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FIRST BANCORP /NC/ - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)

 

 

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 September 30, 2013

 

 

 

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   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)   Identification Number)
     
300 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines, North Carolina   28387
(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. ý YES ¨ 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). ý YES ¨ NO

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

 

¨ Large Accelerated Filer ý Accelerated Filer ¨ Non-Accelerated Filer
¨ 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). ¨ YES ý NO

 

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding on October 31, 2013 was 19,679,659.

 

 

 
 

INDEX

FIRST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

  Page
   
Part I.  Financial Information  
   
Item 1 - Financial Statements  
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 (With Comparative Amounts at December 31, 2012) 4
   
Consolidated Statements of Income - For the Periods Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 5
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - For the Periods Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 6
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - For the Periods Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 7
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Periods Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 8
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9
   
Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Results of Operations and Financial Condition 45
   
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 69
   
Item 4 – Controls and Procedures 71
   
Part II.  Other Information  
   
Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 71
   
Item 6 – Exhibits 72
   
Signatures 73

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Part I of this report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, 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. Further, forward-looking statements are intended to speak only as of the date made. 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. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors which are beyond our control. 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 about factors that could affect the matters discussed in this paragraph, see the “Risk Factors” section of our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Part I. Financial Information

Item 1 - Financial Statements

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

($ in thousands-unaudited)  September 30,
2013
   December 31,
2012 (audited)
   September 30,
2012
 
ASSETS               
Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing  $89,383    96,588    79,991 
Due from banks, interest-bearing   95,634    144,919    202,693 
Federal funds sold   102        519 
     Total cash and cash equivalents   185,119    241,507    283,203 
                
Securities available for sale   172,535    167,352    161,407 
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $56,824, $61,496, and $61,877)   54,054    56,064    56,123 
                
Presold mortgages in process of settlement   2,884    8,490    4,380 
                
Loans – non-covered   2,215,173    2,094,143    2,137,074 
Loans – covered by FDIC loss share agreement   226,909    282,314    303,997 
   Total loans   2,442,082    2,376,457    2,441,071 
Allowance for loan losses – non-covered   (43,475)   (41,643)   (45,154)
Allowance for loan losses – covered   (4,216)   (4,759)   (4,394)
   Total allowance for loan losses   (47,691)   (46,402)   (49,548)
   Net loans   2,394,391    2,330,055    2,391,523 
                
Loans held for sale       30,393     
Premises and equipment   77,621    74,371    74,044 
Accrued interest receivable   9,663    10,201    10,720 
FDIC indemnification asset   64,946    102,559    107,615 
Goodwill   65,835    65,835    65,835 
Other intangible assets   3,054    3,108    3,335 
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   15,098    26,285    38,065 
Foreclosed real estate – covered   29,193    47,290    58,367 
Bank-owned life insurance   43,642    27,857    27,587 
Other assets   54,405    53,543    40,473 
        Total assets  $3,172,440    3,244,910    3,322,677 
                
LIABILITIES               
Deposits:   Noninterest bearing checking accounts  $463,972    413,195    398,527 
Interest bearing checking accounts   543,905    519,573    482,583 
Money market accounts   556,470    556,354    539,504 
Savings accounts   166,706    158,578    159,189 
Time deposits of $100,000 or more   562,934    664,330    717,457 
Other time deposits   446,873    509,330    537,204 
     Total deposits   2,740,860    2,821,360    2,834,464 
Borrowings   46,394    46,394    111,394 
Accrued interest payable   920    1,299    1,421 
Other liabilities   21,524    19,740    32,608 
     Total liabilities   2,809,698    2,888,793    2,979,887 
                
Commitments and contingencies               
                
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY               
Preferred stock, no par value per share.  Authorized: 5,000,000 shares               
     Series B issued & outstanding:  63,500, 63,500, and 63,500 shares   63,500    63,500    63,500 
     Series C, convertible, issued & outstanding:  728,706, 728,706, and 0 shares   7,287    7,287     
Common stock, no par value per share.  Authorized: 40,000,000 shares               
     Issued & outstanding:  19,679,659, 19,669,302, and 17,013,008 shares   132,098    131,877    105,454 
Retained earnings   163,250    153,629    181,672 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (3,393)   (176)   (7,836)
     Total shareholders’ equity   362,742    356,117    342,790 
          Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $3,172,440    3,244,910    3,322,677 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

($ in thousands, except share data-unaudited)  Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2013   2012   2013   2012 
INTEREST INCOME                    
Interest and fees on loans  $34,870    37,037    105,451    107,715 
Interest on investment securities:                    
     Taxable interest income   843    1,001    2,572    3,408 
     Tax-exempt interest income   472    487    1,428    1,471 
Other, principally overnight investments   143    164    470    481 
     Total interest income   36,328    38,689    109,921    113,075 
                     
INTEREST EXPENSE                    
Savings, checking and money market accounts   322    650    1,213    2,258 
Time deposits of $100,000 or more   1,408    2,022    4,567    6,282 
Other time deposits   613    1,097    2,121    3,535 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase               4 
Borrowings   258    447    770    1,481 
     Total interest expense   2,601    4,216    8,671    13,560 
                     
Net interest income   33,727    34,473    101,250    99,515 
Provision for loan losses – non-covered   3,487    5,970    13,301    29,721 
Provision for loan losses – covered   1,493    1,103    8,419    5,374 
Total provision for loan losses   4,980    7,073    21,720    35,095 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   28,747    27,400    79,530    64,420 
                     
NONINTEREST INCOME                    
Service charges on deposit accounts   3,390    3,053    9,579    8,867 
Other service charges, commissions and fees   2,402    2,275    6,917    6,634 
Fees from presold mortgage loans   776    785    2,343    1,685 
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products   591    510    1,569    1,325 
Bank-owned life insurance income   366    207    786    380 
Foreclosed property gains (losses and write-downs) – non-covered   153    (1,020)   1,687    (3,026)
Foreclosed property gains (losses and write-downs) – covered   1,397    (1,641)   (3,738)   (12,742)
FDIC indemnification asset income (expense), net   (3,786)   (1,569)   (2,296)   6,094 
Securities gains   553    189    560    638 
Other gains (losses)   (234)   14    (204)   67 
     Total noninterest income   5,608    2,803    17,203    9,922 
                     
NONINTEREST EXPENSES                    
Salaries   11,401    10,370    33,081    30,717 
Employee benefits   2,248    2,539    7,421    9,230 
   Total personnel expense   13,649    12,909    40,502    39,947 
Net occupancy expense   1,793    1,670    5,226    4,966 
Equipment related expenses   1,157    1,318    3,351    3,652 
Intangibles amortization   220    224    639    670 
Other operating expenses   6,885    7,536    22,966    22,245 
     Total noninterest expenses   23,704    23,657    72,684    71,480 
                     
Income before income taxes   10,651    6,546    24,049    2,862 
Income tax expense   4,318    2,123    9,028    331 
                     
Net income   6,333    4,423    15,021    2,531 
                     
Preferred stock dividends   (216)   (688)   (678)   (2,277)
                     
Net income available to common shareholders  $6,117    3,735    14,343    254 
                     
Earnings per common share:                    
     Basic  $0.31    0.22    0.73    0.01 
     Diluted   0.30    0.22    0.71    0.01 
                     
Dividends declared per common share  $0.08    0.08    0.24    0.24 
                     
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                    
     Basic   19,679,751    16,988,150    19,674,229    16,955,130 
     Diluted   20,424,984    16,988,150    20,416,517    16,955,130 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
($ in thousands-unaudited)  2013   2012   2013   2012 
                 
Net income  $6,333    4,423    15,021    2,531 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                    
   Unrealized gains on securities available for sale:                    
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, pretax   (2,589)   635    (4,748)   1,536 
      Tax (expense) benefit   1,011    (249)   1,852    (599)
     Reclassification to realized gains   (553)   (189)   (560)   (638)
          Tax expense    216    74    218    249 
Postretirement Plans:                    
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss   15    82    34    465 
       Tax expense   (6)   (32)   (13)   (181)
Amortization of prior service cost and transition obligation       7        24 
       Tax expense       (3)       (10)
Other comprehensive income (loss)   (1,906)   325    (3,217)   846 
 
Comprehensive income
  $4,427    4,748    11,804    3,377 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

(In thousands, except per share - unaudited)      Common Stock       Accumulated
Other
   Total
Share-
 
   Preferred
Stock
   Shares   Amount   Retained
Earnings
   Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   holders’
Equity
 
                         
                         
Balances, January 1, 2012  $63,500    16,910   $104,841    185,491    (8,682)   345,150 
                               
Net income                  2,531         2,531 
Common stock issued into dividend reinvestment plan        31    335              335 
Repurchases of common stock            (2)             (2)
Cash dividends declared ($0.24 per common share)                  (4,073)        (4,073)
Preferred dividends                  (2,277)        (2,277)
Stock-based compensation        72    280              280 
Other comprehensive income                       846    846 
                               
Balances, September 30, 2012  $63,500    17,013   $105,454    181,672    (7,836)   342,790 
                               
                               
Balances, January 1, 2013  $70,787    19,669   $131,877    153,629    (176)   356,117 
                               
Net income                  15,021         15,021 
Cash dividends declared ($0.24 per common share)                  (4,722)        (4,722)
Preferred dividends                  (678)        (678)
Stock-based compensation        11    221              221 
Other comprehensive income (loss)                       (3,217)   (3,217)
                               
Balances, September 30, 2013  $70,787    19,680   $132,098    163,250    (3,393)   362,742 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
($ in thousands-unaudited)  2013   2012 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities          
Net income  $15,021    2,531 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
     Provision for loan losses   21,720    35,095 
     Net security premium amortization   2,089    1,397 
     Purchase accounting accretion and amortization, net   (14,283)   (10,209)
     Foreclosed property losses and write-downs, net   2,051    15,768 
     Gain on securities available for sale   (560)   (638)
     Other losses (gains)   204    (67)
     Decrease (increase) in net deferred loan costs   300    (198)
     Depreciation of premises and equipment   3,459    3,427 
     Stock-based compensation expense   221    280 
     Amortization of intangible assets   639    670 
     Origination of presold mortgages in process of settlement   (79,117)   (70,507)
     Proceeds from sales of presold mortgages in process of settlement   84,723    72,217 
     Decrease in accrued interest receivable   538    1,059 
     Decrease (increase) in other assets   1,795    (11,412)
     Decrease in accrued interest payable   (406)   (455)
     Increase (decrease) in other liabilities   2,133    (4,225)
          Net cash provided by operating activities   40,527    34,733 
           
Cash Flows From Investing Activities          
     Purchases of securities available for sale   (55,499)   (64,269)
     Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale   12,935    9,641 
     Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities available for sale   30,717    76,161 
     Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities held to maturity   1,837    1,690 
     Purchase of bank-owned life insurance   (15,000)   (25,000)
     Net increase in loans   (71,332)   (63,868)
     Proceeds from FDIC loss share agreements   36,639    25,116 
     Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate   42,892    46,618 
     Purchases of premises and equipment   (5,288)   (7,496)
     Proceeds from loans held for sale   30,393     
     Net cash received in acquisition   38,315    9,312 
          Net cash provided by investing activities   46,609    7,905 
           
Cash Flows From Financing Activities          
     Net increase (decrease) in deposits   (137,809)   52,979 
     Repayments of borrowings       (22,500)
     Cash dividends paid – common stock   (4,722)   (4,065)
     Cash dividends paid – preferred stock   (993)   (2,349)
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock       335 
     Repurchase of common stock       (2)
          Net cash provided (used) by financing activities   (143,524)   24,398 
           
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (56,388)   67,036 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   241,507    216,167 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $185,119    283,203 
           
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:          
Cash paid during the period for:          
     Interest  $9,050    14,011 
     Income taxes   107    12,025 
Non-cash transactions:          
     Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of taxes   (3,238)   548 
     Foreclosed loans transferred to other real estate   15,659    36,523 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited) For the Periods Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012  

 

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 September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. All such adjustments were of a normal, recurring nature. Reference is made to the 2012 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 September 30, 2013 and 2012 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 2012 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.

 

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

 

In October 2012, the Business Combinations topic was amended to address the subsequent accounting for an indemnification asset resulting from a government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution. The guidance indicates that when a reporting entity records an indemnification asset as a result of a government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution involving an indemnification agreement, the indemnification asset should be subsequently measured on the same basis as the asset subject to indemnification. Any amortization of changes in value should be limited to any contractual limitations on the amount and the term of the indemnification agreement. The amendments should be applied prospectively to any new indemnification assets acquired and to changes in expected cash flows of existing indemnification assets occurring on or after the date of adoption. Prior periods would not be adjusted. The amendments were effective for 2013 and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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

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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 for the periods ended September 30, 2012 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for September 30, 2013. 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 – Acquisition

 

On March 22, 2013, the Company completed the purchase of two branches from Four Oaks Bank & Trust Company located in Southern Pines and Rockingham, North Carolina. The Company acquired $57 million in deposits and $16 million in loans in the acquisition. The Company purchased the Rockingham branch building, but did not purchase the Southern Pines branch building and instead transferred the acquired accounts to one of the Company’s nearby existing branches. The primary reason for this acquisition was to increase the Company’s presence in existing market areas. The Company paid a deposit premium for the branches of approximately $586,000, which is the amount of the identifiable intangible asset associated with the fair value of the core deposit base. The intangible asset is being amortized as expense on a straight-line basis over a seven year period. The operations of the two branches are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income beginning on the acquisition date of March 22, 2013. Historical pro forma information is not presented due to the immateriality of the transaction.

 

Note 5 – Equity-Based Compensation Plans

 

At September 30, 2013, the Company had the following equity-based compensation plans: the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan, the First Bancorp 2004 Stock Option Plan, and the First Bancorp 1994 Stock Option Plan. The Company’s shareholders approved all equity-based compensation plans. The First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan became effective upon the approval of shareholders on May 2, 2007. As of September 30, 2013, the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan was the only plan that had shares available for future grants.

 

The First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan is 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 First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan allows for both grants of stock options and other types of equity-based compensation, including stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted performance stock, unrestricted stock, and performance units.

 

Recent equity grants to employees have either had performance vesting conditions, service vesting conditions, or both. Compensation expense for these grants is recorded over the various service periods based on the estimated number of equity grants that are probable to vest. No compensation cost is recognized for grants that do not vest and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed. As it relates to director equity grants, the Company grants common shares, valued at approximately $16,000, to each non-employee director (currently 12 in total) 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.

 

Pursuant to an employment agreement, the Company granted the chief executive officer 75,000 non-qualified stock options and 40,000 shares of restricted stock during the third quarter of 2012. The option award and the restricted stock award will vest in full on December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015, respectively, if the Company achieves certain earnings targets for those years, and will be forfeited if the applicable targets are not achieved. Compensation expense for this grant will be recorded over the various periods based on the estimated number of options and restricted stock that are probable to vest. If the awards do not vest, no compensation cost will be recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed. Based on current conditions, the Company has concluded that it is not probable that these awards will vest, and thus no compensation expense has been recorded.

 

The Company granted long-term restricted shares of common stock to certain senior executives on February 23, 2012 with a two year minimum vesting period. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $89,700 and the grant will fully vest on February 23, 2014. The Company recorded $20,000 and $24,400 in stock option expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and expects to record $1,000 in stock option expense each quarter thereafter until the awards vest.

Page 10
Index

The Company granted long-term restricted shares of common stock to certain senior executives on February 24, 2011 with a two year minimum vesting period. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $105,500 and the grant fully vested on February 24, 2013. The Company recorded $6,500 and $29,600 in stock option expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Under the terms of the Predecessor Plans and the First Bancorp 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 September 30, 2013, there were 466,813 options outstanding related to the three First Bancorp plans, with exercise prices ranging from $9.76 to $22.12. At September 30, 2013, there were 761,538 shares remaining available for grant under the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan.

 

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 future 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.

 

The Company’s equity grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were the issuance of 13,164 shares of common stock to non-employee directors on June 3, 2013 (1,097 shares per director), at a fair market value of $14.68 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date.

