1 capital, total capital and leverage capital ratios are 4.0%, 8.0% and 4.0%, respectively.

 

The Bank’s risk-based capital ratios of leverage ratio, Tier 1, and total capital were 10.1%, 14.8%, and 15.6%, respectively, at March 31, 2014 as compared to 10.3%, 16.8%, and 17.9%, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The Company’s risk-based capital ratios of leverage ratio, Tier 1, and total capital were 10.7%, 15.7%, and 16.5%, respectively at March 31, 2014 as compared to 10.8%, 17.6% and 18.7%, respectively at December 31, 2013. Our management anticipates that the Bank and the Company will remain a well capitalized institution for at least the next 12 months.

 

Since the Company is a bank holding company, its ability to declare and pay dividends is dependent on certain federal and state regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve Board’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. In addition, under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

 

48
 

In addition, since the Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and does not conduct stand-alone operations, its ability to pay dividends depends on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to it, which is also subject to regulatory restrictions. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina State banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions. The FDIC also has the authority under federal law to enjoin a bank from engaging in what in its opinion constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting its business, including the payment of a dividend under certain circumstances.

 

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC approved final rules to implement the Basel III regulatory capital reforms among other changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The rules will apply to all national and state banks, such as the Bank, and savings associations and most bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies, such as the Company, which we collectively refer to herein as covered banking organizations. Bank holding companies with less than $500 million in total consolidated assets are not subject to the final rule, nor are savings and loan holding companies substantially engaged in commercial activities or insurance underwriting. The framework requires covered banking organizations to hold more and higher quality capital, which acts as a financial cushion to absorb losses, taking into account the impact of risk. The approved rules include a new minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% as well as a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. The rules also raise the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4% to 6% and include a minimum leverage ratio of 4% for all covered banking institutions. In terms of quality of capital, the final rules emphasize common equity tier 1 capital and implement strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments. The rules also change the methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity. The changes begin to take effect for the Company and the Bank in January 2015. The ultimate impact of the new capital standards on the Company and the Bank is currently being reviewed.

 

49
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Yields on Average Earning Assets and Rates on Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

   Three months ended March 31, 2014  Three months ended March 31, 2013
   Average  Interest  Yield/  Average  Interest  Yield/
   Balance  Earned/Paid  Rate  Balance  Earned/Paid  Rate
Assets                              
Earning assets                              
  Loans  $415,785   $5,080    4.96%  $337,923   $4,361    5.23%
  Securities:   234,966    1,300    2.24%   208,204    907    1.77%
  Other short-term investments   20,832    23    0.45%   15,970    15    0.38%
        Total earning assets   671,583    6,403    3.87%   562,097    5,283    3.81%
Cash and due from banks   9,915              8,572           
Premises and equipment   24,946              17,222           
Intangibles   4,291              706           
Other assets   26,228              22,164           
Allowance for loan losses   (4,236)             (4,666)          
       Total assets  $732,727             $606,095           
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
  Interest-bearing transaction accounts   124,029    38    0.12%   95,237    29    0.12%
  Money market accounts   116,326    66    0.23%   60,976    35    0.23%
  Savings deposits   50,191    14    0.11%   42,589    11    0.10%
  Time deposits   174,384    311    0.72%   182,116    438    0.98%
  Other borrowings   77,435    478    2.50%   69,478    491    2.87%
     Total interest-bearing liabilities   542,365    907    0.68%   450,396    1,004    0.90%
Demand deposits   121,060              95,777           
Other liabilities   5,677              5,397           
Shareholders’ equity   63,625              54,525           
   Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $732,727             $606,095           
                               
                               
Cost of funds including demand deposits             0.55%             0.74%
Net interest spread             3.19%             2.91%
Net interest income/margin       $5,496    3.32%       $4,279    3.06%
Net interest income/margin (taxable equivalent)       $5,637    3.40%       $4,372    3.13%

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of March 31, 2014 from that presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. See the “Market Risk Management” subsection in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II -

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

We are a party to claims and lawsuits arising in the course of normal business activities. Management is not aware of any material pending legal proceedings against the Company which, if determined adversely, the Company believes would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit   Description
   
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer.
   
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer.
   
32 Section 1350 Certifications
   
101 The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

                (REGISTRANT)

       
Date: May 12, 2014 By: /s/ Michael C. Crapps  
    Michael C. Crapps  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  
       
       
Date: May 12, 2014 By:  /s/ Joseph G. Sawyer  
    Joseph G. Sawyer  
    Senior Vice President, Principal Financial Officer  

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit  
Number   Description
   
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer.
   
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer.
   
32 Section 1350 Certifications.
   
101 The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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