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FIRST BANCORP /NC/ - Quarter Report: 2010 March (Form 10-Q)

form10q-108484_fbnc.htm


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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010
______________________

Commission File Number  0-15572

 
FIRST BANCORP
 
 
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 

North Carolina
 
56-1421916
 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
       
341 North Main Street, Troy, North Carolina
 
27371-0508
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
(910)   576-6171
 

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 twelve 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.    T YES     o NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  o YES     o 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.  (Check one)

o Large Accelerated Filer
 
T Accelerated Filer
 
o Non-Accelerated Filer
 
o Smaller Reporting Company
       
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   o YES     T NO

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding on April 30, 2010 was 16,741,255.
 


 
 

 

INDEX
FIRST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES


   
Page
     
Part I.  Financial Information
 
     
Item 1 -
Financial Statements
 
     
 
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
 
8
     
     
9
     
Item 2 –
 
 
27
     
Item 3 –
43
     
Item 4 –
45
     
Part II.  Other Information
 
     
Item 2 –
45
     
Item 6 – 
46
     
47

 
Page 2


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Part I of this report contains statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, which statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements are statements that include projections, predictions, expectations or beliefs about future events or results or otherwise are not statements of historical fact.  Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualifying words (and their derivatives) such as “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” or other statements concerning our opinions or judgment about future events.  Factors that could influence the accuracy of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the financial success or changing strategies of our customers, our level of success in integrating acquisitions, actions of government regulators, the level of market interest rates, and general economic conditions.  For additional information that could affect the matters discussed in this paragraph, see the “Risk Factors” section of our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
Page 3


Part I.  Financial Information
Item 1 - Financial Statements

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

($ in thousands-unaudited)
 
March 31,
2010
   
December 31,
2009 (audited)
   
March 31,
2009
 
                   
ASSETS
                 
Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing
  $ 51,827       60,071       62,760  
Due from banks, interest-bearing
    200,343       283,175       113,493  
Federal funds sold
    2,948       7,626       13,277  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    255,118       350,872       189,530  
                         
Securities available for sale
    169,887       179,755       168,593  
                         
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $44,074, $34,947, and $15,512)
    43,206       34,413       15,600  
                         
Presold mortgages in process of settlement
    1,494       3,967       5,014  
                         
Loans – non-covered
    2,117,873       2,132,843       2,187,466  
Loans – covered by FDIC loss share agreement
    488,259       520,022        
Total loans
    2,606,132       2,652,865       2,187,466  
Less:  Allowance for loan losses
    (39,690 )     (37,343 )     (31,912 )
Net loans
    2,566,442       2,615,522       2,155,554  
                         
Premises and equipment
    54,009       54,159       52,097  
Accrued interest receivable
    14,122       14,783       12,118  
FDIC loss share receivable
    117,003       143,221        
Goodwill
    65,835       65,835       65,835  
Other intangible assets
    5,182       5,113       1,847  
Other
    100,890       77,716       25,362  
Total assets
  $ 3,393,188       3,545,356       2,691,550  
                         
LIABILITIES
                       
Deposits:   Demand - noninterest-bearing
  $ 282,298       272,422       231,263  
NOW accounts
    313,975       362,366       209,985  
Money market accounts
    537,296       496,940       381,362  
Savings accounts
    155,603       149,338       128,914  
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
    833,537       816,540       603,187  
Other time deposits
    747,843       835,502       584,408  
Total deposits
    2,870,552       2,933,108       2,139,119  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    67,394       64,058       59,293  
Borrowings
    76,695       176,811       182,159  
Accrued interest payable
    2,935       3,054       4,324  
Other liabilities
    29,983       25,942       21,213  
Total liabilities
    3,047,559       3,202,973       2,406,108  
                         
Commitments and contingencies
 
   
   
 
                         
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Preferred stock, no par value per share.  Authorized: 5,000,000 shares
                       
Issued and outstanding:  65,000 shares at March 31, 2010 and 2009
    65,000       65,000       65,000  
Discount on preferred stock
    (3,575 )     (3,789 )     (4,391 )
Common stock, no par value per share.  Authorized: 20,000,000 shares
                       
Issued and outstanding:  16,739,005, 16,722,423, and 16,620,896 shares
    98,440       98,099       96,687  
Common stock warrants
    4,592       4,592       4,592  
Retained earnings
    184,982       182,908       133,762  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (3,810 )     (4,427 )     (10,208 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    345,629       342,383       285,442  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,393,188       3,545,356       2,691,550  

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 
Page 4


First Bancorp and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
($ in thousands, except share data-unaudited)
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
INTEREST INCOME
           
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 38,218       32,552  
Interest on investment securities:
               
Taxable interest income
    1,530       1,780  
Tax-exempt interest income
    354       152  
Other, principally overnight investments
    207       39  
Total interest income
    40,309       34,523  
                 
INTEREST EXPENSE
               
Savings, NOW and money market
    1,864       2,135  
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
    3,472       4,796  
Other time deposits
    3,224       4,494  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    114       196  
Borrowings
    458       792  
Total interest expense
    9,132       12,413  
                 
Net interest income
    31,177       22,110  
Provision for loan losses
    7,623       4,485  
Net interest income after provision
               
for loan losses
    23,554       17,625  
                 
NONINTEREST INCOME
               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    3,465       2,974  
Other service charges, commissions and fees
    1,345       1,121  
Fees from presold mortgages
    372       159  
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products
    422       494  
Data processing fees
    32       29  
Securities gains (losses)
    9       (63 )
Other gains
    49       32  
Total noninterest income
    5,694       4,746  
                 
NONINTEREST EXPENSES
               
Salaries
    8,616       6,467  
Employee benefits
    2,484       2,359  
Total personnel expense
    11,100       8,826  
Net occupancy expense
    1,888       1,088  
Equipment related expenses
    1,139       981  
Intangibles amortization
    215       98  
Other operating expenses
    7,938       4,944  
Total noninterest expenses
    22,280       15,937  
                 
Income before income taxes
    6,968       6,434  
Income taxes
    2,530       2,353  
                 
Net income
    4,438       4,081  
                 
Preferred stock dividends and accretion
    (1,027 )     (941 )
                 
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 3,411       3,140  
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.20       0.19  
Diluted
    0.20       0.19  
                 
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08       0.08  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    16,732,518       16,608,625  
Diluted
    16,763,110       16,617,732  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 5


First Bancorp and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
($ in thousands-unaudited)
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net income
  $ 4,438       4,081  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale:
               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the
               
period, pretax
    895       (3,639 )
Tax (expense) benefit
    (349 )     1,419  
Reclassification to realized (gains) losses
    (9 )     63  
Tax expense (benefit)
    4       (25 )
Postretirement Plans:
               
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss
    117       205  
Tax expense
    (46 )     (80 )
Amortization of prior service cost and transition obligation
    9       9  
Tax expense
    (4 )     (4 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    617       (2,052 )
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 5,055       2,029  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 6


First Bancorp and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except per share –
unaudited)
 
Preferred Stock
   
Preferred Stock Discount
   
Common Stock
   
Common Stock Warrants
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total Share- holders’ Equity
 
           
Shares
   
Amount
                 
                                                 
                                                 
Balances, January 1, 2009
  $
     
      16,574     $ 96,072      
      131,952       (8,156 )     219,868  
                                                                 
Net income
                                            4,081               4,081  
Preferred stock issued
    65,000       (4,592 )                                             60,408  
Common stock warrants issued
                                    4,592                       4,592  
Common stock issued under
                                                               
stock option plans
                    17       140                               140  
Common stock issued into
                                                               
dividend reinvestment plan
                    30       412                               412  
Cash dividends declared ($0.08
                                                               
per common share)
                                            (1,330 )             (1,330 )
Preferred dividends
                                            (740 )             (740 )
Accretion of preferred stock
                                                               
discount
            201                               (201 )              
Tax benefit realized from
                                                               
exercise of nonqualified stock
                                                               
options
                            63                               63  
Other comprehensive income
                                                    (2,052 )     (2,052 )
                                                                 
Balances, March 31, 2009
  $ 65,000       (4,391 )     16,621     $ 96,687       4,592       133,762       (10,208 )     285,442  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Balances, January 1, 2010
  $ 65,000       (3,789 )     16,722     $ 98,099       4,592       182,908       (4,427 )     342,383  
                                                                 
Net income
                                            4,438               4,438  
Common stock issued under
                                                               
stock option plans
                    2       16                               16  
Common stock issued into
                                                               
dividend reinvestment plan
                    15       226                               226  
Cash dividends declared ($0.08
                                                               
per common share)
                                            (1,337 )             (1,337 )
Preferred dividends
                                            (813 )             (813 )
Accretion of preferred stock
                                                               
discount
            214                               (214 )              
Stock-based compensation
                          99                               99  
Other comprehensive income
                                                    617       617  
                                                                 
Balances, March 31, 2010
  $ 65,000       (3,575 )     16,739     $ 98,440       4,592       184,982       (3,810 )     345,629  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 7


First Bancorp and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
($ in thousands-unaudited)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
           
Net income
  $ 4,438       4,081  
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    7,623       4,485  
Net security premium amortization
    472       76  
Net purchase accounting adjustments
    (2,735 )     (267 )
Loss (gain) on securities available for sale
    (9 )     63  
Other gains
    (49 )     (32 )
Increase in net deferred loan costs
    (123 )     (74 )
Depreciation of premises and equipment
    984       863  
Stock-based compensation expense
    99        
Amortization of intangible assets
    215       98  
Origination of presold mortgages in process of settlement
    (17,134 )     (15,135 )
Proceeds from sales of presold mortgages in process of settlement
    19,607       10,544  
Decrease in accrued interest receivable
    661       535  
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    1,692       (57 )
Decrease in accrued interest payable
    (119 )     (753 )
Increase in other liabilities
    5,264       415  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    20,886       4,842  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (16,282 )     (46,319 )
Purchases of securities held to maturity
    (9,935 )     (513 )
Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities available for sale
    26,598       45,217  
Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities held to maturity
    1,117       890  
Net decrease in loans
    18,878       20,352  
Proceeds from FDIC loss share agreements
    20,914        
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate
    3,016       1,163  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (834 )     (704 )
Net cash paid for acquisition
    (170 )      
Net cash provided by investing activities
    43,302       20,086  
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
Net increase (decrease) in deposits and repurchase agreements
    (58,036 )     62,681  
Repayments of borrowings, net
    (100,000 )     (185,000 )
Cash dividends paid – common stock
    (1,335 )     (3,149 )
Cash dividends paid – preferred stock
    (813 )     (325 )
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and common stock warrants
          65,000  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    242       552  
Tax benefit realized from exercise of nonqualified stock options
          63  
Net cash used by financing activities
    (159,942 )     (60,178 )
                 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (95,754 )     (35,250 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    350,872       224,780  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 255,118       189,530  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 9,251       13,166  
Income taxes
    77       370  
Non-cash transactions:
               
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale, net of taxes
    541       (2,182 )
Foreclosed loans transferred to other real estate
    29,441       1,693  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 8


First Bancorp and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


(unaudited)
For the Periods Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2010 and 2009 and the consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.  All such adjustments were of a normal, recurring nature.  Reference is made to the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for a discussion of accounting policies and other relevant information with respect to the financial statements.  The results of operations for the periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

Note 2 – Accounting Policies

Note 1 to the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC contains a description of the accounting policies followed by the Company and discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.  The following paragraphs update that information as necessary.

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-16, which removes the concept of a special purpose entity (SPE) from Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 860, “Transfers and Servicing.”  The guidance limits the circumstances in which a financial asset should be derecognized when the transferor has not transferred the entire financial asset by taking into consideration the transferor’s continuing involvement.  The standard requires that a transferor recognize and initially measure at fair value all assets obtained (including a transferor’s beneficial interest) and liabilities incurred as a result of a transfer of financial assets accounted for as a sale.  The concept of a qualifying SPE is no longer applicable.  The guidance was effective for all interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009.  The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2010 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, which is intended to improve disclosures about fair value measurements.  The guidance requires entities to disclose significant transfers in and out of fair value hierarchy levels, and the reasons for the transfers, and to present information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements separately in the reconciliation of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Additionally, the guidance clarifies that a reporting entity should provide fair value measurements for each class of assets and liabilities and disclose the inputs and valuation techniques used for fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The Company has applied the new disclosure requirements as of January 1, 2010, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation, which will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this guidance has not had and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09 which amended the subsequent events pronouncement issued in May 2009.  The amendment removed the requirement to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated.  This pronouncement became effective immediately upon issuance and is to be applied prospectively.  The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 9


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.