 

The Company’s equity grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were the issuance of 1) 9,559 shares of long-term restricted stock to certain senior executives on February 23, 2012, at a fair market value of $10.96 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date, 2) 25,452 shares of common stock to non-employee directors on June 1, 2012 (1,818 shares per director), at a fair market value of $8.86 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date, 3) 40,000 shares of restricted stock to the chief executive officer on August 28, 2012, at a fair market value of $9.76 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date, and 4) 75,000 stock options to the chief executive officer on August 28, 2012, at a fair value of $3.65 per share on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

    2012
Expected dividend yield   3.28%
Risk-free interest rate   1.64%
Expected life   10 years
Expected volatility   41.82%

 

The Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $221,000 and $280,000 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of the $221,000 in expense that was recorded in 2013, approximately $193,000 related to the June 3, 2013 director grants, which is classified as “other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The remaining $28,000 in expense relates to the employee grants discussed above and is recorded as “salaries expense.” Stock based compensation is reflected as an adjustment to cash flows from operating activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company recognized $86,000 and $109,000 of income tax benefits related to stock based compensation expense in the income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

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, and therefore the Company assumes that all options granted without performance conditions will become vested.

Page 11
Index

The following table presents information regarding the activity for the first nine months of 2013 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, 2012   521,613   $17.80           
                     
   Granted                  
   Exercised                  
   Forfeited                  
   Expired   (54,800)   16.62           
                     
Outstanding at September 30, 2013   466,813   $17.94    3.5   $353,400 
                     
Exercisable at September 30, 2013   391,813   $19.51    2.4   $2,400 

 

The Company did not have any stock option exercises during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012. The Company recorded no tax benefits from the exercise of nonqualified stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

 

Note 6 – Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted Earnings Per Common Share is computed by assuming the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Currently, the Company’s potentially dilutive common stock issuances relate to stock option grants under the Company’s equity-based compensation plans and the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock, which is convertible into common stock on a one-for-one ratio.

 

In computing Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, adjustments are made to the computation of Basic Earnings Per Common shares, as follows. As it relates to stock options, it is assumed that all dilutive stock options are exercised during the reporting period at their respective exercise prices, with the proceeds from the exercises used by the Company to buy back stock in the open market at the average market price in effect during the reporting period. The difference between the number of shares assumed to be exercised and the number of shares bought back is included in the calculation of dilutive securities. As it relates to the Series C Preferred Stock, it is assumed that the preferred stock was converted to common stock during the reporting period. Dividends on the preferred stock are added back to net income and the shares assumed to be converted are included in the number of shares outstanding.

 

If any of the potentially dilutive common stock issuances have an anti-dilutive effect, which is the case when a net loss is reported, the potentially dilutive common stock issuance is disregarded.

Page 12
Index

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 September 30, 
   2013   2012 
($ 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  $6,117    19,679,751   $0.31   $3,735    16,988,150   $0.22 
                               
Effect of Dilutive Securities   58    745,233                   
                               
Diluted EPS per common share  $6,175    20,424,984   $0.30   $3,735    16,988,150   $0.22 

 

   For the Nine Months Ended September 30 
   2013   2012 
($ 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  $14,343    19,674,229   $0.73   $254    16,955,130   $0.01 
                               
Effect of Dilutive Securities   175    742,288                   
                               
Diluted EPS per common share  $14,518    20,416,517   $0.71   $254    16,955,130   $0.01 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were 364,813 and 391,813 options, respectively, that were antidilutive because the exercise price exceeded the average market price for the period. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were 446,613 options that were antidilutive. Antidilutive options have been omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the respective periods.

Page 13
Index

Note 7 – Securities

 

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:

 

   September 30, 2013   December 31, 2012 
   Amortized   Fair   Unrealized   Amortized   Fair   Unrealized 
($ in thousands)  Cost   Value   Gains   (Losses)   Cost   Value   Gains   (Losses) 
                                 
Securities available for sale:                                        
  Government-sponsored enterprise securities  $17,500    17,361    27    (166)   11,500    11,596    96     
  Mortgage-backed securities   149,070    147,523    1,702    (3,249)   143,539    146,926    3,717    (330)
  Corporate bonds   3,998    3,651    53    (400)   3,998    3,813    75    (260)
  Equity securities   3,985    4,000    30    (15)   5,026    5,017    16    (25)
Total available for sale  $174,553    172,535    1,812    (3,830)   164,063    167,352    3,904    (615)
                                         
Securities held to maturity:                                        
  State and local governments  $54,054    56,824    2,779    (9)   56,064    61,496    5,432    

 

Included in mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2013 were collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized cost of $219,000 and a fair value of $227,000. Included in mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2012 were collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized cost of $381,000 and a fair value of $396,000. All of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, were issued by government-sponsored corporations.

 

The Company owned Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock with a cost and fair value of $3,894,000 at September 30, 2013 and $4,934,000 at December 31, 2012, which is included in equity securities above and serves as part of the collateral for the Company’s line of credit with the FHLB. The investment in this stock is a requirement for membership in the FHLB system. Periodically the FHLB recalculates the Company’s required level of holdings, and the Company either buys more stock or the FHLB redeems a portion of the stock at cost.

 

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2013:

 

 

($ 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  $8,334    166            8,334    166 
Mortgage-backed securities   74,011    2,986    3,042    263    77,053    3,249 
Corporate bonds           600    400    600    400 
Equity securities           26    15    26    15 
State and local governments   1,485    9            1,485    9 
    Total temporarily impaired securities  $83,830    3,161    3,668    678    87,498    3,839 

 

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2012:

 

 

($ 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   26,330    330            26,330    330 
Corporate bonds           740    260    740    260 
Equity securities           30    25    30    25 
State and local governments                        
    Total temporarily impaired securities  $26,330    330    770    285    27,100    615 

 

In the above tables, all of the non-equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 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.

Page 14
Index

The aggregate carrying amount of cost-method investments was $3,894,000 and $4,934,000 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which was the FHLB 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 September 30, 2013, 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 
($ in thousands)  Cost   Value   Cost   Value 
                 
Debt securities                    
Due within one year  $             
Due after one year but within five years   20,498    20,412    5,426    5,798 
Due after five years but within ten years           35,388    37,261 
Due after ten years   1,000    600    13,240    13,765 
Mortgage-backed securities   149,070    147,523         
Total debt securities   170,568    168,535    54,054    56,824 
                     
Equity securities   3,985    4,000         
Total securities  $174,553    172,535    54,054    56,824 

 

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 investment securities with carrying values of $91,589,000 and $78,519,000, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public deposits.

 

The Company recorded $12,935,000 in sales of securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which resulted in a net gain of $553,000. There were $9,641,000 in sales of securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, which resulted in a net gain of $439,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded net gains of $7,000 and $200,000, respectively, related to the call of several municipal and corporate bond securities. Also, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded a net loss of $0 and $1,000, respectively, related to write-downs of the Company's equity portfolio.

 

 

Note 8 – Loans and Asset Quality Information

 

The loans and foreclosed real estate that were acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions are covered by loss share agreements between the FDIC and the Company’s banking subsidiary, First Bank, which afford First Bank significant loss protection - see Note 2 to the financial statements included in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for detailed information regarding these transactions. Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, the risk of the loans and foreclosed real estate that are covered by loss share agreements 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.”

Page 15
Index

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

 

($ in thousands)

  September 30, 2013   December 31, 2012   September 30, 2012 
   Amount   Percentage   Amount   Percentage   Amount   Percentage 
All loans (non-covered and covered):                        
                         
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $166,044    7%    160,790    7%    161,846    7% 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   296,731    12%    298,458    13%    329,375    13% 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   839,273    34%    815,281    34%    823,069    34% 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   229,559    9%    238,925    10%    243,556    10% 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   841,674    35%    789,746    33%    807,914    33% 
Installment loans to individuals   67,777    3%    71,933    3%    73,833    3% 
    Subtotal   2,441,058    100%    2,375,133    100%    2,439,593    100% 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs   1,024         1,324         1,478      
    Total loans  $2,442,082         2,376,457         2,441,071      

 

As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012, net loans include unamortized premiums of $147,000, $485,000, and $601,000, respectively, related to acquired loans.

 

At December 31, 2012, the Company also had $30 million classified as “loans held for sale” that are not included in the loan balances disclosed above or in the disclosures presented in the remainder of Note 8. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company identified approximately $68 million of non-covered higher risk loans that it targeted for sale to a third-party investor. Based on an offer to purchase these loans received prior to year-end, the Company wrote the loans down by approximately $38 million to their estimated liquidation value of approximately $30 million and reclassified them as “loans held for sale.” The sale of substantially all of these loans was completed in January 2013 with the Company receiving sales proceeds of approximately $30 million.

Page 16
Index

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

 

 

($ in thousands)

  September 30, 2013   December 31, 2012   September 30, 2012 
   Amount   Percentage   Amount   Percentage   Amount   Percentage 
Non-covered loans:                              
                               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $161,552    7%    155,273    7%    154,956    7% 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   261,457    12%    251,569    12%    273,985    13% 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   722,716    33%    679,401    33%    681,168    32% 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   213,026    10%    219,443    11%    223,154    10% 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   788,240    35%    715,973    34%    729,310    34% 
Installment loans to individuals   67,158    3%    71,160    3%    73,023    4% 
    Subtotal   2,214,149    100%    2,092,819    100%    2,135,596    100% 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs   1,024         1,324         1,478      
    Total non-covered loans  $2,215,173         2,094,143         2,137,074      

 

The carrying amount of the covered loans at September 30, 2013 consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans (as determined on the date of acquisition), as follows:

 

($ in thousands)
 
 
 
  Impaired
Purchased
Loans –
Carrying
Value
   Impaired
Purchased
Loans –
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Nonimpaired
Purchased
Loans –
Carrying
Value
   Nonimpaired
Purchased
Loans -
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Total
Covered
Loans –
Carrying
Value
   Total
Covered
Loans –
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Covered loans:                              
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $68    138    4,424    5,696    4,492    5,834 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   298    573    34,976    57,951    35,274    58,524 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   601    1,610    115,956    137,205    116,557    138,815 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   14    21    16,519    20,476    16,533    20,497 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   2,166    4,058    51,268    68,014    53,434    72,072 
Installment loans to individuals           619    643    619    643 
     Total  $3,147    6,400    223,762    289,985    226,909    296,385 

 

Page 17
Index

The carrying amount of the covered loans at December 31, 2012 consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans (as determined on the date of acquisition), as follows:

 

($ in thousands)
  
 
 
  Impaired
Purchased
Loans –
Carrying
Value
   Impaired
Purchased
Loans –
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Nonimpaired
Purchased
Loans –
Carrying
Value
   Nonimpaired
Purchased
Loans -
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Total
Covered
Loans –
Carrying
Value
   Total
Covered
Loans –
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Covered loans:                              
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $71    148    5,446    7,009    5,517    7,157 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1,575    2,594    45,314    82,676    46,889    85,270 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   794    1,902    135,086    161,416    135,880    163,318 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   16    56    19,466    24,431    19,482    24,487 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   2,369    4,115    71,404    94,502    73,773    98,617 
Installment loans to individuals           773    828    773    828 
     Total  $4,825    8,815    277,489    370,862    282,314    379,677 

 

The following table presents information regarding covered purchased nonimpaired loans since December 31, 2011. The amounts include principal only and do not reflect accrued interest as of the date of the acquisition or beyond.

 

($ in thousands)
 
    
Carrying amount of nonimpaired covered loans at December 31, 2011  $353,370 
Principal repayments   (51,582)
Transfers to foreclosed real estate   (30,181)
Loan charge-offs   (10,584)
Accretion of loan discount   16,466 
Carrying amount of nonimpaired covered loans at December 31, 2012   277,489 
Principal repayments   (49,793)
Transfers to foreclosed real estate   (9,529)
Loan charge-offs   (9,000)
Accretion of loan discount   14,595 
Carrying amount of nonimpaired covered loans at September 30, 2013  $223,762 

 

As reflected in the table above, the Company accreted $14,595,000 of the loan discount on purchased nonimpaired loans into interest income during the first nine months of 2013. As of September 30, 2013, there was remaining loan discount of $33,367,000 related to purchased performing loans. If these loans continue to be repaid by the borrowers, the Company will accrete the remaining loan discount into interest income over the covered lives of the respective loans. In such circumstances, a corresponding entry to reduce the indemnification asset will be recorded amounting to 80% of the loan discount accretion, which reduces noninterest income. At September 30, 2013, the Company also had $13,286,000 of loan discount related to purchased nonperforming loans. It is not expected that a significant amount of this discount will be accreted, as it represents estimated losses on these loans.

Page 18
Index

The following table presents information regarding all purchased impaired loans since December 31, 2011, substantially all of which are covered loans. The Company has applied the cost recovery method to all purchased impaired loans at their respective acquisition dates due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows, as reflected in the following table.

 

($ in thousands)



Purchased Impaired Loans
  Contractual
Principal
Receivable
   Fair Market
Value
Adjustment –
Write Down
(Nonaccretable
Difference)
   Carrying
Amount
 
Balance at December 31, 2011  $18,316    9,532    8,784 
Change due to payments received   (355)   44    (399)
Transfer to foreclosed real estate   (7,636)   (3,487)   (4,149)
Change due to loan charge-off   (359)   (531)   172 
Other   (1,151)   (1,568)   417 
Balance at December 31, 2012   8,815    3,990    4,825 
Change due to payments received   (264)   47    (311)
Transfer to foreclosed real estate   (2,000)   (730)   (1,270)
Change due to loan charge-off   (150)   (54)   (96)
Other   (1)       (1)
Balance at September 30, 2013  $6,400    3,253    3,147 

 

Each of the purchased impaired loans is 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 nine months of 2013 and 2012, the Company received $62,000 and $0, respectively, in payments that exceeded the initial carrying amount of the purchased impaired loans, which is included in the loan discount accretion amount discussed previously.

 

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

 

 

ASSET QUALITY DATA ($ in thousands)

  September 30,
2013
   December 31,
2012
   September 30,
2012
 
             
Non-covered nonperforming assets               
Nonaccrual loans  $40,711    33,034    69,413 
Restructured loans - accruing   27,656    24,848    38,522 
Accruing loans > 90 days past due            
     Total non-covered nonperforming loans   68,367    57,882    107,935 
Nonperforming loans held for sale       21,938     
Foreclosed real estate   15,098    26,285    38,065 
Total non-covered nonperforming assets  $83,465    106,105    146,000 
                
Covered nonperforming assets               
Nonaccrual loans (1)  $47,233    33,491    37,619 
Restructured loans - accruing   6,537    15,465    17,945 
Accruing loans > 90 days past due            
     Total covered nonperforming loans   53,770    48,956    55,564 
Foreclosed real estate   29,193    47,290    58,367 
Total covered nonperforming assets  $82,963    96,246    113,931 
                
     Total nonperforming assets  $166,428    202,351    259,931 

 

(1) At September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, the contractual balance of the nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements was $75.5 million, $64.4 million, and $67.9 million, respectively.

 

Page 19
Index

The remaining tables in this note present information derived from the Company’s allowance for loan loss model. Relevant accounting guidance requires certain disclosures to be disaggregated based on how the Company develops its allowance for loan losses and manages its credit exposure. This model combines loan types in a different manner than the tables previously presented.

 

The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans as of September 30, 2013.

 

($ in thousands)  Non-covered   Covered   Total 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:               
Commercial – unsecured  $46    107    153 
Commercial – secured   2,414    119    2,533 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   151    813    964 
                
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   8,074    16,863    24,937 
                
Real estate – residential, farmland and multi-family   16,558    16,799    33,357 
                
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   1,927    1,083    3,010 
                
Real estate – commercial   11,221    11,387    22,608 
                
Consumer   320    62    382 
  Total  $40,711    47,233    87,944 

 

The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)  Non-covered   Covered   Total 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:               
Commercial - unsecured  $307    150    457 
Commercial - secured   2,398    3    2,401 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   17    59    76 
                
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   6,354    11,698    18,052 
                
Real estate – residential, farmland and multi-family   9,629    10,712    20,341 
                
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   1,622    465    2,087 
                
Real estate - commercial   9,885    10,342    20,227 
                
Consumer   2,822    62    2,884 
  Total  $33,034    33,491    66,525 
                

 

Page 20
Index

The following table presents an analysis of the payment status of the Company’s loans as of September 30, 2013.

