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FIRST BANCORP /NC/ - Quarter Report: 2015 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, 2015

 

 

 

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 St., Southern Pines, North Carolina   28387
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
     
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)   (910)   246-2500

 

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. x YES          o NO

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x YES          o NO

 

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

 

o Large Accelerated Filer     x Accelerated Filer     o Non-Accelerated Filer     o Smaller Reporting Company

 

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

 

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding on October 31, 2015 was 19,785,314.

 

 

 

 

INDEX

FIRST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

  Page
   
Part I.  Financial Information  
   
Item 1 - Financial Statements  
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 (With Comparative Amounts at December 31, 2014) 4
   
Consolidated Statements of Income - For the Periods Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 5
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - For the Periods Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 6
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - For the Periods Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 7
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Periods Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 8
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9
   
Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Results of Operations and Financial Condition 44
   
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 67
   
Item 4 – Controls and Procedures 69
   
Part II.  Other Information  
   
Item 1 – Legal Proceedings 69
   
Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 70
   
Item 6 – Exhibits 70
   
Signatures 71

 

Page 2 

Index 

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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Index 

 

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1 - Financial Statements

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

($ in thousands)  September 30,
2015
   December 31,
2014 (audited)
   September 30,
2014
 
ASSETS               
Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing  $52,788    81,068    84,128 
Due from banks, interest-bearing   165,271    171,248    251,111 
Federal funds sold   730    768    1,275 
     Total cash and cash equivalents   218,789    253,084    336,514 
                
Securities available for sale   178,765    158,018    153,238 
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $162,858, $182,411, and $57,601)   160,048    178,687    53,821 
                
Presold mortgages in process of settlement   3,150    6,019    5,761 
                
Loans – non-covered   2,375,094    2,268,580    2,292,841 
Loans – covered by FDIC loss share agreement   106,609    127,594    133,249 
   Total loans   2,481,703    2,396,174    2,426,090 
Allowance for loan losses – non-covered   (28,155)   (38,345)   (41,564)
Allowance for loan losses – covered   (1,900)   (2,281)   (2,567)
   Total allowance for loan losses   (30,055)   (40,626)   (44,131)
   Net loans   2,451,648    2,355,548    2,381,959 
                
Premises and equipment   74,839    75,113    74,871 
Accrued interest receivable   9,008    8,920    8,885 
FDIC indemnification asset   7,649    22,569    25,328 
Goodwill   65,835    65,835    65,835 
Other intangible assets   1,516    2,058    2,252 
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   9,304    9,771    11,705 
Foreclosed real estate – covered   1,569    2,350    3,237 
Bank-owned life insurance   56,557    55,421    44,996 
Other assets   34,164    24,990    27,209 
        Total assets  $3,272,841    3,218,383    3,195,611 
                
LIABILITIES               
Deposits:   Noninterest bearing checking accounts  $635,287    560,230    540,349 
Interest bearing checking accounts   609,908    583,903    538,815 
Money market accounts   584,490    551,002    548,832 
Savings accounts   187,607    180,317    178,260 
Time deposits of $100,000 or more   381,895    470,066    503,125 
Other time deposits   308,566    350,388    369,631 
     Total deposits   2,707,753    2,695,906    2,679,012 
Borrowings   176,394    116,394    116,394 
Accrued interest payable   588    686    695 
Other liabilities   16,932    17,698    14,695 
     Total liabilities   2,901,667    2,830,684    2,810,796 
                
Commitments and contingencies               
                
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY               
Preferred stock, no par value per share.  Authorized: 5,000,000 shares               
     Series B issued & outstanding:  31,500, 63,500, and 63,500 shares   31,500    63,500    63,500 
     Series C, convertible, issued & outstanding:  728,706, 728,706, and 728,706 shares   7,287    7,287    7,287 
Common stock, no par value per share.  Authorized: 40,000,000 shares               
     Issued & outstanding:  19,785,314, 19,709,881, and 19,705,381 shares   133,211    132,532    132,440 
Retained earnings   199,886    184,958    179,656 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (710)   (578)   1,932 
     Total shareholders’ equity   371,174    387,699    384,815 
          Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $3,272,841    3,218,383    3,195,611 

 

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,
 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
INTEREST INCOME                    
Interest and fees on loans  $29,863    32,019    88,257    102,481 
Interest on investment securities:                    
     Taxable interest income   1,670    646    4,693    2,523 
     Tax-exempt interest income   455    470    1,375    1,411 
Other, principally overnight investments   142    239    523    590 
     Total interest income   32,130    33,374    94,848    107,005 
                     
INTEREST EXPENSE                    
Savings, checking and money market accounts   292    263    842    774 
Time deposits of $100,000 or more   657    1,058    2,236    3,413 
Other time deposits   308    408    977    1,283 
Borrowings   487    302    1,099    849 
     Total interest expense   1,744    2,031    5,154    6,319 
                     
Net interest income   30,386    31,343    89,694    100,686 
Provision for loan losses – non-covered   267    1,279    1,372    5,802 
Provision (reversal) for loan losses – covered   (1,681)   206    (2,109)   2,917 
Total provision (reversal) for loan losses   (1,414)   1,485    (737)   8,719 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   31,800    29,858    90,431    91,967 
                     
NONINTEREST INCOME                    
Service charges on deposit accounts   2,951    3,426    8,724    10,445 
Other service charges, commissions and fees   2,778    2,538    8,091    7,467 
Fees from presold mortgage loans   481    807    2,020    2,204 
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products   691    685    1,917    1,985 
Bank-owned life insurance income   382    311    1,136    956 
Foreclosed property gains (losses) – non-covered   (857)   (757)   (1,932)   (1,464)
Foreclosed property gains (losses) – covered   (82)   773    410    (2,517)
FDIC indemnification asset income (expense), net   (2,865)   (3,210)   (7,085)   (9,704)
Securities gains (losses)   (1)       (1)   786 
Other gains (losses)   28    35    (241)   (282)
     Total noninterest income   3,506    4,608    13,039    9,876 
                     
NONINTEREST EXPENSES                    
Salaries   12,378    11,773    35,456    34,787 
Employee benefits   2,221    2,550    6,702    7,147 
   Total personnel expense   14,599    14,323    42,158    41,934 
Net occupancy expense   1,823    1,863    5,504    5,547 
Equipment related expenses   900    953    2,805    2,905 
Intangibles amortization   181    194    541    582 
Other operating expenses   7,111    8,598    21,620    23,294 
     Total noninterest expenses   24,614    25,931    72,628    74,262 
                     
Income before income taxes   10,692    8,535    30,842    27,581 
Income tax expense   3,687    2,956    10,605    9,680 
                     
Net income   7,005    5,579    20,237    17,901 
                     
Preferred stock dividends   (137)   (217)   (566)   (651)
                     
Net income available to common shareholders  $6,868    5,362    19,671    17,250 
                     
Earnings per common share:                    
     Basic  $0.35    0.27    1.00    0.88 
     Diluted   0.34    0.27    0.97    0.85 
                     
Dividends declared per common share  $0.08    0.08    0.24    0.24 
                     
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                    
     Basic   19,781,789    19,705,514    19,760,807    19,697,426 
     Diluted   20,512,959    20,437,739    20,491,973    20,431,836 

 

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)  2015   2014   2015   2014 
                     
Net income  $7,005    5,579    20,237    17,901 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                    
   Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale:                    
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, pretax   589    (47)   (154)   1,004 
      Tax (expense) benefit   (231)   19    60    (391)
Reclassification to realized (gains) losses   1        1    (786)
      Tax expense (benefit)               306 
Postretirement Plans:                    
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss   (16)   (56)   (63)   (166)
       Tax expense (benefit)   6    (2)   24    65 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   349    (86)   (132)   32 
Comprehensive income  $7,354    5,493    20,105    17,933 
                     

 

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)

 
  Preferred   Common Stock   Retained   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   Total
Share-
holders’
 
   Stock   Shares   Amount   Earnings   Income (Loss)   Equity 
                         
                         
Balances, January 1, 2014  $70,787    19,680   $132,099    167,136    1,900    371,922 
                               
Net income                  17,901         17,901 
Cash dividends declared ($0.24 per common share)                  (4,730)        (4,730)
Preferred dividends                  (651)        (651)
Stock-based compensation        25    341              341 
Other comprehensive income (loss)                       32    32 
                               
Balances, September 30, 2014  $70,787    19,705   $132,440    179,656    1,932    384,815 
                               
                               
Balances, January 1, 2015  $70,787    19,710   $132,532    184,958    (578)   387,699 
                               
Net income                  20,237         20,237 
Preferred stock redeemed (Series B)   (32,000)                       (32,000)
Stock option exercises        2    32              32 
Cash dividends declared ($0.24 per common share)                  (4,743)        (4,743)
Preferred dividends                  (566)        (566)
Stock-based compensation        73    647              647 
Other comprehensive income (loss)                       (132)   (132)
                               
Balances, September 30, 2015  $38,787    19,785   $133,211    199,886    (710)   371,174 

 

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)  2015   2014 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities          
Net income  $20,237    17,901 
Reconciliation of net income  to net cash provided by operating activities:          
     Provision (reversal) for loan losses   (737)   8,719 
     Net security premium amortization   2,380    1,416 
     Purchase accounting accretion and amortization, net   2,265    (7,261)
     Foreclosed property losses and write-downs, net   1,522    3,981 
     Loss (gain) on securities available for sale   1    (786)
     Other losses   241    282 
     Decrease in net deferred loan costs   181    198 
     Depreciation of premises and equipment   3,375    3,477 
     Branch consolidation expense       925 
     Stock-based compensation expense   554    248 
     Amortization of intangible assets   541    582 
     Origination of presold mortgages in process of settlement   (76,728)   (75,775)
     Proceeds from sales of presold mortgages in process of settlement   79,600    75,568 
     Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable   (88)   764 
     Decrease (increase) in other assets   (990)   7,302 
     Decrease in accrued interest payable   (98)   (184)
     Decrease in other liabilities   (667)   (429)
          Net cash provided by operating activities   31,589    36,928 
           
Cash Flows From Investing Activities          
     Purchases of securities available for sale   (83,313)   (54,258)
     Purchases of securities held to maturity   (2,003)    
     Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale       47,473 
     Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities available for sale   61,426    22,456 
     Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities held to maturity   19,246     
     Purchases of Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank stock, net   (9,597)   (2,122)
     Net decrease (increase) in loans   (98,347)   27,468 
     Proceeds from FDIC loss share agreements   8,758    16,810 
     Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate   6,426    27,908 
     Purchases of premises and equipment   (3,828)   (3,278)
     Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment   847    1,232 
          Net cash provided (used) by investing activities   (100,385)   83,689 
           
Cash Flows From Financing Activities          
     Net increase (decrease) in deposits   11,847    (72,000)
     Net increase in borrowings   60,000    70,000 
     Cash dividends paid – common stock   (4,732)   (4,726)
     Cash dividends paid – preferred stock   (646)   (651)
     Redemption of preferred stock   (32,000)    
     Proceeds from stock option exercises   32     
          Net cash provided (used) by financing activities   34,501    (7,377)
           
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (34,295)   113,240 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   253,084    223,274 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $218,789    336,514 
           
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:          
Cash paid during the period for:          
     Interest  $5,252    6,503 
     Income taxes   11,139    3,009 
Non-cash transactions:          
     Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of taxes   (94)   133 
     Foreclosed loans transferred to other real estate   6,700    10,083 

 

 

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, 2015 and 2014  

 

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, 2015 and 2014 and the consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. All such adjustments were of a normal, recurring nature. Reference is made to the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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, 2015 and 2014 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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC contains a description of the accounting policies followed by the Company and discussion of recent accounting pronouncements. The following paragraphs update that information as necessary.

 

In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the Equity Method and Joint Ventures topic of the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments provide criteria that must be met in order to apply a proportional amortization method to Low-Income Housing Tax Credit investments and provide guidance on the method used to amortize the investment, the impairment approach, and the eligibility criteria for entities that have other arrangements (e.g., loans) with the limited liability entity. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2015 for new investments in qualified affordable housing projects. These amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In January 2014, the FASB amended the Receivables topic of the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments are intended to resolve diversity in practice with respect to when a creditor should reclassify a collateralized consumer mortgage loan to other real estate owned (“OREO”). In addition, the amendments require a creditor to reclassify a collateralized consumer mortgage loan to OREO upon obtaining legal title to the real estate collateral, or the borrower voluntarily conveying all interest in the real estate property to the lender to satisfy the loan through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. In implementing this guidance, assets that are reclassified from real estate to loans are measured at the carrying value of the real estate at the date of adoption. Assets reclassified from loans to real estate are measured at the lower of the net amount of the loan receivable or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell at the date of adoption. These amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company can apply the guidance using either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance which makes limited amendments to the guidance on accounting for certain repurchase agreements. The new guidance (1) requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings (rather than as sales with forward repurchase agreements), (2) eliminates accounting guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and (3) expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers (specifically, repos, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions) accounted for as secured borrowings. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. These amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies that performance targets associated with stock compensation should be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in the grant date fair value of the stock award. The amendments will be effective for the Company for fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2015. The Company will apply the guidance to all stock awards granted or modified after the amendments are effective. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance to eliminate from U.S. GAAP the concept of an extraordinary item, which is an event or transaction that is both (1) unusual in nature and (2) infrequently occurring. Under the new guidance, an entity will no longer (1) segregate an extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations; (2) separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations; or (3) disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company will apply the guidance prospectively.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance which amends the consolidation requirements and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. The amendments are expected to result in the deconsolidation of many entities. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted (including during an interim period), provided that the guidance is applied as of the beginning of the annual period containing the adoption date. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance that will require debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. This update affects disclosures related to debt issuance costs but does not affect existing recognition and measurement guidance for these items. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance which provides a practical expedient that permits the Company to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the Company’s fiscal year-end. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In June 2015, the FASB issued amendments to clarify the Accounting Standards Codification, correct unintended application of guidance, and make minor improvements that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. The amendments were effective upon issuance (June 12, 2015) for amendments that do not have transition guidance. Amendments that are subject to transition guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued amendments to the Interest topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to clarify the SEC staff’s position on presenting and measuring debt issuance costs incurred in connection with line-of-credit arrangements. The amendments were effective upon issuance. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

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

 

 

Note 3 – Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts reported in the period ended September 30, 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for September 30, 2015. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity for the periods presented, nor did they materially impact trends in financial information.