Note 3 – Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in the period ended March 31, 2009 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for March 31, 2010.  These reclassifications had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity for the periods presented, nor did they materially impact trends in financial information.

Note 4 – Equity-Based Compensation Plans

At March 31, 2010, the Company had the following equity-based compensation plans:  the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan, the First Bancorp 2004 Stock Option Plan, the First Bancorp 1994 Stock Option Plan, and one plan that was assumed from an acquired entity.  The Company’s shareholders approved all equity-based compensation plans, except for those assumed from acquired companies.  The First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan became effective upon the approval of shareholders on May 2, 2007.  As of March 31, 2010, the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan was the only plan that had shares available for future grants.

The First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan and its predecessor plans, the First Bancorp 2004 Stock Option Plan and the First Bancorp 1994 Stock Option Plan (“Predecessor Plans”), are intended to serve as a means to attract, retain and motivate key employees and directors and to associate the interests of the plans’ participants with those of the Company and its shareholders.  The Predecessor Plans only provided for the ability to grant stock options, whereas the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan, in addition to providing for grants of stock options, also allows for grants of other types of equity-based compensation, including stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted performance stock, unrestricted stock, and performance units.  Since the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan became effective on May 2, 2007, the Company has granted the following stock-based compensation:  1) the grant of 2,250 stock options to each of the Company’s non-employee directors on June 1, 2007, 2008, and 2009, 2) the grant of 5,000 incentive stock options to an executive officer on April 1, 2008 in connection with a corporate acquisition, 3) the grant of 262,599 stock options and 81,337 performance units to 19 senior officers on June 17, 2008 (each performance unit represents the right to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions), and 4) the grant of 29,267 long-term restricted shares of common stock to certain senior executive officers on December 11, 2009.

Prior to the June 17, 2008 grant, stock option grants to employees generally had five-year vesting schedules (20% vesting each year) and had been irregular, usually falling into three categories - 1) to attract and retain new employees, 2) to recognize changes in responsibilities of existing employees, and 3) to periodically reward exemplary performance.  Compensation expense associated with these types of grants is recorded pro-ratably over the vesting period.  As it relates to directors, the Company has historically granted 2,250 vested stock options to each of the Company’s non-employee directors in June of each year.  Compensation expense associated with these director grants is recognized on the date of grant since there are no vesting conditions.

The June 17, 2008 grant of a combination of performance units and stock options have both performance conditions (earnings per share (EPS) targets) and service conditions that must be met in order to vest.  The 262,599 stock options and 81,337 performance units represent the maximum number of options and performance units that could have vested if the Company were to achieve specified maximum goals for EPS during the three annual performance periods ending on December 31, 2008, 2009, and 2010.  Up to one-third of the total number of options and performance units granted are subject to vesting annually as of December 31 of each year beginning in 2010, if (1) the Company achieves specific EPS goals during the corresponding performance period and (2) the executive or key employee continues employment for a period of two years beyond the corresponding performance period.  Compensation expense for this grant is recorded over the various service periods based on the estimated number of options and performance units that are probable to vest.  If the awards do not vest, no compensation cost

 
Page 10


is recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed.  The Company did not achieve the minimum EPS performance goal for 2008, and thus one-third of the above grant was permanently forfeited.  As a result of a significant acquisition gain realized in June 2009 related to a failed bank acquisition, the Company achieved the EPS goal for 2009 and recorded compensation expense of $300,000 in 2009.  Assuming no forfeitures, the Company will record compensation expense of approximately $300,000 in both 2010 and 2011 as a result of the vesting of the 2009 performance period awards.  The Company does not believe that the EPS goals for 2010 will be met, and thus no compensation expense has been recorded related to that performance period.

The December 11, 2009 grant of 29,267 long-term restricted shares of common stock to senior executives vests in accordance with the minimum rules for long-term equity grants for companies participating in the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).  These rules require that the vesting of the stock be tied to repayment of the financial assistance.  For each 25% of total financial assistance repaid, 25% of the total long-term restricted stock may become transferrable.  The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $398,000 and is being initially amortized over a four year period, with approximately $25,000 being expensed in each quarter of 2010-2013.  See Note 13 for further information related to the Company’s participation in the TARP.

Under the terms of the Predecessor Plans and the 2007 Equity Plan, options can have a term of no longer than ten years, and all options granted thus far under these plans have had a term of ten years.  The Company’s options provide for immediate vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plans).

At March 31, 2010, there were 742,145 options outstanding related to the three First Bancorp plans, with exercise prices ranging from $10.50 to $22.12.  At March 31, 2010, there were 864,941 shares remaining available for grant under the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan.  The Company also has a stock option plan as a result of a corporate acquisition.  At March 31, 2010, there were 9,288 stock options outstanding in connection with the acquired plan, with option prices ranging from $10.66 to $15.22.

The Company issues new shares of common stock when options are exercised.

The Company measures the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The Company determines the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model as follows:  the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant; the dividend yield is based on the Company’s dividend yield at the time of the grant (subject to adjustment if the dividend yield on the grant date is not expected to approximate the dividend yield over the expected life of the option); the volatility factor is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock (subject to adjustment if historical volatility is reasonably expected to differ from the past); and the weighted-average expected life is based on the historical behavior of employees related to exercises, forfeitures and cancellations.

There were no option grants during the first quarters of 2010 or 2009.

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $99,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 and recorded no stock-based compensation expense for the same period in 2009.  All of the 2010 expense is classified as “personnel expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Income with approximately $74,000 relating to the June 17, 2008 grants to 19 senior officers and $25,000 relating to the vesting of the restricted stock awards granted in December 2009.  Stock-based compensation expense is reflected as an adjustment to cash flows from operating activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  The Company recognized $39,000 in income tax benefits in the income statement related to stock-based compensation for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 and none in the three month period ended March 31, 2009.

At March 31, 2010, the Company had $31,000 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options that have vesting requirements based solely on service conditions.  The cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average life of 2.5 years, with $18,000 being expensed in 2010, $6,000 being expensed in each of 2011 and 2012, and $1,000 being expensed in 2013.  At March 31, 2010, the Company had $1.4 million in

 
Page 11


unrecognized compensation expense associated with the June 17, 2008 award grant that has both performance conditions and service conditions.  Based on the performance conditions, the Company believes that only the 2009 performance awards will ultimately vest, and therefore, the Company will record $75,000 in each quarter of 2010 and 2011.
 
As noted above, certain of the Company’s stock option grants contain terms that provide for a graded vesting schedule whereby portions of the award vest in increments over the requisite service period.  The Company has elected to recognize compensation expense for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.  Compensation expense is based on the estimated number of stock options and awards that will ultimately vest.  Over the past five years, there have only been minimal amounts of forfeitures or expirations, and therefore the Company assumes that all options granted without performance conditions will become vested.

The following table presents information regarding the activity for the first three months of 2010 related to all of the Company’s stock options outstanding:

   
Options Outstanding
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted-
Average
Contractual
Term (years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
                         
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
    753,116     $ 17.73              
                             
Granted
                       
Exercised
    (1,667 )     9.75           $ 6,168  
Forfeited
                         
Expired
                         
                               
Outstanding at March 31, 2010
    751,449     $ 17.74       4.8     $ 63,657  
                                 
Exercisable at March 31, 2010
    571,865     $ 18.09       3.8     $ 63,657  

The Company received $16,000 and $140,000 as a result of stock option exercises during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The Company recorded no tax benefits from the exercise of nonqualified stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $63,000 in the first quarter of 2009.

As discussed above, the Company granted 81,337 performance units to 19 senior officers on June 17, 2008.  Each performance unit represents the right to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions (discussed above).  The fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date was $16.53 per share.  One-third of this grant was forfeited on December 31, 2008 because the Company failed to meet the minimum performance goal required for vesting.  Also, as discussed above, the Company granted 29,267 long-term restricted shares of common stock to certain senior executives on December 11, 2009.

 
Page 12


The following table presents information regarding the activity during 2010 related to the Company’s outstanding performance units and restricted stock:

   
Nonvested Performance Units
   
Long-Term Restricted Stock
 
Three months ended March 31, 2010
 
Number of
Units
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
   
Number of
Units
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Nonvested at the beginning of the period
    54,225     $ 16.53       29,267     $ 13.59  
Granted during the period
                       
Vested during the period
                       
Forfeited or expired during the period
                       
Nonvested at end of period
    54,225     $ 16.53       29,267     $ 13.59  

Note 5 – Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share were computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per common share includes the potentially dilutive effects of the Company’s equity plan and the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury in connection with the Company’s participation in the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program – see Note 13 for additional information.  The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share:

   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
($ in thousands except per
    share amounts)
 
Income
(Numer-
ator)
   
Shares
(Denom-
inator)
   
Per Share
Amount
   
Income
(Numer-
ator)
   
Shares
(Denom-
inator)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
                                     
Basic EPS
                                   
Net income available to
                                   
common shareholders
  $ 3,411       16,732,518     $ 0.20     $ 3,140       16,608,625     $ 0.19  
                                                 
Effect of Dilutive Securities
    -       30,592               -       9,107          
                                                 
Diluted EPS per common share
  $ 3,411       16,763,110     $ 0.20     $ 3,140       16,617,732     $ 0.19  

For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, there were 704,002 and 704,018 options, respectively, that were antidilutive because the exercise price exceeded the average market price for the period.  In addition, the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury (see Note 13) was anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.  Antidilutive options and warrants have been omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the respective period.

 
Page 13


Note 6 – Securities

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Gains
   
(Losses)
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Gains
   
(Losses)
 
                                                 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
               
 
               
 
       
Government-sponsored
                                               
enterprise securities
  $ 26,554       26,828       274             36,106       36,518       412    
 
Mortgage-backed securities
    108,229       110,961       2,785       (53 )     109,430       111,797       2,423       (56 )
Corporate bonds
    15,765       15,069       1       (697 )     15,769       14,436    
      (1,333 )
Equity securities
    16,618       17,029       440       (29 )     16,618       17,004       417       (31 )
Total available for sale
  $ 167,166       169,887       3,500       (779 )     177,923       179,755       3,252       (1,420 )
                                                                 
Securities held to maturity:
                                                               
State and local governments
  $ 43,190       44,058       950       (82 )     34,394       34,928       612       (78 )
Other
    16       16                   19       19    
   
 
Total held to maturity
  $ 43,206       44,074       950       (82 )     34,413       34,947       612       (78 )

Included in mortgage-backed securities at March 31, 2010 were collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized cost of $4,818,000 and a fair value of $4,995,000.  Included in mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2009 were collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized cost of $5,413,000 and a fair value of $5,601,000.

The Company owned Federal Home Loan Bank stock with a cost and fair value of $16,519,000 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, which is included in equity securities above and serves as part of the collateral for the Company’s line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank.  The investment in this stock is a requirement for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank system.

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2010:

($ in thousands)
 
Securities in an Unrealized
Loss Position for
Less than 12 Months
   
Securities in an Unrealized
Loss Position for
More than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Government-sponsored enterprise
                                   
securities
  $                                
Mortgage-backed securities
    18,184       53                   18,184       53  
Corporate bonds
                14,610       697       14,610       697  
Equity securities
    15       6       24       23       39       29  
State and local governments
    8,464       82                   8,464       82  
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 26,663       141       14,634       720       41,297       861  

 
Page 14


The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2009:

   
Securities in an Unrealized
Loss Position for
Less than 12 Months
   
Securities in an Unrealized
Loss Position for
More than 12 Months
   
Total
 
(in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Government-sponsored enterprise
                                   
securities
  $                                
Mortgage-backed securities
    9,575       56                   9,575       56  
Corporate bonds
    1,609       224       12,827       1,109       14,436       1,333  
Equity securities
    17       10       27       21       44       31  
State and local governments
    5,821       77       230       1       6,051       78  
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 17,022       367       13,084       1,131       30,106       1,498  

In the above tables, all of the non-equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are bonds that the Company has determined are in a loss position due to interest rate factors, the overall economic downturn in the financial sector, and the broader economy in general.  The Company has evaluated the collectability of each of these bonds and has concluded that there is no other-than-temporary impairment. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost.  The Company has also concluded that each of the equity securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was in such a position due to temporary fluctuations in the market prices of the securities.  The Company’s policy is to record an impairment charge for any of these equity securities that remains in an unrealized loss position for twelve consecutive months unless the amount is insignificant.