 

($ in thousands)  30-59
Days Past
Due
   60-89 Days
Past Due
   Nonaccrual
Loans
   Current   Total Loans
Receivable
 
Non-covered loans                         
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                         
Commercial - unsecured  $275    16    46    35,594    35,931 
Commercial - secured   938    95    2,414    119,324    122,771 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   239    154    151    19,150    19,694 
                          
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1,580    316    8,074    222,700    232,670 
                          
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   5,845    3,009    16,558    833,918    859,330 
                          
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   1,095    109    1,927    194,566    197,697 
                          
Real estate - commercial   2,297    412    11,221    681,804    695,734 
                          
Consumer   370    138    320    49,494    50,322 
  Total non-covered  $12,639    4,249    40,711    2,156,550    2,214,149 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                       1,024 
           Total non-covered loans                      $2,215,173 
                          
Covered loans  $1,147    1,981    47,233    176,548    226,909 
                          
                Total loans  $13,786    6,230    87,944    2,333,098    2,442,082 

 

The Company had no non-covered or covered loans that were past due greater than 90 days and accruing interest at September 30, 2013.

 

Page 21
Index

The following table presents an analysis of the payment status of the Company’s loans as of December 31, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)  30-59
Days Past
Due
   60-89 Days
Past Due
   Nonaccrual
Loans
   Current   Total Loans
Receivable
 
Non-covered loans                         
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                         
Commercial - unsecured  $91    10    307    35,278    35,686 
Commercial - secured   1,020    220    2,398    110,074    113,712 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   52    4    17    21,270    21,343 
                          
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   490    263    6,354    211,001    218,108 
                          
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   9,673    2,553    9,629    797,584    819,439 
                          
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   976    320    1,622    197,962    200,880 
                          
Real estate - commercial   4,326    1,131    9,885    612,598    627,940 
                          
Consumer   462    219    2,822    52,208    55,711 
  Total non-covered  $17,090    4,720    33,034    2,037,975    2,092,819 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                       1,324 
           Total non-covered loans                      $2,094,143 
                          
Covered loans  $6,564    3,417    33,491    238,842    282,314 
                          
                Total loans  $23,654    8,137    66,525    2,276,817    2,376,457 

 

The Company had no non-covered or covered loans that were past due greater than 90 days and accruing interest at December 31, 2012.

Page 22
Index

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

($ in thousands)  Commercial,
Financial, and
Agricultural
   Real Estate –
Construction,
Land
Development, &
Other Land
Loans
   Real Estate –
Residential,
Farmland,
and Multi-
family
   Real
Estate –
Home
Equity
Lines of
Credit
   Real Estate –
Commercial
and Other
   Consumer   Unallo-
cated
   Total 
                                 
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2013
                                         
Beginning balance  $5,960    14,593    14,961    2,061    5,239    1,703    299    44,816 
Charge-offs   (1,205)   (800)   (893)   (200)   (1,473)   (593)       (5,164)
Recoveries   28    91    60    6    27    124        336 
Provisions   1,618    (1,224)   671    193    1,517    377    335    3,487 
Ending balance  $6,401    12,660    14,799    2,060    5,310    1,611    634    43,475 
                                         
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013
                                         
Beginning balance  $4,687    12,856    14,082    1,884    5,247    1,939    948    41,643 
Charge-offs   (2,589)   (2,017)   (2,548)   (1,089)   (3,920)   (1,683)   (659)   (14,505)
Recoveries   261    708    723    68    909    367        3,036 
Provisions   4,042    1,113    2,542    1,197    3,074    988    345    13,301 
Ending balance  $6,401    12,660    14,799    2,060    5,310    1,611    634    43,475 
                                         
Ending balances as of September 30, 2013:  Allowance for loan losses
                                            
Individually evaluated for impairment  $140    329    1,298    1    700    2        2,470 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $6,261    12,331    13,501    2,059    4,610    1,609    634    41,005 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             
                                         
Loans receivable as of September 30, 2013:
                                         
Ending balance – total  $178,396    232,670    859,330    197,697    695,734    50,322        2,214,149 
                                         
Ending balances as of September 30, 2013: Loans
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $1,295    8,069    19,903    22    21,543    14        50,846 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $177,101    224,601    839,427    197,675    674,191    50,308        2,163,303 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             

 

Page 23
Index

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)  Commercial,
Financial, and
Agricultural
   Real Estate –
Construction,
Land
Development, &
Other Land
Loans
   Real Estate –
Residential,
Farmland,
and Multi-
family
   Real
Estate –
Home
Equity
Lines of
Credit
   Real Estate –
Commercial
and Other
   Consumer   Unallo-
cated
   Total 
                                 
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012
                                         
Beginning balance  $3,780    11,306    13,532    1,690    3,414    1,872    16    35,610 
Charge-offs   (4,912)   (19,312)   (20,879)   (3,287)   (16,616)   (1,539)       (66,545)
Recoveries   354    986    430    209    333    273        2,585 
Provisions   5,465    19,876    20,999    3,272    18,116    1,333    932    69,993 
Ending balance  $4,687    12,856    14,082    1,884    5,247    1,939    948    41,643 
                                         
Ending balances as of December 31, 2012:  Allowance for loan losses
                                            
Individually evaluated for impairment  $2    504    1,419    3    1,036            2,964 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $4,685    12,352    12,663    1,881    4,211    1,939    948    38,679 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             
                                         
Loans receivable as of December 31, 2012:
                                         
Ending balance – total  $170,741    218,108    819,439    200,880    627,940    55,711        2,092,819 
                                         
Ending balances as of December 31, 2012: Loans
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $10    5,949    18,618    43    17,524            42,144 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $170,731    212,159    800,821    200,837    610,416    55,711        2,050,675 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             

 

Page 24
Index

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)  Commercial,
Financial, and
Agricultural
   Real Estate –
Construction,
Land
Development, &
Other Land
Loans
   Real Estate –
Residential,
Farmland,
and Multi-
family
   Real
Estate –
Home
Equity
Lines of
Credit
   Real Estate –
Commercial
and Other
   Consumer   Unallo-
cated
   Total 
                                 
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2012
                                         
Beginning balance  $5,061    17,819    14,959    2,146    5,719    1,791    28    47,523 
Charge-offs   (571)   (4,628)   (1,399)   (1,098)   (1,247)   (307)       (9,250)
Recoveries   219    487    92    10    21    82        911 
Provisions   468    1,109    1,731    825    1,354    315    168    5,970 
Ending balance  $5,177    14,787    15,383    1,883    5,847    1,881    196    45,154 
                                         
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012
                                         
Beginning balance  $3,780    11,306    13,532    1,690    3,414    1,872    16    35,610 
Charge-offs   (2,633)   (7,480)   (5,635)   (1,830)   (3,417)   (993)       (21,988)
Recoveries   253    801    346    129    68    214        1,811 
Provisions   3,777    10,160    7,140    1,894    5,782    788    180    29,721 
Ending balance  $5,177    14,787    15,383    1,883    5,847    1,881    196    45,154 
                                         
Ending balances as of September 30, 2012:  Allowance for loan losses
                                            
Individually evaluated for impairment  $874    908    1,911    1    1,372            5,066 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $4,303    13,879    13,472    1,882    4,475    1,881    196    40,088 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             
                                         
Loans receivable as of September 30, 2012:
                                         
Ending balance – total  $171,716    236,960    826,953    203,154    640,578    56,235        2,135,596 
                                         
Ending balances as of September 30, 2012: Loans
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $969    17,078    25,454    299    32,254            76,054 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $170,747    219,882    801,499    202,855    608,324    56,235        2,059,542 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             

 

Page 25
Index

 

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Loans 
     
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2013
Beginning balance  $6,035 
Charge-offs   (3,446)
Recoveries   134 
Provisions   1,493 
Ending balance  $4,216 
      
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013
Beginning balance  $4,759 
Charge-offs   (9,096)
Recoveries   134 
Provisions   8,419 
Ending balance  $4,216 
 
Ending balances as of September 30, 2013: Allowance for loan losses
 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $2,444 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,772 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality    
      
Loans receivable as of September 30, 2013:
      
Ending balance – total  $226,909 
      
Ending balances as of September 30, 2013: Loans
      
Individually evaluated for impairment  $53,770 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   173,139 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   3,147 

 

Page 26
Index

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Loans 
     
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012
Beginning balance  $5,808 
Charge-offs   (10,728)
Recoveries    
Provisions   9,679 
Ending balance  $4,759 
      
Ending balances as of December 31, 2012:  Allowance for loan losses
 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $3,509 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,250 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   17 
      
Loans receivable as of December 31, 2012:
      
Ending balance – total  $282,314 
      
Ending balances as of December 31, 2012: Loans
      
Individually evaluated for impairment  $48,956 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   233,358 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   4,825 

 

Page 27
Index

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Loans 
     
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2012
      
Beginning balance  $5,931 
Charge-offs   (2,640)
Recoveries    
Provisions   1,103 
Ending balance  $4,394 
      
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012
      
Beginning balance  $5,808 
Charge-offs   (6,788)
Recoveries    
Provisions   5,374 
Ending balance  $4,394 
      
Ending balances as of September 30, 2012:  Allowance for loan losses
 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $4,074 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   320 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   17 
      
Loans receivable as of September 30, 2012:
      
Ending balance – total  $303,997 
      
Ending balances as of September 30, 2012: Loans
      
Individually evaluated for impairment  $55,564 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   248,433 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   4,745 

 

Page 28
Index

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of September 30, 2013.

 

($ in thousands)
 
  Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Related
Allowance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Non-covered loans with no related allowance recorded:                    
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                    
Commercial - unsecured  $             
Commercial - secured   824    1,062        417 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable                
                     
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   6,824    7,210        4,657 
                     
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   4,643    4,855        1,941 
                     
Real estate – home equity lines of credit                
                     
Real estate – commercial   17,058    20,080        10,645 
                     
Consumer                
Total non-covered impaired loans with no allowance  $29,349    33,207        17,660 
                     
Total covered impaired loans with no allowance  $43,265    71,935        41,754 
                     
Total impaired loans with no allowance recorded  $72,614    105,142        59,414 
                     
Non-covered  loans with an allowance recorded:                    
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                    
Commercial - unsecured  $65    65    13    61 
Commercial - secured   331    331    52    1,253 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   75    75    75    81 
                     
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1,245    1,332    329    2,516 
                     
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   15,260    15,635    1,298    12,964 
                     
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   22    22    1    791 
                     
Real estate – commercial   4,485    5,385    700    5,000 
                     
Consumer   14    37    2    579 
Total non-covered impaired loans with allowance  $21,497    22,882    2,470    23,245 
                     
Total covered impaired loans with allowance  $10,505    11,790    2,444    13,662 
                     
Total impaired loans with an allowance recorded  $32,002    34,672    4,914    36,907 

 

Interest income recorded on non-covered and covered impaired loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is considered insignificant.

Page 29
Index

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)
 
  Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Related
Allowance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Non-covered loans with no related allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                    
Commercial – unsecured  $             
Commercial - secured               87 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable               5 
                     
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   4,276    4,305        8,600 
                     
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   1,597    1,618        2,692 
                     
Real estate – home equity lines of credit               64 
                     
Real estate – commercial   7,985    8,660        16,414 
                     
Consumer               2 
Total non-covered impaired loans with no allowance  $13,858    14,583        27,864 
                     
Total covered impaired loans with no allowance  $35,196    71,413        39,372 
                     
Total impaired loans with no allowance recorded  $49,054    85,996        67,236 
                     
Non-covered  loans with an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                    
Commercial - unsecured  $            137 
Commercial - secured   10    10    2    1,428 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable               340 
                     
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1,673    2,889    504    7,563 
                     
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   17,021    18,866    1,419    16,855 
                     
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   43    293    3    1,799 
                     
Real estate – commercial   9,539    11,328    1,036    7,975 
                     
Consumer       31        1,737 
Total non-covered impaired loans with allowance  $28,286    33,417    2,964    37,834 
                     
Total covered impaired loans with allowance  $13,760    18,271    3,509    15,401 
                     
Total impaired loans with an allowance recorded  $42,046    51,688    6,473    53,235 

 

Interest income recorded on non-covered and covered impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 2012 is considered insignificant.

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Index

The Company tracks credit quality based on its internal risk ratings. Upon origination a loan is assigned an initial risk grade, which is generally based on several factors such as the borrower’s credit score, the loan-to-value ratio, the debt-to-income ratio, etc. Loans that are risk-graded as substandard during the origination process are declined. After loans are initially graded, they are monitored monthly for credit quality based on many factors, such as payment history, the borrower’s financial status, and changes in collateral value. Loans can be downgraded or upgraded depending on management’s evaluation of these factors. Internal risk-grading policies are consistent throughout each loan type.

 

The following describes the Company’s internal risk grades in ascending order of likelihood of loss:

 

  Numerical Risk Grade Description
Pass:  
  1 Cash secured loans.
  2 Non-cash secured loans that have no minor or major exceptions to the lending guidelines.
  3 Non-cash secured loans that have no major exceptions to the lending guidelines.
Weak Pass:  
  4 Non-cash secured loans that have minor or major exceptions to the lending guidelines, but the exceptions are properly mitigated.
Watch or Standard:  
  9 Loans that meet the guidelines for a Risk Graded 5 loan, except the collateral coverage is sufficient to satisfy the debt with no risk of loss under reasonable circumstances.  This category also includes all loans to insiders and any other loan that management elects to monitor on the watch list.
Special Mention:  
  5 Existing loans with major exceptions that cannot be mitigated.
Classified:  
  6 Loans that have a well-defined weakness that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt if deficiencies are not corrected.
  7 Loans that have a well-defined weakness that make the collection or liquidation improbable.
  8 Loans that are considered uncollectible and are in the process of being charged-off.

 

Page 31
Index

The following table presents the Company’s recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicators as of September 30, 2013.

 

($ in thousands)  Credit Quality Indicator (Grouped by Internally Assigned Grade) 
   Pass
(Grades 1, 2,
& 3)
   Weak Pass
(Grade 4)
   Watch or
Standard
Loans
(Grade 9)
   Special
Mention
Loans
(Grade 5)
   Classified
Loans
(Grades
6, 7, & 8)
   Nonaccrual
Loans
   Total 
Non-covered loans:                                   
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                                   
Commercial - unsecured  $7,569    26,298    7    1,277    734    46    35,931 
Commercial - secured   30,069    77,268    866    6,983    5,171    2,414    122,771 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   1,951    14,064    222    1,931    1,375    151    19,694 
                                    
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   30,720    174,036    2,584    9,621    7,635    8,074    232,670 
                                    
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   234,214    536,140    6,192    34,251    31,975    16,558    859,330 
                                    
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   119,512    65,725    1,529    5,598    3,406    1,927    197,697 
                                    
Real estate - commercial   111,667    527,868    9,288    21,107    14,583    11,221    695,734 
                                    
Consumer   25,343    23,000    71    788    800    320    50,322 
  Total  $561,045    1,444,399    20,759    81,556    65,679    40,711    2,214,149 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                                 1,024 
      Total non-covered  loans                                $2,215,173 
                                    
Total covered loans  $26,851    96,163        9,829    46,833    47,233    226,909 
                                    
               Total loans  $587,896    1,540,562    20,759    91,385    112,512    87,944    2,442,082 

 

At September 30, 2013, there was an insignificant amount of loans that were graded “8” with an accruing status.