 

Page 10 

Index 

Note 4 – Equity-Based Compensation Plans

 

At September 30, 2015, the Company had the following equity-based compensation plans: the First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan, the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan, and the First Bancorp 2004 Stock Option Plan. The Company’s shareholders approved all equity-based compensation plans. The First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan became effective upon the approval of shareholders on May 8, 2014. As of September 30, 2015, the First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan was the only plan that had shares available for future grants.

 

The First Bancorp 2014 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 2014 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 eight 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. On June 1, 2015, the Company granted 8,176 shares of common stock to non-employee directors (1,022 shares per director), at a fair market value of $15.75 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date. On June 2, 2014, the Company granted 10,065 shares of common stock to non-employee directors (915 shares per director), at a fair market value of $17.60 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date.

 

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 would have fully vested on December 31, 2014 if the Company achieved a certain earnings target for 2014. The Company did not achieve the applicable target, and therefore, the option award was forfeited as of December 31, 2014. No compensation expense was recognized for the option award. The restricted stock award will vest in full on December 31, 2015, if the Company achieves a certain earnings target in 2015, and will be forfeited if the applicable target is not achieved. Based on current conditions, the Company has concluded that it is not probable that the restricted stock award will vest, and thus no compensation expense has been recorded.

 

In 2014, the Company’s Compensation Committee determined that seven of the Company’s senior officers would receive 50% of the bonus earned under the Company’s annual incentive plan in shares of restricted stock, instead of being exclusively cash, which had been the Company’s prior practice. This resulted in the Company granting a total of 14,882 shares of restricted common stock to those officers on February 24, 2015. The shares vest annually in one-third increments beginning on December 31, 2015. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $258,000, which is being recorded over the vesting period. The Company recorded $23,300 and $69,800 in compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to these grants.

 

Also, on February 24, 2015, the Company granted a total of 30,404 shares of restricted common stock to eleven senior officers. The shares vest annually in one-third increments beginning on December 31, 2015. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $527,000, which is being recorded over the vesting period. The Company recorded $80,500 and $241,500 in compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to these grants.

 

On April 10, 2015, the Company granted a total of 14,425 shares of restricted common stock to five employees. The shares vest three years from the date of the grant on April 10, 2018. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $249,000, which is being recorded over the vesting period. The Company recorded $20,700 and $41,400 in compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to these grants.

 

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Index 

In September 2015, the Company granted a total of 5,907 shares of restricted common stock to three employees. The shares vest three years from the date of the grant. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $100,005, which is being recorded over the vesting period. The Company recorded $2,800 in compensation expense during the three months ended September 30, 2015 related to these grants.

 

Based on the Company’s performance in 2013, the Company granted 15,657 shares of restricted common stock to the chief executive officer on February 11, 2014 with a two year minimum vesting period. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $278,200 and the grant will fully vest on January 1, 2016. One third of this value was expensed during each of 2013 and 2014, with the remaining one third being expensed in 2015. The Company recorded $23,200 and $69,600 in compensation expense during each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

Under the terms of the predecessor plans and the First Bancorp 2014 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 under certain conditions if there is a change in control (as defined in the plans).

 

At September 30, 2015, there were 128,464 options outstanding under the Company’s three option plans, with exercise prices ranging from $14.35 to $22.04. At September 30, 2015, there were 916,141 shares remaining available for grant under the First Bancorp 2014 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 recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $150,000 and $23,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $554,000 and $248,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Of the $554,000 in expense that was recorded in 2015, approximately $129,000 related to the June 1, 2015 director grants, which is classified as “other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The remaining $425,000 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 $216,000 and $97,000 of income tax benefits related to stock based compensation expense in the income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 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 awards granted without performance conditions will become vested.

Page 12 

Index 

 

The following table presents information regarding the activity for the first nine months of 2015 related to 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 January 1, 2015   179,102   $18.55           
                     
   Granted                  
   Exercised   (2,250)   14.35           
   Forfeited                  
   Expired   (48,388)   20.07           
                     
Outstanding at September 30, 2015   128,464   $18.05    2.0   $70,000 
                     
Exercisable at September 30, 2015   128,464   $18.05    2.0   $70,000 

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company received $32,000 as a result of stock option exercises. The Company did not have any stock option exercises during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company recorded no tax benefits from the exercise of nonqualified stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014.

 

The following table presents information regarding the activity the first nine months of 2015 related to the Company’s outstanding restricted stock:

 

   Long-Term Restricted Stock 
   Number of Units   Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
 
         
Nonvested at January 1, 2015   45,219   $10.68 
           
Granted during the period   65,618    17.28 
Vested during the period        
Forfeited or expired during the period        
           
Nonvested at September 30, 2015   110,837   $14.59 

 

Note 5 – 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.

 

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Index 

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.

 

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, 
   2015   2014 

 

($ 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  $6,868    19,781,789   $0.35   $5,362    19,705,514   $0.27 
                               
Effect of Dilutive Securities   58    731,170         58    732,225      
                               
Diluted EPS per common share  $6,926    20,512,959   $0.34   $5,420    20,437,739   $0.27 

 

 

   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2015   2014 

 

($ 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  $19,671    19,760,807   $1.00   $17,250    19,697,426   $0.88 
                               
Effect of Dilutive Securities   175    731,166         175    734,410      
                               
Diluted EPS per common share  $19,846    20,491,973   $0.97   $17,425    20,431,836   $0.85 


For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, there were 52,500 options that were antidilutive because the exercise price exceeded the average market price for the period, and thus are not included in the calculation to determine the effect of dilutive securities. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were 93,000 options that were anti-dilutive. Also, for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company excluded 75,000 options that had an exercise price below the average market price for the period, but had performance vesting requirements that the Company concluded were not probable to vest.

 

Note 6 – Securities

 

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:

 

   September 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
   Amortized   Fair   Unrealized   Amortized   Fair   Unrealized 
($ in thousands)  Cost   Value   Gains   (Losses)   Cost   Value   Gains   (Losses) 
                                 
Securities available for sale:                                        
  Government-sponsored enterprise securities  $27,789    27,850    69    (8)   27,546    27,521    33    (58)
  Mortgage-backed securities   126,508    125,836    520    (1,192)   130,073    129,510    751    (1,314)
  Corporate bonds   25,223    24,948    4    (279)   1,000    865        (135)
  Equity securities   88    131    54    (11)   89    122    46    (13)
Total available for sale  $179,608    178,765    647    (1,490)   158,708    158,018    830    (1,520)
                                         
Securities held to maturity:                                        
  Mortgage-backed securities  $107,787    107,360        (427)   124,924    124,861    45    (108)
  State and local governments   52,261    55,498    3,258    (21)   53,763    57,550    3,787     
Total held to maturity  $160,048    162,858    3,258    (448)   178,687    182,411    3,832    (108)

 

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Index 

Included in mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2015 were collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized cost of $56,000 and a fair value of $57,000. Included in mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2014 were collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized cost of $108,000 and a fair value of $111,000. All of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities, including the collateralized mortgage obligations, were issued by government-sponsored corporations.

 

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2015:

 

($ 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  $        2,991    8    2,991    8 
Mortgage-backed securities   141,334    685    31,578    934    172,912    1,619 
Corporate bonds   21,991    219    940    60    22,931    279 
Equity securities           22    11    22    11 
State and local governments   829    21            829    21 
      Total temporarily impaired securities  $164,154    925    35,531    1,013    199,685    1,938 

 

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2014:

 

($ 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  $5,489    11    2,953    47    8,442    58 
Mortgage-backed securities   69,985    318    33,557    1,104    103,542    1,422 
Corporate bonds           865    135    865    135 
Equity securities           17    13    17    13 
State and local governments                        
      Total temporarily impaired securities  $75,474    329    37,392    1,299    112,866    1,628 

 

In the above tables, all of the non-equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are bonds that the Company has determined are in a loss position due primarily to interest rate factors and not credit quality concerns. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 15 

Index 

 

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2015, 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  $        772    780 
Due after one year but within five years   27,789    27,850    12,734    13,446 
Due after five years but within ten years   20,223    20,088    37,320    39,847 
Due after ten years   5,000    4,860    1,435    1,425 
Mortgage-backed securities   126,508    125,836    107,787    107,360 
Total debt securities   179,520    178,634    160,048    162,858 
                     
Equity securities   88    131         
Total securities  $179,608    178,765    160,048    162,858 

 

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 investment securities with carrying values of $135,652,000 and $100,113,000, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public deposits.

 

The Company recorded insignificant losses on securities during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company sold approximately $47,473,000 in securities and recorded a net gain of $786,000 related to the sale.

 

The aggregate carrying amount of cost-method investments was $15,468,000 and $6,016,000 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which is recorded within the line item “other assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. These investments are comprised of both Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“FRB”) stock. The FHLB stock had a cost and fair value of $8,421,000 at September 30, 2015 and $6,016,000 at December 31, 2014, and serves as part of the collateral for the Company’s line of credit with the FHLB and is also 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 FRB stock had a cost and fair value of $7,047,000 at September 30, 2015. The Company was required to purchase this stock when it became a member of the Federal Reserve System in the second quarter of 2015. The Company determined that neither stock was impaired at either period end.

 

Note 7 – 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.”

 

On July 1, 2014, one of the Company’s loss share agreements with the FDIC expired. The agreement that expired related to the non-single family assets of Cooperative Bank, a failed bank acquisition in 2009. Accordingly, the remaining balances associated with these loans and foreclosed real estate were transferred from the covered portfolio to the non-covered portfolio on July 1, 2014. The Company will bear all future losses on this portfolio of loans and foreclosed real estate. Immediately prior to the transfer to non-covered status, the loans in this portfolio had a carrying value of $39.7 million and the foreclosed real estate in this portfolio had a carrying value of $3.0 million. Of the $39.7 million in loans that lost loss share protection, approximately $9.7 million were on nonaccrual status and $2.1 million were classified as accruing troubled debt restructurings as of July 1, 2014. Additionally, approximately $1.7 million in allowance for loan losses associated with this portfolio of loans was transferred to the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans on July 1, 2014.

 

Page 16 

Index 

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

 

($ in thousands)  September 30, 2015   December 31, 2014   September 30, 2014 
   Amount   Percentage   Amount   Percentage   Amount   Percentage 
All loans (non-covered and covered):                        
                         
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $199,630    8%   $160,878    7%   $165,215    7% 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   294,426    12%    288,148    12%    298,091    13% 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   770,691    31%    789,871    33%    806,954    33% 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   224,639    9%    223,500    9%    224,553    9% 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   944,432    38%    882,127    37%    879,122    36% 
Installment loans to individuals   47,120    2%    50,704    2%    51,425    2% 
    Subtotal   2,480,938    100%    2,395,228    100%    2,425,360    100% 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs   765         946         730      
    Total loans  $2,481,703        $2,396,174        $2,426,090      

 

 

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

 

($ in thousands)  September 30, 2015   December 31, 2014   September 30, 2014 
   Amount   Percentage   Amount   Percentage   Amount   Percentage 
Non-covered loans:                              
                               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $198,624    9%   $159,195    7%   $162,994    7% 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   290,465    12%    282,604    13%    292,401    13% 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   692,431    29%    700,101    31%    714,879    31% 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   213,435    9%    210,697    9%    211,477    9% 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   932,254    39%    864,333    38%    858,935    38% 
Installment loans to individuals   47,120    2%    50,704    2%    51,425    2% 
    Subtotal   2,374,329    100%    2,267,634    100%    2,292,111    100% 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs   765         946         730      
    Total non-covered loans  $2,375,094        $2,268,580        $2,292,841      

 

 

The carrying amount of the covered loans at September 30, 2015 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  $59    116    947    975    1,006    1,091 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   297    522    3,664    3,912    3,961    4,434 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   109    636    78,151    91,570    78,260    92,206 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   8    15    11,196    12,912    11,204    12,927 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   1,047    3,154    11,131    11,871    12,178    15,025 
     Total  $1,520    4,443    105,089    121,240    106,609    125,683 

 

Page 17 

Index 

 

The carrying amount of the covered loans at December 31, 2014 consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans (as determined on the date of the 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  $66    123    1,617    1,661    1,683    1,784 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   309    534    5,235    6,471    5,544    7,005 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   362    1,298    89,408    104,678    89,770    105,976 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   12    19    12,791    15,099    12,803    15,118 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   1,201    3,209    16,593    17,789    17,794    20,998 
     Total  $1,950    5,183    125,644    145,698    127,594    150,881 

 

 

The following table presents information regarding covered purchased nonimpaired loans since December 31, 2013. 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, 2013  $207,167 
Principal repayments   (50,183)
Transfers to foreclosed real estate   (5,061)
Transfers to non-covered loans due to expiration of loss-share agreement   (38,987)
Net loan (charge-offs) / recoveries   (3,301)
Accretion of loan discount   16,009 
Carrying amount of nonimpaired covered loans at December 31, 2014   125,644 
Principal repayments   (25,051)
Transfers to foreclosed real estate   (1,129)
Net loan (charge-offs) / recoveries   1,728 
Accretion of loan discount   3,897 
Carrying amount of nonimpaired covered loans at September 30, 2015  $105,089 

 

As reflected in the table above, the Company accreted $3,897,000 of the loan discount on purchased nonimpaired loans into interest income during the first nine months of 2015. As of September 30, 2015, there was remaining loan discount of $14,151,000 related to purchased accruing 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 approximately 80% of the loan discount accretion, which reduces noninterest income. At September 30, 2015, the Company also had $2,043,000 of loan discount related to purchased nonaccruing 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, 2013, the majority 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, 2013  $6,263    3,121    3,142 
Change due to payments received   (599)   227    (826)
Change due to loan charge-off   (2)   29    (31)
Other   197    (115)   312 
Balance at December 31, 2014  $5,859    3,262    2,597 
Change due to payments received   (330)   55    (385)
Transfer to foreclosed real estate   (431)   (336)   (95)
Other   (3)   (3)    
Balance at September 30, 2015  $5,095    2,978    2,117 

 

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 2015 and 2014, the Company received $56,000 and $179,000, 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,
2015
   December 31,
2014
   September 30,
2014
 
             
Non-covered nonperforming assets               
Nonaccrual loans  $42,347   $50,066   $53,620 
Restructured loans - accruing   29,250    35,493    31,501 
Accruing loans > 90 days past due            
     Total non-covered nonperforming loans   71,597    85,559    85,121 
Foreclosed real estate   9,304    9,771    11,705 
Total non-covered nonperforming assets  $80,901   $95,330   $96,826 
                
Covered nonperforming assets               
Nonaccrual loans (1)  $5,373   $10,508   $10,478 
Restructured loans - accruing   3,825    5,823    6,273 
Accruing loans > 90 days past due            
     Total covered nonperforming loans   9,198    16,331    16,751 
Foreclosed real estate   1,569    2,350    3,237 
Total covered nonperforming assets  $10,767   $18,681   $19,988 
                
     Total nonperforming assets  $91,668   $114,011   $116,814 

 

 

(1) At September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014, the contractual balance of the nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements was $10.1 million, $16.0 million, and $16.3 million, respectively.