The aggregate carrying amount of cost-method investments was $16,535,000 and $16,538,000 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, which included the Federal Home Loan Bank stock discussed above.  The Company determined that none of its cost-method investments were impaired at either period end.

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at March 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, are summarized in the table below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   
Securities Available for Sale
     
Securities Held to Maturity
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
     
Amortized
   
Fair
 
    Cost     Value       Cost     Value  
                           
Debt securities
                         
Due within one year
  $ 5,020       5,027         346       353  
Due after one year but within five years
    21,535       21,801         1,614       1,680  
Due after five years but within ten years
    2,994       2,776         11,557       11,987  
Due after ten years
    12,771       12,293         29,689       30,054  
Mortgage-backed securities
    108,229       110,961                
Total debt securities
    150,549       152,858         43,206       44,074  
                                   
Equity securities
    16,618       17,029                
Total securities
  $ 167,167       169,887         43,206       44,074  

At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, investment securities with book values of $91,873,000 and $85,438,000, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public and private deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

There were no securities sales during the three months ended March 31, 2010 or 2009.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company recorded a gain of $9,000 related to the call of a municipal security.  During

 
Page 15


the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recorded net losses of $63,000 related to write-downs of the Company’s equity portfolio.

Note 7 – Loans and Asset Quality Information

On June 19, 2009 the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Cooperative Bank.  (See the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding this transaction.)  The loans and foreclosed real estate that were acquired in this transaction are covered by loss share agreements between the FDIC and the Bank, which afford the Bank significant loss protection.  Under the loss share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of covered loan and foreclosed real estate losses up to $303 million and 95% of losses that exceed that amount.  Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, the risk of the Cooperative Bank loans and foreclosed real estate are significantly different from those assets not covered under the loss share agreements.  Accordingly, the Company presents separately loans subject to the loss share agreements as “covered loans” in the information below and loans that are not subject to the loss share agreements as “non-covered loans.”

The following is a summary of the major categories of total loans outstanding:

($ in thousands)
 
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2009
 
   
Amount
   
Percentage
   
Amount
   
Percentage
   
Amount
   
Percentage
 
All  loans (non-covered and covered):
                                   
                                     
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
  $ 164,792       6 %     173,611       7 %     180,135       8 %
Real estate – construction, land
                                               
development & other land loans
    527,394       20 %     551,714       21 %     461,120       21 %
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4
                                               
family) first mortgages
    831,484       32 %     849,875       32 %     577,107       27 %
Real estate – mortgage – home equity
                                               
loans / lines of credit
    271,182       11 %     270,054       10 %     245,847       11 %
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and
                                               
other
    724,923       28 %     718,723       27 %     634,787       29 %
Installment loans to individuals
    85,860       3 %     88,514       3 %     88,161       4 %
Subtotal
    2,605,635       100 %     2,652,491       100 %     2,187,157       100 %
Unamortized net deferred loan costs
    497               374               309          
Total loans
  $ 2,606,132               2,652,865               2,187,466          

As of March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009, and March 31, 2009, net loans include an unamortized premium of $834,000, $883,000 and $1,030,000, respectively, on loans acquired from Great Pee Dee Bancorp.

 
Page 16


The following is a summary of the major categories of non-covered loans outstanding:

 
($ in thousands)
 
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2009
 
   
Amount
   
Percentage
   
Amount
   
Percentage
   
Amount
   
Percentage
 
Non-covered loans:
                                   
                                     
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
  $ 158,891       8 %     164,225       8 %     180,135       8 %
Real estate – construction, land
                                               
development & other land loans
    388,704       18 %     408,458       19 %     461,120       21 %
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4
                                               
family) first mortgages
    603,375       28 %     594,470       28 %     577,107       27 %
Real estate – mortgage – home equity
                                               
loans / lines of credit
    248,613       12 %     247,995       11 %     245,847       11 %
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and
                                               
other
    635,533       30 %     632,985       30 %     634,787       29 %
Installment loans to individuals
    82,260       4 %     84,336       4 %     88,161       4 %
Subtotal
    2,117,376       100 %     2,132,469       100 %     2,187,157       100 %
Unamortized net deferred loan costs
    497               374               309          
Total non-covered loans
  $ 2,117,873               2,132,843               2,187,466          

The carrying amount of the covered loans at March 31, 2010 consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans, as follows:

($ in thousands)
 
Impaired
Purchased
Loans
   
Nonimpaired
Purchased
Loans
   
Total
Covered
Loans
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Covered loans:
                       
                         
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
  $       5,901       5,901       6,856  
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans
    22,781       115,909       138,690       239,014  
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages
          228,109       228,109       278,561  
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit
          22,569       22,569       25,798  
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other
    4,386       85,004       89,390       119,344  
Installment loans to individuals
          3,600       3,600       4,001  
Total
  $ 27,167       461,092       488,259       673,574  

The carrying amount of covered loans at December 31, 2009 was as follows:

($ in thousands)
 
Impaired
Purchased
Loans
   
Nonimpaired
Purchased
Loans
   
Total
Covered
Loans
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Covered loans:
                       
                         
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
  $       9,386       9,386       12,406  
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans
    29,479       113,777       143,256       254,897  
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages
          255,405       255,405       329,141  
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit
          22,059       22,059       24,504  
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other
    4,971       80,767       85,738       108,908  
Installment loans to individuals
          4,178       4,178       4,673  
Total
  $ 34,450       485,572       520,022       734,529  

 
Page 17


The following table presents information regarding purchased nonimpaired loans at the Cooperative Bank acquisition date of June 19, 2009 and changes from that date to March 31, 2010.  The amounts include principal only and do not reflect accrued interest as of the date of the acquisition or beyond.

($ in thousands)
Contractual loan principal payments receivable
  $ 738,182  
Estimate of contractual principal not expected to be collected – loan discount
    (194,460 )
Fair value of purchased nonimpaired loans at June 19, 2009
    543,722  
Principal repayments
    (45,670 )
Transfers to foreclosed real estate
    (13,949 )
Accretion of loan discount
    1,469  
Carrying amount of nonimpaired Cooperative loans at December 31, 2009
  $ 485,572  
Principal repayments
    (9,069 )
Transfers to foreclosed real estate
    (16,895 )
Accretion of loan discount
    1,484  
Carrying amount of nonimpaired Cooperative loans at March 31, 2010
  $ 461,092  

As reflected in the table above, the Company accreted $1,484,000 of the loan discount on purchased nonimpaired loans into interest income during the first quarter of 2010 in order to recognize the difference between the initial recorded investment and the loans’ expected principal and interest cash flows using a method that approximates the interest method.

The following table presents information regarding purchased impaired loans at the Cooperative Bank acquisition date of June 19, 2009 and changes from that date to March 31, 2010.  The Company has initially applied the cost recovery method to all purchased impaired loans at the acquisition date of June 19, 2009 due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows as reflected in the following table.

($ in thousands)
Contractually required principal payments receivable
  $ 90,776  
Nonaccretable difference
    (33,394 )
Present value of cash flows expected to be collected
    57,382  
Accretable difference
     
Fair value of purchased impaired loans at June 19, 2009
    57,382  
Transfer to foreclosed real estate
    (22,932 )
Carrying amount of impaired Cooperative Bank loans at December 31, 2009
  $ 34,450  
Principal repayments
    (481 )
Transfer to foreclosed real estate
    (6,482 )
Change due to loan-charge-off
    (320 )
Carrying amount of impaired Cooperative Bank loans at March 31, 2010
  $ 27,167  

The following table presents information regarding all purchased impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, which includes the Company’s acquisition of Great Pee Dee on April 1, 2008, and the Company’s acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Cooperative Bank on June 19, 2009:

 
Page 18

 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Purchased Impaired Loans
 
 
Contractual
Principal
Receivable
   
Fair Market
Value
Adjustment –
Write Down
(Nonaccretable
Difference)
   
Carrying
Amount
 
As of April 1, 2008 Great Pee Dee acquisition date
  $ 7,663       4,695       2,968  
Additions due to borrower advances
    663             663  
Change due to payments received
    (510 )           (510 )
Change due to legal discharge of debt
    (102 )     (102 )      
Balance at December 31, 2008
    7,714       4,593       3,121  
Additions due to acquisition of Cooperative Bank
    90,776       33,394       57,382  
Change due to payments received
    (822 )     (150 )     (672 )
Transfer to foreclosed real estate
    (31,102 )     (7,817 )     (23,285 )
Change due to loan charge-off
    (27,273 )     (26,778 )     (495 )
Balance at December 31, 2009
    39,293       3,242       36,051  
Change due to payments received
    (678 )           (678 )
Transfer to foreclosed real estate
    (6,543 )     (61 )     (6,482 )
Change due to loan charge-off
    (945 )     (625 )     (320 )
Balance at March 31, 2010
  $ 31,127       2,556       28,571  

Each of the purchased impaired loans are on nonaccrual status and considered to be impaired.  Because of the uncertainty of the expected cash flows, the Company is accounting for each purchased impaired loan under the cost recovery method, in which all cash payments are applied to principal.  Thus, there is no accretable yield associated with the above loans.  During the first quarter of 2010, the Company received $67,000 in payments that exceeded the initial carrying amount of the purchased impaired loans.  These payments were recorded as interest income.

 
Page 19


Nonperforming assets are defined as nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest, and other real estate.  Nonperforming assets are summarized as follows:

 
ASSET QUALITY DATA ($ in thousands)
 
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2009
 
                   
Non-covered nonperforming assets
                 
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 63,415       62,206       35,296  
Restructured loans
    27,207       21,283       3,995  
Accruing loans >90 days past due
                 
Total non-covered nonperforming loans
    90,622       83,489       39,291  
Other real estate
    10,818       8,793       5,428  
Total non-covered nonperforming assets
  $ 101,440       92,282       44,719  
                         
Covered nonperforming assets (1)
                       
Nonaccrual loans (2)
  $ 105,043       117,916        
Restructured loans
    11,379              
Accruing loans > 90 days past due
                 
Total covered nonperforming loans
    116,422       117,916        
Other real estate
    68,044       47,430        
Total covered nonperforming assets
  $ 184,466       165,346        
                         
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 285,906       257,628       44,719  
 
 
(1)
Covered nonperforming assets consist of assets that are included in loss-share agreements with the FDIC.
(2)
At March 31, 2010, the contractual balance of the nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements was $166.3 million.
 
The following table presents information related to impaired loans, as defined by relevant accounting standards.

 
($ in thousands)
 
As of /for the
three months
ended March
31, 2010
   
As of /for the
year ended
December 31,
2009
   
As of /for the
three months
ended March
31, 2009
 
Impaired loans at period end
                 
Non-covered
  $ 90,622       55,574       24,198  
Covered
    116,422       94,746        
Total impaired loans at period end
  $ 207,044       150,320       24,198  
                         
Average amount of impaired loans for period
                       
Non-covered
  $ 73,098       36,171       23,172  
Covered
    105,584       34,161        
Average amount of impaired loans for period – total
  $ 178,682       70,332       23,172  
                         
Allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans at period end (1)
  $ 10,450       9,717       3,817  
                         
Amount of impaired loans with no related allowance at period end
                       
Non-covered
  $ 54,829       30,236       14,985  
Covered
    116,422       94,746        
Total impaired loans with no related allowance at period end
  $ 171,251       124,982       14,985  
                         
(1)
Relates entirely to non-covered loans.