Page 32
Index

The following table presents the Company’s recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)  Credit Quality Indicator (Grouped by Internally Assigned Grade) 
   Pass
(Grades 1, 2,
& 3)
   Weak Pass
(Grade 4)
   Watch or
Standard
Loans
(Grade 9)
   Special
Mention
Loans
(Grade 5)
   Classified
Loans
(Grades
6, 7, & 8)
   Nonaccrual
Loans
   Total 
Non-covered loans:                                   
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                                   
Commercial - unsecured  $10,283    24,031    10    472    583    307    35,686 
Commercial - secured   32,196    72,838    1,454    3,676    1,150    2,398    113,712 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   2,344    18,126    248    491    117    17    21,343 
                                    
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   31,582    163,588    3,830    9,045    3,709    6,354    218,108 
                                    
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   249,313    499,922    7,154    29,091    24,330    9,629    819,439 
                                    
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   125,310    66,412    2,160    3,526    1,850    1,622    200,880 
                                    
Real estate - commercial   123,814    449,316    21,801    14,050    9,074    9,885    627,940 
                                    
Consumer   27,826    23,403    77    954    629    2,822    55,711 
  Total  $602,668    1,317,636    36,734    61,305    41,442    33,034    2,092,819 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                                 1,324 
      Total non-covered  loans                                $2,094,143 
                                    
Total covered loans  $42,935    124,451        7,569    73,868    33,491    282,314 
                                    
               Total loans  $645,603    1,442,087    36,734    68,874    115,310    66,525    2,376,457 

 

At December 31, 2012, there was an insignificant amount of loans that were graded “8” with an accruing status.

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

 

The restructuring of a loan is considered a “troubled debt restructuring” if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor has granted a concession. Concessions may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, principal forgiveness, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses.

 

The vast majority of the Company’s troubled debt restructurings modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to interest rate reductions combined with restructured amortization schedules. The Company does not generally grant principal forgiveness.

 

All loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are considered to be impaired and are evaluated as such for determination of the allowance for loan losses. The Company’s troubled debt restructurings can be classified as either nonaccrual or accruing based on the loan’s payment status. The troubled debt restructurings that are nonaccrual are reported within the nonaccrual loan totals presented previously.

Page 33
Index

The following table presents information related to loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

($ in thousands)  For the three months ended September 30, 2013 
   Number of
Contracts
   Pre-Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Post-Modification
Restructured
Balances
 
Non-covered TDRs – Accruing               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:               
Commercial - unsecured   1   $66   $66 
Commercial - secured   5    322    322 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   2    1,261    1,261 
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   1    174    174 
Real estate – commercial   4    4,933    4,933 
                
Non-covered TDRs – Nonaccrual               
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   3    800    800 
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   3    395    395 
Real estate – commercial   1    398    398 
                
Total non-covered TDRs arising during period   20    8,349    8,349 
                
Total covered TDRs arising during period– Accruing      $   $ 
Total covered TDRs arising during period – Nonaccrual   1    187    167 
                
Total TDRs arising during period   21   $8,536   $8,516 

 

($ in thousands)  For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 
   Number of
Contracts
   Pre-Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Post-Modification
Restructured
Balances
 
Non-covered TDRs – Accruing               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:               
Commercial - unsecured   1   $66   $66 
Commercial - secured   5    322    322 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   2    1,261    1,261 
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   10    1,256    1,258 
Real estate – commercial   6    5,097    5,097 
Consumer   1    14    14 
                
Non-covered TDRs – Nonaccrual               
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   3    800    800 
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   6    604    604 
Real estate – commercial   1    398    398 
                
Total non-covered TDRs arising during period   35    9,818    9,820 
                
Total covered TDRs arising during period– Accruing   4   $359   $351 
Total covered TDRs arising during period – Nonaccrual   1    187    167 
                
Total TDRs arising during period   40   $10,364   $10,338 

Page 34
Index

The following table presents information related to loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)  For the three months ended September 30, 2012 
   Number of
Contracts
   Pre-Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Post-Modification
Restructured
Balances
 
Non-covered TDRs – Accruing               
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   6   $1,205   $1,205 
                
Non-covered TDRs – Nonaccrual               
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   5    705    705 
Real estate – commercial   2    372    
372 
                
                
Total non-covered TDRs arising during period   13    2,282    2,282 
                
Total covered TDRs arising during period– Accruing      $   $ 
Total covered TDRs arising during period – Nonaccrual   1    1    1 
                
Total TDRs arising during period   14   $2,283   $2,283 

 

($ in thousands)  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 
   Number of
Contracts
   Pre-Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Post-Modification
Restructured
Balances
 
Non-covered TDRs – Accruing               
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1   $300   $300 
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   7    1,508    1,508 
                
Non-covered TDRs – Nonaccrual               
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1    238    238 
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   5    705    705 
Real estate – commercial   2    372    372 
                
                
Total non-covered TDRs arising during period   16    3,123    3,123 
                
Total covered TDRs arising during period– Accruing   6   $7,526   $7,526 
Total covered TDRs arising during period – Nonaccrual   1    1    1 
                
Total TDRs arising during period   23   $10,650   $10,650 

Page 35
Index

Accruing restructured loans that were modified in the previous 12 months and that defaulted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are presented in the table below. The Company considers a loan to have defaulted when it becomes 90 or more days delinquent under the modified terms, has been transferred to nonaccrual status, or has been transferred to foreclosed real estate.

 

($ in thousands)  For the three months ended
September 30, 2013
   For the nine months ended
September 30, 2013
 
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
 
Non-covered accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted                    
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans      $    1   $342 
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family           1    252 
                     
Total non-covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted      $    2   $594 
                     
Total accruing covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted      $    1   $3,501 
                     
      Total accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted      $    3   $4,095 

 

Accruing restructured loans that were modified in the previous 12 months and that defaulted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are presented in the table below.

 

($ in thousands)  For the three months ended
September 30, 2012
   For the nine months ended
September 30, 2012
 
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
 
                 
Non-covered accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted      $       $ 
                     
Total non-covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted      $       $ 
                     
Total accruing covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted   2   $1    3   $440 
                     
      Total accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted   2   $1    3   $440 

 

 

Note 9 – Deferred Loan Costs

 

The amount of loans shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes net deferred loan costs of approximately $1,024,000, $1,324,000, and $1,478,000 at September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, respectively.

Page 36
Index

Note 10 – FDIC Indemnification Asset

 

The FDIC indemnification asset is the estimated amount that the Company will receive from the FDIC under loss share agreements associated with two FDIC-assisted failed bank acquisitions. See page 40 of the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed explanation of this asset.

 

The FDIC indemnification asset was comprised of the following components as of the dates shown:

 

($ in thousands)  September 30,
2013
   December 31,
2012
   September 30,
2012
 
Receivable related to loss claims incurred, not yet reimbursed  $20,812    33,040    20,722 
Receivable related to estimated future claims on loans   38,565    62,044    71,542 
Receivable related to estimated future claims on foreclosed real estate   5,569    7,475    15,351 
     FDIC indemnification asset  $64,946    102,559    107,615 

 

The following presents a rollforward of the FDIC indemnification asset since December 31, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)    
     
Balance at December 31, 2012  $102,559 
Increase related to unfavorable changes in loss estimates   9,078 
Increase related to reimbursable expenses   3,714 
Cash received from FDIC   (36,639)
Accretion of loan discount   (11,676)
Other   (2,090)
Balance at September 30, 2013  $64,946 

 

 

Note 11 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The following is a summary of the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 and the carrying amount of unamortized intangible assets as of those same dates. In the first quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a core deposit premium intangible of $586,000 in connection with the acquisition of two branches, which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the related deposits of seven years.

 

   September 30, 2013   December 31, 2012   September 30, 2012 

 

($ in thousands)

  Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 
Amortizable intangible assets:                              
   Customer lists  $678    450    678    417    678    402 
   Core deposit premiums   8,560    5,734    7,974    5,128    7,974    4,916 
        Total  $9,238    6,184    8,652    5,545    8,652    5,318 
                               
Unamortizable intangible assets:                              
   Goodwill  $65,835         65,835         65,835      

 

Amortization expense totaled $220,000 and $224,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Amortization expense totaled $639,000 and $670,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Page 37
Index

The following table presents the estimated amortization expense for the last quarter of calendar year 2013 and for each of the four calendar years ending December 31, 2017 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
 
October 1 to December 31, 2013  $221 
2014   777 
2015   721 
2016   654 
2017   404 
Thereafter   277 
         Total  $3,054 
      

 

Note 12 – Pension Plans

 

The Company has historically sponsored two defined benefit pension plans – a qualified retirement plan (the “Pension Plan”) which was generally available to all employees, and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), which was for the benefit of certain senior management executives of the Company. Effective December 31, 2012, the Company froze both plans for all participants. Although no previously accrued benefits were lost, employees no longer accrue benefits for service subsequent to 2012.

 

The Company recorded pension income totaling $98,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013, which primarily related to investment income from the Pension Plan’s assets. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded pension expense totaling $410,000 related to the Pension Plan and the SERP. The following table contains the components of the pension (income) expense.

 

   For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013 Total   2012 Total 
($ in thousands)  Pension Plan   Pension Plan   SERP   SERP   Both Plans   Both Plans 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period  $    386    153    67    153    453 
Interest cost   287    326    18    61    305    387 
Expected return on plan assets   (571)   (492)           (571)   (492)
Amortization of transition obligation                        
Amortization of net (gain)/loss   15    71        (17)   15    54 
Amortization of prior service cost       3        5        8 
   Net periodic pension cost  $(269)   294    171    116    (98)   410 

 

The Company recorded pension income totaling $425,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which primarily related to investment income from the Pension Plan’s assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded pension expense totaling $2,068,000 related to the Pension Plan and the SERP. The following table contains the components of the pension (income) expense.

 

   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013 Total   2012 Total 
($ in thousands)  Pension Plan   Pension Plan   SERP   SERP   Both Plans   Both Plans 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period  $    1,449    153    236    153    1,685 
Interest cost   966    1,125    152    219    1,118    1,344 
Expected return on plan assets   (1,730)   (1,477)           (1,730)   (1,477)
Amortization of transition obligation       2                2 
Amortization of net (gain)/loss   34    474        17    34    491 
Amortization of prior service cost       9        14        23 
   Net periodic pension cost  $(730)   1,582    305    486    (425)   2,068 

 

The Company’s contributions to the Pension Plan are based on computations by independent actuarial consultants and are intended to be deductible for income tax purposes. The contributions are invested to provide for benefits under the Pension Plan. The Company expects that it will contribute $1,500,000 to the Pension Plan in 2013.

 

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

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Note 13 – Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period for non-owner transactions and is divided into net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) 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:

 

($ in thousands)  September 30,
2013
   December 31,
2012
   September 30,
2012
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale  $(2,018)   3,290    4,794 
     Deferred tax asset (liability)   787    (1,283)   (1,870)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale   (1,231)   2,007    2,924 
                
Additional pension liability   (3,545)   (3,579)   (17,789)
     Deferred tax asset   1,383    1,396    7,029 
Net additional pension liability   (2,162)   (2,183)   (10,760)
                
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  $(3,393)   (176)   (7,836)

 

The following table discloses the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (all amounts are net of tax).

 

($ in thousands)  Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Securities
Available for Sale
   Additional
Pension
Liability
   Total 
Beginning balance at January 1, 2013  $2,007    (2,183)   (176)
     Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications   (3,238)       (3,238)
     Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income       21    21 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)   (3,238)   21    (3,217)
                
Ending balance at September 30, 2013  $(1,231)   (2,162)   (3,393)

 

Note 14 – Fair Value

 

Relevant accounting guidance 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 guidance 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: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

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.

 

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The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2013. The impaired loans shown below are those in which the value is based on the underlying collateral value.

 

($ in thousands)        
Description of Financial Instruments  Fair Value at
September 30,
2013
   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  $17,361        17,361     
        Mortgage-backed securities   147,523        147,523     
        Corporate bonds   3,651        3,651     
        Equity securities   4,000        4,000     
          Total available for sale securities  $172,535        172,535     
                     
Nonrecurring                    
     Impaired loans – covered  $21,378            21,378 
     Impaired loans – non-covered   13,263            13,263 
     Foreclosed real estate – covered   29,193            29,193 
     Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   15,098            15,098 
                     

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2012.

 

($ in thousands)        
Description of Financial Instruments  Fair Value at
December 31,
2012
   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  $11,596        11,596     
Mortgage-backed securities   146,926        146,926     
Corporate bonds   3,813        3,813     
Equity securities   5,017        5,017     
Total available for sale securities  $167,352        167,352     
                     
Nonrecurring                    
     Impaired loans – covered  $12,234            12,234 
     Impaired loans – non-covered   21,021            21,021 
     Foreclosed real estate – covered   47,290            47,290 
     Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   26,285            26,285 

 

 

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

 

Securities Available for Sale — When quoted market prices are available in an active market, the securities are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy. 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. Most of the fair values for the Company’s Level 2 securities are determined by our third-party securities portfolio manager using matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. 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.

 

The Company reviews the pricing methodologies utilized by the portfolio manager to ensure the fair value determination is consistent with the applicable accounting guidance and that the investments are properly classified in the fair value hierarchy. Further, the Company validates the fair values for a sample of securities in the portfolio by comparing the fair values provided by the portfolio manager to prices from other independent sources for the same or similar securities. The Company analyzes unusual or significant variances and conducts additional research with the portfolio manager, if necessary, and takes appropriate action based on its findings.

 

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Impaired loans — Fair values for impaired loans in the above table are generally collateral dependent and are estimated based on underlying collateral values securing the loans. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or business assets including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. The vast majority of the collateral is real estate. The value of real estate collateral is determined using an income or market valuation approach based on an appraisal conducted by an independent, licensed third party appraiser (Level 3). The value of business equipment is based upon an outside appraisal if deemed significant, or the net book value on the applicable borrower’s financial statements if not considered significant. Likewise, values for inventory and accounts receivable collateral are based on borrower financial statement balances or aging reports on a discounted basis as appropriate (Level 3). Any fair value adjustments are recorded in the period incurred as provision for loan losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Foreclosed real estate – Foreclosed real estate, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, based on a current appraisal that is generally prepared using an income or market valuation approach and conducted by an independent, licensed third party appraiser, adjusted for estimated selling costs (Level 3). 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. For any real estate valuations subsequent to foreclosure, any excess of the real estate recorded value over the fair value of the real estate is treated as a foreclosed real estate write-down on the Consolidated Statements of Income. In December 2012, the Company recorded a write-down of $10.6 million related to its non-covered foreclosed properties. This write-down reduced the carrying value of these properties by approximately 29% beyond their standard carrying value as described above. This write-down was recorded because of management’s intent to dispose of these properties in an expedited manner and accept sales prices lower than prior practice.

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2013, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

($ in thousands)       
Description  Fair Value at
September 30,
2013
   Valuation
Technique
  Significant Unobservable
Inputs
  General Range
of Significant
Unobservable
Input Values
Impaired loans – covered  $21,378   Appraised value  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell  0-10%
Impaired loans – non-covered   13,263   Appraised value  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell  0-30%
Foreclosed real estate – covered   29,193   Appraised value  Discounts to reflect current market conditions and estimated costs to sell  0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   15,098   Appraised value  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, abbreviated holding period and estimated costs to sell  0-40%
               

 

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For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2012, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

($ in thousands)       
Description  Fair Value at
December 31,
2012
   Valuation
Technique
  Significant Unobservable
Inputs
  General Range
of Significant
Unobservable
Input Values
Impaired loans – covered  $12,234   Appraised value  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell  0-49%
Impaired loans – non-covered   21,021   Appraised value  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell  0-21%
Foreclosed real estate – covered   47,290   Appraised value  Discounts to reflect current market conditions and estimated costs to sell  0-29%
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   26,285   Appraised value  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, abbreviated holding period and estimated costs to sell  0-40%
               

 

Transfers of assets or liabilities between levels within the fair value hierarchy are recognized when an event or change in circumstances occurs. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the decrease in the fair value of securities available for sale was $5,308,000, which is included in other comprehensive loss (net of tax benefit of $2,070,000). For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the increase in the fair value of securities available for sale was $898,000, which is included in other comprehensive income (net of tax expense of $350,000). Fair value measurement methods at September 30, 2013 and 2012 are consistent with those used in prior reporting periods.