 

At September 30, 2015, the Company had $3.0 million in residential mortgage loans in process of foreclosure.

 

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.

Page 19 

Index 

 

The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans as of September 30, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)  Non-covered   Covered   Total 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:               
Commercial – unsecured  $470    22    492 
Commercial – secured   2,253        2,253 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   84    23    107 
                
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   5,374    60    5,434 
                
Real estate – residential, farmland and multi-family   21,936    3,270    25,206 
                
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   2,110    362    2,472 
                
Real estate – commercial   9,762    1,636    11,398 
                
Consumer   358        358 
  Total  $42,347    5,373    47,720 
                

 

The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2014.

 

($ in thousands)  Non-covered   Covered   Total 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:               
Commercial – unsecured  $187    1    188 
Commercial – secured   2,927        2,927 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   454    103    557 
                
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   7,891    1,140    9,031 
                
Real estate – residential, farmland and multi-family   24,459    7,785    32,244 
                
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   2,573    278    2,851 
                
Real estate – commercial   11,070    1,201    12,271 
                
Consumer   505        505 
  Total  $50,066    10,508    60,574 
                

 

The following table presents an analysis of the payment status of the Company’s loans as of September 30, 2015.

 

($ 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  $734        470    49,325    50,529 
Commercial - secured   772    73    2,253    114,989    118,087 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   366        84    33,177    33,627 
                          
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   938    90    5,374    269,002    275,404 
                          
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   5,404    1,948    21,936    822,084    851,372 
                          
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   996    332    2,110    199,180    202,618 
                          
Real estate - commercial   4,013    234    9,762    785,182    799,191 
                          
Consumer   379    239    358    42,525    43,501 
  Total non-covered  $13,602    2,916    42,347    2,315,464    2,374,329 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                       765 
           Total non-covered loans                      $2,375,094 
                          
Covered loans  $340    751    5,373    100,145    106,609 
                          
                Total loans  $13,942    3,667    47,720    2,415,609    2,481,703 

 

Page 20 

Index 

The Company had no non-covered or covered loans that were past due greater than 90 days and accruing interest at September 30, 2015.

 

The following table presents an analysis of the payment status of the Company’s loans as of December 31, 2014.

 

($ 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  $191    35    187    36,871    37,284 
Commercial - secured   1,003    373    2,927    102,671    106,974 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   30    225    454    21,761    22,470 
                          
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1,950    139    7,891    247,535    257,515 
                          
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   11,272    3,218    24,459    807,884    846,833 
                          
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   1,585    352    2,573    194,067    198,577 
                          
Real estate - commercial   3,738    996    11,070    738,981    754,785 
                          
Consumer   695    131    505    41,865    43,196 
  Total non-covered  $20,464    5,469    50,066    2,191,635    2,267,634 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                       946 
           Total non-covered loans                      $2,268,580 
                          
Covered loans  $4,385    964    10,508    111,737    127,594 
                          
                Total loans  $24,849    6,433    60,574    2,303,372    2,396,174 

 

The Company had no non-covered or covered loans that were past due greater than 90 days and accruing interest at December 31, 2014.

Page 21 

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, 2015.

 

($ 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, 2015
                                         
Beginning balance  $5,564    5,016    9,641    3,167    4,723    948    1,096    30,155 
Charge-offs   (523)   (574)   (1,949)   (31)   (198)   (369)       (3,644)
Recoveries   387    625    98    43    140    84        1,377 
Provisions   (185)   (1,105)   1,341    (565)   249    216    316    267 
Ending balance  $5,243    3,962    9,131    2,614    4,914    879    1,412    28,155 
                                         
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015
                                         
Beginning balance  $8,391    6,470    9,720    3,731    9,045    841    147    38,345 
Charge-offs   (3,550)   (2,532)   (4,362)   (594)   (2,147)   (1,222)       (14,407)
Recoveries   735    942    270    88    535    275        2,845 
Provisions   (333)   (918)   3,503    (611)   (2,519)   985    1,265    1,372 
Ending balance  $5,243    3,962    9,131    2,614    4,914    879    1,412    28,155 
                                         
Ending balances as of September 30, 2015:  Allowance for loan losses
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $135    250    1,575        449            2,409 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $5,108    3,712    7,556    2,614    4,465    879    1,412    25,746 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             
                                         
Loans receivable as of September 30, 2015:
                                         
Ending balance – total  $202,243    275,404    851,372    202,618    799,191    43,501        2,374,329 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                                      765 
Total non-covered loans                                     $2,375,094 
                                         
Ending balances as of September 30, 2015: Loans
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $986    4,685    23,599        16,655            45,925 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $201,257    270,719    827,773    202,618    781,939    43,501        2,327,807 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                597            597 

  

Page 22 

Index 

 

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

($ 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, 2014
                                         
Beginning balance  $7,432    12,966    15,142    1,838    5,524    1,513    (152)   44,263 
Charge-offs   (4,039)   (2,148)   (4,417)   (912)   (3,048)   (1,724)       (16,288)
Recoveries   140    398    331    45    181    451        1,546 
Transfer from covered category   36    813    51        833    4        1,737 
Provisions   4,822    (5,559)   (1,387)   2,760    5,555    597    299    7,087 
Ending balance  $8,391    6,470    9,720    3,731    9,045    841    147    38,345 
                                         
Ending balances as of December 31, 2014:  Allowance for loan losses
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $211    415    1,686        165            2,477 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $8,180    6,055    8,034    3,731    8,880    841    147    35,868 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             
                                         
Loans receivable as of December 31, 2014:
                                         
Ending balance – total  $166,728    257,515    846,833    198,577    754,785    43,196        2,267,634 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                                      946 
Total non-covered loans                                     $2,268,580 
                                         
Ending balances as of December 31, 2014: Loans
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $784    7,991    20,263    476    20,263    7        53,531 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $165,944    249,524    733,875    198,101    733,875    43,189        2,213,456 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                647            647 

 

Page 23 

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, 2014.

 

($ 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, 2014
                                         
Beginning balance  $8,948    7,414    11,132    3,755    9,212    906    599    41,966 
Charge-offs   (840)   (470)   (874)   (116)   (987)   (463)       (3,750)
Recoveries   32    40    111    7    14    128        332 
Transfer from covered category   36    813    51        833    4        1,737 
Provisions   1,185    (574)   (194)   49    971    343    (501)   1,279 
Ending balance  $9,361    7,223    10,226    3,695    10,043    918    98    41,564 
                                         
                                         
                                         
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
                                         
Beginning balance  $7,432    12,966    15,142    1,838    5,524    1,513    (152)   44,263 
Charge-offs   (3,506)   (1,704)   (2,505)   (619)   (1,876)   (1,262)       (11,472)
Recoveries   81    349    290    18    135    361        1,234 
Transfer from covered category   36    813    51        833    4        1,737 
Provisions   5,318    (5,201)   (2,752)   2,458    5,427    302    250    5,802 
Ending balance  $9,361    7,223    10,226    3,695    10,043    918    98    41,564 
                                         
Ending balances as of September 30, 2014:  Allowance for loan losses
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $381    513    1,771        229    20        2,914 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $8,980    6,710    8,455    3,695    9,814    898    98    38,650 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                             
                                         
Loans receivable as of September 30, 2014:
                                         
Ending balance – total  $170,648    266,419    860,218    198,977    752,108    43,741        2,292,111 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                                      730 
Total non-covered loans                                     $2,292,841 
                                         
Ending balances as of September 30, 2014: Loans
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $972    8,613    24,233    481    20,128    34        54,461 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $169,676    257,806    835,985    198,496    731,316    43,707        2,236,986 
                                         
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  $                664            664 

 

Page 24 

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, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Loans 
     
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2015
Beginning balance  $1,935 
Charge-offs   (84)
Recoveries   1,730 
Provisions   (1,681)
Ending balance  $1,900 
      
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015
Beginning balance  $2,281 
Charge-offs   (1,200)
Recoveries   2,928 
Provisions   (2,109)
Ending balance  $1,900 
      
Ending balances as of September 30, 2015: Allowance for loan losses
 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $466 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,391 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   43 
      
Loans receivable as of September 30, 2015:
      
Ending balance – total  $106,609 
      
Ending balances as of September 30, 2015: Loans
      
Individually evaluated for impairment  $5,197 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   99,892 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   1,520 

 

 

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Loans 
     
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2014
Beginning balance  $4,242 
Charge-offs   (6,948)
Recoveries   3,616 
Transferred to non-covered   (1,737)
Provisions   3,108 
Ending balance  $2,281 
 
Ending balances as of December 31, 2014: Allowance for loan losses
 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $1,161 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,046 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   74 
      
Loans receivable as of December 31, 2014:
      
Ending balance – total  $127,594 
      
Ending balances as of December 31, 2014: Loans
      
Individually evaluated for impairment  $11,484 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   114,160 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   1,950 

 

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, 2014.

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Loans 
     
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2014
Beginning balance  $3,830 
Charge-offs   (195)
Recoveries   463 
Transferred to non-covered   (1,737)
Provisions   206 
Ending balance  $2,567 
      
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
Beginning balance  $4,242 
Charge-offs   (5,865)
Recoveries   3,010 
Transferred to non-covered   (1,737)
Provisions   2,917 
Ending balance  $2,567 
 
Ending balances as of September 30, 2014: Allowance for loan losses
 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $1,537 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,003 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   27 
      
Loans receivable as of September 30, 2014:
      
Ending balance – total  $133,249 
      
Ending balances as of September 30, 2014: Loans
      
Individually evaluated for impairment  $11,258 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   119,953 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   2,038 

 

Page 26 

Index 

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of September 30, 2015.

 

 

($ 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  $271    311        102 
Commercial - secured   92    95        56 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable                
                     
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   3,729    7,090        4,716 
                     
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   9,466    10,839        9,548 
                     
Real estate – home equity lines of credit               119 
                     
Real estate – commercial   12,531    14,149        15,731 
                     
Consumer               2 
Total non-covered impaired loans with no allowance  $26,089    32,484        30,274 
                     
Total covered impaired loans with no allowance  $3,742    7,380        5,701 
                     
Total impaired loans with no allowance recorded  $29,831    39,864        35,975 
                     
Non-covered  loans with an allowance recorded:                    
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                    
Commercial - unsecured  $148    155    43    139 
Commercial - secured   475    496    92    538 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable                
                     
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   956    1,002    250    1,363 
                     
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   14,133    14,526    1,575    14,194 
                     
Real estate – home equity lines of credit                
                     
Real estate – commercial   4,721    4,793    449    3,608 
                     
Consumer                
Total non-covered impaired loans with allowance  $20,433    20,972    2,409    19,842 
                     
Total covered impaired loans with allowance  $2,975    3,268    509    3,874 
                     
Total impaired loans with an allowance recorded  $23,408    24,240    2,918    23,716 

 

Interest income recorded on non-covered and covered impaired loans during the nine months September 30, 2015 was insignificant.

Page 27 

Index 

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2014.

 

 

($ 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  $33    35        20 
Commercial - secured   5    6        95 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable                
                     
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   6,877    7,944        6,430 
                     
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   9,165    10,225        7,776 
                     
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   476    498        388 
                     
Real estate – commercial   17,409    20,786        11,911 
                     
Consumer   7    10        7 
Total non-covered impaired loans with no allowance  $33,972    39,504        26,627 
                     
Total covered impaired loans with no allowance  $8,097    12,081        16,986 
                     
Total impaired loans with no allowance recorded  $42,069    51,585        43,613 
                     
Non-covered  loans with an allowance recorded:                    
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                    
Commercial - unsecured  $140    143    47    142 
Commercial - secured   606    612    164    550 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable               15 
                     
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1,114    3,243    415    1,487 
                     
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   14,845    15,257    1,686    14,418 
                     
Real estate – home equity lines of credit               4 
                     
Real estate – commercial   3,501    3,530    165    6,420 
                     
Consumer               8 
Total non-covered impaired loans with allowance  $20,206    22,785    2,477    23,044 
                     
Total covered impaired loans with allowance  $5,220    5,719    1,229    8,513 
                     
Total impaired loans with an allowance recorded  $25,426    28,504    3,706    31,557 

 

Interest income recorded on non-covered and covered impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 2014 was insignificant.

 

Page 28 

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 Loans with virtually no risk, including cash secured loans.
  2 Loans with documented significant overall financial strength, including non-cash secured or unsecured loans that have no minor or major exceptions to the lending guidelines.
  3 Loans with documented satisfactory overall financial strength, including non-cash secured or unsecured loans that have no major exceptions to the lending guidelines.  If unsecured, loans would include support of a strong guarantor or co-maker.
  4 Loans to borrowers with acceptable financial condition, including non-cash secured or unsecured loans that have minor or major exceptions to the lending guidelines, but the exceptions are properly mitigated.  Primary or secondary source of repayment is sufficient and if secured, loan would include the support of a satisfactory guarantor or co-maker.
Watch or Standard:  
  9 Existing 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.  
Special Mention:  
  5 Existing loans with major exceptions that cannot be mitigated.  Potential for loss is possible.
Classified:  
  6 Loans that have a well-defined weakness that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt if deficiencies are not corrected.  Loss is not only possible, but probable.
  7 Loans that have a well-defined weakness that make the collection or liquidation improbable.  Loss appears imminent, but the exact amount and timing is uncertain.
  8 Loans that are considered uncollectible and are in the process of being charged-off.  This grade is a temporary grade assigned for administrative purposes until the charge-off is completed.