All of the impaired loans noted in the table above were on nonaccrual status at each respective period end except for those classified as restructured loans (see previous table above for balances).

 
Page 20


Note 8 – Deferred Loan Costs

The amount of loans shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes net deferred loan costs of approximately $497,000, $374,000, and $309,000 at March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009, and March 31, 2009, respectively.

Note 9 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following is a summary of the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009, and March 31, 2009 and the carrying amount of unamortized intangible assets as of those same dates.  The Company recorded $284,000 in customer lists intangibles in connection with the acquisition of an insurance agency in February 2010.

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2009
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Amortizable intangible
                                   
assets:
                                   
Customer lists
  $ 678       263       394       241       394       218  
Core deposit premiums
    7,590       2,823       7,590       2,630       3,792       2,121  
Total
  $ 8,268       3,086       7,984       2,871       4,186       2,339  
                                                 
Unamortizable intangible
                                               
assets:
                                               
Goodwill
  $ 65,835               65,835               65,835          

Amortization expense totaled $215,000 and $98,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following table presents the estimated amortization expense for the last three quarters of calendar year 2010 and for each of the four calendar years ending December 31, 2014 and the estimated amount amortizable thereafter.  These estimates are subject to change in future periods to the extent management determines it is necessary to make adjustments to the carrying value or estimated useful lives of amortized intangible assets.

($ in thousands)
 
Estimated Amortization
Expense
 
April 1 to December 31, 2010
  $ 659  
2011
    864  
2012
    853  
2013
    742  
2014
    639  
Thereafter
    1,425  
         Total
  $ 5,182  

Note 10 – Pension Plans

The Company sponsors two defined benefit pension plans – a qualified retirement plan (the “Pension Plan”) which is generally available to all employees, and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), which is for the benefit of certain senior management executives of the Company.

The Company recorded pension expense totaling $783,000 and $897,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to the Pension Plan and the SERP.  The following table contains the components of the pension expense.

 
Page 21

 
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010 Total
   
2009 Total
 
($ in thousands)
 
Pension Plan
   
Pension Plan
   
SERP
   
SERP
   
Both Plans
   
Both Plans
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 424       405       118       125       542       530  
Interest cost
    378       343       92       75       470       418  
Expected return on plan assets
    (355 )     (264 )  
   
      (355 )     (264 )
Amortization of transition obligation
    1       1    
   
      1       1  
Amortization of net (gain)/loss
    99       190       18       14       117       204  
Amortization of prior service cost
    3       3       5       5       8       8  
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 550       678       233       219       783       897  

The Company’s contributions to the Pension Plan are based on computations by independent actuarial consultants and are intended to provide the Company with the maximum deduction for income tax purposes.  The contributions are invested to provide for benefits under the Pension Plan.  The Company has contributed $1,500,000 to the Pension Plan in 2010.  During 2009, the Company amended the Pension Plan to prohibit new entrants into the plan.

The Company’s funding policy with respect to the SERP is to fund the related benefits from the operating cash flow of the Company.

Note 11 – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity during a period for non-owner transactions and is divided into net income and other comprehensive income.  Other comprehensive income includes revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are excluded from earnings under current accounting standards.  The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the Company are as follows:

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2009
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities
                 
available for sale
  $ 2,721       1,832       (3,303 )
Deferred tax asset (liability)
    (1,062 )     (715 )     1,288  
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities
                       
available for sale
    1,659       1,117       (2,015 )
                         
Additional pension liability
    (9,038 )     (9,164 )     (13,479 )
Deferred tax asset
    3,569       3,620       5,286  
Net additional pension liability
    (5,469 )     (5,544 )     (8,193 )
                         
Total accumulated other
                       
comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (3,810 )     (4,427 )     (10,208 )

 
Page 22


Note 12 – Fair Value

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows:

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
                         
Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing
  $ 51,827       51,827       60,071       60,071  
Due from banks, interest-bearing
    200,343       200,343       283,175       283,175  
Federal funds sold
    2,948       2,948       7,626       7,626  
Securities available for sale
    169,887       169,887       179,755       179,755  
Securities held to maturity
    43,206       44,074       34,413       34,947  
Presold mortgages in process of settlement
    1,494       1,494       3,967       3,967  
Loans
    2,566,442       2,530,031       2,615,522       2,583,289  
FDIC loss share receivable
    117,003       114,392       143,221       141,253  
Accrued interest receivable
    14,122       14,122       14,783       14,783  
                                 
Deposits
    2,870,552       2,877,484       2,933,108       2,942,539  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    67,394       67,394       64,058       64,058  
Borrowings
    76,695       44,632       176,811       141,176  
Accrued interest payable
    2,935       2,935       3,054       3,054  

Fair value methods and assumptions are set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments.

Cash and Due from Banks, Federal Funds Sold, Presold Mortgages in Process of Settlement, Accrued Interest Receivable, and Accrued Interest Payable - The carrying amounts approximate their fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities - Fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

Loans – Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics.  Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, financial and agricultural, real estate construction, real estate mortgages and installment loans to individuals.  Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and variable interest rate terms.  The fair value for each category is determined by discounting scheduled future cash flows using current interest rates offered on loans with similar risk characteristics.  Fair values for impaired loans are estimated based on discounted cash flows or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

FDIC loss share receivable – Fair value is equal to the FDIC reimbursement rate of the expected losses to be incurred and reimbursed by the FDIC and then discounted over the estimated period of receipt.

Deposits and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase - The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand as of the valuation date.  The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Borrowings - The fair value of borrowings is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered by the Company’s lenders for debt of similar remaining maturities.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from

 
Page 23


offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.  Because no highly liquid market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.  Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include net premises and equipment, intangible and other assets such as foreclosed properties, deferred income taxes, prepaid expense accounts, income taxes currently payable and other various accrued expenses.  In addition, the income tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.

FASB ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1:  Quoted prices (unadjusted) of identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2:  Quoted prices for similar instrument in active or non-active markets and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Level 3:  Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value at March 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)
           
   
Fair Value
at March
31, 2010
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Recurring
                       
Securities available for sale:
 
 
                   
Government-sponsored enterprise
                       
securities
  $ 26,828     $ ––     $ 26,828     $  
Mortgage-backed securities
    110,961       ––       110,961       ––  
Corporate bonds
    15,069       ––       15,069       ––  
Equity securities
    17,029       510       16,519       ––  
Total available for sale securities
    169,887       510       169,377       ––  
                                 
Nonrecurring
                               
Impaired loans – covered
  $ 116,422     $     $ 116,422     $  
Impaired loans – non-covered
    90,622       ––       90,622       ––  
Other real estate – covered
    68,044             68,044        
Other real estate – non-covered
    10,818       ––       10,818       ––  

 
Page 24


The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value.

Securities When quoted market prices are available in an active market, the securities are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy.  Level 1 securities for the Company include certain equity securities.  If quoted market prices are not available, but fair values can be estimated by observing quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, the securities are classified as Level 2 on the valuation hierarchy.  For the Company, Level 2 securities include mortgage backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, government sponsored enterprise securities, and corporate bonds.   In cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.
 
 
Impaired loans Fair values for impaired loans in the above table are collateral dependent and are estimated based on underlying collateral values, which are then adjusted for the cost related to liquidation of the collateral.

Other real estate – Other real estate, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs.  At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses.

There were no transfers to or from Level 1 and 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2010.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the increase in the fair value of securities available for sale was $886,000 which is included in other comprehensive income (net of tax expense of $345,000).  Fair value measurement methods at March 31, 2010 are consistent with those used in prior reporting periods.


Note 13 – Participation in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program

On January 9, 2009, the Company completed the sale of $65 million of Series A preferred stock to the United States Treasury Department (Treasury) under the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program.  The program was designed to attract broad participation by healthy banking institutions to help stabilize the financial system and increase lending for the benefit of the U.S. economy.

Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, the Treasury received (i) 65,000 shares of fixed rate cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share and (ii) a warrant to purchase 616,308 shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value, in exchange for $65 million.

The preferred stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and will pay cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% for the first five years, and 9% thereafter.  Subject to regulatory approval, the Company is generally permitted to redeem the preferred shares at par plus unpaid dividends.

The warrant has a 10-year term and is immediately exercisable upon its issuance, with an exercise price equal to $15.82 per share.  The Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the warrant.

 
Page 25


The Company allocated the $65 million in proceeds to the preferred stock and the common stock warrant based on their relative fair values.  To determine the fair value of the preferred stock, the Company used a discounted cash flow model that assumed redemption of the preferred stock at the end of year five.  The discount rate utilized was 13% and the estimated fair value was determined to be $36.2 million.  The fair value of the common stock warrant was estimated to be $2.8 million using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

Expected dividend yield
    4.83 %
Risk-free interest rate
    2.48 %
Expected life
 
10 years
 
Expected volatility
    35.00 %
Weighted average fair value
  $ 4.47  

The aggregate fair value result for both the preferred stock and the common stock warrant was determined to be $39.0 million, with 7% of this aggregate total attributable to the warrant and 93% attributable to the preferred stock.  Therefore, the $65 million issuance was allocated with $60.4 million being assigned to the preferred stock and $4.6 million being assigned to the common stock warrants.

The $4.6 million difference between the $65 million face value of the preferred stock and the $60.4 million allocated to it upon issuance was recorded as a discount on the preferred stock.  The $4.6 million discount will be accreted, using the effective interest method, as a reduction in net income available to common shareholders over the next four years at approximately $0.8 million to $1.0 million per year.

For the first three months of 2010 and 2009, the Company accrued approximately $813,000 and $740,000, respectively, in preferred dividend payments and accreted $214,000 and $201,000, respectively, of the discount on the preferred stock.  These amounts are deducted from net income in computing “Net income available to common shareholders.”

 
Page 26


Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Results of Operations and Financial Condition


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We follow and apply accounting principles that conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices followed by the banking industry.  Certain of these principles involve a significant amount of judgment and/or use of estimates based on our best assumptions at the time of the estimation.  We have identified three policies as being more sensitive in terms of judgments and estimates, taking into account their overall potential impact to our consolidated financial statements – 1) the allowance for loan losses, 2) intangible assets, and 3) valuation of acquired assets.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Due to the estimation process and the potential materiality of the amounts involved, we have identified the accounting for the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses as an accounting policy critical to our consolidated financial statements.  The provision for loan losses charged to operations is an amount sufficient to bring the allowance for loan losses to an estimated balance considered adequate to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio.

Our determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based primarily on a mathematical model that estimates the appropriate allowance for loan losses.  This model has two components.  The first component involves the estimation of losses on loans defined as “impaired loans.”  A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  The estimated valuation allowance is the difference, if any, between the loan balance outstanding and the value of the impaired loan as determined by either 1) an estimate of the cash flows that we expect to receive from the borrower discounted at the loan’s effective rate, or 2) in the case of a collateral-dependent loan, the fair value of the collateral.

The second component of the allowance model is an estimate of losses for all loans not considered to be impaired loans.  Loans that we have classified as having normal credit risk are segregated by loan type, and estimated loss percentages are assigned to each loan type, based on the historical losses, current economic conditions, and operational conditions specific to each loan type.   Loans that we have risk graded as having more than “standard” risk but not considered to be impaired are segregated between those relationships with outstanding balances exceeding $500,000 and those that are less than that amount.  For those loan relationships with outstanding balances exceeding $500,000, we review the attributes of each individual loan and assign any necessary loss reserve based on various factors including payment history, borrower strength, collateral value, and guarantor strength.  For loan relationships less than $500,000 with more than standard risk but not considered to be impaired, loss percentages are based on a multiple of the estimated loss rate for loans of a similar loan type with normal risk.  The multiples assigned vary by type of loan, depending on risk, and we have consulted with an external credit review firm in assigning those multiples.

The reserve estimated for impaired loans is then added to the reserve estimated for all other loans.  This becomes our “allocated allowance.”  In addition to the allocated allowance derived from the model, we also evaluate other data such as the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans, net loan growth information, nonperforming asset levels and trends in such data.  Based on this additional analysis, we may determine that an additional amount of allowance for loan losses is necessary to reserve for probable losses.  This additional amount, if any, is our “unallocated allowance.”  The sum of the allocated allowance and the unallocated allowance is compared to the actual allowance for loan losses recorded on our books and any adjustment necessary for the recorded allowance to equal the computed allowance is recorded as a provision for loan losses.  The provision for loan losses is a direct charge to earnings in the period recorded.