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

      September 30, 2013   December 31, 2012 
($ in thousands)  Level in Fair
Value
Hierarchy
  Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
 
                    
Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing  Level 1  $89,383    89,383    96,588    96,588 
Due from banks, interest-bearing  Level 1   95,634    95,634    144,919    144,919 
Federal funds sold  Level 1   102    102         
Securities available for sale  Level 2   172,535    172,535    167,352    167,352 
Securities held to maturity  Level 2   54,054    56,824    56,064    61,496 
Presold mortgages in process of settlement  Level 1   2,884    2,884    8,490    8,490 
Loans – non-covered, net of allowance  Level 3   2,171,698    2,109,301    2,052,500    1,998,620 
Loans – covered, net of allowance  Level 3   222,693    222,693    277,555    277,555 
Loans held for sale  Level 2           30,393    30,393 
Accrued interest receivable  Level 1   9,663    9,663    10,201    10,201 
FDIC indemnification asset  Level 3   64,946    63,168    102,559    100,396 
Bank-owned life insurance  Level 1   43,642    43,642    27,857    27,857 
                        
Deposits  Level 2   2,740,860    2,742,456    2,821,360    2,823,989 
Borrowings  Level 2   46,394    34,796    46,394    20,981 
Accrued interest payable  Level 2   920    920    1,299    1,299 

 

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

 

Cash and Amounts 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.

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Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities - Fair values are provided by a third-party and 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 or matrix pricing.

 

Loans - For nonimpaired 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 primarily based on estimated proceeds expected upon liquidation of the collateral.

 

FDIC Indemnification Asset – 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.

 

Bank-Owned Life Insurance – The carrying value of life insurance approximates fair value because this investment is carried at cash surrender value, as determined by the issuer.

 

Deposits - The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, 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 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 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.

 

Note 15 – Shareholders’ Equity Transactions

 

Small Business Lending Fund

 

On September 1, 2011, the Company completed the sale of $63.5 million of Series B preferred stock to the Secretary of the Treasury under the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF). The fund was established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 that was created to encourage lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets less than $10 billion.

 

Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, the Treasury received 63,500 shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share, in exchange for $63.5 million.

 

The Series B preferred stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital. The dividend rate, as a percentage of the liquidation amount, fluctuated on a quarterly basis during the first 10 quarters during which the Series B preferred stock was outstanding, based upon changes in the level of “Qualified Small Business Lending” or “QSBL”. For the first nine quarters after issuance, the dividend rate could range from one percent (1%) to five percent (5%) per annum based upon the increase in QSBL as compared to the baseline. For the tenth calendar quarter through four and one half years after issuance, the dividend rate will be fixed at between one percent (1%) and seven percent (7%) based upon the level of QSBL compared to the baseline. After four and one half years from the issuance, the dividend rate will increase to nine percent (9%). The Company has been able to continually increase its level of small business lending and as a result, the dividend rate has steadily decreased from 5.0% in the first half of 2012 to 1.0% throughout most of 2013. The Company expects its dividend rate to remain at an annualized rate of 1.0% until 2016, unless the Series B Preferred Stock is redeemed at an earlier date. Subject to regulatory approval, the Company is generally permitted to redeem the Series B preferred shares at par plus unpaid dividends.

 

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For the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, the Company accrued approximately $503,000 and $2,277,000, respectively, in preferred dividend payments for the Series B Preferred Stock. This amount is deducted from net income in computing “Net income available to common shareholders.”

 

Stock Issuance

 

On December 21, 2012, the Company issued 2,656,294 shares of its common stock and 728,706 shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock to certain accredited investors, each at the price of $10.00 per share, pursuant to a private placement transaction. Net proceeds from this sale of common and preferred stock were $33.8 million and were used to strengthen and remove risk from the Company’s balance sheet in anticipation of a planned disposition of certain classified loans and write-down of foreclosed real estate.

 

The Series C Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and is Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, with dividend rights equal to the Company’s Common Stock. Each share of Series C Preferred Stock will automatically convert into one share of Common Stock on the date the holder of Series C Preferred Stock transfers any shares of Series C Preferred Stock to a non-affiliate of the holder in certain permissible transfers. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances.

 

The Series C Prefered Stock pays a dividend per share equal to that of the Company’s common stock. During the first nine months of 2013, the Company accrued approximately $175,000 in preferred dividend payments for the Series C Preferred Stock.

 

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

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The accounting principles we follow and our methods of applying these principles 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 may involve the use of estimates based on our best assumptions at the time of the estimation. The allowance for loan losses, intangible assets, and the fair value and discount accretion of loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions are three policies we have identified as being more sensitive in terms of judgments and estimates, taking into account their overall potential impact to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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 three components. The first component involves the estimation of losses on individually significant “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. A loan is specifically individually evaluated for an appropriate valuation allowance if the loan balance is above a prescribed evaluation threshold (which varies based on credit quality, accruing status, and type of collateral) and the loan is determined to be impaired. 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 less selling costs.

 

The second component of the allowance model is the estimation of losses for impaired loans that have common risk characteristics and are aggregated to measure impairment. These impaired loans generally have loan balances below the thresholds that result in a specific individual review discussed above. For these impaired loans, we aggregate loans among similar loan types and apply loss rates that are derived from historical statistics.

 

The third component of the allowance model is the estimation of losses for loans that are not considered to be impaired loans. Loans not considered to be impaired are segregated by loan type, and estimated loss percentages are assigned to each loan type, based on historical losses, current economic conditions, and operational conditions specific to each loan type. For loans with more than standard risk, 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 reserves estimated for impaired loans (specifically reviewed and aggregate) are 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.

 

Loans covered under loss share agreements (referred to as “covered loans”) 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 are accreted into income over the life of the loan. Proportional adjustments are also recorded to the FDIC indemnification asset.

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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). 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.

 

In our October 2012 goodwill impairment evaluation, we determined the fair value of our community banking operation was approximately $17.20 per common share, or 5% higher, than the $16.43 stated book value of our common stock at the date of valuation. To assist us in computing the fair value of our community banking operation, we engaged a consulting firm that used various valuation techniques as part of its analysis, which resulted in the conclusion of the $17.20 value.

 

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.

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Fair Value and Discount Accretion of Loans Acquired in FDIC-Assisted Transactions

 

We consider the determination of the initial fair value of loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions, the initial fair value of the related FDIC indemnification asset, and the subsequent discount accretion of the purchased loans to involve a high degree of judgment and complexity. We determine fair value accounting estimates of newly assumed assets and liabilities in accordance with relevant accounting guidance. 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 indemnification asset 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 in a failed bank acquisition, the amount that we record as the fair values for the loans is generally less than the contractual unpaid principal balance due from the borrowers, with the difference being referred to as the “discount” on the acquired loans. We have applied the cost recovery method of accounting 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 accrete the discount over the lives of the loans in a manner consistent with the guidance for accounting for loan origination fees and costs.

 

FDIC Indemnification Asset

 

The FDIC indemnification asset is the estimated amount that the Company will receive from the FDIC under loss share agreements associated with two FDIC-assisted failed bank acquisitions. See page 40 of the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed explanation of this asset.

 

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The following table presents additional information regarding our covered loans, loan discounts, allowances for loan losses and the corresponding FDIC indemnification asset:

 

($ in thousands)                    
At September 30, 2013  Cooperative
Single Family
Loss Share
Loans
   Cooperative
Non-Single
Family Loss
Share Loans
   Bank of
Asheville Single
Family Loss
Share Loans
   Bank of Asheville
Non-Single Family
Loss Share Loans
   Total 
Expiration of loss share agreement   6/19/2019    6/19/2014    1/21/2021    1/21/2016      
                          
Nonaccrual covered loans                         
     Unpaid principal balance  $16,662    55,359    828    8,252    81,101 
     Carrying value prior to loan discount*   16,000    36,343    713    5,932    58,988 
     Loan discount   2,900    6,084    389    2,382    11,755 
     Net carrying value   13,100    30,259    324    3,550    47,233 
     Allowance for loan losses   1,059    827    —      216    2,102 
     Indemnification asset recorded   3,167    5,529    311    2,078    11,085 
                          
All other covered loans                         
     Unpaid principal balance   124,140    39,946    12,489    38,709    215,284 
     Carrying value prior to loan discount*   124,095    39,649    12,463    38,368    214,575 
     Loan discount   16,974    3,120    3,699    11,106    34,899 
     Net carrying value   107,121    36,529    8,764    27,262    179,676 
     Allowance for loan losses   —      2,114    —      —      2,114 
     Indemnification asset recorded   13,579    2,351    2,959    8,885    27,774 
                          
All covered loans                         
     Unpaid principal balance   140,802    95,305    13,317    46,961    296,385 
     Carrying value prior to loan discount*   140,095    75,992    13,176    44,300    273,563 
     Loan discount   19,874    9,204    4,088    13,488    46,654 
     Net carrying value   120,221    66,788    9,088    30,812    226,909 
     Allowance for loan losses   1,059    2,941    —      216    4,216 
     Indemnification asset recorded   16,746    7,880    3,270    10,963    38,859 
                          
        Present Value Adjustment    (294)
                          
* Reflects partial charge-offs    Total indemnification asset recorded related to loans   $38,565 

 

As noted in the table above, our commercial loss share agreement related to Cooperative Bank’s non-single family loans expires in June 2014. As it relates to that portion of covered loans, we expect accelerated amounts of loan discount accretion and corresponding indemnification asset expense until the expiration date as the loss share attributes of the loan portfolio are resolved.

 

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 amounted to $6.1 million, or $0.30 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $3.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, recorded in the third quarter of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded net income available to common shareholders of $14.3 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The higher earnings were primarily a result of lower provisions for loan losses and lower foreclosed property losses and write-downs recorded during 2013.

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Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

 

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2013 amounted to $33.7 million, a 2.2% decrease from the $34.5 million recorded in the third quarter of 2012. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 amounted to $101.3 million, a 1.7% increase from the $99.5 million recorded in the comparable period of 2012.

 

Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets) in the third quarter of 2013 was 4.84% compared to 4.86% for the third quarter of 2012. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, our net interest margin was 4.88% compared to 4.71% for the same period in 2012. The 4.84% margin realized in the third quarter of 2013 was a 26 basis point decrease from the 5.10% margin realized in the second quarter of 2013. The margin variances were primarily due to discount accretion on loans purchased in failed-bank acquisitions recognized during the respective periods. Loan discount accretion amounted to $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2013, $6.6 million in the second quarter of 2013, and $4.6 million in the third quarter of 2012. Loan discount accretion amounted to $14.6 million for nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $10.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

Our cost of funds has steadily declined from 0.57% in the third quarter of 2012 to 0.37% in the third quarter of 2013.

 

Provision for Loan Losses and Asset Quality

 

We recorded total provisions for loan losses of $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $7.1 million for the third quarter of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded total provisions for loans losses of $21.7 million compared to $35.1 million for the same period of 2012. The decrease in 2013 was primarily the result of an elevated provision for loan losses on non-covered loans recorded in the first quarter of 2012 – see explanation of the terms “covered” and “non-covered” in the section below entitled “Note Regarding Components of Earnings.”

 

Total non-covered nonperforming assets amounted to $83.5 million at September 30, 2013 (2.86% of total non-covered assets), which compares to $106.1 million at December 31, 2012 and $146.0 million at September 30, 2012. The decrease in 2013 compared to both periods in 2012 was due primarily to a combination of loan sales and foreclosed property write-downs that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013, as discussed in the following paragraph.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2012, we identified a pool of non-covered higher-risk loans that we targeted for sale to a third-party investor. Based on an offer to purchase these loans that was received in December, we wrote the loans down by approximately $38 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 to their estimated liquidation value of approximately $30 million and reclassified them as “loans held for sale.” Of the $68 million in loans targeted for sale, approximately $38.2 million had been classified as nonaccrual loans, and $10.5 million had been classified as accruing troubled-debt-restructurings. The sale of substantially all of these loans was completed on January 23, 2013. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2012, we recorded write-downs totaling $10.6 million on substantially all of our non-covered foreclosed properties in connection with efforts to accelerate the sale of these assets.

 

Non-covered nonaccrual loans increased from $33.0 million at December 31, 2012 to $40.7 million at September 30, 2013, due primarily to several larger credits that deteriorated during the first and second quarters of 2013. Non-covered foreclosed real estate decreased from $26.3 million at December 31, 2012 to $15.1 million at September 30, 2013 as a result of strong sales activity during the first nine months of 2013, which was consistent with our strategy discussed above to accelerate the disposition of foreclosed properties.

 

Total covered nonperforming assets have steadily declined during the past twelve months, amounting to $83.0 million at September 30, 2013 compared to $113.9 million at September 30, 2012. Within this category, foreclosed real estate declined from $58.4 million at September 30, 2012 to $29.2 million at September 30, 2013. The Company is experiencing increased property sales activity, particularly along the North Carolina coast, which is where most of the Company’s covered foreclosed properties are located. Covered nonaccrual loans increased from $33.5 million at December 31, 2012 to $47.2 million at September 30, 2013, due primarily to several large loans that deteriorated during the first quarter of 2013.

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Noninterest Income

 

Total noninterest income for the third quarter of 2013 was $5.6 million compared to $2.8 million for the same period of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, noninterest income amounted to $17.2 million compared to $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

Core noninterest income for the third quarter of 2013 was $7.5 million, an increase of 10.2% over the $6.8 million reported for the third quarter of 2012. For the first nine months of 2013, core noninterest income amounted to $21.2 million, a 12.2% increase from the $18.9 million recorded in the comparable period of 2012. Core noninterest income includes i) service charges on deposit accounts, ii) other service charges, commissions, and fees, iii) fees from presold mortgages, iv) commissions from financial product sales, and v) bank-owned life insurance income. The largest component of the increases in core noninterest income was in the amount of service charges on deposit accounts recorded by the Company, which related primarily to overdraft fees.

 

Noncore components of noninterest income resulted in net losses of $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to net losses of $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded net losses of $4.0 million and $9.0 million, respectively, related to the noncore components of noninterest income. The largest variances compared to prior periods related to foreclosed property gains/losses and indemnification asset income (expense).

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

Noninterest expenses amounted to $23.7 million in each of the third quarters of 2013 and 2012. Noninterest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 amounted to $72.7 million compared to $71.5 million recorded in the first nine months of 2012.

 

Salaries expense has risen in 2013 as a result of new employees hired to expand our infrastructure in anticipation of future growth, as well as increases in the mortgage division due to an initiative to generate higher residential mortgage volume. Employee benefits have decreased primarily due to the freezing of two pension plans at December 31, 2012.

 

Tax Expense

 

Our income tax expense for the third quarter of 2013 was $4.3 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 40.5% compared to a more typical effective tax rate of approximately 35%. The higher effective tax rate was due to an incremental $0.5 million of tax expense that was recorded in the third quarter of 2013 in order to reduce the value of the Company’s deferred tax asset as a result of statutory decreases in North Carolina’s state income tax rate.

 

Preferred Dividends

 

Total preferred stock dividends amounted to $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2013 compared to $0.7 million for the third quarter of 2012. Total preferred stock dividends amounted to $0.7 million for the first nine months of 2013 compared to $2.3 million for the comparable period of 2012. The decreases in 2013 are a result of a favorable dividend rate change related to our Series B Preferred Stock that was issued in September 2011 to the US Treasury as part of the Company’s participation in the Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund. The dividend rate can vary from 1% to 5% per annum based upon changes in the Company’s level of small business lending.  We have been able to continually increase our level of small business lending and as a result, the dividend rate has steadily decreased from 5.0% in the first half of 2012 to 1.0% throughout most of 2013. We expect our Series B Preferred Stock dividend rate to remain at an annualized rate of 1.0% until 2016, unless that preferred stock is redeemed at an earlier date.

 

Balance Sheet and Capital

 

Total assets at September 30, 2013 amounted to $3.2 billion, a 4.5% decrease from a year earlier. Total loans at September 30, 2013 amounted to $2.4 billion, unchanged from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.7 billion at September 30, 2013, a 3.3% decrease from a year earlier.

 

The unchanged level of total loans at September 30, 2013 compared to a year earlier was primarily the result of the loan sale previously discussed, the impact of which was offset by new loan growth. Total loans have increased in 2013, as growth in non-covered loans has exceeded the steady decline in covered loans. Excluding the acquired growth of $16 million that was added in a March 2013 branch acquisition, our non-covered loans have increased by $105 million since December 31, 2012, representing annualized growth of 6.7%. We are seeing improved loan demand as the economy in our market areas improves.