 

Page 29 

Index 

 

The following table presents the Company’s recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicators as of September 30, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)  Credit Quality Indicator (Grouped by Internally Assigned Grade) 
   Pass
(Grades 1, 2,
& 3)
   Pass –
Acceptable/
Average
(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  $28,490    19,737        1,161    671    470    50,529 
Commercial - secured   54,927    55,401    32    3,224    2,250    2,253    118,087 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   13,154    19,525        273    591    84    33,627 
                                    
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   96,745    151,784    679    12,355    8,467    5,374    275,404 
                                    
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   213,179    535,203    4,420    44,175    32,459    21,936    851,372 
                                    
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   129,421    60,464    1,412    5,067    4,144    2,110    202,618 
                                    
Real estate - commercial   281,428    461,060    8,102    26,880    11,959    9,762    799,191 
                                    
Consumer   29,371    12,841    52    400    479    358    43,501 
  Total  $846,715    1,316,015    14,697    93,535    61,020    42,347    2,374,329 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                                 765 
          Total non-covered  loans                                $2,375,094 
                                    
Total covered loans  $12,332    61,065    253    8,505    19,081    5,373    106,609 
                                    
               Total loans  $859,047    1,377,080    14,950    102,040    80,101    47,720    2,481,703 

 

At September 30, 2015, there was an insignificant amount of loans that were graded “8” with an accruing status.

Page 30 

Index 

The following table presents the Company’s recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2014.

 

($ in thousands)  Credit Quality Indicator (Grouped by Internally Assigned Grade) 
   Pass
(Grades 1, 2,
& 3)
   Pass –
Acceptable/
Average
(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  $17,856    15,649    5    1,356    2,231    187    37,284 
Commercial - secured   32,812    62,361    62    4,481    4,331    2,927    106,974 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable   10,815    9,928        767    506    454    22,470 
                                    
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   87,806    135,072    771    13,066    12,909    7,891    257,515 
                                    
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   221,581    520,790    4,536    40,993    34,474    24,459    846,833 
                                    
Real estate – home equity lines of credit   122,528    62,642    1,135    5,166    4,533    2,573    198,577 
                                    
Real estate - commercial   223,197    465,395    9,057    30,318    15,748    11,070    754,785 
                                    
Consumer   25,520    15,614    54    855    648    505    43,196 
  Total  $742,115    1,287,451    15,620    97,002    75,380    50,066    2,267,634 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs                                 946 
          Total non-covered  loans                                $2,268,580 
                                    
Total covered loans  $14,349    70,989    632    10,503    20,613    10,508    127,594 
                                    
               Total loans  $756,464    1,358,440    16,252    107,505    95,993    60,574    2,396,174 

 

At December 31, 2014, 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 periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 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 31 

Index 

The following table presents information related to loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

($ in thousands)  For the three months ended
September 30, 2015
   For the three months ended
September 30, 2014
 
   Number of
Contracts
   Pre-
Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Post-
Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Number of
Contracts
   Pre-
Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Post-
Modification
Restructured
Balances
 
Non-covered TDRs – Accruing                              
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                              
Commercial – unsecured      $   $       $   $ 
Commercial – secured                        
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable                        
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1    235    235             
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   1    21    21    1    36    36 
Real estate – home equity lines of credit                        
Real estate – commercial   1    390    390             
Consumer                        
                               
Non-covered TDRs – Nonaccrual                              
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                              
Commercial – unsecured                        
Commercial – secured               1    15    15 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable                        
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   2    495    495             
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   1    95    95    3    275    275 
Real estate – home equity lines of credit                        
Real estate – commercial                        
Consumer                        
Total non-covered TDRs arising during period   6    1,236    1,236    5    326    326 
                               
Total covered TDRs arising during period– Accruing      $   $    1   $680   $667 
Total covered TDRs arising during period – Nonaccrual               2    150    145 
                               
Total TDRs arising during period   6   $1,236   $1,236    8   $1,156   $1,138 

 

Page 32 

Index 

 

The following table presents information related to loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

($ in thousands)  For the nine months ended
September 30, 2015
   For the nine months ended
September 30, 2014
 
   Number of
Contracts
   Pre-
Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Post-
Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Number of
Contracts
   Pre-
Modification
Restructured
Balances
   Post-
Modification
Restructured
Balances
 
Non-covered TDRs – Accruing                              
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                              
Commercial – unsecured   1   $8   $8       $   $ 
Commercial – secured                        
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable                        
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   1    235    235             
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   3    286    286    8    784    784 
Real estate – home equity lines of credit                        
Real estate – commercial   2    441    441             
Consumer                        
                               
Non-covered TDRs – Nonaccrual                              
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                              
Commercial – unsecured                        
Commercial – secured               1    15    15 
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable                        
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   2    495    495             
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   5    400    400    7    713    713 
Real estate – home equity lines of credit                        
Real estate – commercial                        
Consumer                        
Total non-covered TDRs arising during period   14    1,865    1,865    16    1,512    1,512 
                               
Total covered TDRs arising during period– Accruing   2   $139   $139    3   $928   $912 
Total covered TDRs arising during period – Nonaccrual               7    860    827 
Total TDRs arising during period   16   $2,004   $2,004    26   $3,300   $3,251 

Page 33 

Index 

Accruing restructured loans that were modified in the previous 12 months and that defaulted during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 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, 2015
   For the three months ended
September 30, 2014
 
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
 
                     
Non-covered accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted                    
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                    
Commercial – unsecured      $       $ 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans                
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   1    152         
Real estate – commercial                
Total non-covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted   1   $152       $ 
                     
Total accruing covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted      $       $ 
Total accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted   1   $152       $ 

 

Accruing restructured loans that were modified in the previous 12 months and that defaulted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the table below.

 

($ in thousands)  For the nine months ended
September 30, 2015
   For the nine months ended
September 30, 2014
 
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
 
                 
Non-covered accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted                    
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:                    
Commercial – unsecured   1   $7       $ 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans           1    5 
Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family   2    186         
Real estate – commercial           1    71 
Total non-covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted   3   $193    2   $76 
                     
Total accruing covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted      $       $ 
Total accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted   3   $193    2   $76 

Page 34 

Index 

 

Note 8 – Deferred Loan Costs

 

The amount of loans shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes net deferred loan costs of approximately $765,000, $946,000, and $730,000 at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014, respectively.

 

Note 9 – 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 2014 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,
2015
   December 31,
2014
   September 30,
2014
 
Receivable (payable) related to loss claims incurred (recoveries), not yet reimbursed, net  $(2,427)   6,899    5,957 
Receivable related to estimated future claims on loans   9,522    14,933    17,932 
Receivable related to estimated future claims on foreclosed real estate   554    737    1,439 
     FDIC indemnification asset  $7,649    22,569    25,328 

 

Included in the receivable related to loss claims incurred, not yet reimbursed, at December 31, 2014, was $1.2 million related to two claims involving the same borrower. The FDIC initially denied both claims because the FDIC disagreed with the collection strategy that the Company undertook. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company and the FDIC reached an agreement to resolve this matter, as follows. One of the two claims amounting to $324,000 was accepted by the FDIC and the related loan remains subject to the loss share agreement, which provides that any future recoveries realized prior to June 30, 2017 are to be split on an 80%/20% basis with the FDIC (the FDIC receives 80%). For the other claim amounting to $886,000, the FDIC paid the Company $480,000 and the related loan was removed from the provisions of the loss share agreement. This will result in the Company retaining 100% of any future recoveries. As a result of this negotiated agreement, during the second quarter of 2015, the Company wrote off the $406,000 portion of the claim not being reimbursed by the FDIC, which is reflected in the “Other gains (losses)” line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

The following presents a rollforward of the FDIC indemnification asset since December 31, 2014.

 

($ in thousands)    
Balance at December 31, 2014  $22,569 
Decrease related to favorable changes in loss estimates   (2,526)
Increase related to reimbursable expenses   1,031 
Cash received   (8,758)
Decrease related to accretion of loan discount   (4,558)
Decrease related to settlement of disputed claims   (406)
Other   297 
Balance at September 30, 2015  $7,649 

 

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Index 

 

Note 10 – 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, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014 and the carrying amount of unamortized intangible assets as of those same dates.

 

   September 30, 2015   December 31, 2014   September 30, 2014 
($ in thousands)  Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 
Amortizable intangible assets:                              
   Customer lists  $678    539    678    505    678    495 
   Core deposit premiums   8,560    7,183    8,560    6,675    8,560    6,491 
        Total  $9,238    7,722    9,238    7,180    9,238    6,986 
                               
Unamortizable intangible assets:                              
   Goodwill  $65,835         65,835         65,835      

 

Amortization expense totaled $181,000 and $194,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense totaled $541,000 and $582,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

The following table presents the estimated amortization expense for the last quarter of calendar year 2015 and for each of the four calendar years ending December 31, 2019 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, 2015  $180 
2016   654 
2017   404 
2018   129 
2019   122 
Thereafter   27 
         Total  $1,516 
      

 

Note 11 – 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 $300,000 and $264,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which primarily related to investment income from the Pension Plan’s assets. The following table contains the components of the pension income.

 

   For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015 Total   2014 Total 
($ in thousands)  Pension Plan   Pension Plan   SERP   SERP   Both Plans   Both Plans 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period  $        36    69    36    69 
Interest cost   341    365    52    53    393    418 
Expected return on plan assets   (713)   (695)           (713)   (695)
Amortization of transition obligation                        
Amortization of net (gain)/loss           (16)   (56)   (16)   (56)
Amortization of prior service cost                        
   Net periodic pension cost (income)  $(372)   (330)   72    66    (300)   (264)

 

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Index 

The Company recorded pension income totaling $855,000 and $791,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which primarily related to investment income from the Pension Plan’s assets. The following table contains the components of the pension income.

 

   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015 Total   2014 Total 
($ in thousands)  Pension Plan   Pension Plan   SERP   SERP   Both Plans   Both Plans 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period  $        164    204    164    204 
Interest cost   1,023    1,096    154    159    1,177    1,255 
Expected return on plan assets   (2,133)   (2,084)           (2,133)   (2,084)
Amortization of transition obligation                        
Amortization of net (gain)/loss           (63)   (166)   (63)   (166)
Amortization of prior service cost                        
   Net periodic pension cost (income)  $(1,110)   (988)   255    197    (855)   (791)

 

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 does not expect to contribute to the Pension Plan in 2015.

 

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

 

Note 12 – Comprehensive Income

 

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

 

($ in thousands)

 

  September 30,
2015
   December 31,
2014
   September 30,
2014
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale  $(843)   (691)   (1,803)
     Deferred tax asset (liability)   329    270    704 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale   (514)   (421)   (1,099)
                
Additional pension asset (liability)   (320)   (257)   4,969 
     Deferred tax asset (liability)   124    100    (1,938)
Net additional pension asset (liability)   (196)   (157)   3,031 
                
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  $(710)   (578)   1,932 

 

The following table discloses the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (all amounts are net of tax).

 

($ in thousands)

 

  Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Securities
Available for Sale
   Additional
Pension Asset
(Liability)
   Total 
Beginning balance at January 1, 2015  $(421)   (157)   (578)
     Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications   (94)       (94)
     Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income   1    (39)   (38)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)   (93)   (39)   (132)
                
Ending balance at September 30, 2015  $(514)   (196)   (710)

 

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Index 

The following table discloses the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (all amounts are net of tax).

 

($ in thousands)

 

  Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Securities
Available for Sale
   Additional
Pension Asset
(Liability)
   Total 
Beginning balance at January 1, 2014  $(1,232)   3,132    1,900 
     Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications   613        613 
     Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income   (480)   (101)   (581)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)   133    (101)   32 
                
Ending balance at September 30, 2014  $(1,099)   3,031    1,932 

 

 

Note 13 – 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.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)        
Description of Financial Instruments  Fair Value at
September 30,
2015
   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  $27,850        27,850     
        Mortgage-backed securities   125,836        125,836     
        Corporate bonds   24,948        24,948     
        Equity securities   131        131     
          Total available for sale securities  $178,765        178,765     
                     
Nonrecurring                    
     Impaired loans – covered  $2,466            2,466 
     Impaired loans – non-covered   18,415            18,415 
     Foreclosed real estate – covered   1,569            1,569 
     Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   9,304            9,304 
                     

 

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Index 

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2014.

 

($ in thousands)        
Description of Financial Instruments  Fair Value at
December 31,
2014
   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  $27,521        27,521     
Mortgage-backed securities   129,510        129,510     
Corporate bonds   865        865     
Equity securities   122        122     
Total available for sale securities  $158,018        158,018     
                     
Nonrecurring                    
     Impaired loans – covered  $3,991            3,991 
     Impaired loans – non-covered   18,035            18,035 
     Foreclosed real estate – covered   2,350            2,350 
     Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   9,771            9,771 

 

 

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 bond accounting provider 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 bond accounting provider 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 bond accounting provider 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.

 

Impaired loans — Fair values for impaired loans in the above tables are measured on a non-recurring basis are based on the underlying collateral values securing the loans, adjusting for estimated selling costs, or the net present value of the cash flows expected to be received for such 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. Fair value is measured on a non-recurring basis and is based upon independent market prices or current appraisals that are 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.

 

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Index 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2015, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

($ in thousands)       
Description  Fair Value at
September 30,
2015
   Valuation
Technique
  Significant Unobservable
Inputs
  General Range
of Significant
Unobservable
Input Values
Impaired loans – covered  $2,466   Appraised value; PV of expected cash flows  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell  0-10%
Impaired loans – non-covered   18,415   Appraised value; PV of expected cash flows  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell  0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – covered   1,569   Appraised value; independent market prices  Discounts to reflect current market conditions and estimated costs to sell  0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   9,304   Appraised value; independent market prices  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, abbreviated holding period and estimated costs to sell  0-40%
               

 

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

 

($ in thousands)       
Description  Fair Value at
December 31,
2014
   Valuation
Technique
  Significant Unobservable
Inputs
  General Range
of Significant
Unobservable
Input Values
Impaired loans – covered  $3,991   Appraised value; PV of expected cash flows  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell  0-10%
Impaired loans – non-covered   18,035   Appraised value; PV of expected cash flows  Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell  0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – covered   2,350   Appraised value; independent market prices  Discounts to reflect current market conditions and estimated costs to sell  0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered   9,771   Appraised value; independent market prices  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, 2015 or 2014.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the decrease in the fair value of securities available for sale was $153,000, which is included in other comprehensive income (loss) (net of tax benefit of $60,000). For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the increase in the fair value of securities available for sale was $218,000, which is included in other comprehensive income (net of tax expense of $85,000). Fair value measurement methods at September 30, 2015 and 2014 are consistent with those used in prior reporting periods.