 
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Loans covered under loss share agreements are recorded at fair value at acquisition date.  Therefore, amounts deemed uncollectible at acquisition date become a part of the fair value calculation and are excluded from the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequent decreases in the amount expected to be collected result in a provision for loan losses with a corresponding increase in the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequent increases in the amount expected to be collected result in a reversal of any previously recorded provision for loan losses and related allowance for loan losses, or prospective adjustment to the accretable yield if no provision for loan losses had been recorded.  Proportional adjustments are also recorded to the FDIC receivable under the loss share agreements.

Although we use the best information available to make evaluations, future material adjustments may be necessary if economic, operational, or other conditions change.  In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on the examiners’ judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

For further discussion, see “Nonperforming Assets” and “Summary of Loan Loss Experience” below.

Intangible Assets

Due to the estimation process and the potential materiality of the amounts involved, we have also identified the accounting for intangible assets as an accounting policy critical to our consolidated financial statements.

When we complete an acquisition transaction, the excess of the purchase price over the amount by which the fair market value of assets acquired exceeds the fair market value of liabilities assumed represents an intangible asset.  We must then determine the identifiable portions of the intangible asset, with any remaining amount classified as goodwill.  Identifiable intangible assets associated with these acquisitions are generally amortized over the estimated life of the related asset, whereas goodwill is tested annually for impairment, but not systematically amortized.  Assuming no goodwill impairment, it is beneficial to our future earnings to have a lower amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets and higher amount of goodwill as opposed to having a higher amount considered to be identifiable intangible assets and a lower amount classified as goodwill.

The primary identifiable intangible asset we typically record in connection with a whole bank or bank branch acquisition is the value of the core deposit intangible, whereas when we acquire an insurance agency, the primary identifiable intangible asset is the value of the acquired customer list.  Determining the amount of identifiable intangible assets and their average lives involves multiple assumptions and estimates and is typically determined by performing a discounted cash flow analysis, which involves a combination of any or all of the following assumptions:  customer attrition/runoff, alternative funding costs, deposit servicing costs, and discount rates.  We typically engage a third party consultant to assist in each analysis.  For the whole bank and bank branch transactions recorded to date, the core deposit intangibles have generally been estimated to have a life ranging from seven to ten years, with an accelerated rate of amortization.  For insurance agency acquisitions, the identifiable intangible assets related to the customer lists were determined to have a life of ten to fifteen years, with amortization occurring on a straight-line basis.

Subsequent to the initial recording of the identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, we amortize the identifiable intangible assets over their estimated average lives, as discussed above.  In addition, on at least an annual basis, goodwill is evaluated for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to their related carrying value, including goodwill (our community banking operation is our only material reporting unit).  At our last evaluation, the fair value of our community banking operation exceeded its carrying value, including goodwill.  If the carrying value of a reporting unit were ever to exceed its fair value, we would determine whether the implied fair value of the goodwill, using a discounted cash flow analysis, exceeded the carrying value of the goodwill.  If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss would be recorded in an amount equal to that excess.  Performing such a discounted cash flow analysis would involve the significant use of estimates and assumptions.

 
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We review identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Our policy is that an impairment loss is recognized, equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and its fair value, if the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset.  Estimating future cash flows involves the use of multiple estimates and assumptions, such as those listed above.

Fair Value and Discount Accretion of Acquired Loans

We consider that the determination of the initial fair value of loans acquired in the June 19, 2009, FDIC-assisted transaction, the initial fair value of the related FDIC loss share receivable, and the subsequent discount accretion of the purchased loans to involve a high degree of judgment and complexity.  The carrying value of the acquired loans and the FDIC loss share receivable reflect management’s best estimate of the amount to be realized on each of these assets.  We determined current fair value accounting estimates of the assumed assets and liabilities in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 805 “Business Combinations.”  However, the amount that we realize on these assets could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in our financial statements, based upon the timing of collections on the acquired loans in future periods.  To the extent the actual values realized for the acquired loans are different from the estimates, the FDIC loss share receivable will generally be impacted in an offsetting manner due to the loss-sharing support from the FDIC.

Because of the inherent credit losses associated with the acquired loans, the amount that we recorded as the fair values for the loans was less than the contractual unpaid principal balance due from the borrowers, with the difference being referred to as the “discount” on the acquired loans.  For the acquired loans that were impaired on the date of acquisition, we are applying the guidance in ASC 310-30 (originally issued as AICPA Statement of Position No. 03-3, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer”) in accounting for the discount.   We have initially applied the cost recovery method permitted by ASC 310-30 to all purchased impaired loans due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows.  This will result in the recognition of interest income on these impaired loans only when the cash payments received from the borrower exceed the recorded net book value of the related loans.

For nonimpaired purchased loans, we have elected to accrete the discount in a manner consistent with the guidance for accounting for loan origination fees and costs that is included in FASB ASC 310-20 (originally issued as FASB Statement No. 91, “Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases”).

Current Accounting Matters

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements above for information about accounting standards that we have recently adopted.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Net income available to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2010 amounted to $3,411,000 compared to $3,140,000 reported in the first quarter of 2009.  Earnings per diluted common share were $0.20 in the first quarter of 2010 compared to $0.19 in the first quarter of 2009.

 
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Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2010 amounted to $31.2 million, a 41.0% increase over the first quarter of 2009.  The increase in net interest income was primarily due to balance sheet growth and a higher net interest margin.

Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earnings assets) in the first quarter of 2010 was 4.16%, a 24 basis point increase from the 3.92% realized in the fourth quarter of 2009 and a 48 basis point increase from the 3.68% margin realized in the first quarter of 2009.  The primary reason for the increase in the net interest margin is that we have been able to lower rates on maturing time deposits that were originated in periods of higher interest rates.

Provision for Loan Losses and Asset Quality

Our provision for loan losses amounted to $7.6 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to $6.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 and $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2009.  The higher provision for loan losses is a result of higher levels of classified and nonperforming assets primarily in our “non-covered” loan portfolio, which excludes loans assumed from Cooperative Bank that are subject to loss share agreements with the FDIC.

Our non-covered nonperforming assets amounted to $101 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $92 million at December 31, 2009 and $45 million at March 31, 2009.   At March 31, 2010, the ratio of non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets was 3.58%, compared to 3.10% at December 31, 2009, and 1.66% at March 31, 2009.

Our ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average non-covered loans was 1.01% for the first quarter of 2010 compared to 0.69% for the fourth quarter of 2009 and 0.34% in the first quarter of 2009.

Noninterest Income

Total noninterest income was $5.7 million in the first quarter of 2010, a 20.0% increase from the $4.7 million recorded in the first quarter of 2009.  Increased levels of noninterest income were realized across most categories of income as a result of a larger customer base that resulted from the Cooperative Bank acquisition in June 2009.

Noninterest Expenses

Noninterest expenses amounted to $22.3 million in the first quarter of 2010, a 39.8% increase over the $15.9 million recorded in the same period of 2009.  The increase is primarily attributable to incremental operating expenses associated with the Cooperative acquisition, including approximately $1.0 million in expenses related to collection activities on Cooperative loans and foreclosed properties (net of FDIC reimbursements) compared to $794,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009 and zero in the first quarter of 2009.  The increase in noninterest expense in the first quarter of 2010 was also impacted by a fraud loss of $600,000 and an increase in FDIC insurance premiums, which increased from $756,000 in the first quarter of 2009 to $1.2 million in the current quarter.

Our effective tax rate was approximately 36%-37% for all periods presented.

Balance Sheet and Capital

Total assets at March 31, 2010 amounted to $3.4 billion, 26.1% higher than a year earlier.  Total loans at March 31, 2010 amounted to $2.6 billion, a 19.1% increase from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.9 billion at March 31, 2010, a 34.2% increase from a year earlier.  Substantially all of the balance sheet growth

 
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relates to the 2009 acquisition of Cooperative Bank, a bank with assets of $958 million that was closed by regulatory authorities on June 19, 2009.

We continue to experience a general decline in loans, with loans decreasing approximately $47 million, or 1.8%, since December 31, 2009.  Although we originate and renew a significant amount of loans each month, normal paydowns of loans are exceeding new loan growth.  Overall, loan growth remains weak in most of our market areas.

Our deposits declined by $63 million, or 2.1%, during the first quarter of 2010.  This decrease was primarily a result of the loss of $70 million in relatively high cost time deposits, including $51 million in internet time deposits, that matured and were not renewed during the first quarter of 2010.  Brokered deposits remained at a low level at March 31, 2010, comprising just 3.1% of total deposits, with internet deposits comprising an additional 2.7%.

During the first quarter of 2010, we utilized a portion of our excess liquidity to pay down our borrowings by $100 million.

We remain well-capitalized by all regulatory standards with a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 15.58%.  Our tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 6.31% at March 31, 2010.  We continue to have outstanding $65 million in preferred stock that was issued to the U.S. Treasury in January 2009.  We have no immediate plans to redeem this stock in light of the challenging economic conditions.

Our annualized return on average assets for the first quarter of 2010 was 0.40% compared to 0.49% for the first quarter of 2009.  This ratio was calculated by dividing annualized net income available to common shareholders by average assets.

Our annualized return on average common equity for the first quarter of 2010 was 4.91% compared to 5.70% for the first quarter of 2009.  This ratio was calculated by dividing annualized net income available to common shareholders by average common equity.


Components of Earnings

Net interest income is the largest component of earnings, representing the difference between interest and fees generated from earning assets and the interest costs of deposits and other funds needed to support those assets.  Net interest income for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 amounted to $31,177,000, an increase of $9,067,000, or 41.0% from the $22,110,000 recorded in the first quarter of 2009.  Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 amounted to $31,472,000, an increase of $9,199,000, or 41.3% from the $22,273,000 recorded in the first quarter of 2009.  We believe that analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis is useful and appropriate because it allows a comparison of net interest income amounts in different periods without taking into account the different mix of taxable versus non-taxable investments that may have existed during those periods.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Net interest income, as reported
  $ 31,177       22,110  
Tax-equivalent adjustment
    295       163  
Net interest income, tax-equivalent
  $ 31,472       22,273  

There are two primary factors that cause changes in the amount of net interest income we record - 1) growth in loans and deposits, and 2) our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets).

 
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For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the increase in net interest income over the comparable period in 2009 was due to both growth in loans and deposits (see discussion below) and a higher net interest margin.

Our net interest margin in the first quarter of 2010 was 4.16%, a 24 basis point increase from the 3.92% realized in the fourth quarter of 2009 and a 48 basis point increase from the 3.68% realized in the first quarter of 2009.  There have been no changes in the interest rates set by the Federal Reserve since December 2008, and we have been able to lower rates on maturing time deposits that were originated in periods of higher rates.  Also, to a lesser degree, we have been able to progressively lower interest rates on various types of savings, NOW and money market accounts.

Our net interest margin also benefitted from purchase accounting adjustments associated with the Cooperative acquisition and, to a lesser degree, the acquisition of Great Pee Dee Bancorp in 2008.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, we recorded $2,735,000 and $267,000, respectively, in net positive purchase accounting adjustments that increased net interest income.  The table below presents the components of the purchase accounting adjustments.

   
For the Three Months Ended
 
$ in thousands
 
March 31, 2010
   
March 31,2009
 
             
Interest income – reduced by premium amortization on loans
  $ (49 )     (49 )
Interest income – increased by accretion of loan discount
    1,484        
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of deposits
    1,184       200  
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of borrowings
    116       116  
Impact on net interest income
  $ 2,735       267  

 
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The following table presents net interest income analysis on a tax-equivalent basis.