 

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Index

Deposit balances have generally decreased over the past year as a result of declines in all time deposit categories, including brokered deposits, internet deposits, and all other time deposits. Strong growth in transaction deposit accounts has offset a majority of the time deposit declines.

 

As previously reported, during the first quarter of 2013, we completed the acquisition of two branches from Four Oaks Bank & Trust Company, which resulted in the addition of $16 million in loans and $57 million in deposits.

 

We remain well-capitalized by all regulatory standards, with a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio at September 30, 2013 of 16.61% compared to the 10.00% minimum required to be considered well-capitalized. Our tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.19% at September 30, 2013, an increase of 73 basis points from a year earlier.

 

Note Regarding Components of Earnings

 

Our results of operation are significantly affected by the on-going accounting for two FDIC-assisted failed bank acquisitions. In the discussion above and elsewhere in this document, the term “covered” is used to describe assets included as part of FDIC loss share agreements, which generally result in the FDIC reimbursing the Company for 80% of losses incurred on those assets. The term “non-covered” refers to the Company’s legacy assets, which are not included in any type of loss share arrangement.

 

For covered loans that deteriorate in terms of repayment expectations, we record immediate allowances through the provision for loan losses. For covered loans that experience favorable changes in credit quality compared to what was expected at the acquisition date, including loans that payoff, we record positive adjustments to interest income over the life of the respective loan – also referred to as loan discount accretion. For covered foreclosed properties that are sold at gains or losses or that are written down to lower values, we record the gains/losses within noninterest income.

 

The adjustments discussed above are recorded within the income statement line items noted without consideration of the FDIC loss share agreements. Because favorable changes in covered assets result in lower expected FDIC claims, and unfavorable changes in covered assets result in higher expected FDIC claims, the FDIC indemnification asset is adjusted to reflect those expectations. The net increase or decrease in the indemnification asset is reflected within noninterest income.

 

The adjustments noted above can result in volatility within individual income statement line items. Because of the FDIC loss share agreements and the associated indemnification asset, pretax income resulting from amounts recorded as provisions for loan losses on covered loans, discount accretion, and losses from covered foreclosed properties is generally only impacted by 20% of these amounts due to the corresponding adjustments made to the indemnification asset.

 

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 September 30, 2013 amounted to $33.7 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 2.2%, from the $34.5 million recorded in the third quarter of 2012. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the three month period ended September 30, 2013 amounted to $34.1 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 2.1%, from the $34.8 million recorded in the third quarter of 2012. 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 September 30, 
($ in thousands)  2013   2012 
Net interest income, as reported  $33,727    34,473 
Tax-equivalent adjustment   380    376 
Net interest income, tax-equivalent  $34,107    34,849 

 

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Index

Net interest income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 amounted to $101.3 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 1.7%, from the $99.5 million recorded in the first nine months of 2012. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 amounted to $102.4 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 1.7%, from the $100.7 million recorded in the comparable period of 2012.

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
($ in thousands)  2013   2012 
Net interest income, as reported  $101,250    99,515 
Tax-equivalent adjustment   1,125    1,150 
Net interest income, tax-equivalent  $102,375    100,665 

 

 

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

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the slightly lower net interest income compared to the same period of 2012 was primarily due to a lower level of average earning assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the slightly higher net interest income compared to 2012 was due to a higher net interest margin which was partially offset by a lower level of average earning assets. The lower level of average earning assets experienced in 2013 has been due to a lower amount of investable funds as a result of declines in overall deposits.

 

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The following tables present net interest income analysis on a tax-equivalent basis for the periods indicated.

 

   For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
   2013   2012 

 

 

($ in thousands)

  Average
Volume
   Average
Rate
   Interest
Earned
or Paid
   Average
Volume
   Average
Rate
   Interest
Earned
or Paid
 
Assets                              
Loans (1)  $2,433,632    5.68%   $34,870   $2,432,528    6.06%   $37,037 
Taxable securities   184,841    1.81%    843    158,749    2.51%    1,001 
Non-taxable securities (2)   54,216    6.23%    852    56,154    6.11%    863 
Short-term investments, principally federal funds   122,382    0.46%    143    207,652    0.31%    164 
Total interest-earning assets   2,795,071    5.21%    36,708    2,855,083    5.44%    39,065 
                               
Cash and due from banks   80,592              62,950           
Premises and equipment   77,931              73,861           
Other assets   239,360              322,993           
   Total assets  $3,192,954             $3,314,887           
                               
Liabilities                              
Interest bearing checking  $534,705    0.08%   $102   $464,260    0.15%   $172 
Money market deposits   559,554    0.14%    196    543,420    0.31%    418 
Savings deposits   167,150    0.06%    24    159,431    0.15%    60 
Time deposits >$100,000   583,203    0.96%    1,408    725,607    1.11%    2,022 
Other time deposits   460,403    0.53%    613    546,733    0.80%    1,097 
     Total interest-bearing deposits   2,305,015    0.40%    2,343    2,439,451    0.61%    3,769 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase       —%       (25)   —%     
Borrowings   46,394    2.21%    258    111,263    1.60%    447 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,351,409    0.44%    2,601    2,550,689    0.66%    4,216 
                               
Noninterest bearing checking   456,900              382,937           
Other liabilities   21,232              37,254           
Shareholders’ equity   363,413              344,007           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $3,192,954             $3,314,887           
                               
Net yield on interest-earning assets and net interest income        4.84%   $34,107         4.86%   $34,849 
Interest rate spread        4.77%              4.78%      
                               
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 $380,000 and $376,000 in 2013 and 2012, 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.
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   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2013   2012 

 

 

($ in thousands)

  Average
Volume
   Average
Rate
   Interest
Earned
or Paid
   Average
Volume
   Average
Rate
   Interest
Earned
or Paid
 
Assets                              
Loans (1)  $2,408,510    5.85%   $105,451   $2,433,964    5.91%   $107,715 
Taxable securities   175,897    1.95%    2,572    163,043    2.79%    3,408 
Non-taxable securities (2)   55,038    6.20%    2,553    56,800    6.16%    2,621 
Short-term investments, principally federal funds   164,884    0.38%    470    201,500    0.32%    481 
Total interest-earning assets   2,804,329    5.29%    111,046    2,855,307    5.34%    114,225 
                               
Cash and due from banks   80,808              59,338           
Premises and equipment   77,075              72,885           
Other assets   259,852              322,711           
   Total assets  $3,222,064             $3,310,241           
                               
Liabilities                              
Interest bearing checking  $526,857    0.10%   $395   $452,532    0.17%   $568 
Money market deposits   561,968    0.17%    722    533,572    0.36%    1,437 
Savings deposits   165,578    0.08%    96    157,383    0.21%    253 
Time deposits >$100,000   623,207    0.98%    4,567    734,699    1.14%    6,282 
Other time deposits   480,863    0.59%    2,121    560,475    0.84%    3,535 
     Total interest-bearing deposits   2,358,473    0.45%    7,901    2,438,661    0.66%    12,075 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase       —%        2,227    0.24%    4 
Borrowings   46,394    2.22%    770    123,225    1.61%    1,481 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,404,867    0.48%    8,671    2,564,113    0.71%    13,560 
                               
Noninterest bearing checking   435,996              365,863           
Other liabilities   19,868              35,414           
Shareholders’ equity   361,333              344,851           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $3,222,064             $3,310,241           
                               
Net yield on interest-earning assets and net interest income        4.88%   $102,375         4.71%   $100,665 
Interest rate spread        4.81%              4.63%      
                               
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 $1,125,000 and $1,150,000 in 2013 and 2012, 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 third quarter of 2013 were $2.434 billion, which was virtually the same as the average loans outstanding for the third quarter of 2012 ($2.433 billion). Average loans outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $2.409 billion, which was 1.0% less than the average loans outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 ($2.434 billion). The lower amount of average loans outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to 1) the sale of approximately $68 million in non-covered higher-risk loans during January 2013 and 2) the resolution of $77 million in covered loans within our “covered loan” portfolio since September 30, 2012. Resolution of covered loans includes foreclosure, charge-off, or repayment. Partially offsetting these decreases was internal loan growth, as well as loans added in a branch acquisition.

 

The mix of our loan portfolio remained substantially the same at September 30, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012, with approximately 90% of our loans being real estate loans, 7% 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.

 

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Average total deposits outstanding for the third quarter of 2013 were $2.762 billion, which was 2.1% less than the average deposits outstanding for the third quarter of 2012 ($2.822 billion). Average deposits outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $2.794 billion, which was 0.4% less than the average deposits outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 ($2.805 billion). Although average deposits outstanding have not varied significantly in 2013 compared to 2012, our mix of deposits has experienced a shift from time deposits to transaction accounts. Average transaction deposit accounts (which we define as noninterest bearing checking, interest bearing checking, money market and savings accounts) increased from $1.55 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, to $1.72 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, representing growth of $168 million, or 10.9%. With the growth of our transaction deposit accounts, we were able to reduce our reliance on higher cost sources of funding, including time deposits and borrowings. Average time deposits declined from $1.27 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, to $1.04 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of $229 million, or 18.0%. Average borrowings decreased from $111 million in the third quarter of 2012 to $46 million in the third quarter of 2013. The favorable change in the funding mix resulted in our average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreasing from 0.66% in the third quarter of 2012 to 0.44% in the third quarter of 2013. Our total cost of funds, which includes noninterest bearing checking accounts at a zero percent cost, was 0.37% in the third quarter of 2013 compared to 0.57% in the third quarter of 2012.

 

See additional information regarding changes in the Company’s loans and deposits in the section below entitled “Financial Condition.”

 

Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets) for the third quarter of 2013 was 4.84% compared to 4.86% for the third quarter of 2012. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, our net interest margin was 4.88% compared to 4.71% for the same period in 2012. The margin variances were primarily due to discount accretion on loans purchased in failed bank acquisitions recognized during the respective periods (see discussion below).

 

Our net interest margin benefitted from net accretion of purchase accounting premiums/discounts associated with the Cooperative acquisition in June 2009 and, to a lesser degree, the acquisition of The Bank of Asheville in January 2011. For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recorded $4,227,000 and $4,488,000, respectively, in net accretion of purchase accounting premiums/discounts, which increased net interest income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recorded $14,283,000 and $10,209,000, respectively, in net accretion of purchase accounting premiums/discounts. The following table presents the detail of the purchase accounting adjustments that impacted net interest income.

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
$ in thousands  Sept. 30,
2013
   Sept. 30,
2012
   Sept. 30,
2013
   Sept. 30,
2012
 
                 
Interest income – reduced by premium amortization on loans  $(105)   (116)   (337)   (348)
Interest income – increased by accretion of loan discount   4,325    4,587    14,595    10,455 
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of deposits   7    17    25    72 
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of borrowings               30 
     Impact on net interest income  $4,227    4,488    14,283    10,209 

 

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

 

We recorded total provisions for loan losses of $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $7.1 million for the third quarter of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded total provisions for loans losses of $21.7 million compared to $35.1 million for the same period of 2012. As discussed below, the decrease in 2013 was primarily the result of an elevated provision for loan losses on non-covered loans recorded in the first quarter of 2012.

 

The provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $6.0 million in the third quarter of 2012. For the first nine months of 2013, the provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $13.3 million compared to $29.7 million for the same period of 2012. The decrease for the nine month period was primarily due to a high provision for loan losses recorded in the first quarter of 2012 that resulted from an internal review that applied more conservative assumptions to estimate the probable losses associated with some of our nonperforming loan relationships, which we believed could lead to a more timely resolution of the related credits. Many of these same loans were sold to a third party investor in January 2013, as discussed earlier.

 

The provision for loan losses on covered loans amounted to $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the provision for loan losses on covered loans amounted to $8.4 million compared to $5.4 million for the same period of 2012. The increase for the nine month period in 2013 was primarily the result of several large credits that deteriorated during the first quarter of 2013 and were placed on nonaccrual status.

 

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Total noninterest income was $5.6 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2012. Total noninterest income was $17.2 million for the first nine months of 2013 compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2012.

 

As presented in the table below, core noninterest income for the third quarter of 2013 was $7.5 million, an increase of 10.2% over the $6.8 million reported for the third quarter of 2012. Core noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $21.2 million, an increase of 12.2% over the $18.9 million reported for the comparable period in 2012. Core noninterest income includes i) service charges on deposit accounts, ii) other service charges, commissions, and fees, iii) fees from presold mortgages, iv) commissions from sales of insurance and financial products, and v) bank-owned life insurance income.

 

The following table presents our core noninterest income for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
$ in thousands  Sept. 30, 2013   Sept. 30, 2012   Sept. 30, 2013   Sept. 30, 2012 
                 
Service charges on deposit accounts  $3,390    3,053    9,579    8,867 
Other service charges, commissions, and fees   2,402    2,275    6,917    6,634 
Fees from presold mortgages   776    785    2,343    1,685 
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products   591    510    1,569    1,325 
Bank-owned life insurance income   366    207    786    380 
     Core noninterest income  $7,525    6,830    21,194    18,891 

 

In the table above, service charges on deposit accounts have increased in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily due to an increase in overdraft fees.

 

Other service charges, commissions, and fees have increased in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily as a result of higher debit card interchange fees. We earn a small fee each time a customer uses a debit card to make a purchase. Due to the growth in checking accounts and increased customer usage of debit cards, we have experienced increases in this line item.

 

The higher amount of fees from presold mortgages for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily the result of high mortgage loan refinancing activity during the first half of 2013, as well as increased volume from additional mortgage loan personnel we have added in recent quarters. Fees from presold mortgages did not vary significantly in comparing the three month periods ending September 30, 2013 and 2012, as refinancing activity slowed down during the third quarter 2013.

 

Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products have increased in 2013 compared to 2012 as a result of increased sales volume generated by additional personnel hired in our wealth management division over the past two years.

 

Bank-owned life insurance income increased in 2013 due to two large purchases. We purchased $25 million of bank-owned life insurance in April 2012 and another $15 million in June 2013.

 

Within the noncore components of noninterest income, we recorded net gains on non-covered foreclosed properties of $0.2 million and $1.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to net losses of $1.0 million and $3.0 million for the comparable periods of 2012. Stabilization in real estate market values and lower carrying values following the December 2012 write-down discussed previously impacted these variances.

 

Gains/losses on covered foreclosed properties during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, amounted to net gains of $1.4 million and net losses of $3.7 million, respectively, compared to net losses of $1.6 million and net losses of $12.7 million during the comparable periods of 2012, respectively. The favorable variances in 2013 were primarily a result of lower levels of covered foreclosed properties, as well as stabilization in real estate market values.

 

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As previously discussed, indemnification asset income (expense) is recorded to reflect additional (decreased) amounts expected to be received from the FDIC due to covered loan and foreclosed property losses arising during the period. In the third quarter of 2013, we recorded net gains on covered foreclosed properties of $1.4 million compared to net losses of $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2012, which resulted in higher indemnification asset expense – $3.8 million of expense in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, indemnification asset expense amounted to $2.3 million compared to income of $6.1 million for the same period of 2012, with the variance being caused primarily by fewer covered foreclosed property losses in 2013.

 

During the third quarter of 2013, we sold approximately $13.0 million in available for sale securities, which resulted in a gain of $0.6 million. During the first nine months of both 2013 and 2012, we recorded total securities gains of $0.6 million.

 

Noninterest expenses amounted to $23.7 million in the third quarters of both 2013 and 2012. Noninterest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 amounted to $72.7 million compared to $71.5 million recorded in the first nine months of 2012.

 

Salaries expense was $11.4 million for the third quarter of 2013 compared to $10.4 million in the third quarter of 2012. Salaries expense amounted to $33.1 million for the first nine months of 2013 compared to $30.7 million for the same period of 2012. These increases are primarily associated with hiring additional employees in the mortgage, wealth management, and credit administration divisions and in order to build our infrastructure to prepare for future growth.

 

Employee benefits expense was $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2012. For the first nine months of 2013, employee benefits expense was $7.4 million compared to $9.2 million for the same period in 2012. The decreases in 2013 primarily relate to declines in pension expense as a result of freezing the Company’s two defined benefit plans on December 31, 2012. We recorded pension income of $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to pension expense of $0.4 million and $2.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The pension income we recorded in 2013 relates to investment income from the pension plan’s assets.