 

Page 40 

Index 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

      September 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 

 

($ 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  $52,788    52,788    81,068    81,068 
Due from banks, interest-bearing  Level 1   165,271    165,271    171,248    171,248 
Federal funds sold  Level 1   730    730    768    768 
Securities available for sale  Level 2   178,765    178,765    158,018    158,018 
Securities held to maturity  Level 2   160,048    162,858    178,687    182,411 
Presold mortgages in process of settlement  Level 1   3,150    3,150    6,019    6,019 
Total loans, net of allowance  Level 3   2,451,648    2,442,464    2,355,548    2,328,244 
Accrued interest receivable  Level 1   9,008    9,008    8,920    8,920 
FDIC indemnification asset  Level 3   7,649    7,541    22,569    21,856 
Bank-owned life insurance  Level 1   56,557    56,557    55,421    55,421 
                        
Deposits  Level 2   2,707,753    2,707,338    2,695,906    2,696,153 
Borrowings  Level 2   176,394    168,091    116,394    105,407 
Accrued interest payable  Level 2   588    588    686    686 
                        

 

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.

 

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 or the present value of expected cash flows. Fair value for nonimpaired and impaired loans is presented net of the respective allowance for loan losses.

 

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 in the marketplace 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.

 

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Index 

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 14 – 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 Stock”). 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 of 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. On June 25, 2015, the Company redeemed $32 million (32,000 shares) of the outstanding SBLF Stock. The shares were redeemed at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends. As of September 30, 2015, the Company continued to have outstanding $31.5 million (31,500 shares) of SBLF Stock. See Note 15 for disclosure regarding a subsequent redemption of the remainder of the SBLF Stock.

 

The SBLF Stock qualified 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 SBLF 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 “temporary fixed rate period”), the dividend rate was fixed at between one percent (1%) and seven percent (7%) based upon the level of the issuer’s QSBL compared to the baseline. After four and one half years from the issuance, the dividend rate would increase to nine percent (9%). For quarters subsequent to the issuance in 2011, the Company was able to continually increase its level of small business lending and as a result, the dividend rate steadily decreased from 5.0% in 2011 to 1.0% in early 2013. From that point through redemption of the SBLF Stock, the Company was in the “temporary fixed rate period,” in which the dividend rate was fixed at 1%.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company accrued approximately $79,000 and $159,000, respectively, in preferred dividend payments for the Series B Preferred Stock. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company accrued approximately $391,000 and $476,000, respectively, in preferred dividend payments for the SBLF Stock. This amount is deducted from net income in computing “Net income available to common shareholders.”

 

Series C Preferred Stock

 

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.

 

Page 42 

Index 

The Series C Preferred Stock qualifies as Additional 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 Preferred Stock pays a dividend per share equal to that of the Company’s common stock. During each of the third quarters of 2015 and 2014, the Company accrued approximately $58,000 in preferred dividend payments for the Series C Preferred Stock. During each of the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, the Company accrued approximately $175,000 in preferred dividend payments for the Series C Preferred Stock.

 

 

Note 15 – Subsequent Event

 

On October 16, 2015, the Company redeemed the remaining $31.5 million (31,500 shares) of the outstanding SBLF Stock. The shares were redeemed at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends. With this redemption, the Company has redeemed all of its SBLF Stock.

Page 43 

Index 

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 two components. The first component involves the estimation of losses on individually evaluated “impaired loans”. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A loan is specifically evaluated for an appropriate valuation allowance if the loan balance is above a prescribed evaluation threshold (which varies based on credit quality, accruing status, troubled debt restructured status, and type of collateral) and the loan is determined to be impaired. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, borrowers’ financial data, cash flow, and various other factors. 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 an estimate of losses for all loans not considered to be impaired loans (“general reserve loans”). General reserve loans are segregated into pools by loan type and risk grade, and estimated loss percentages are assigned to each loan pool, based on historical losses adjusted for any environmental factors used to reflect changes in the collectability of the portfolio not captured by the historical loss data. Loss percentages are based on a migration analysis in which loss rates are calculated based on an analysis of losses incurred on similar loan types and risk grades over the preceding three years.

 

The reserves estimated for individually evaluated impaired loans are then added to the reserve estimated for general reserve loans. This becomes our “allocated allowance.” The allocated allowance is compared to the actual allowance for loan losses recorded on our books and any adjustment necessary for the recorded allowance to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio is recorded as a provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses is a direct charge to earnings in the period recorded. Any remaining difference between the allocated allowance and the actual allowance for loan losses recorded on our books is our “unallocated allowance.”

 

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.

 

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.

 

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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 2014 goodwill impairment evaluation, we engaged a consulting firm that used various valuation techniques to assist us in concluding that our goodwill was not impaired. A similar analysis will be performed in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

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

 

Fair Value and Discount Accretion of 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.

 

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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 generally 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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed explanation of this asset.

 

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, 2015  Cooperative
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   6/30/2019    3/31/2021    3/31/2016      
                     
Nonaccrual covered loans                    
     Unpaid principal balance  $3,425    802    5,846    10,073 
     Carrying value prior to loan discount*   3,236    642    3,538    7,416 
     Loan discount   397    402    1,244    2,043 
     Net carrying value   2,839    240    2,294    5,373 
     Allowance for loan losses   101    6    28    135 
     Indemnification asset recorded   308    247    253    808 
                     
All other covered loans                    
     Unpaid principal balance   91,016    7,062    17,532    115,610 
     Carrying value prior to loan discount*   90,885    6,983    17,519    115,387 
     Loan discount   12,224    1,266    661    14,151 
     Net carrying value   78,661    5,717    16,858    101,236 
     Allowance for loan losses   1,327    55    383    1,765 
     Indemnification asset recorded   7,596    933    194    8,723 
                     
All covered loans                    
     Unpaid principal balance   94,441    7,864    23,378    125,683 
     Carrying value prior to loan discount*   94,121    7,625    21,057    122,803 
     Loan discount   12,621    1,668    1,905    16,194 
     Net carrying value   81,500    5,957    19,152    106,609 
     Allowance for loan losses   1,428    61    411    1,900 
     Indemnification asset recorded   7,904    1,180    447    9,531**
                     
Foreclosed Properties                    
     Net carrying value   913        656    1,569 
     Indemnification asset recorded   399        155    554 
                     
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015                    
Loan discount accretion recognized   1,520    638    1,739    3,897 
Indemnification asset expense associated with the loan discount accretion recognized   2,198    540    1,820    4,558 

 

* Reflects partial charge-offs
** A present value adjustment of $9 reduces the carrying value of this asset to $9,522

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Index  

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

 

Net income available to common shareholders for the third quarter of 2015 amounted to $6.9 million, or $0.34 per diluted common share, compared to the $5.4 million, or $0.27 per diluted common share, recorded in the third quarter of 2014. The higher earnings were primarily the result of a lower provision for loan losses.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net income available to common shareholders amounted to $19.7 million, or $0.97 per diluted common share, compared to the $17.3 million, or $0.85 per diluted common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The higher earnings were primarily the result of a lower provision for loan losses.

 

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

 

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2015 amounted to $30.4 million, a 3.1% decrease from the $31.3 million recorded in the third quarter of 2014. Net interest income for the first nine months of 2015 amounted to $89.7 million, a 10.9% decrease from the $100.7 million recorded in the comparable period of 2014.

 

Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets) in the third quarter of 2015 was 4.14% compared to 4.30% for the third quarter of 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, the Company’s net interest margin was 4.16% compared to 4.69% for the same period in 2014. The lower margins in 2015 compared to 2014 were primarily due to lower amounts of discount accretion on loans purchased in failed-bank acquisitions – see additional discussion below. Loan discount accretion amounted to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 and $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, loan discount accretion amounted to $3.9 million compared to $13.8 million for the first nine months of 2014. The lower amount of accretion is due to the continued winding down of the unaccreted discount amount that resulted from failed-bank acquisitions in 2009 and 2011.

 

We continue to experience lower loan yields due to the prolonged low interest rate environment, but began to invest our excess cash balances into higher yielding investment securities late in the fourth quarter of 2014, which has partially offset the lower loan yields. Investment securities totaled $339 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $207 million at September 30, 2014.

 

Our cost of funds has steadily declined from 0.28% in the third quarter of 2014 to 0.24% in the third quarter of 2015, which has had a positive impact on our net interest margin.

 

Provision for Loan Losses and Asset Quality

 

We recorded negative total provisions for loan losses (reduction of the allowance for loan losses) of $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to provisions for loan losses of $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded negative total provisions for loan losses of $0.7 million compared to provision for loan losses of $8.7 million for the same period of 2014. As discussed below, the provisions for loan losses related to both non-covered and covered loan portfolios – see explanation of the terms “non-covered” and “covered” in the section below entitled “Note Regarding Components of Earnings.”

 

The provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, the provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $1.4 million compared to $5.8 million for the same period of 2014. The lower provisions recorded in 2015 were primarily a result of continued favorable credit quality trends and generally improving economic trends.

 

We recorded a negative provision for loan losses on covered loans (reduction of allowance for loan losses) of $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to a $0.2 million provision for loan losses in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a negative provision for loan losses on covered loans of $2.1 million compared to a $2.9 million provision for loan losses in the comparable period of 2014. The negative provisions in 2015 primarily resulted from lower levels of covered nonperforming loans, declining levels of total covered loans, and net loan recoveries (recoveries, net of charge-offs) of $1.6 million and $1.7 million that were realized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

 

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Total non-covered nonperforming assets have declined in the past year, amounting to $80.9 million at September 30, 2015 (2.56% of total non-covered assets), $95.3 million at December 31, 2014 (3.09% of total non-covered assets), and $96.8 million at September 30, 2014 (3.17% of total non-covered assets). The decline in non-covered nonperforming assets is primarily due to on-going resolution of nonperforming assets and improving credit quality.

 

Total covered nonperforming assets have also declined in the past year, amounting to $10.8 million at September 30, 2015, $18.7 million at December 31, 2014 and $20.0 million at September 30, 2014. Over the past twelve months, the Company has resolved a significant amount of covered loans and has experienced strong property sales along the North Carolina coast, which is where most of our covered assets are located.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Total noninterest income was $3.5 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, noninterest income amounted to $13.0 million compared to $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Core noninterest income for the third quarter of 2015 was $7.3 million, a decrease of 6.2% from the $7.8 million reported for the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, core noninterest income amounted to $21.9 million, a 5.1% decrease from the $23.1 million recorded in the comparable period of 2014. 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 primary reason for the decrease in core noninterest income in 2015 was lower service charges on deposit accounts, which is discussed further in the section entitled “Components of Earnings.”

 

Noncore components of noninterest income resulted in a net decrease to income of $3.8 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to a net decrease to income of $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded net decreases to income of $8.8 million and $13.2 million, respectively, related to the noncore components of noninterest income. The largest variances in noncore noninterest income related to gains (losses) on covered foreclosed properties and indemnification asset income (expense) – see discussion in the section entitled “Components of Earnings.”

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

Noninterest expenses amounted to $24.6 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $25.9 million recorded in the third quarter of 2014. Noninterest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $72.6 million compared to $74.3 million recorded in the first nine months of 2014. The decreases in 2015 were mainly due to decreases in miscellaneous items of other operating expense. Also, included in noninterest expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $0.9 million in charges related to the closure and consolidation of nine bank branches. Salaries expense has risen slightly in 2015 as a result of the hiring of additional staff to drive growth, as well as higher incentive compensation expense related to the Company’s performance.

 

Balance Sheet and Capital

 

Total assets at September 30, 2015 amounted to $3.3 billion, a 2.4% increase from a year earlier. Total loans at September 30, 2015 amounted to $2.5 billion, a 2.3% increase from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.7 billion at September 30, 2015, a 1.1% increase from a year earlier.

 

Investment securities totaled $338.8 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $207.1 million at September 30, 2014. Over the past 12 months, we have used a portion of our excess cash balances to purchase investment securities.

 

Non-covered loans amounted to $2.4 billion at September 30, 2015, an increase of $82.3 million from September 30, 2014. Non-covered loans increased $76.1 million, or 13.1% on an annualized basis, during the third quarter of 2015 as a result of ongoing internal initiatives to drive loan growth. Loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements amounted to $106.6 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $133.2 million at September 30, 2014 and are expected to continue to decline as those loans continue to pay down.

 

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Index  

The increase in total deposits at September 30, 2015 compared to September 30, 2014 was primarily due increases in checking, money market and savings accounts, which were partially offset by decreases in retail time deposits (“other time deposits > $100,000” and “other time deposits” in the accompanying tables) and brokered deposits. Time deposits are generally one of our most expensive funding sources, and thus the shift from this category has benefited our overall cost of funds.

 

On June 25, 2015, the Company redeemed $32 million (32,000 shares) of the outstanding Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (“SBLF Stock”) that had been issued to the United States Secretary of the Treasury in September 2011 related to the Company’s participation in the Small Business Lending Fund. On October 16, 2015, the remaining $31.5 million of SBLF Stock was redeemed, which ended the Company’s participation in the Small Business Lending Fund.

 

We remain well-capitalized by all regulatory standards, with a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio at September 30, 2015 of 15.99% compared to the 10.00% minimum to be considered well-capitalized. Our tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 8.27% at September 30, 2015, an increase of 41 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.

 

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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, 2015 amounted to $30.4 million, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 3.1%, from the $31.3 million recorded in the third quarter of 2014. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the three month period ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $30.8 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 2.9%, from the $31.7 million recorded in the third quarter of 2014. 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)  2015   2014 
Net interest income, as reported  $30,386    31,343 
Tax-equivalent adjustment   419    378 
Net interest income, tax-equivalent  $30,805    31,721 

 

Net interest income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $89.7 million, a decrease of $11.0 million, or 10.9%, from the $100.7 million recorded in the first nine months of 2014. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $90.9 million, a decrease of $10.9 million, or 10.7%, from the $101.8 million recorded in the comparable period of 2014.

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
($ in thousands)  2015   2014 
Net interest income, as reported  $89,694    100,686 
Tax-equivalent adjustment   1,211    1,126 
Net interest income, tax-equivalent  $90,905    101,812 

 

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the lower net interest income compared to the same periods of 2014 was primarily due to a lower net interest margin (see discussion below).