   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
($ in thousands)
 
Average
Volume
   
Average
Rate
   
Interest
Earned
or Paid
   
Average
Volume
   
Average
Rate
   
Interest
Earned
or Paid
 
Assets
                                   
Loans (1)
  $ 2,627,638       5.90 %   $ 38,218     $ 2,202,782       5.99 %   $ 32,552  
Taxable securities
    174,395       3.56 %     1,530       161,483       4.47 %     1,780  
Non-taxable securities (2)
    39,356       6.69 %     649       15,709       8.13 %     315  
Short-term investments,
                                               
principally federal funds
    223,745       0.38 %     207       72,505       0.22 %     39  
Total interest-earning assets
    3,065,134       5.37 %     40,604       2,452,479       5.74 %     34,686  
                                                 
Cash and due from banks
    56,984                       38,603                  
Premises and equipment
    54,281                       52,250                  
Other assets
    264,138                       73,558                  
Total assets
  $ 3,440,537                     $ 2,616,890                  
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
NOW deposits
  $ 326,406       0.27 %   $ 216     $ 199,162       0.18 %   $ 90  
Money market deposits
    534,204       1.00 %     1,315       360,790       1.85 %     1,647  
Savings deposits
    152,937       0.88 %     333       123,238       1.31 %     398  
Time deposits >$100,000
    831,862       1.69 %     3,472       607,429       3.20 %     4,796  
Other time deposits
    789,302       1.66 %     3,224       586,462       3.11 %     4,494  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,634,711       1.32 %     8,560       1,877,081       2.47 %     11,425  
Securities sold under agreements
                                               
to repurchase
    58,069       0.80 %     114       51,032       1.56 %     196  
Borrowings
    106,769       1.74 %     458       152,644       2.10 %     792  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,799,549       1.32 %     9,132       2,080,757       2.42 %     12,413  
                                                 
Non-interest-bearing deposits
    275,832                       229,343                  
Other liabilities
    18,630                       24,275                  
Shareholders’ equity
    346,526                       282,515                  
Total liabilities and
                                               
shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,440,537                     $ 2,616,890                  
                                                 
Net yield on interest-earning
                                               
assets and net interest income
            4.16 %   $ 31,472               3.68 %   $ 22,273  
Interest rate spread
            4.05 %                     3.32 %        
                                                 
Average prime rate
            3.25 %                     3.25 %        

(1)
Average loans include nonaccruing loans, the effect of which is to lower the average rate shown.

(2)
Includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $295,000 and $163,000 in 2010 and 2009, respectively, to reflect the tax benefit that we receive related to tax-exempt securities, which carry interest rates lower than similar taxable investments due to their tax exempt status.  This amount has been computed assuming a 39% tax rate and is reduced by the related nondeductible portion of interest expense.

Average loans outstanding for the first quarter of 2010 were $2.628 billion, which was 19.3% higher than the average loans outstanding for the first quarter of 2009 ($2.203 billion).    The mix of our loan portfolio remained substantially the same at March 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009, with approximately 91% of our loans being real estate loans, 6% being commercial, financial, and agricultural loans, and the remaining 3% being consumer installment loans.  The majority of our real estate loans are personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan.

Average total deposits outstanding for the first quarter of 2010 were $2.911 billion, which was 38.2% higher than the average deposits outstanding for the first quarter of 2009 ($2.106 billion).  Generally, we can reinvest

 
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funds from deposits at higher yields than the interest rate being paid on those deposits, and therefore increases in deposits typically result in higher amounts of net interest income.

A majority of the increase in average loans and deposits over the past year came as a result of the acquisition of Cooperative Bank.  On June 19, 2009, we acquired most of the assets and liabilities of Cooperative Bank, including approximately $601 million in loans and $712 million in deposits.  The effect of the higher amounts of average loans and deposits was to increase net interest income in 2010.

The yields earned on assets and rates paid on liabilities (funding costs) have both declined, primarily as a result of the maturity and repricing of assets and liabilities that were originated during periods of higher interest rates.  Due largely to a steep yield curve and our continued initiative to require generally higher loan interest rates to better compensate us for our risk, our funding costs have declined by a greater amount than our asset yields have decreased, which has resulted in a higher net interest margin in the first quarter of 2010.  As derived from the above table, in the first quarter of 2010, the average yield on interest-earning assets was 5.37%, a 37 basis point decline from the 5.74% yield in the first quarter of 2009, while the average rate on interest bearing liabilities declined by 110 basis points, from 2.42% in the first quarter of 2009 to 1.32% in the first quarter of 2010.

See additional information regarding net interest income in the section entitled “Interest Rate Risk.”

The current economic environment has resulted in an increase in our loan losses and nonperforming assets, which has led to significantly higher provisions for loan losses.  Our provision for loan losses amounted to $7,623,000 in the first quarter of 2010 versus $4,485,000 in the first quarter of 2009.

The increases in the provisions for loan losses are solely attributable to our “non-covered” loan portfolio, which excludes loans assumed from Cooperative that are subject to loss share agreements with the FDIC.  We do not expect to record any significant loan loss provisions in the foreseeable future related to Cooperative’s loan portfolio because these loans were written down to estimated fair market value in connection with the recording of the acquisition.

Our non-covered nonperforming assets amounted to $101 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $92 million at December 31, 2009 and $45 million at March 31, 2009.   At March 31, 2010, the ratio of non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets was 3.58%, compared to 3.10% at December 31, 2009, and 1.66% at March 31, 2009.

Our ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average non-covered loans was 1.01% for the first quarter of 2010 compared to 0.69% in the fourth quarter of 2009 and 0.34% in the first quarter of 2009.

Our nonperforming assets that are covered by FDIC loss share agreements have increased from $91 million at June 30, 2009 to $184 million at March 31, 2010.  We continue to submit claims to the FDIC on a regular basis pursuant to the loss share agreements and have received total cash reimbursements from the FDIC of over $60 million since the Cooperative acquisition.

Noninterest income amounted to $5.7 million for the first quarter of 2010, a 20.0% increase from the first quarter of 2009.  Increased levels of noninterest income were realized across most categories of income as a result of a larger customer base that resulted from the Cooperative Bank acquisition.

Noninterest expenses amounted to $22.3 million in the first quarter of 2010, a 39.8% increase over 2009.  A majority of this increase is attributable to incremental operating expenses associated with the Cooperative acquisition, including higher personnel expenses, higher occupancy expenses, and higher expenses related to collection activities on Cooperative loans and foreclosed properties (approximately $1.0 million, net of FDIC reimbursements, for the first three months of 2010).  Also, during the first quarter of 2010 we recorded approximately $0.6 million in expense related to a fraud loss.  FDIC insurance expense increased to $1.2 million for the first three months of 2010, compared to $0.8 million in the comparable quarter of 2009.

 
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The provision for income taxes was $2,530,000 in the first quarter of 2010, an effective tax rate of 36.3%, compared to $2,353,000 in the first quarter of 2009, an effective tax rate of 36.6%.  We expect our effective tax rate to remain at approximately 36-37% for the foreseeable future.  The Company’s 2007 and 2008 tax returns are currently being audited by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income reflect other comprehensive income of $617,000 during the first quarter of 2010 and other comprehensive losses of $2,052,000 during the first quarter of 2009.  The primary component of other comprehensive income/loss for the periods presented was changes in unrealized holding gains/losses of our available for sale securities.  Our available for sale securities portfolio is predominantly comprised of fixed rate bonds that generally increase in value when market yields for fixed rate bonds decrease and decline in value when market yields for fixed rate bonds increase.  Management has evaluated any unrealized losses on individual securities at each period end and determined that there is no other-than-temporary impairment.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets at March 31, 2010 amounted to $3.39 billion, 26.1% higher than a year earlier.  Total loans at March 31, 2010 amounted to $2.61 billion, a 19.1% increase from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.87 billion, a 34.2% increase from a year earlier.

The following table presents information regarding the nature of our growth for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 and for the first quarter of 2010.

April 1, 2009 to
March 31, 2010
 
Balance at
beginning of
period
   
Internal
Growth
   
Growth from
Acquisitions
   
Balance at
end of
period
   
Total
percentage
growth
   
Percentage growth,
excluding
acquisitions
 
   
($ in thousands)
 
       
Loans
  $ 2,187,466       (182,438 )     601,104       2,606,132       19.1 %     -8.3 %
                                                 
Deposits - Noninterest bearing
  $ 231,263       15,811       35,224       282,298       22.1 %     6.8 %
Deposits – NOW
    209,985       71,975       32,015       313,975       49.5 %     34.3 %
Deposits - Money market
    381,362       110,177       45,757       537,296       40.9 %     28.9 %
Deposits – Savings
    128,914       5,446       21,243       155,603       20.7 %     4.2 %
Deposits - Brokered time
    80,578       (33,460 )     42,943       90,061       11.8 %     -41.5 %
Deposits – Internet time
    6,494       (90,957 )     161,672       77,209       n/m       n/m  
Deposits - Time>$100,000
    530,895       32,232       148,104       711,231       34.0 %     6.1 %
Deposits - Time<$100,000
    569,628       (91,852 )     225,103       702,879       23.4 %     -16.1 %
Total deposits
  $ 2,139,119       19,372       712,061       2,870,552       34.2 %     0.9 %
                                                 
January 1, 2010 to
March 31, 2010
                                               
Loans
  $ 2,652,865       (46,733 )  
      2,606,132       -1.8 %     -1.8 %
                                                 
Deposits - Noninterest bearing
  $ 272,422       9,876    
      282,298       3.6 %     3.6 %
Deposits – NOW
    362,366       (48,391 )  
      313,975       -13.4 %     -13.4 %
Deposits - Money market
    496,940       40,356    
      537,296       8.1 %     8.1 %
Deposits – Savings
    149,338       6,265    
      155,603       4.2 %     4.2 %
Deposits - Brokered time
    76,332       13,729    
      90,061       18.0 %     18.0 %
Deposits – Internet time
    128,024       (50,815 )  
      77,209       -39.7 %     -39.7 %
Deposits - Time>$100,000
    704,128       7,103    
      711,231       1.0 %     1.0 %
Deposits - Time<$100,000
    743,558       (40,679 )  
      702,879       -5.5 %     -5.5 %
Total deposits
  $ 2,933,108       (62,556 )  
      2,870,552       -2.1 %     -2.1 %

 
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As derived from the table above, for the twelve months preceding March 31, 2010, our loans increased by $419 million, or 19.1%, all of which was related to our acquisition of Cooperative Bank on June 19, 2009.  Over that same period, deposits increased $731 million, or 34.2%, of which $19 million was internal growth and $712 million was from the Cooperative acquisition.  For the first three months of 2010, internally generated loans decreased $47 million, or 1.8%, while internally generated deposits decreased by $63 million, or 2.1%.  We believe internally generated loans have declined due to lower loan demand in the recessionary economy, as well as an initiative that began in 2008 to require generally higher loan interest rates to better compensate us for our risk.  During the first quarter of 2010, approximately $70 million in relatively high cost time deposits, including $51 million in internet time deposits, matured and were not renewed.

The deposit portfolio assumed from Cooperative had a high concentration of time deposits, comprising approximately 81% of total deposits compared to our recent historical average of 55%-57%.  Time deposits are generally our bank’s most expensive funding source.  Additionally, Cooperative’s time deposits were more heavily concentrated in brokered time deposits and time deposits gathered by placing interest rates on internet websites.  Prior to the Cooperative acquisition, we had $66 million in brokered deposits and $7 million in internet deposits.  The acquisition brought us an additional $43 million in brokered deposits and $162 million in internet deposits.  We believe these two types of deposit sources have little long term value, as the interest rates are relatively high and there is no opportunity to develop additional business with those customers. We expect that our level of internet deposits will continue a steady decline in future quarters as those deposits mature, because we plan to offer interest rates on renewals that are less competitive than the relatively high rates that Cooperative was offering.  We expect to replace those deposits with either retail deposits or brokered deposits at lower interest rates.

The mix of our loan portfolio remains substantially the same at March 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009.  The majority of our real estate loans are personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan.

Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements presents additional detailed information regarding our mix of loans, including a break-out between loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements and non-covered loans.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets are defined as nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest, and other real estate.  As previously discussed, in our acquisition of Cooperative Bank, we entered into loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, which afford us significant protection from losses from all loans and other real estate acquired in the acquisition.

Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, the financial risk of the Cooperative loans and foreclosed real estate are significantly different from those assets not covered under the loss share agreements.  Accordingly, we present separately loans subject to the loss share agreements as “covered loans” in the information below and loans that are not subject to the loss share agreements as “non-covered loans.”

 
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Nonperforming assets are summarized as follows:

 
ASSET QUALITY DATA ($ in thousands)
 
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2009
 
                   
Non-covered nonperforming assets
                 
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 63,415       62,206       35,296  
Restructured loans
    27,207       21,283       3,995  
Accruing loans >90 days past due
                 
Total non-covered nonperforming loans
    90,622       83,489       39,291  
Other real estate
    10,818       8,793       5,428  
Total non-covered nonperforming assets
    101,440       92,282       44,719  
                         
Covered nonperforming assets (1)
                       
Nonaccrual loans (2)
  $ 105,043       117,916        
Restructured loans
    11,379              
Accruing loans > 90 days past due
                 
Total covered nonperforming loans
    116,422       117,916        
Other real estate
    68,044       47,430        
Total covered nonperforming assets
  $ 184,466       165,346        
                         
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 285,906       257,628       44,719  
                         
                         
Asset Quality Ratios – All Assets
                       
Net charge-offs to average loans - annualized
    0.81 %     0.54 %     0.34 %
Nonperforming loans to total loans
    7.94 %     7.59 %     1.80 %
Nonperforming assets to total assets
    8.43 %     7.27 %     1.66 %
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
    1.52 %     1.41 %     1.46 %
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
    19.17 %     18.54 %     81.22 %
                         
Asset Quality Ratios – Based on Non-covered Assets only
                       
Net charge-offs to average non-covered loans - annualized
    1.01 %     0.69 %     0.34 %
Non-covered nonperforming loans to non-covered loans
    4.28 %     3.91 %     1.80 %
Non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets
    3.58 %     3.10 %     1.66 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered loans
    1.87 %     1.75 %     1.46 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered nonperforming loans
    43.80 %     44.73 %     81.22 %
                         
 
 
(1)
Covered nonperforming assets consist of assets that are included in loss-share agreements with the FDIC.
(2)
At March 31, 2010, the contractual balance of the nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements was $166.3 million.

We have reviewed the collateral for our nonperforming assets, including nonaccrual loans, and have included this review among the factors considered in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses discussed below.

Consistent with the recessionary economy, we have experienced increases in loan losses, delinquencies and nonperforming assets.  Our total nonperforming assets were also significantly impacted by the Cooperative acquisition. Our non-covered nonperforming assets were $101.4 million at March 31, 2010 compared to $92.3 million at December 31, 2009 and $44.7 million at March 31, 2009.  Our ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average non-covered loans was 1.01% for the first quarter of 2010 compared to 0.69% in the fourth quarter of 2009 and 0.34% in the first quarter of 2009.

 
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The following is the composition by loan type of all of our nonaccrual loans at each period end:

($ in thousands)
 
At March 31,
2010 (1)
   
At December 31,
2009 (1)
   
At March 31,
2009
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
  $ 3,201       4,033       2,546  
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans
    81,170       80,669       11,836  
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages
    41,387       48,424       12,384  
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit
    14,287       16,951       2,837  
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other
    27,412       28,476       4,469  
Installment loans to individuals
    1,001       1,569       1,224  
Total nonaccrual loans
  $ 168,458       180,122       35,296  

 
(1)
Includes both covered and non-covered loans.

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2010 into covered and non-covered loans:

 
($ in thousands)
 
Covered
Nonaccrual
Loans
   
Non-covered
Nonaccrual
Loans
   
Total
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
  $ 316       2,885       3,201  
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans
    53,737       27,433       81,170  
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages
    22,963       18,424       41,387  
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit
    9,934       4,353       14,287  
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other
    18,075       9,337       27,412  
Installment loans to individuals
    18       983       1,001  
Total nonaccrual loans
  $ 105,043       63,415       168,458  

The following is the composition of our nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2009:

 
($ in thousands)
 
Covered
Nonaccrual
Loans
   
Non-covered
Nonaccrual
Loans
   
Total
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
  $ 263       3,770       4,033  
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans
    54,023       26,646       80,669  
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages
    31,315       17,109       48,424  
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit
    13,451       3,500       16,951  
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other
    18,595       9,881       28,476  
Installment loans to individuals
    269       1,300       1,569  
Total nonaccrual loans
  $ 117,916       62,206       180,122  

At March 31, 2010, troubled debt restructurings amounted to $38.6 million, compared to $21.3 million at December 31, 2009, and $4.0 million at March 31, 2009.  This increase was the result of our working with borrowers experiencing financial difficulties by modifying certain loan terms.  The increase between March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009 was also impacted by our analysis of the Federal Reserve’s October 2009 guidance related to real estate loan workouts, which provided clarification of situations involving borrowers that should be reported as troubled debt restructurings.

Other real estate includes foreclosed, repossessed, and idled properties.  Non-covered other real estate has increased since March 31, 2009, amounting to $10.8 million at March 31, 2010, $8.8 million at December 31, 2009, and $5.4 million at March 31, 2009.  At March 31, 2010, we also held $68.0 million in other real estate that is subject to the loss share agreement with the FDIC.  We believe that the fair values of the items of other real estate, less estimated costs to sell, equal or exceed their respective carrying values at the dates presented.

 
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The following table presents the detail of our other real estate at each period end:

($ in thousands)
 
At March 31, 2010 (1)
   
At December 31, 2009 (1)
   
At March 31, 2009
 
Vacant land
  $ 53,556       44,078       1,244  
1-4 family residential properties
    22,400       10,004       2,846  
Commercial real estate
    2,906       2,141       1,323  
Other
                15  
Total other real estate
  $ 78,862       56,223       5,428  

 
(1)
Includes both covered and non-covered real estate.

The following segregates our other real estate at March 31, 2010 into covered and non-covered:

($ in thousands)
 
Covered Other
Real Estate
   
Non-covered Other
Real Estate
   
Total Other Real
Estate
 
Vacant land
  $ 49,914       3,642       53,556  
1-4 family residential properties
    16,612       5,788       22,400  
Commercial real estate
    1,518       1,388       2,906  
Other
                 
Total other real estate
  $ 68,044       10,818       78,862  


Summary of Loan Loss Experience

The allowance for loan losses is created by direct charges to operations.  Losses on loans are charged against the allowance in the period in which such loans, in management’s opinion, become uncollectible.  The recoveries realized during the period are credited to this allowance.

We have no foreign loans, few agricultural loans and do not engage in significant lease financing or highly leveraged transactions.  Commercial loans are diversified among a variety of industries.  The majority of our real estate loans are primarily personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan.  Collateral for virtually all of these loans is located within our principal market area.

Our provision for loan losses amounted to $7.6 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to $4.5 in the first quarter of 2009.  The higher 2010 amounts were due to negative trends in asset quality as previously discussed.

In the first quarter of 2010, we recorded $5.3 million in net charge-offs, which amounted to 1.01% annualized net charge-offs to average non-covered loans, compared to $1.8 million (0.34%) in the first quarter of 2009.  Our ratio of non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets was 3.58% at March 31, 2010 compared to 1.66% at March 31, 2009.

At March 31, 2010, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $39.7 million compared to $37.3 million at December 31, 2009 and $31.9 million at March 31, 2009.  The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-covered loans was 1.87% at March 31, 2010, 1.75% at December 31, 2009, and 1.46% at March 31, 2009.

We believe our reserve levels are adequate to cover probable loan losses on the loans outstanding as of each reporting date.  It must be emphasized, however, that the determination of the reserve using our procedures and methods rests upon various judgments and assumptions about economic conditions and other factors affecting loans.  No assurance can be given that we will not in any particular period sustain loan losses that are sizable in relation to the amounts reserved or that subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of conditions and factors then prevailing, will not require significant changes in the allowance for loan losses or future charges to earnings.  See “Critical Accounting Policies – Allowance for Loan Losses” above.

 
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In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses and value of other real estate.  Such agencies may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance or the carrying value of other real estate based on their judgments about information available at the time of their examinations.

For the periods indicated, the following table summarizes our balances of loans outstanding, average loans outstanding, changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from charge-offs and recoveries, additions to the allowance for loan losses that have been charged to expense, and additions that were recorded related to acquisitions.

   
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
   
Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
   
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Loans outstanding at end of period
  $ 2,606,132       2,652,865       2,187,466  
Non-covered loans outstanding at end of period
  $ 2,117,873       2,132,843       2,187,466  
Covered loans outstanding at end of period
  $ 488,259       520,022        
Average amount of non-covered loans outstanding
  $ 2,123,498       2,160,225       2,202,782  
                         
Allowance for loan losses, at
                       
beginning of year
  $ 37,343       29,256       29,256  
Provision for loan losses
    7,623       20,186       4,485  
      44,966       49,442       33,741  
Loans charged off:
                       
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
    (1,268 )     (2,143 )     (137 )
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans
    (577 )     (1,716 )     (98 )
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages
    (519 )     (4,617 )     (771 )
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit
    (399 )     (1,824 )     (137 )
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other
    (2,175 )     (516 )     (299 )
Installment loans to individuals
    (725 )     (1,973 )     (594 )
Total charge-offs
    (5,663 )     (12,789 )     (2,036 )
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
                       
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
          18       4  
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans
    5       9       85  
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages
    59       184       31  
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit
    149       66        
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other
    7       129       1  
Installment loans to individuals
    167       284       86  
Total recoveries
    387       690       207  
Net charge-offs
    (5,276 )     (12,099 )     (1,829 )
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period
  $ 39,690       37,343       31,912  
                         
Ratios:
                       
Net charge-offs as a percent of average non-covered loans
    1.01 %     0.56 %     0.34 %
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-covered loans at end
                       
of  period
    1.87 %     1.75 %     1.46 %

Based on the results of our loan analysis and grading program and our evaluation of the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2010, there have been no material changes to the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among the various categories of loans since December 31, 2009.

Liquidity, Commitments, and Contingencies

Our liquidity is determined by our ability to convert assets to cash or acquire alternative sources of funds to meet the needs of our customers who are withdrawing or borrowing funds, and to maintain required reserve levels, pay expenses and operate our business on an ongoing basis.  Our primary internal liquidity sources are net income

 
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from operations, cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments.  Our securities portfolio is comprised almost entirely of readily marketable securities, which could also be sold to provide cash.

In addition to internally generated liquidity sources, we have the ability to obtain borrowings from the following four sources - 1) an approximately $330 million line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank (of which $30 million was outstanding at March 31, 2010), 2) a $50 million overnight federal funds line of credit with a correspondent bank (none of which was outstanding at March 31, 2010), 3) an approximately $96 million line of credit through the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s discount window (none of which was outstanding at March 31, 2010) and 4) a $10 million line of credit with a commercial bank (none of which was outstanding at March 31, 2010).  In addition to the outstanding borrowings from the FHLB that reduce the available borrowing capacity of that line of credit, our borrowing capacity was further reduced by $170 million at both March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, as a result of our pledging letters of credit for public deposits at each of those dates.  Unused and available lines of credit amounted to $286 million at March 31, 2010 compared to $541 million at December 31, 2009.  The primary reason for the decline in the available lines of credit is explained in the following paragraph.

In January 2010, we received the results of a collateral audit from the FHLB.  Based primarily on a finding that we were not keeping certain original loan documents, but were instead imaging them and shredding the original documents, a significant portion of our collateral pledged to the FHLB was deemed to be ineligible for pledging purposes.  As a result, our FHLB borrowing availability was reduced from the $687 million disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K to approximately $330 million.

In February 2010, our line of credit with a commercial bank was renewed for a one year period with a $10 million limit compared to the prior limit of $20 million.  The reduction in the line of credit was due to the correspondent bank’s desire to reduce its exposure in this line of business.

Our overall liquidity has improved since March 31, 2009.  As noted previously, excluding the Cooperative acquisition, over the past 12 months, we have experienced $19 million in deposit growth and our loans have decreased $182 million, thereby creating $201 million in additional liquidity.  There was no significant impact on our liquidity as a result of the Cooperative acquisition. Although our liquid assets (cash and securities) as a percentage of our total deposits and borrowings decreased from 17.8% at December 31, 2009 to 15.5% at March 31, 2010, the growth in our deposits and decline in our loans has lessened our reliance on borrowings, which have declined by $105 million since March 31, 2009.