 

Occupancy expense and equipment expense did not vary materially when comparing the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 to the comparable periods of 2012.

 

Other noninterest expenses amounted to $6.9 million and $7.5 million for the third quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively. This decrease is primarily due to lower repossession and collection expenses recorded during the quarter as the level of our foreclosed property balances has decreased since September 30, 2012. Other noninterest expense amounted to $23.0 million and $22.2 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The primary reason for the increase in the year-to-date period relates to higher severance expenses. In the second quarter of 2013, we accrued approximately $1.6 million in severance expenses due to separation of service of several employees during the quarter, including the Company’s former chief executive officer. In 2012, severance expense amounted to $0.4 million, which was recorded in the first quarter of 2012.

 

For the third quarter of 2013, the provision for income taxes was $4.3 million, an effective tax rate of 40.5%, compared to $2.1 million for the same period of 2012, which was an effective tax rate of 32.3%. The higher effective tax rate in 2013 was due to both 1) lower tax-exempt interest income in relation to taxable income and 2) an incremental $0.5 million of tax expense that was recorded in the third quarter of 2013 in order to reduce the value of our deferred tax asset as a result of statutory decreases in North Carolina’s state income tax rate.

 

For the first nine months of 2013, the provision for income taxes was $9.0 million, an effective tax rate of 37.5%. We recorded income tax expense of $0.3 million for the first nine months of 2012, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 11.6%. The low effective tax rate in 2012 was due to a high amount of tax-exempt interest income in relation to a relatively low level of taxable income.

 

We accrued total preferred stock dividends of $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, we accrued total preferred stock dividends of $0.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively. These amounts are deducted from net income in computing “net income available to common shareholders.”  The decrease in preferred dividends in 2013 is a result of a favorable dividend rate change related to the Series B Preferred Stock that was issued in September 2011. The dividend rate can range from 1% to 5% per anum based upon changes in our level of “Qualified Small Business Lending” (“QSBL”).  We have been able to continually increase our levels of QSBL since 2011 and as a result, our dividend rate has steadily decreased from 5.0% in the first half of 2012 to 1.0% throughout most of 2013. We expect our Series B Preferred Stock dividend rate to remain at an annualized rate of 1.0% until 2016, unless that preferred stock is redeemed at an earlier date.

 

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The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income reflect other comprehensive losses of $1,906,000 and $3,217,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to other comprehensive income of $325,000 and $846,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. 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. The market yields for fixed rate bonds started to increase in June 2013, which has had an unfavorable impact on a substantial portion of our available for sale securities portfolio. 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 September 30, 2013 amounted to $3.17 billion, 4.5% lower than a year earlier. Total loans at September 30, 2013 amounted to $2.44 billion, unchanged from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.74 billion, a 3.3% decrease from a year earlier.

 

The following table presents information regarding the nature of our growth for the twelve months ended September 30, 2013 and for the first nine months of 2013.

 

October 1, 2012 to
September 30, 2013
  Balance at
beginning
of period
   Internal
Growth,
net (1)
   Growth
from
Acquisitions
   Loans
Transferred
to Held for
Sale
   Balance at
end of
period
   Total
percentage
growth
   Internal
percentage
growth (1)
 
       ($ in thousands) 
         
Loans – Non-covered  $2,137,074    129,907    16,425    (68,233)   2,215,173    3.7%    6.1% 
Loans – Covered   303,997    (77,088)           226,909    -25.4%    -25.4% 
     Total loans  $2,441,071    52,819    16,425    (68,233)   2,442,082    0.0%    2.2% 
                                    
Deposits – Noninterest bearing checking  $398,527    58,880    6,565        463,972    16.4%    14.8% 
Deposits – Interest bearing checking   482,583    53,664    7,658        543,905    12.7%    11.1% 
Deposits – Money market   533,462    17,129    1,872        552,463    3.6%    3.2% 
Deposits – Savings   159,189    5,936    1,581        166,706    4.7%    3.7% 
Deposits – Brokered   146,180    (58,319)           87,861    -39.9%    -39.9% 
Deposits – Internet time   18,518    (12,867)           5,651    -69.5%    -69.5% 
Deposits – Time>$100,000   562,245    (112,162)   24,202        474,285    -15.6%    -19.9% 
Deposits – Time<$100,000   533,760    (103,199)   15,456        446,017    -16.4%    -19.3% 
     Total deposits  $2,834,464    (150,938)   57,334        2,740,860    -3.3%    -5.3% 
                                    
January 1, 2013 to
September 30, 2013
                                   
Loans – Non-covered  $2,094,143    104,605    16,425        2,215,173    5.8%    5.0% 
Loans – Covered   282,314    (55,405)           226,909    -19.6%    -19.6% 
     Total loans  $2,376,457    49,200    16,425        2,442,082    2.8%    2.1% 
                                    
Deposits – Noninterest bearing checking  $413,195    44,212    6,565        463,972    12.3%    10.7% 
Deposits – Interest bearing checking   519,573    16,674    7,658        543,905    4.7%    3.2% 
Deposits – Money market   551,209    (618)   1,872        552,463    0.2%    -0.1% 
Deposits – Savings   158,578    6,547    1,581        166,706    5.1%    4.1% 
Deposits – Brokered   130,836    (42,975)           87,861    -32.8%    -32.8% 
Deposits – Internet time   10,060    (4,409)           5,651    -43.8%    -43.8% 
Deposits – Time>$100,000   530,015    (79,932)   24,202        474,285    -10.5%    -15.1% 
Deposits – Time<$100,000   507,894    (77,333)   15,456        446,017    -12.2%    -15.2% 
     Total deposits  $2,821,360    (137,834)   57,334        2,740,860    -2.9%    -4.9% 

 

(1) Excludes the impact of acquisitions in the year of the acquisition, but includes growth or declines in acquired operations after the date of acquisition.

 

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As derived from the table above, for the twelve months preceding September 30, 2013, our total loans increased by $1 million. Over that period, we experienced internal growth in our non-covered loan portfolio of $130 million, or 6.1%. Also impacting growth was the March 2013 acquisition of two branches with approximately $16 million in loans (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for more information). Partially offsetting the growth in non-covered loans was the write-down and reclassification of approximately $68 million in non-covered higher-risk loans to “loans held for sale” during the fourth quarter of 2012. Also offsetting growth in total loans were normal loan pay-downs, foreclosures, and loan charge-offs of our covered loans, which declined by $77 million at September 30, 2013 compared to a year earlier. We continue to pursue lending opportunities in order to improve our asset yields.

 

For the first nine months of 2013, we experienced internal growth in our non-covered loan portfolio of $105 million, or 5.0%. As noted above, we also acquired $16 million in loan growth during the first quarter from the purchase of two branches. These increases were partially offset by a decline in our covered loans of $55 million.

 

The mix of our loan portfolio remains substantially the same at September 30, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. The majority of our real estate loans are personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan.

 

Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements presents additional detailed information regarding our mix of loans, including a break-out between loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements and non-covered loans.

 

For the nine and twelve month periods ended September 30, 2013, we experienced strong internal growth in transaction deposit accounts, which has allowed us to reduce our reliance on higher cost time deposits. Our level of deposits was also impacted by the March 2013 purchase of two branches with $57 million in deposits.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings, loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest, nonperforming loans held for sale, and foreclosed real estate. As previously discussed, as a result of two FDIC-assisted transactions, we entered into loss share agreements that afford us significant protection from losses from all loans and foreclosed real estate acquired in those acquisitions.

 

Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, the financial risk of the acquired loans and foreclosed real estate is significantly different from the risk associated with assets not covered under the loss share agreements. Accordingly, we present separately nonperforming assets subject to the loss share agreements as “covered” nonperforming assets, and nonperforming assets that are not subject to the loss share agreements as “non-covered.”

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Nonperforming assets are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

ASSET QUALITY DATA ($ in thousands)

  As of/for the
quarter ended
September 30,
2013
   As of/for the
quarter ended
December 31,
2012
   As of/for the
quarter ended
September 30,
2012
 
             
Non-covered nonperforming assets               
   Nonaccrual loans  $40,711    33,034    69,413 
   Restructured loans – accruing   27,656    24,848    38,522 
   Accruing loans >90 days past due            
      Total non-covered nonperforming loans   68,367    57,882    107,935 
   Nonperforming loans held for sale       21,938     
   Foreclosed real estate   15,098    26,285    38,065 
          Total non-covered nonperforming assets  $83,465    106,105    146,000 
                
Covered nonperforming assets (1)               
   Nonaccrual loans (2)  $47,233    33,491    37,619 
   Restructured loans – accruing   6,537    15,465    17,945 
   Accruing loans > 90 days past due            
      Total covered nonperforming loans   53,770    48,956    55,564 
   Foreclosed real estate   29,193    47,290    58,367 
          Total covered nonperforming assets  $82,963    96,246    113,931 
                
Total nonperforming assets  $166,428    202,351    259,931 
                
Asset Quality Ratios – All Assets               
Net charge-offs to average loans - annualized   1.33%    7.76%    1.80% 
Nonperforming loans to total loans   5.00%    4.50%    6.70% 
Nonperforming assets to total assets   5.25%    6.24%    7.82% 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans   1.95%    1.95%    2.03% 
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans   39.05%    43.43%    30.30% 
                
Asset Quality Ratios – Based on Non-covered Assets only               
Net charge-offs to average non-covered loans - annualized   0.87%    8.09%    1.57% 
Non-covered nonperforming loans to non-covered loans   3.09%    2.76%    5.05% 
Non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets   2.86%    3.64%    4.93% 
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered loans   1.96%    1.99%    2.11% 
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered nonperforming loans   63.59%    71.94%    41.83% 

 

(1) Covered nonperforming assets consist of assets that are included in loss share agreements with the FDIC.

(2) At September 30, 2013, the contractual balance of the nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements was $75.5 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 weak economy in our market area, we have experienced high levels of loan losses, delinquencies and nonperforming assets compared to our historical averages.

 

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The following is the composition, by loan type, of all of our nonaccrual loans (covered and non-covered) at each period end, as classified for regulatory purposes:

 

($ in thousands)  At September 30,
2013
   At December 31,
2012
   At September 30,
2012
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $3,632    2,946    4,423 
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans   26,110    19,468    36,598 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   25,044    14,733    25,089 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit   3,959    3,128    5,743 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   28,799    23,378    32,299 
Installment loans to individuals   400    2,872    2,880 
   Total nonaccrual loans  $87,944    66,525    107,032 

 

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2013 into covered and non-covered loans, as classified for regulatory purposes:

 

($ in thousands)  Covered
Nonaccrual
Loans
   Non-covered
Nonaccrual
Loans
   Total
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $1,044    2,588    3,632 
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans   16,863    9,247    26,110 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   13,383    11,661    25,044 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit   1,307    2,652    3,959 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   14,578    14,221    28,799 
Installment loans to individuals   58    342    400 
   Total nonaccrual loans  $47,233    40,711    87,944 

 

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2012 into covered and non-covered loans, as classified for regulatory purposes:

 

($ in thousands)  Covered
Nonaccrual
Loans
   Non-covered
Nonaccrual
Loans
   Total
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $212    2,734    2,946 
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans   11,698    7,770    19,468 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   9,691    5,042    14,733 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit   702    2,426    3,128 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   11,127    12,251    23,378 
Installment loans to individuals   61    2,811    2,872 
   Total nonaccrual loans  $33,491    33,034    66,525 

 

Troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) are accruing loans for which we have granted concessions to the borrower as a result of the borrower’s financial difficulties. At September 30, 2013, total TDRs (covered and non-covered) amounted to $34.2 million, compared to $40.3 million at December 31, 2012, and $56.5 million at September 30, 2012. The decline from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 is primarily a result of covered TDRs that re-defaulted during the first half of 2013 and were placed on nonaccrual status, while the decline from September 30, 2012 to December 31, 2012 was primarily due to the aforementioned loan sale (see below).

 

Non-covered TDRs amounted to $27.7 million at September 30, 2013, compared to $24.8 million at December 31, 2012, and $38.5 million at September 30, 2012. Also, in December 2012, the Company reclassified approximately $10.5 million (written down to a liquidation value of $5.0 million) of accruing TDRs to the “nonperforming loans held for sale” category as discussed earlier.

 

Covered TDRs amounted to $6.5 million at September 30, 2013, compared to $15.5 million at December 31, 2012, and $17.9 million at September 30, 2012. The decrease in 2013 was primarily due to several large TDRs that deteriorated during the first half of 2013 and were placed on nonaccrual status.

 

Non-covered foreclosed real estate has decreased over the past year, amounting to $15.1 million at September 30, 2013, $26.3 million at December 31, 2012, and $38.1 million at September 30, 2012. The decrease from September 30, 2012 to December 31, 2012 was due to write-downs of $10.6 million that we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. We recorded write-downs on substantially all of our non-covered foreclosed properties in connection with efforts to accelerate the sale of these assets. The $10.6 million in write-downs represented approximately 29% of the total carrying value of the properties. The decrease from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 was the result of strong sales activity during the first nine months of 2013, which was consistent with our strategy to accelerate the disposition of foreclosed properties.

 

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At September 30, 2013, we also held $29.2 million in foreclosed real estate that is subject to the loss share agreements with the FDIC, which is a decrease from $47.3 million at December 31, 2012 and $58.4 million at September 30, 2012. The decreases are due to increased property sales activity, particularly along the North Carolina coast, which is where most of our covered foreclosed properties are located.

 

We believe that the fair values of the items of foreclosed real estate, less estimated costs to sell, equal or exceed their respective carrying values at the dates presented.

 

The following table presents the detail of all of our foreclosed real estate at each period end (covered and non-covered):

 

($ in thousands)  At September 30, 2013   At December 31, 2012   At September 30, 2012 
Vacant land  $26,437    48,838    60,804 
1-4 family residential properties   8,601    15,808    23,126 
Commercial real estate   9,253    8,929    12,502 
   Total foreclosed real estate  $44,291    73,575    96,432 

 

The following segregates our foreclosed real estate at September 30, 2013 into covered and non-covered:

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Foreclosed
Real Estate
   Non-covered
Foreclosed Real Estate
   Total Foreclosed
Real Estate
 
Vacant land  $18,075    8,362    26,437 
1-4 family residential properties   5,995    2,606    8,601 
Commercial real estate   5,123    4,130    9,253 
   Total foreclosed real estate  $29,193    15,098    44,291 

 

The following segregates our foreclosed real estate at December 31, 2012 into covered and non-covered:

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Foreclosed
Real Estate
   Non-covered
Foreclosed Real Estate
   Total Foreclosed
Real Estate
 
Vacant land  $36,742    12,096    48,838 
1-4 family residential properties   5,620    10,188    15,808 
Commercial real estate   4,928    4,001    8,929 
   Total foreclosed real estate  $47,290    26,285    73,575 

 

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The following table presents geographical information regarding our nonperforming assets at September 30, 2013.

 

   As of September 30, 2013 
($ in thousands)  Covered   Non-covered   Total   Total Loans   Nonperforming
Loans to Total
Loans
 
                     
Nonaccrual loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings (1)                         
Eastern Region (NC)  $45,187    13,203    58,390   $541,000    10.8% 
Triangle Region (NC)       17,966    17,966    767,000    2.3% 
Triad Region (NC)       17,343    17,343    378,000    4.6% 
Charlotte Region (NC)       2,694    2,694    98,000    2.7% 
Southern Piedmont Region (NC)   2,165    4,155    6,320    238,000    2.7% 
Western Region (NC)   6,101    1    6,102    58,000    10.5% 
South Carolina Region   317    5,111    5,428    117,000    4.6% 
Virginia Region       7,894    7,894    234,000    3.4% 
Other               11,000    0.0% 
          Total nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings  $53,770    68,367    122,137   $2,442,000    5.0% 
                          
Foreclosed Real Estate (1)                         
Eastern Region (NC)  $22,465    3,564    26,029           
Triangle Region (NC)       3,150    3,150           
Triad Region (NC)       3,336    3,336           
Charlotte Region (NC)       950    950           
Southern Piedmont Region (NC)       1,572    1,572           
Western Region (NC)   6,710        6,710           
South Carolina Region   18    1,909    1,927           
Virginia Region       200    200           
Other       417    417           
          Total foreclosed real estate  $29,193    15,098    44,291           
                          

 

(1)  The counties comprising each region are as follows:      
Eastern North Carolina Region - New Hanover, Brunswick, Duplin, Dare, Beaufort, Onslow, Carteret
Triangle North Carolina Region - Moore, Lee, Harnett, Chatham, Wake
Triad North Carolina Region - Montgomery, Randolph, Davidson, Rockingham, Guilford, Stanly
Charlotte North Carolina Region - Iredell, Cabarrus, Rowan
Southern Piedmont North Carolina Region - Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Robeson, Bladen, Columbus
Western North Carolina Region – Buncombe
South Carolina Region - Chesterfield, Dillon, Florence, Horry
Virginia Region - Wythe, Washington, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke
 

 

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.