 

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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, 
   2015   2014 
($ in thousands)  Average
Volume
   Average
Rate
   Interest
Earned
or Paid
   Average
Volume
   Average
Rate
   Interest
Earned
or Paid
 
Assets                              
Loans (1)  $2,453,580    4.83%   $29,863   $2,428,475    5.23%   $32,019 
Taxable securities   314,816    2.10%    1,670    128,415    2.00%    646 
Non-taxable securities (2)   52,299    6.63%    874    53,859    6.25%    848 
Short-term investments, principally federal funds   130,943    0.43%    142    313,956    0.30%    239 
Total interest-earning assets   2,951,638    4.38%    32,549    2,924,705    4.58%    33,752 
                               
Cash and due from banks   60,261              84,643           
Premises and equipment   75,127              76,305           
Other assets   157,489              141,307           
   Total assets  $3,244,515             $3,226,960           
                               
Liabilities                              
Interest bearing checking  $568,901    0.06%   $81   $532,813    0.06%   $81 
Money market deposits   578,751    0.13%    187    553,033    0.11%    160 
Savings deposits   186,745    0.05%    24    177,087    0.05%    22 
Time deposits >$100,000   395,597    0.66%    657    533,345    0.79%    1,058 
Other time deposits   316,005    0.39%    308    379,605    0.43%    408 
     Total interest-bearing deposits   2,045,999    0.24%    1,257    2,175,883    0.32%    1,729 
Borrowings   177,026    1.09%    487    116,773    1.03%    302 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,223,025    0.31%    1,744    2,292,656    0.35%    2,031 
                               
Noninterest bearing checking   634,672              537,413           
Other liabilities   17,319              11,340           
Shareholders’ equity   369,499              385,551           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $3,244,515             $3,226,960           
                               
Net yield on interest-earning assets and net interest income        4.14%   $30,805         4.30%   $31,721 
Interest rate spread        4.07%              4.23%      
                               
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 $419,000 and $378,000 in 2015 and 2014, 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, 
   2015   2014 
($ in thousands)  Average
Volume
   Average
Rate
   Interest
Earned
or Paid
   Average
Volume
   Average
Rate
   Interest
Earned
or Paid
 
Assets                              
Loans (1)  $2,411,462    4.89%   $88,257   $2,442,069    5.61%   $102,481 
Taxable securities   302,640    2.07%    4,693    161,675    2.09%    2,523 
Non-taxable securities (2)   52,525    6.58%    2,586    53,917    6.29%    2,537 
Short-term investments, principally federal funds   154,753    0.45%    523    245,038    0.32%    590 
Total interest-earning assets   2,921,380    4.40%    96,059    2,902,699    4.98%    108,131 
                               
Cash and due from banks   63,563              83,071           
Premises and equipment   75,531              76,901           
Other assets   152,311              159,115           
   Total assets  $3,212,785             $3,221,786           
                               
Liabilities                              
Interest bearing checking  $563,279    0.06%   $245   $532,409    0.06%   $241 
Money market deposits   569,589    0.12%    528    554,363    0.11%    467 
Savings deposits   183,909    0.05%    69    175,273    0.05%    66 
Time deposits >$100,000   420,939    0.71%    2,236    561,003    0.81%    3,413 
Other time deposits   328,823    0.40%    977    397,159    0.43%    1,283 
     Total interest-bearing deposits   2,066,539    0.26%    4,055    2,220,207    0.33%    5,470 
Borrowings   138,152    1.06%    1,099    93,647    1.21%    849 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,204,691    0.31%    5,154    2,313,854    0.37%    6,319 
                               
Noninterest bearing checking   605,892              514,445           
Other liabilities   16,745              12,650           
Shareholders’ equity   385,457              380,837           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $3,212,785             $3,221,786           
                               
Net yield on interest-earning assets and net interest income        4.16%   $90,905         4.69%   $101,812 
Interest rate spread        4.09%              4.62%      
                               
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 $1,211,000 and $1,126,000 in 2015 and 2014, 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 2015 were $2.454 billion, which was 1.0% higher than the average loans outstanding for the third quarter of 2014 ($2.428 billion). Average loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $2.411 billion, which was 1.3% less than the average loans outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 ($2.442 billion). The relatively unchanged average loan balances in 2015 were primarily a result of declines in our covered loan portfolio offsetting organic loan growth in our non-covered loan portfolio. The average loan balance for the third quarter of 2015 was positively impacted by the $76 million in growth in our non-covered loans experienced during the quarter.

 

The mix of our loan portfolio remained substantially the same at September 30, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014, with approximately 91% of our loans being real estate loans, 7% being commercial, financial, and agricultural loans, and the remaining 2% being consumer installment loans. The majority of our real estate loans are personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan.

 

Average total deposits outstanding for the third quarter of 2015 were $2.681 billion, which was 1.2% less than the average deposits outstanding for the third quarter of 2014 ($2.713 billion). Average deposits outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $2.672 billion, which was 2.3% less than the average deposits outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 ($2.735 billion).

 

Average transaction deposit accounts (noninterest bearing checking, interest bearing checking, money market and savings accounts) increased from $1.776 billion for the first nine months of 2014 to $1.923 billion for the first nine months of 2015, representing growth of $147 million, or 8.2%. With the growth of our transaction deposit accounts, we were able to further reduce our reliance on higher cost sources of funding, especially time deposits. Average time deposits declined from $958 million for the first nine months of 2014 to $750 million for the first nine months of 2015, a decrease of $208 million, or 21.8%. This favorable change in funding mix was largely responsible for our average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreasing from 0.37% in the first nine months of 2014 to 0.31% in the first nine months of 2015. Our total cost of funds, which includes noninterest bearing checking accounts at a zero percent cost, was 0.25% for the first nine months of 2015 compared to 0.30% in the first nine months of 2014.

 

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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 2015 was 4.14% compared to 4.30% for the third quarter of 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, our net interest margin was 4.16% compared to 4.69% for the same period in 2014. The lower margins were primarily a result of a lower amount of discount accretion on loans purchased in failed-bank acquisitions (see discussion below).

 

We continue to experience lower loan yields in 2015 due to the prolonged low interest rate environment, but began to invest our excess cash balances into higher yielding investment securities late in the fourth quarter of 2014, which has partially offset the lower loan yields.

 

Our net interest margin benefitted from the net accretion of purchase accounting premiums/discounts associated with the Cooperative acquisition that occurred in June 2009 and the acquisition of The Bank of Asheville in January 2011. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we recorded $1,205,000 and $2,577,000, respectively, in net accretion of purchase accounting premiums/discounts that increased net interest income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we recorded $3,897,000 and $13,745,000, 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,
2015
   Sept. 30,
2014
   Sept. 30,
2015
   Sept. 30,
2014
 
                 
Interest income – reduced by premium amortization on loans  $            (98)
Interest income – increased by accretion of loan discount   1,205    2,577    3,897    13,836 
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of deposits               7 
     Impact on net interest income  $1,205    2,577    3,897    13,745 

 

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

 

The decrease in discount accretion in 2015 is due to the unnaccreted discount amount that resulted from aforementioned acquisitions continuing to wind down. Unaccreted loan discount has declined from $39.6 million at December 31, 2013 to $16.2 million at September 30, 2015.

 

We recorded total negative provisions for loan losses (reduction of allowance for loan losses) of $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to total provisions for loan losses of $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded total negative provisions for loan losses of $0.7 million compared to total provisions for loan losses of $8.7 million for the same period of 2014. As discussed below, we record provisions for loan losses related to both non-covered and covered loan portfolios – see explanation of the terms “non-covered” and “covered” in the section below entitled “Note Regarding Components of Earnings.”

 

Our provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, the provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $1.4 million compared to $5.8 million for the same period of 2014. The lower provisions recorded in 2015 were primarily a result of continued favorable credit quality trends and generally improving economic trends.

 

We recorded a negative provision for loan losses on covered loans (reduction of allowance for loan losses) of $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to a $0.2 million provision for loan losses in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a negative provision for loan losses on covered loans of $2.1 million compared to a $2.9 million provision for loan losses in the comparable period of 2014. The negative provisions in 2015 primarily resulted from lower levels of covered nonperforming loans, net loan recoveries (recoveries, net of charge-offs), and declining levels of total covered loans.

 

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Total noninterest income was $3.5 million and $4.6 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, noninterest income amounted to $13.0 million compared to $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

As presented in the table below, core noninterest income for the third quarter of 2015 was $7.3 million, a decrease of 6.2% from the $7.8 million reported for the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, core noninterest income amounted to $21.9 million, a 5.1% decrease from the $23.1 million recorded in the comparable period of 2014. As noted above, 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 following table presents our core noninterest income for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
$ in thousands
 
  Sept. 30, 2015   Sept. 30, 2014   Sept. 30, 2015   Sept. 30, 2014 
                 
Service charges on deposit accounts  $2,951    3,426    8,724    10,445 
Other service charges, commissions, and fees   2,778    2,538    8,091    7,467 
Fees from presold mortgages   481    807    2,020    2,204 
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products   691    685    1,917    1,985 
Bank-owned life insurance income   382    311    1,136    956 
     Core noninterest income  $7,283    7,767    21,888    23,057 
                     

As shown in the table above, service charges on deposit accounts declined from $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2014 to $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, service charges on deposit accounts amounted to $8.7 million, which is a $1.7 million decrease from the $10.4 million recorded in the comparable period of 2014. After the elimination of free checking for most customers with low balances in late 2013 which resulted in a strong increase in service charges in the first quarter of 2014, monthly fees earned on deposit accounts gradually declined thereafter as a result of more customers meeting the requirements to have the monthly service charge waived. Fewer instances of fees earned from customers overdrawing their accounts have also significantly impacted this line item.

 

Other service charges, commissions, and fees increased in 2015 compared to 2014, 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. Interchange income from credits cards has also increased due to growth in the number and usage of credit cards, which we believe is a result of increased promotion of this product.

 

Fees from presold mortgages have declined in 2015 compared to 2014. These fees amounted to $0.5 million the third quarter of 2015 compared to the $0.8 million recorded in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, fees from presold mortgages amounted to $2.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The decline in the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to our decision to hold for investment approximately $15 million more loans in 2015 compared to 2014 that met secondary mortgage market specifications in order to realize interest income.

 

Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products were consistent among the periods presented. These commissions amounted to approximately $0.7 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, commissions from sales of insurance and financial products amounted to $1.9 million compared to $2.0 million in the comparable period of 2014.

 

Bank-owned life insurance income amounted to $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, bank-owned life insurance income amounted to $1.1 million compared to $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increases in 2015 are a result of additional purchases of bank-owned life insurance in the third quarter of 2014.

 

Within the noncore components of noninterest income, we recorded net losses on non-covered foreclosed properties of $0.9 million and $0.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and net losses of $1.9 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We continue to actively pursue disposal of our foreclosed properties and, in some cases, we have been willing to accept reasonable levels of losses in order to do so.

 

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We recorded losses on covered foreclosed properties of $0.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to gains on covered foreclosed properties of $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we recorded gains of $0.4 million and losses of $2.5 million, respectively. Losses on covered foreclosed properties have generally been lower as we are holding significantly lower levels of covered foreclosed properties and we have seen recovery in property values, particularly along the coast of North Carolina, which is where most of our foreclosed properties are located.

 

Indemnification asset income (expense) is recorded to reflect additional (decreased) amounts expected to be received from the FDIC during the period related to covered assets. The three primary items that result in recording indemnification asset income (expense) are 1) income from loan discount accretion, which results in indemnification expense, 2) provisions for loan losses on covered loans, which result in indemnification income and 3) foreclosed property gains (losses) on covered assets, which also result in indemnification expense (income). In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded $2.9 million in indemnification asset expense compared to $3.2 million in indemnification asset expense in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, indemnification asset expense amounted to $7.1 million compared to $9.7 million in indemnification asset expense for the same period of 2014. These variances are primarily due to lower indemnification asset expense associated with the lower loan discount accretion income recorded in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as shown in the following table:

 

($ in millions)  For the Three Months
Ended
   For the Nine Months
Ended
 
   Sept. 30,
2015
   Sept. 30,
2014
   Sept. 30,
2015
   Sept. 30,
2014
 
                 
Indemnification asset expense associated with loan discount accretion income  $(1.4)   (2.6)   (4.6)   (13.0)
Indemnification asset income (expense) associated with loan losses (recoveries), net   (1.4)   0.0    (2.0)   1.7 
Indemnification asset income (expense) associated with foreclosed property losses (gains), net   0.0    (0.6)   (0.3)   2.0 
Other sources of indemnification asset income (expense)   (0.1)       (0.2)   (0.4)
Total indemnification asset income (expense)  $(2.9)   (3.2)   (7.1)   (9.7)

 

Securities gains/losses were insignificant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and were also insignificant for the three months ended September 30, 2104. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $0.8 million in gains on sales of approximately $47.5 million in available for sale securities.

 

We recorded other gains of approximately $30,000 for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. We recorded other losses amounting to $0.2 million and $0.3 million for first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. For 2015, the primary component of this line item is the $0.4 million write-off of a FDIC claim associated with a dispute settlement (see Note 9 for additional discussion), whereas in 2014, the net loss related primarily to losses on sales of vacated branch buildings.

 

Noninterest expenses amounted to $24.6 million in the third quarter of 2015, a 5.1% decline from the $25.9 million recorded in the third quarter of 2014. Noninterest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $72.6 million, a decline of 2.2% from the $74.3 million recorded in the first nine months of 2014.

 

Personnel expense (salaries and employee benefits expense) was $14.6 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared to $14.3 million in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, personnel expense amounted to $42.2 million and $41.9 million respectively. The increases in 2015 are primarily as a result of the hiring of additional staff to drive growth, higher incentive compensation expense related to the Company’s performance, and expense associated with retention-related grants of common stock made to certain officers in 2015.

 

The combined amount of occupancy and equipment expense decreased slightly when comparing 2015 to 2014, amounting to $2.7 million and $2.8 million in the third quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $8.3 million and $8.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The declines in 2015 are primarily the result of the closure of nine branches in the fourth quarter of 2014.