We believe our liquidity sources, including unused lines of credit, are at an acceptable level and remain adequate to meet our operating needs in the foreseeable future.  We will continue to monitor our liquidity position carefully and will explore and implement strategies to increase liquidity if deemed appropriate.

The amount and timing of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments has not changed materially since December 31, 2009, detail of which is presented in Table 18 on page 73 of our 2009 Form 10-K.

We are not involved in any legal proceedings that, in our opinion, could have a material effect on our consolidated financial position.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Derivative Financial Instruments

Off-balance sheet arrangements include transactions, agreements, or other contractual arrangements in which we have obligations or provide guarantees on behalf of an unconsolidated entity.  We have no off-balance sheet arrangements of this kind other than repayment guarantees associated with trust preferred securities.

Derivative financial instruments include futures, forwards, interest rate swaps, options contracts, and other financial instruments with similar characteristics.  We have not engaged in derivative activities through March 31, 2010, and have no current plans to do so.

 
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Capital Resources

We are regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board (FED) and are subject to the securities registration and public reporting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Our banking subsidiary is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks.  We are not aware of any recommendations of regulatory authorities or otherwise which, if they were to be implemented, would have a material effect on our liquidity, capital resources, or operations.

We must comply with regulatory capital requirements established by the FED and FDIC.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  Our capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.  These capital standards require us to maintain minimum ratios of “Tier 1” capital to total risk-weighted assets and total capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.00% and 8.00%, respectively.  Tier 1 capital is comprised of total shareholders’ equity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), less intangible assets, and total capital is comprised of Tier 1 capital plus certain adjustments, the largest of which is our allowance for loan losses.  Risk-weighted assets refer to our on- and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for their related risk levels using formulas set forth in FED and FDIC regulations.

In addition to the risk-based capital requirements described above, we are subject to a leverage capital requirement, which calls for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital (as defined above) to quarterly average total assets of 3.00% to 5.00%, depending upon the institution’s composite ratings as determined by its regulators.  The FED has not advised us of any requirement specifically applicable to us.

At March 31, 2010, our capital ratios exceeded the regulatory minimum ratios discussed above.  The following table presents our capital ratios and the regulatory minimums discussed above for the periods indicated.

   
March 31,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
   
March 31,
2009
 
Risk-based capital ratios:
                 
Tier I capital to Tier I risk adjusted assets
    14.32 %     13.88 %     12.89 %
Minimum required Tier I capital
    4.00 %     4.00 %     4.00 %
                         
Total risk-based capital to
                       
Tier II risk-adjusted assets
    15.58 %     15.14 %     14.15 %
Minimum required total risk-based capital
    8.00 %     8.00 %     8.00 %
                         
Leverage capital ratios:
                       
Tier I leverage capital to
                       
adjusted most recent quarter average assets
    9.60 %     9.30 %     10.71 %
Minimum required Tier I leverage capital
    4.00 %     4.00 %     4.00 %

Our bank subsidiary is also subject to capital requirements similar to those discussed above.  The bank subsidiary’s capital ratios do not vary materially from our capital ratios presented above.  At March 31, 2010, our bank subsidiary exceeded the minimum ratios established by the FED and FDIC.

In addition to regulatory capital ratios, we also closely monitor our ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets (“TCE Ratio”).  Our TCE ratio was 6.31% at March 31, 2010 compared to 5.94% at December 31, 2009 and 5.82% at March 31, 2009.

 
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

The following is a list of business development and other miscellaneous matters affecting First Bancorp and First Bank, our bank subsidiary, since January 1, 2010 that have not previously been discussed.  In Virginia, First Bank does business as “First Bank of Virginia.”

 
·
We are finalizing the construction of a branch facility in Christiansburg, VA and anticipate opening the branch in May 2010.  This will be our sixth branch in southwestern Virginia.

 
·
In the second quarter of 2010, we plan to dissolve Montgomery Data Services, our data processing subsidiary, by merging it into First Bank.  We no longer plan to offer data processing services to area banks.

 
·
On February 11, 2010, our insurance subsidiary, First Bank Insurance Services, acquired The Insurance Center, Inc., a Montgomery County, NC based property and casualty insurance agency with over 500 customers.

 
·
On February 25, 2010, we announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 cents per share payable on April 23, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2010.  This is the same dividend rate we declared in the first quarter of 2009.

 
·
There was no stock repurchase activity during 2010.


SHARE REPURCHASES

We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the first three months of 2010.  At March 31, 2010, we had approximately 235,000 shares available for repurchase under existing authority from our board of directors.  We may repurchase these shares in open market and privately negotiated transactions, as market conditions and our liquidity warrants, subject to compliance with applicable regulations.  However, as a result of our participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, we are prohibited from buying back stock without the permission of the Treasury until the preferred stock issued under that program is redeemed.  See also Part II, Item 2 “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.”


Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

INTEREST RATE RISK (INCLUDING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK)

Net interest income is our most significant component of earnings.  Notwithstanding changes in volumes of loans and deposits, our level of net interest income is continually at risk due to the effect that changes in general market interest rate trends have on interest yields earned and paid with respect to our various categories of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  It is our policy to maintain portfolios of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with maturities and repricing opportunities that will afford protection, to the extent practical, against wide interest rate fluctuations.  Our exposure to interest rate risk is analyzed on a regular basis by management using standard GAP reports, maturity reports, and an asset/liability software model that simulates future levels of interest income and expense based on current interest rates, expected future interest rates, and various intervals of “shock” interest rates.  Over the years, we have been able to maintain a fairly consistent yield on average earning assets (net interest margin).  Over the past five calendar years, our net interest margin has ranged from a low of 3.74%

 
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(realized in 2008) to a high of 4.33% (realized in 2005).  During that five year period, the prime rate of interest has ranged from a low of 3.25% (which was the rate as of March 31, 2010) to a high of 8.25%.  Our net interest margin for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 was 4.16%.  The consistency of our net interest margin is aided by the relatively low level of long-term interest rate exposure that we maintain.  At March 31, 2010, approximately 87% of our interest-earning assets are subject to repricing within five years (because they are either adjustable rate assets or they are fixed rate assets that mature) and substantially all of our interest-bearing liabilities reprice within five years.

Using stated maturities for all instruments except mortgage-backed securities (which are allocated in the periods of their expected payback) and securities and borrowings with call features that are expected to be called (which are shown in the period of their expected call), at March 31, 2010, we had $1.02 billion more in interest-bearing liabilities that are subject to interest rate changes within one year than earning assets.  This generally would indicate that net interest income would experience downward pressure in a rising interest rate environment and would benefit from a declining interest rate environment.  However, this method of analyzing interest sensitivity only measures the magnitude of the timing differences and does not address earnings, market value, or management actions.  Also, interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates.  In addition to the effects of “when” various rate-sensitive products reprice, market rate changes may not result in uniform changes in rates among all products.  For example, included in interest-bearing liabilities subject to interest rate changes within one year at March 31, 2010 are deposits totaling $1.01 billion comprised of NOW, savings, and certain types of money market deposits with interest rates set by management.  These types of deposits historically have not repriced with, or in the same proportion, as general market indicators.

Overall we believe that in the near term (twelve months), net interest income will not likely experience significant downward pressure from rising interest rates.  Similarly, we would not expect a significant increase in near term net interest income from falling interest rates.  Generally, when rates change, our interest-sensitive assets that are subject to adjustment reprice immediately at the full amount of the change, while our interest-sensitive liabilities that are subject to adjustment reprice at a lag to the rate change and typically not to the full extent of the rate change.  In the short-term (less than six months), this results in us being asset-sensitive, meaning that our net interest income benefits from an increase in interest rates and is negatively impacted by a decrease in interest rates. However, in the twelve-month horizon, the impact of having a higher level of interest-sensitive liabilities lessens the short-term effects of changes in interest rates.

From September 2007 to December 2008, in response to the declining economy, the Federal Reserve announced a series of interest rate reductions with rate cuts totaling 500 basis points and rates reaching historic lows.  As noted above, our net interest margin is negatively impacted, at least in the short-term, by reductions in interest rates.  In addition to the initial normal decline in net interest margin that we experience when interest rates are reduced (as discussed above), the cumulative impact of the magnitude of 500 basis points in interest rate cuts has continued to negatively impact our net interest margin, primarily due to our inability to cut a large portion of our interest-bearing deposits by any significant amount due to their already near-zero interest rate.  Also, for many of our deposit products, including time deposits that have recently matured, we have been unable to lower the interest rates we pay our customers by the full 500 basis point interest rate decrease due to competitive pressures.  The impact of the declining rate environment was mitigated by an initiative we began in late 2007 to add interest rate floors to our adjustable rate loans.  The net impact of those factors was that our net interest margin steadily declined for most of 2008.  In 2009, the Federal Reserve made no changes to the interest rates, which resulted in our net interest margin increasing as we were able to renew matured time deposits at lower rates with only a minimal decrease in our asset yields.  Our net interest margin increased in each of the last four quarters, from 3.68% for the three month period ended March 31, 2009 to 4.16% for the three month period ended March 31, 2010.

Based on our most recent interest rate modeling, which assumes no changes in interest rates for 2010, we project our net interest margin for the remainder of 2010 will remain relatively consistent with the net interest margins recently realized.  We expect lower deposit yields as higher yielding time deposits continue to mature,

 
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while we expect asset yields to decline as a result of lower average loan balances and higher levels of nonaccrual loan balances.

We have no market risk sensitive instruments held for trading purposes, nor do we maintain any foreign currency positions.

See additional discussion regarding net interest income, as well as discussion of the changes in the annual net interest margin in the section entitled “Net Interest Income” above.


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based on the evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in allowing timely decisions regarding disclosure to be made about material information required to be included in our periodic reports with the SEC. In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting has occurred during, or subsequent to, the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Part II.  Other Information

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
   
Period
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
   
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
 
January 1, 2010 to January
                         
    31, 2010      
     
     
      234,667  
February 1, 2010 to
                                 
February 28, 2010
     
     
     
      234,667  
March 1, 2010 to March 31,
                                 
    2010      
     
     
      234,667  
Total
     
     
     
      234,667 (2)


Footnotes to the Above Table
(1)
All shares available for repurchase are pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations.  On July 30, 2004, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of 375,000 shares of our common stock.  The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date.  Subject to the restrictions discussed above related to our participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, there are no plans or programs we have determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under which we do not intend to make further purchases.

 
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(2)
The table above does not include shares that were used by option holders to satisfy the exercise price of the call options we issued to our employees and directors pursuant to our stock option plans.  There were no such exercises during the three months ended March 31, 2010.


Item 6 - Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with this report or, as noted, are incorporated by reference.  Management contracts, compensatory plans and arrangements are marked with an asterisk (*).

3.a
Articles of Incorporation of the Company and amendments thereto were filed as Exhibits 3.a.i through 3.a.v to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002, and are incorporated herein by reference.  Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009, and are incorporated herein by reference.

3.b
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2009, and are incorporated herein by reference.

4.a
Form of Common Stock Certificate was filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, and is incorporated herein by reference.

4.b
Form of Certificate for Series A Preferred Stock was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

4.c
Warrant for Purchase of Shares of Common Stock was filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


Copies of exhibits are available upon written request to: First Bancorp, Anna G. Hollers, Executive Vice President, P.O. Box 508, Troy, NC 27371

 
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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 BANCORP
 
     
     
May 10, 2010
BY:/s/  Jerry L. Ocheltree
 
 
Jerry L. Ocheltree
 
 
President
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer),
 
 
Treasurer and Director
 
     
     
May 10, 2010
BY:/s/  Anna G. Hollers
 
 
Anna G. Hollers
 
 
Executive Vice President,
 
 
Secretary
 
 
and Chief Operating Officer
 
     
     
May 10, 2010
BY:/s/  Eric P. Credle
 
 
Eric P. Credle
 
 
Executive Vice President
 
 
and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
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