 

The weak economic environment since 2009 has resulted in elevated levels of classified and nonperforming assets, which has led to higher provisions for loan losses compared to historical averages. Our total provision for loan losses was $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2013 compared to $7.1 million in the third quarter of 2012. Our total provision for loan losses for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012 was $21.7 million and $35.1 million, respectively. The total provision for loan losses is comprised of provision for loan losses for non-covered loans and provision for loan losses for covered loans, as discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

The provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $6.0 million in the third quarter of 2012. For the first nine months of 2013, the provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $13.3 million compared to $29.7 million for the same period of 2012. The decrease for the three month period comparison related to lower levels of nonperforming loans and a general stabilization of the economy in our market areas. The decrease for the nine month period was primarily due to a high provision for loan losses recorded in the first quarter of 2012 that resulted from an internal review that applied more conservative assumptions to estimate the probable losses associated with some of our nonperforming loan relationships, which we believed could lead to a more timely resolution of the related credits. Many of these same loans were sold to a third party investor in January 2013, as discussed previously.

 

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The $13.3 million provision for loan losses on non-covered loans recorded in the first nine months of 2013 was impacted by higher levels of loans classified as special mention or classified at September 30, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012 – see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for detail.  During the first nine months of 2013, non-covered loans classified as special mention increased from $61 million to $82 million, while classified loans increased from $41 million to $66 million.  We believe those increases were primarily due to more conservative judgments being applied to loan grading than was the prior practice, as opposed to any significant deterioration in overall loan quality.  As reflected in Note 8, the amount of non-covered loans that were past due 30-59 days has decreased from $17.1 million at December 31, 2012 to $12.6 million at September 30, 2013, and the amount of loans 60-89 days past due has decreased from $4.7 million at December 31, 2012 to $4.2 million at September 30, 2013.

 

The provision for loan losses on covered loans amounted to $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the provision for loan losses on covered loans amounted to $8.4 million compared to $5.4 million for the same period of 2012. The increase for the nine month period in 2013 was primarily the result of several large credits that deteriorated during the first quarter of 2013 and were placed on nonaccrual status. Because of the FDIC loss share agreements in place for these loans, the FDIC indemnification asset was adjusted upwards by 80% for the amount of the provision for losses expected prior to the expiration of the agreements. For 2012, all provisions for loan losses on covered loans were expected to occur prior to the expiration of the agreements. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were $639,000 and $809,000 in provisions for loan losses on covered loans, respectively, that we expect to occur after the expiration of the agreements, and thus no offsetting adjustment to the FDIC idemnification asset was recorded.

 

For the first nine months of 2013, we recorded $20.4 million in net charge-offs, compared to $27.0 million for the comparable period of 2012. The net charge-offs in 2013 included $9.0 million of covered loans and $11.4 million of non-covered loans, whereas in 2012 net charge-offs included $6.8 million of covered loans and $20.2 million of non-covered loans. The charge-offs in 2013 continue a trend that began in 2010, with charge-offs being concentrated in the construction and land development and commercial real estate categories. These types of loans have been impacted the most by the recession and decline in new housing.

 

The allowance for loan losses amounted to $47.7 million at September 30, 2013, compared to $46.4 million at December 31, 2012 and $49.5 million at September 30, 2012. At September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, the allowance for loan losses attributable to covered loans was $4.2 million, $4.8 million, and $4.4 million, respectively. The allowance for loan losses for covered loans is attributable to covered loans that have exhibited credit quality deterioration due to lower collateral valuations. The allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans amounted to $43.5 million, $41.6 million, and $45.2 million at September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, respectively. The increase in the allowance for losses for non-covered loans at September 30, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012 is primarily the result of higher levels of classified loans.

 

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.

 

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.

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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, and additions to the allowance for loan losses that have been charged to expense.

 

($ in thousands)  Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
   Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
   Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
 
   2013   2012 (1)   2012 
Loans outstanding at end of period  $2,442,082    2,376,457    2,441,071 
Average amount of loans outstanding  $2,408,510    2,436,997    2,433,964 
                
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year  $46,402    41,418    41,418 
Provision for loan losses   21,720    79,672    35,095 
    68,122    121,090    76,513 
Loans charged off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   (2,788)   (5,000)   (2,476)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   (7,475)   (28,613)   (13,533)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   (3,123)   (15,490)   (3,894)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   (2,146)   (5,921)   (2,771)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   (6,415)   (20,317)   (4,512)
Installment loans to individuals   (1,654)   (1,932)   (1,590)
       Total charge-offs   (23,601)   (77,273)   (28,776)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   163    152    49 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   742    1,281    1,054 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   586    91    55 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   161    440    354 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   1,005    318    51 
Installment loans to individuals   513    303    248 
       Total recoveries   3,170    2,585    1,811 
            Net charge-offs   (20,431)   (74,688)   (26,965)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period  $47,691    46,402    49,548 
                
Ratios:               
   Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans (annualized)   1.13%    3.06%    1.48% 
   Allowance for loan losses as a percent of loans at end of  period   1.95%    1.95%    2.03% 

 

(1) In the table above, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, loan charge-offs include $37.8 million in charge-offs related to loans that the Company held for sale as of year end (and subsequently sold in January 2013).

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The following table discloses the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, segregated into covered and non-covered.

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 
($ in thousands)  Covered   Non-covered   Total 
             
Loans outstanding at end of period  $226,909    2,215,173    2,442,082 
Average amount of loans outstanding  $253,243    2,155,267    2,408,510 
                
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year  $4,759    41,643    46,402 
Provision for loan losses   8,419    13,301    21,720 
    13,178    54,944    68,122 
Loans charged off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   (194)   (2,594)   (2,788)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   (4,416)   (3,059)   (7,475)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   (1,247)   (1,876)   (3,123)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   (758)   (1,388)   (2,146)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   (2,477)   (3,938)   (6,415)
Installment loans to individuals   (4)   (1,650)   (1,654)
       Total charge-offs   (9,096)   (14,505)   (23,601)
                
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural       163    163 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   69    673    742 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages       586    586 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit       161    161 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   65    940    1,005 
Installment loans to individuals       513    513 
       Total recoveries   134    3,036    3,170 
            Net charge-offs   (8,962)   (11,469)   (20,431)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period  $4,216    43,475    47,691 

 

The following table discloses the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, segregated into covered and non-covered.

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 
($ in thousands)  Covered   Non-covered   Total 
             
Loans outstanding at end of period  $303,997    2,137,074    2,441,071 
Average amount of loans outstanding  $332,557    2,101,407    2,433,964 
                
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year  $5,808    35,610    41,418 
Provision for loan losses   5,374    29,721    35,095 
    11,182    65,331    76,513 
Loans charged off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural       (2,476)   (2,476)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   (4,799)   (8,734)   (13,533)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   (925)   (2,969)   (3,894)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   (171)   (2,600)   (2,771)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   (742)   (3,770)   (4,512)
Installment loans to individuals   (151)   (1,439)   (1,590)
       Total charge-offs   (6,788)   (21,988)   (28,776)
                
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural       49    49 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans       1,054    1,054 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages       55    55 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit       354    354 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other       51    51 
Installment loans to individuals       248    248 
       Total recoveries       1,811    1,811 
            Net charge-offs   (6,788)   (20,177)   (26,965)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period  $4,394    45,154    49,548 

 

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Based on the results of our loan analysis and grading program and our evaluation of the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2013, there have been no material changes to the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among the various categories of loans since December 31, 2012.

 

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 the Company on an ongoing basis. Our primary liquidity sources are net income 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 three sources - 1) an approximately $322 million line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank (none of which was outstanding at September 30, 2013), 2) a $50 million overnight federal funds line of credit with a correspondent bank (none of which was outstanding at September 30, 2013), and 3) an approximately $88 million line of credit through the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s discount window (none of which was outstanding at September 30, 2013). In addition to any outstanding borrowings from the FHLB that reduce the available borrowing capacity of that line of credit, our borrowing capacity was reduced by $143 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, 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 $317 million at September 30, 2013 compared to $367 million at December 31, 2012.

 

Since September 30, 2012, our overall liquidity has decreased due to the use of liquid assets to fund deposit and borrowings reductions that have totaled $159 million. Our liquid assets (cash and securities) as a percentage of our total deposits and borrowings decreased from 17.0% at September 30, 2012 to 14.8% at September 30, 2013.

 

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, 2012, detail of which is presented in Table 18 on page 85 of our 2012 Annual Report on 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 pursuant to 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 letters of credit and repayment guarantees associated with our 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 September 30, 2013, and have no current plans to do so.

 

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.

 

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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 September 30, 2013, 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.

 

   September 30,
2013
   December 31,
2012
   September 30,
2012
 
Risk-based capital ratios:               
   Tier I capital to Tier I risk adjusted assets   15.35%    15.41%    14.99% 
   Minimum required Tier I capital   4.00%    4.00%    4.00% 
                
Total risk-based capital to Tier II risk-adjusted assets   16.61%    16.67%    16.26% 
   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   10.96%    10.24%    10.06% 
   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 September 30, 2013, 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 7.19% at September 30, 2013 compared to 6.81% at December 31, 2012 and 6.46% at September 30, 2012.

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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.

 

·On September 13, 2013, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 cents per share payable on October 25, 2013 to shareholders of record on September 30, 2013. This is the same dividend rate as the Company declared in the third quarter of 2012.

 

·In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company expects to open loan production offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbia, North Carolina.

 

SHARE REPURCHASES

 

We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the first nine months of 2013. At September 30, 2013, we had approximately 214,000 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. 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% (realized in 2008) to a high of 4.78% (realized in 2012). During that five year period, the prime rate of interest has ranged from a low of 3.25% (which was the rate as of September 30, 2013) to a high of 6.00% (the rate as of September 30, 2008 was 5.00%). The consistency of the net interest margin is aided by the relatively low level of long-term interest rate exposure that we maintain. At September 30, 2013, approximately 72% 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 fixed rate 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 September 30, 2013, we had approximately $891 million more in interest-bearing liabilities than earning assets that are subject to interest rate changes within one year. 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 September 30, 2013 are deposits totaling $1.3 billion comprised of checking, 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.

 

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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.

 

The general discussion in the foregoing paragraph applies most directly in a “normal” interest rate environment in which longer-term maturity instruments carry higher interest rates than short-term maturity instruments, and is less applicable in periods in which there is a “flat” interest rate curve. A “flat yield curve” means that short-term interest rates are substantially the same as long-term interest rates. As a result of the prolonged negative economic environment that continued through most of 2012 and into 2013, the Federal Reserve took steps to suppress long-term interest rates in an effort to boost the housing market, increase employment, and stimulate the economy, which resulted in a flat interest rate curve. A flat interest rate curve is an unfavorable interest rate environment for many banks, including the Company, as short-term interest rates generally drive our deposit pricing and longer-term interest rates generally drive loan pricing. When these rates converge, the profit spread we realize between loan yields and deposit rates narrows, which pressures our net interest margin.

 

In June 2013, the economy began to show tangible signs of improvement and the Federal Reserve suggested that they may lessen their involvement in the economic recovery process in the near future, which should result in a rise in interest rates, especially longer-term interest rates. The marketplace began to anticipate that result and accordingly, longer-term interest rates increased in June 2013, while short-term rates have remained stable. For example, from December 31, 2012 to June 30, 2013, the interest rate on three-month Treasury bills remained stable, but the interest rate for seven-year Treasury notes increased by 78 basis points. Since the increases in longer-term rates experienced in June 2013, longer-term rates have stabilized. From June 30, 2013 to September 30, 2013, the interest rate for seven-year Treasury notes increased by only six basis points. These increases result in a “steepening” of the yield curve and is a more favorable interest rate environment for many banks, including the Company, because as noted above, short-term interest rates generally drive our deposit pricing and longer-term interest rates generally drive loan pricing. However, intense competition for high-quality loans in our market areas has thus far negated the impact of the higher long-term market rates by limiting our ability to charge higher rates on loans, and thus we continue to experience downward pressure on our loan yields and net interest margin.

 

As it relates to deposits, the Federal Reserve has made no changes to the short term interest rates it sets directly since 2008, and since that time we have been able to reprice many of our maturing time deposits at lower interest rates. We were also able to generally decrease the rates we paid on other categories of deposits as a result of declining short-term interest rates in the marketplace and an increase in liquidity that lessened our need to offer premium interest rates. However, as short-term rates are already near zero, it is unlikely that we will be able to continue the trend of reducing our funding costs in the same proportion as experienced in recent quarters.

 

As previously discussed in the section “Net Interest Income,” our net interest income was impacted by certain purchase accounting adjustments related primarily to our acquisitions of Cooperative Bank and The Bank of Asheville. The purchase accounting adjustments related to the premium amortization on loans, deposits and borrowings are based on amortization schedules and are thus systematic and predictable. The accretion of the loan discount on loans acquired from Cooperative Bank and The Bank of Asheville, which amounted to $14.6 million and $10.5 million for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively, is less predictable and could be materially different among periods. This is because of the magnitude of the discounts that were initially recorded ($280 million in total) and the fact that the accretion being recorded is dependent on both the credit quality of the acquired loans and the impact of any accelerated loan repayments, including payoffs. If the credit quality of the loans declines, some, or all, of the remaining discount will cease to be accreted into income. If the underlying loans experience accelerated paydowns or improved performance expectations, the remaining discount will be accreted into income on an accelerated basis. In the event of total payoff, the remaining discount will be entirely accreted into income in the period of the payoff. Each of these factors is difficult to predict and susceptible to volatility.

 

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Based on our most recent interest rate modeling, which assumes no changes in interest rates for 2013 (federal funds rate = 0.25%, prime = 3.25%), we project that our net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2013 will experience some compression. We expect loan yields to continue to trend downwards, while many of our deposit products already have interest rates near zero.

 

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 (2)
   Average Price
Paid per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs (1)
   Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (1)
 
July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013               214,241 
August 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013               214,241 
September 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013               214,241 
Total               214,241 

 

Footnotes to the Above Table

(1)All shares available for repurchase are pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations. On July 30, 2004, the Company announced that its board of directors had approved the repurchase of 375,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date. There are no plans or programs the Company has determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under which we do not intend to make further purchases.

 

(2)The table above does not include shares that were used by option holders to satisfy the exercise price of the call options issued by the Company to its employees and directors pursuant to the Company’s stock option plans. There were no such exercises during the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

There were no unregistered sales of our securities during the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

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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.aArticles 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. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibit 3.1.b to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3D filed on June 29, 2010, and are incorporated herein by reference. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2011, and are incorporated herein by reference. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2012, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

3.bAmended 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.aForm 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.bForm of Certificate for Series B Preferred Stock was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

4.cForm of Certificate for Series C Preferred Stock was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

12Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

101The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (1)

 

 

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

 

 

_________________

(1)As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.
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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
   
   
November 12, 2013 BY:/s/ Richard H. Moore
            Richard H. Moore
                President
   (Principal Executive Officer),
       Treasurer and Director
   
   
November 12, 2013 BY:/s/ Anna G. Hollers
            Anna G. Hollers
  Executive Vice President,
               Secretary
  and Chief Operating Officer
   
   
November 12, 2013 BY:/s/ Eric P. Credle
            Eric P. Credle
  Executive Vice President
  and Chief Financial Officer

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