 

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Other operating expenses amounted to $7.1 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared to $8.6 million in the third quarter of 2014, and $21.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $23.3 million in the first nine months of 2014. The declines in 2015 are primarily due to – 1) $0.9 million in charges recorded in the third quarter of 2014 associated with the announced closure and consolidation of nine bank branches and 2) lower deposit insurance premium expense due to lower deposit insurance premium rates.

 

For the third quarter of 2015, the provision for income taxes was $3.7 million, an effective tax rate of 34.5%, compared to $3.0 million for the same period of 2014, which is an effective tax rate of 34.6%. For the first nine months of 2015, the provision for income taxes was $10.6 million, an effective tax rate of 34.4%, compared to $9.7 million for the same period of 2014, which was an effective tax rate of 35.1%. The slightly lower provisions in 2015 are due to higher amounts of non-taxable income and a decline in the statutory income tax rate in North Carolina.

 

We accrued total preferred stock dividends of $0.1 million and $0.2 million in the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, we accrued preferred stock dividends of $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively. These amounts are deducted from net income in computing “net income available to common shareholders.” Preferred dividends related to our Series B Preferred Stock and our Series C Preferred Stock. Our Series B Preferred Stock relates to $63.5 million in preferred stock that was issued to the U.S. Treasury in September 2011 in connection with our participation in the Small Business Lending Fund. From the September 2011 issuance date until December 31, 2013, the dividend rate on this stock was subject to fluctuation between 1% and 5% per anum based upon changes in the level of our “Qualified Small Business Lending” (“QSBL”).  We were able to continually increase our levels of QSBL such that our dividend rate decreased to approximately 1.0% by the first quarter of 2013 and remained at that level through December 31, 2013, at which point the dividend rate became fixed at 1.0%. In June 2015, we redeemed $32.0 million of the Series B Preferred Stock, which reduced the amount of preferred stock dividends we accrued during the third quarter of 2015. In October 2015, we redeemed the remaining $31.5 million (31,500 shares) of the outstanding SBLF Stock. Our Series C Preferred Stock relates to the December 2012 issuance of 728,706 shares of preferred stock that pay dividends at the same rate as we pay to holders of our common stock.

 

The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income reflect other comprehensive income of $349,000 for the third quarter of 2015 compared to other comprehensive loss of $86,000 for the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we recorded other comprehensive loss of $132,000 and other comprehensive income of $32,000, respectively. The primary component of other comprehensive income for the periods presented was changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) of our available for sale securities. Our available for sale securities portfolio is predominantly comprised of fixed rate bonds that generally increase in value when market yields for fixed rate bonds decrease and decline in value when market yields for fixed rate bonds increase. Management has evaluated any unrealized losses on individual securities at each period end and determined that there is no other-than-temporary impairment.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Total assets at September 30, 2015 amounted to $3.27 billion, a 2.4% increase from a year earlier. Total loans at September 30, 2015 amounted to $2.48 billion, a 2.3% increase from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.71 billion, a 1.1% increase from a year earlier.

 

The following table presents information regarding the nature of changes in our levels of loans and deposits for the twelve months ended September 30, 2015 and for the first nine months of 2015.

 

October 1, 2014 to
September 30, 2015
  Balance at
beginning
of period
   Internal
Growth,
net (1)
   Growth
from
Acquisitions
   Balance at
end of
period
   Total
percentage
growth
   Internal
percentage
growth (1)
 
Loans – Non-covered  $2,292,841    82,253        2,375,094    3.6%    3.6% 
Loans – Covered   133,249    (26,640)       106,609    -20.0%    -20.0% 
     Total loans   2,426,090    55,613        2,481,703    2.3%    2.3% 
                               
Deposits – Noninterest bearing checking  $540,349    94,938        635,287    17.6%    17.6% 
Deposits – Interest bearing checking   538,815    71,093        609,908    13.2%    13.2% 
Deposits – Money market   545,137    36,507        581,644    6.7%    6.7% 
Deposits – Savings   178,260    9,347        187,607    5.2%    5.2% 
Deposits – Brokered   99,169    (52,477)       46,692    -52.9%    -52.9% 
Deposits – Internet time   1,967    (1,967)           -100.0%    -100.0% 
Deposits – Time>$100,000   406,276    (68,062)       338,214    -16.8%    -16.8% 
Deposits – Time<$100,000   369,039    (60,638)       308,401    -16.4%    -16.4% 
     Total deposits  $2,679,012    28,741        2,707,753    1.1%    1.1% 
                               
January 1, 2015 to
September 30, 2015
                              
Loans – Non-covered  $2,268,580    106,514        2,375,094    4.7%    4.7% 
Loans – Covered   127,594    (20,985)       106,609    -16.4%    -16.4% 
     Total loans  $2,396,174    85,529        2,481,703    3.6%    3.6% 
                               
Deposits – Noninterest bearing checking  $560,230    75,057        635,287    13.4%    13.4% 
Deposits – Interest bearing checking   583,903    26,005        609,908    4.5%    4.5% 
Deposits – Money market   548,255    33,389        581,644    6.1%    6.1% 
Deposits – Savings   180,317    7,290        187,607    4.0%    4.0% 
Deposits – Brokered   88,375    (41,683)       46,692    -47.2%    -47.2% 
Deposits – Internet time   747    (747)           -100.0%    -100.0% 
Deposits – Time>$100,000   384,127    (45,913)       338,214    -12.0%    -12.0% 
Deposits – Time<$100,000   349,952    (41,551)       308,401    -11.9%    -11.9% 
     Total deposits  $2,695,906    11,847        2,707,753    0.4%    0.4% 

 

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

 

As derived from the table above, for the twelve months ended September 30, 2015, total loans increased $55.6 million, or 2.3%, with internal non-covered loan growth of $82 million, or 3.6%, which was partially offset by a decline in covered loans of $27 million. For the first nine months of 2015, total loans increased $85.5 million, or 3.6%, with internal non-covered loan growth of $107 million, or 4.7%, which was partially offset by a decline in covered loans of $21 million. Over the past year and especially in the third quarter of 2015, we have seen positive results of loan growth initiatives at the Company. An improving economy has also contributed to the loan growth. Covered loans related to FDIC-assisted transactions continue to decline as those loans pay down or are otherwise resolved.

 

The mix of our loan portfolio remains substantially the same at September 30, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. The majority of our real estate loans are personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan.

 

Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements presents additional detailed information regarding our mix of loans, including a break-out between loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements and non-covered loans. Additionally, the section above titled “FDIC Indemnification Asset” contains detail of our covered loans and foreclosed properties segregated by each of the three remaining loss share agreements.

 

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For both the nine and twelve month periods ended September 30, 2015, we experienced net increases in total deposits, with declines in time deposits being offset by growth in transaction account balances (checking, money market, and savings). Time deposits are price sensitive, and with the growth experienced in our transaction accounts, we did not aggressively price our time deposits, nor renew maturing brokered deposits. Also impacting the mix of deposits is that some customers are shifting their funds from time deposits into transaction accounts at our company, which do not pay a materially lower interest rate, while being more liquid.

 

We obtained new borrowings of $60 million in the second quarter of 2015 from a low cost funding source in order to enhance our cash position and in anticipation of future loan growth. The average life of these new borrowings was approximately two years with a weighted average interest rate of 1.17%. Total borrowings at September 30, 2015 amounted to $176.4 million compared to $116.4 million a year earlier.

 

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,
2015
   As of/for the
quarter ended
December 31,
2014
   As of/for the
quarter ended
September 30,
2014
 
             
Non-covered nonperforming assets               
   Nonaccrual loans  $42,347    50,066    53,620 
   Restructured loans – accruing   29,250    35,493    31,501 
   Accruing loans >90 days past due            
      Total non-covered nonperforming loans   71,597    85,559    85,121 
   Foreclosed real estate   9,304    9,771    11,705 
          Total non-covered nonperforming assets  $80,901    95,330    96,826 
                
Covered nonperforming assets (1)               
   Nonaccrual loans  $5,373    10,508    10,478 
   Restructured loans – accruing   3,825    5,823    6,273 
   Accruing loans > 90 days past due            
      Total covered nonperforming loans   9,198    16,331    16,751 
   Foreclosed real estate   1,569    2,350    3,237 
          Total covered nonperforming assets  $10,767    18,681    19,988 
                
Total nonperforming assets  $91,668    114,011    116,814 
                
Asset Quality Ratios – All Assets               
Net charge-offs to average loans - annualized   0.10%    0.82%    0.51% 
Nonperforming loans to total loans   3.26%    4.25%    4.20% 
Nonperforming assets to total assets   2.80%    3.54%    3.66% 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans   1.21%    1.70%    1.82% 
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans   37.20%    39.87%    43.32% 
                
Asset Quality Ratios – Based on Non-covered Assets only               
Net charge-offs to average non-covered loans - annualized   0.38%    0.78%    0.60% 
Non-covered nonperforming loans to non-covered loans   3.01%    3.77%    3.71% 
Non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets   2.56%    3.09%    3.17% 
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered loans   1.19%    1.69%    1.81% 
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered nonperforming loans   39.32%    44.82%    48.83% 

 

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

 

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 experienced in much of our market associated with the onset of the recession in 2008, we experienced higher levels of loan losses, delinquencies and nonperforming assets compared to our historical averages. While economic conditions have improved recently and our asset quality has steadily improved, we continue to have elevated levels of losses and nonperforming assets.

 

As shown in the table above, at September 30, 2015, total nonaccrual loans (covered and non-covered) amounted to $47.7 million, compared to $60.6 million at December 31, 2014 and $64.1 million at September 30, 2014. Non-covered nonaccrual loans were $42.3 million, $50.1 million, and $53.6 million at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Nonaccrual loans decreased during the first nine months of 2015 as we continue to focus on resolving our problem assets.

 

“Restructured loans – accruing”, or 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. As seen in the table above “Asset Quality Data”, at September 30, 2015, total TDRs (covered and non-covered) amounted to $33.1 million, compared to $41.3 million at December 31, 2014 and $37.8 million at September 30, 2014.

 

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Foreclosed real estate includes primarily foreclosed properties. Non-covered foreclosed real estate has decreased over the past year, amounting to $9.3 million at September 30, 2015, $9.8 million at December 31, 2014, and $11.7 million at September 30, 2014.

 

At September 30, 2015, we also held $1.6 million in foreclosed real estate that is subject to the loss share agreements with the FDIC, which is a decline from $2.4 million at December 31, 2014 and $3.2 million at September 30, 2014. The decline is primarily due to increased property sales activity, particularly along the North Carolina coast, which is where most of our covered foreclosed properties are located.

 

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,
2015
   At December 31,
2014
   At September 30,
2014
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural  $2,914    3,575    4,307 
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans   6,471    10,079    13,158 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   21,182    26,916    24,286 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit   3,263    4,214    4,018 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   13,616    15,190    17,664 
Installment loans to individuals   274    600    665 
   Total nonaccrual loans  $47,720    60,574    64,098 

 

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2015 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  $23    2,891    2,914 
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans   60    6,411    6,471 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   3,083    18,099    21,182 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit   377    2,886    3,263 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   1,830    11,786    13,616 
Installment loans to individuals       274    274 
   Total nonaccrual loans  $5,373    42,347    47,720 

 

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2014 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  $104    3,471    3,575 
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans   1,140    8,939    10,079 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   7,724    19,192    26,916 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit   339    3,875    4,214 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   1,201    13,989    15,190 
Installment loans to individuals       600    600 
   Total nonaccrual loans  $10,508    50,066    60,574 

 

The tables above indicate declines in most categories of nonaccrual loans. The decreases reflect stabilization in most of our market areas and our increased focus on the resolution of our nonperforming assets.

 

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, 2015   At December 31, 2014   At September 30, 2014 
Vacant land  $4,546    4,964    6,989 
1-4 family residential properties   4,106    2,878    3,008 
Commercial real estate   2,221    4,279    4,945 
   Total foreclosed real estate  $10,873    12,121    14,942 

 

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The following segregates our foreclosed real estate at September 30, 2015 into covered and non-covered:

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Foreclosed
Real Estate
   Non-covered
Foreclosed Real Estate
   Total Foreclosed
Real Estate
 
Vacant land  $552    3,994    4,546 
1-4 family residential properties   642    3,464    4,106 
Commercial real estate   375    1,846    2,221 
   Total foreclosed real estate  $1,569    9,304    10,873 

 

The following segregates our foreclosed real estate at December 31, 2014 into covered and non-covered:

 

($ in thousands)  Covered Foreclosed
Real Estate
   Non-covered
Foreclosed Real Estate
   Total Foreclosed
Real Estate
 
Vacant land  $639    4,325    4,964 
1-4 family residential properties   866    2,012    2,878 
Commercial real estate   845    3,434    4,279 
   Total foreclosed real estate  $2,350    9,771    12,121 

 

The following table presents geographical information regarding our nonperforming assets at September 30, 2015.

 

   As of September 30, 2015 
($ in thousands)  Covered   Non-covered   Total   Total Loans   Nonperforming
Loans to Total
Loans
 
                     

Nonaccrual loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings (1)

                         
Eastern Region (NC)  $6,055    15,370    21,425   $636,000    3.4% 
Triangle Region (NC)       20,750    20,750    737,000    2.8% 
Triad Region (NC)       15,421    15,421    332,000    4.6% 
Charlotte Region (NC)       1,731    1,731    98,000    1.8% 
Southern Piedmont Region (NC)   90    7,308    7,398    263,000    2.8% 
Western Region (NC)   3,024        3,024    82,000    3.7% 
South Carolina Region   29    2,811    2,840    112,000    2.5% 
Virginia Region       8,206    8,206    200,000    4.1% 
Other               22,000    0.0% 
          Total nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings  $9,198    71,597    80,795   $2,482,000    3.3% 
                          
Foreclosed Real Estate (1)                         
Eastern Region (NC)  $913    1,607    2,520           
Triangle Region (NC)       3,180    3,180           
Triad Region (NC)       1,373    1,373           
Charlotte Region (NC)       883    883           
Southern Piedmont Region (NC)       1,011    1,011           
Western Region (NC)   656        656           
South Carolina Region       952    952           
Virginia Region       298    298           
Other                      
          Total foreclosed real estate   1,569    9,304    10,873           
                          

  

(1)The counties comprising each region are as follows:

Eastern North Carolina Region - New Hanover, Brunswick, Duplin, Dare, Beaufort, Pitt, 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, Mecklenburg

Southern Piedmont North Carolina Region - Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Robeson, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland

Western North Carolina Region - Buncombe

South Carolina Region - Chesterfield, Dillon, Florence

Virginia Region - Wythe, Washington, Montgomery, Roanoke

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Summary of Loan Loss Experience

 

The allowance for loan losses is created by direct charges to operations (known as a “provision for loan losses” for the period in which the charge is taken). 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 that began in 2008 resulted in elevated levels of classified and nonperforming assets, which generally led to higher provisions for loan losses compared to historical averages. While we are seeing signs of a recovering economy in most of our market areas, it has been a gradual improvement. Although we continue to have an elevated level of past due and adversely classified assets compared to historic averages, we believe the severity of the loss rate inherent in our current inventory of classified loans is less than in recent years.

 

We recorded a negative total provision for loan losses (reduction of the allowance for loan losses) of $1.4 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared to a provision for loan losses of $1.5 million for the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a negative total provision for loan losses of $0.7 million compared to a provision for loan losses of $8.7 million for the same period of 2014. The total provision for loan losses is comprised of provisions for loan losses for non-covered loans and provisions for loan losses for covered loans, as discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

The provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $0.3 million and $1.3 million in the third quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1.4 million and $5.8 million for the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The lower provision in 2015 was primarily the result of improved credit quality trends and generally improving economic trends, as discussed in the following paragraph.

 

Non-covered loan growth for the first nine months of 2015 was $107 million compared to almost no growth for the first nine months of 2014, which resulted in a larger incremental provision for the loan losses attributable to loan growth. However, offsetting this larger incremental provision were favorable trends in our asset quality. As shown in a table within Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, our total non-covered classified and nonaccrual loans decreased from $125 million at December 31, 2014 to $103 million at September 30, 2015. Additionally, our allowance for loan loss model utilizes the net charge-offs experienced in the most recent years as a significant component of estimating the current allowance for loan losses that is necessary. Thus, older years (and parts thereof) systematically age out and are excluded from the analysis as time goes on. Periods of high net charge-offs we experienced during the peak of the recession are now dropping out of the analysis and being replaced by the more modest levels of net charge-offs now being experienced. The third quarter of 2015 marked our eleventh consecutive quarter of annualized net charge-offs related to non-covered loans being less than 1.00%, whereas at the peak of the recession that ratio was frequently over 1.00%. In the near term, we expect that net charge-offs experienced in the next few quarters will continue to be less than those experienced in the recessionary periods that are dropping out of the analysis, and for that reason we expect our resulting provisions for loan losses to be favorably impacted.

 

We recorded negative provisions for loan losses on covered loans (reduction of the allowance for loan losses) of $1.7 million and $2.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to provisions for loan losses of $0.2 million and $2.9 million for the same respective periods of 2014. The negative provisions in 2015 primarily resulted from lower levels of covered nonperforming loans, declining levels of total covered loans, and net loan recoveries (recoveries, net of charge-offs).

 

For the first nine months of 2015, we recorded $9.8 million in net charge-offs, compared to $13.1 million for the comparable period of 2014. The net charge-offs in 2015 included $1.7 million of net covered loan recoveries and $11.6 million of net non-covered loan charge-offs, whereas in 2014 net charge-offs included $2.9 million in net charge-offs of covered loans and $10.2 million in net charge-offs of non-covered loans.

 

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The allowance for loan losses amounted to $30.1 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $40.6 million at December 31, 2014 and $44.1 million at September 30, 2014. The allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans was $28.2 million, $38.3 million, and $41.6 million at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014 respectively. The ratio of our allowance for non-covered loans to total non-covered loans has declined from 1.81% at September 30, 2014 to 1.19% at September 30, 2015 as a result of the factors discussed above that impacted our provision for loan losses on non-covered loans.

 

At September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014, the allowance for loan losses attributable to covered loans was $1.9 million, $2.3 million, and $2.6 million, respectively.

 

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.

 

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,
 
   2015   2014   2014 
Loans outstanding at end of period  $2,481,703    2,396,174    2,426,090 
Average amount of loans outstanding  $2,411,462    2,434,331    2,442,069 
                
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year  $40,626    48,505    48,505 
Provision for loan losses   (737)   10,195    8,719 
    39,889    58,700    57,224 
Loans charged off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   (2,885)   (5,179)   (4,387)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   (3,232)   (6,071)   (5,531)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   (4,110)   (4,050)   (2,421)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   (772)   (1,607)   (1,131)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   (2,610)   (4,405)   (2,419)
Installment loans to individuals   (1,998)   (1,924)   (1,448)
       Total charge-offs   (15,607)   (23,236)   (17,337)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:               
                
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   781    149    80 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   3,063    3,363    2,924 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   551    646    451 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   129    100    68 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   928    446    356 
Installment loans to individuals   321    458    365 
       Total recoveries   5,773    5,162    4,244 
            Net charge-offs   (9,834)   (18,074)   (13,093)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period  $30,055    40,626    44,131 
                
Ratios:               
   Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans (annualized)   0.55%    0.74%    0.72% 
   Allowance for loan losses as a percent of loans at end of  period   1.21%    1.70%    1.82% 
                

 

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The following table discloses the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, segregated into covered and non-covered.

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 
($ in thousands)  Covered   Non-covered   Total 
             
Loans outstanding at end of period  $106,609    2,375,094    2,481,703 
Average amount of loans outstanding  $116,964    2,294,498    2,411,462 
                
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year  $2,281    38,345    40,626 
Provision (reversal) for loan losses   (2,109)   1,372    (737)
    172    39,717    39,889 
Loans charged off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   (111)   (2,774)   (2,885)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   (559)   (2,673)   (3,232)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   (185)   (3,925)   (4,110)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   (45)   (727)   (772)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   (300)   (2,310)   (2,610)
Installment loans to individuals       (1,998)   (1,998)
       Total charge-offs   (1,200)   (14,407)   (15,607)
                
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   85    696    781 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   2,119    944    3,063 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   310    241    551 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   25    104    129 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   382    546    928 
Installment loans to individuals   7    314    321 
       Total recoveries   2,928    2,845    5,773 
            Net (charge-offs)/recoveries   1,728    (11,562)   (9,834)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period  $1,900    28,155    30,055 
                

 

The following table discloses the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, segregated into covered and non-covered.

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 
($ in thousands)  Covered   Non-covered   Total 
             
Loans outstanding at end of period  $133,249    2,292,841    2,426,090 
Average amount of loans outstanding  $177,741    2,264,328    2,442,069 
                
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year  $4,242    44,263    48,505 
Provision for loan losses   2,917    5,802    8,719 
Transfer of covered allowance for loan losses to non-covered status   (1,737)   1,737     
    5,422    51,802    57,224 
Loans charged off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   (1,086)   (3,301)   (4,387)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   (3,715)   (1,816)   (5,531)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   (558)   (1,863)   (2,421)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit   (74)   (1,057)   (1,131)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   (430)   (1,989)   (2,419)
Installment loans to individuals   (2)   (1,446)   (1,448)
       Total charge-offs   (5,865)   (11,472)   (17,337)
                
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:               
Commercial, financial, and agricultural   2    78    80 
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans   2,560    364    2,924 
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages   244    207    451 
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit       68    68 
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other   204    152    356 
Installment loans to individuals       365    365 
       Total recoveries   3,010    1,234    4,244 
            Net charge-offs   (2,855)   (10,238)   (13,093)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period  $2,567    41,564    44,131 
                

 

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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, 2015, there have been no material changes to the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among the various categories of loans since December 31, 2014.

 

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 four sources - 1) an approximately $582 million line of credit with the FHLB (of which $130 million was outstanding at September 30, 2015), 2) a $50 million overnight federal funds line of credit with a correspondent bank (of which none was outstanding at September 30, 2015), 3) a $35 million federal funds line of credit with a correspondent bank (of which none was outstanding at September 30, 2015), and 4) an approximately $94 million line of credit through the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s discount window (of which none was outstanding at September 30, 2015). In addition to the outstanding borrowings from the FHLB that reduce the available borrowing capacity of that line of credit, our borrowing capacity was reduced by $193 million at both September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 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 $438 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $288 million at December 31, 2014.

 

Our overall liquidity has remained relatively stable since September 30, 2014. Our liquid assets (cash and securities) as a percentage of our total deposits and borrowings were 19.7% at September 30, 2014, 21.2% at December 31, 2014 and 19.4% at September 30, 2015.

 

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, 2014, detail of which is presented in Table 18 on page 88 of our 2014 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 significant derivative activities through September 30, 2015, and have no current plans to do so.

 

Capital Resources

 

We are regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FED”) and are subject to the securities registration and public reporting regulations of the SEC. Our banking subsidiary is regulated by the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks and until April 22, 2015, our bank subsidiary was also regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Effective April 22, 2015, our bank subsidiary became a member of the FED, and therefore, the Federal Reserve Bank replaced the FDIC as our bank’s primary federal regulator. 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. 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.

 

The FED has approved the final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision capital guidelines, referred to a “Basel III.” The final rules established a new “Common Equity Tier 1” ratio; new higher capital ratio requirements, including a capital conservation buffer; narrowed the definitions of capital; imposed new operating restrictions on banking organizations with insufficient capital buffers; and increased the risk weighting of certain assets. The final rules became effective January 1, 2015 for the Company. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk weighted assets, increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% in January 1, 2019.

 

The capital standards require us to maintain minimum ratios of “Common Equity Tier 1” capital to total risk-weighted assets, “Tier 1” capital to total risk-weighted assets, and total capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.50%, 6.00% and 8.00%, respectively. Common Equity Tier 1 capital in comprised of common stock and related surplus, plus retained earnings, and is reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities. Tier 1 capital is comprised of Common Equity Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier 1 Capital, which for the Company includes non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and trust preferred securities. 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, 2015, 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,
2015
   December 31,
2014
   September 30,
2014
 
   (Based on Basel III)   (Pre-Basel III)   (Pre-Basel III) 
Risk-based capital ratios:               
Common Equity Tier 1 to Tier 1 risk weighted assets   11.33%    n/a    n/a 
Minimum required Common Equity Tier 1 capital   4.50%    n/a    n/a 
                
Tier I capital to Tier 1 risk weighted assets   14.76%    16.35%    16.01% 
Minimum required Tier 1 capital   6.00%    4.00%    4.00% 
                
Total risk-based capital to
Tier II risk weighted assets
   15.99%    17.60%    17.27% 
Minimum required total risk-based capital   8.00%    8.00%    8.00% 
                
Leverage capital ratios:               
Tier 1 capital to quarterly average total assets   11.31%    11.61%    11.39% 
Minimum required Tier 1 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, 2015, our bank subsidiary exceeded the minimum ratios established by the regulatory authorities.

 

In the table above, the declines in our capital ratios at September 30, 2015 are as a result of the Company redeeming $32 million in Series B Preferred Stock in June 2015. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.

 

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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 8.27% at September 30, 2015 compared to 7.90% at December 31, 2014 and 7.86% at September 30, 2014.

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

 

The following is a list of business development and other miscellaneous matters affecting the Company and First Bank, our bank subsidiary.

 

·On September 15, 2015, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share payable on October 23, 2015 to shareholders of record on September 30, 2015. This is the same dividend rate as the Company declared in the third quarter of 2014.

 

·On October 19, 2015, the Company opened a full-service branch located at 2939 Village Drive in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Company previously had a loan production office in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

 

SHARE REPURCHASES

 

We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the first nine months of 2015. At September 30, 2015, 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 4.39% (realized in 2010) to a high of 4.92% (realized in 2013). During that five year period, the prime rate of interest has consistently remained at 3.25% (which was the rate as of September 30, 2015). 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, 2015, approximately 76% 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, 2015, we had approximately $876 million more in interest-bearing liabilities that are subject to interest rate changes within one year than earning assets. This generally would indicate that net interest income would experience downward pressure in a rising interest rate environment and would benefit from a declining interest rate environment. However, this method of analyzing interest sensitivity only measures the magnitude of the timing differences and does not address earnings, market value, or management actions. Also, interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. In addition to the effects of “when” various rate-sensitive products reprice, market rate changes may not result in uniform changes in rates among all products. For example, included in interest-bearing liabilities subject to interest rate changes within one year at September 30, 2015 are deposits totaling $1.4 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 fragile economic environment that continued into 2014, 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.

 

While there have been periods in the last few years that the yield curve has steepened somewhat, it currently remains relatively flat. This flat yield curve and the intense competition for high-quality loans in our market areas have limited 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 years.

 

As previously discussed in the section “Net Interest Income,” our net interest income has been 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 $1.2 million and $2.6 million for the third quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $3.9 million and $13.8 million for the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, 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. However, with the remaining loan discount on accruing loans having naturally declined since inception, amounting to $16.2 million at September 30, 2015, we expect that loan discount accretion, and the related indemnification asset expense associated with the accretion, will continue to decline in 2015. If that occurs, our net interest margin will be negatively impacted and our noninterest income will be positively impacted (due to the lower indemnification asset expense).

 

Based on our most recent interest rate modeling, which assumes no changes in interest rates for 2015 (federal funds rate = 0.25%, prime = 3.25%), we project that our net interest margin for the remainder of 2015 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.

 

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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 1 – Legal Proceedings

 

Various legal proceedings may arise in the ordinary course of business and may be pending or threatened against the Company and its subsidiaries.  However, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is currently involved in any pending legal proceedings that management believes are material to the Company or its consolidated financial position.  If an exposure were to be identified, it is the Company’s policy to establish and accrue appropriate reserves during the accounting period in which a loss is deemed to be probable and the amount is determinable.

 

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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, 2015 to July 31, 2015               214,241 
August 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015               214,241 
September 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015               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, 2015.

 

There were no unregistered sales of our securities during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 

Item 6 - Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed with this report or, as noted, are incorporated by reference. Except as noted below the exhibits identified have SEC File No. 000-15572. Management contracts, compensatory plans and arrangements are marked with an asterisk (*).

 

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, 2015, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Copies of exhibits are available upon written request to: First Bancorp, Elizabeth B. Bostian, Secretary, 300 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines, North Carolina, 28387

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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 9, 2015 BY:/s/ Richard H. Moore   
              Richard H. Moore
                   President
       (Principal Executive Officer),
          Treasurer and Director
     
     
     
  November 9, 2015 BY:/s/ Eric P. Credle        
              Eric P. Credle
     Executive Vice President
     and Chief Financial Officer

 

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