Annual Statements Open main menu

FIRST COMMUNITY CORP /SC/ - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

oQuarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
  
oTransition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ____ to ____

  

Commission File No. 000-28344

 

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

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation

or organization)

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

 

5455 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, South Carolina 29072

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(803) 951-2265

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” , and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer   o   Smaller reporting company x
    Emerging growth company o

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: On May 9, 2019, 7,664,967 shares of the issuer’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, were issued and outstanding.

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
Item 1.   Financial Statements 3
  Consolidated Balance Sheets 3
  Consolidated Statements of Income 4
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 5
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity 6
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 7
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 33
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 48
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures 48
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION 49
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings 49
Item 1A. Risk Factors 49
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 49
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 49
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 49
Item 5. Other Information 49
Item 6. Exhibits 49
   
SIGNATURES 50
INDEX TO EXHIBITS  
EX-31.1 RULE 13A-14(A) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER  
EX-31.2 RULE 13A-14(A) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER  
EX-32 SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS  

2
 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   March 31,     
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)  2019   December 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2018 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $15,530   $14,328 
Interest-bearing bank balances   22,677    17,883 
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell       57 
Investment securities held-to-maturity       16,174 
Investment securities available-for-sale   246,747    237,893 
Other investments, at cost   2,162    1,955 
Loans held for sale   7,299    3,223 
Loans   718,420    718,462 
Less, allowance for loan losses   6,354    6,263 
   Net loans   712,066    712,199 
Property, furniture and equipment - net   35,471    34,987 
Lease right of use assets   2,829     
Bank owned life insurance   25,923    25,754 
Other real estate owned   1,460    1,460 
Intangible assets   1,874    2,006 
Goodwill   14,637    14,637 
Other assets   8,721    9,039 
    Total assets  $1,097,396   $1,091,595 
LIABILITIES          
Deposits:          
  Non-interest bearing  $257,764   $244,686 
  Interest-bearing   662,009    680,837 
     Total deposits   919,773    925,523 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   32,007    28,022 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   2,226    231 
Lease liability   2,839     
Junior subordinated debt   14,964    14,964 
Other liabilities   9,153    10,358 
    Total liabilities   980,962    979,098 
                     SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding        
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 7,664,967 at March 31, 2019 7,638,681 at December 31, 2018   7,665    7,639 
Common stock warrants issued   17    31 
Nonvested restricted stock   (286)   (149)
Additional paid in capital   95,150    95,048 
Retained earnings   13,917    12,262 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (29)   (2,334)
    Total shareholders’ equity   116,434    112,497 
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $1,097,396   $1,091,595 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
         
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  Three Months ended March 31, 
   2019   2018 
Interest and dividend income:          
  Loans, including fees  $8,609   $7,617 
  Investment securities – taxable   1,217    1,185 
  Investment securities - non taxable   439    458 
  Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell   103    66 
  Other   6    5 
       Total interest income   10,374    9,331 
Interest expense:          
  Deposits   1,001    547 
  Federal funds sold and securities sold under agreement to repurchase   92    41 
  Other borrowed money   261    209 
      Total interest expense   1,354    797 
Net interest income   9,020    8,534 
Provision for loan losses   105    202 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   8,915    8,332 
Non-interest income:          
  Deposit service charges   411    463 
  Mortgage banking income   844    951 
  Investment advisory and non-deposit commissions   438    383 
  Loss on sale of securities   (29)   (104)
  Gain on sale of other real estate owned       15 
  Other   845    923 
      Total non-interest income   2,509    2,631 
Non-interest expense:          
  Salaries and employee benefits   5,170    4,577 
  Occupancy   655    614 
  Equipment   386    381 
  Marketing and public relations   175    89 
  FDIC Assessment   74    81 
  Other real estate expense   29    18 
  Amortization of intangibles   132    142 
  Other   1,702    1,692 
      Total non-interest expense   8,323    7,594 
Net income before tax   3,101    3,369 
  Income taxes   606    660 
Net income  $2,495   $2,709 
           
Basic earnings per common share  $0.33   $0.36 
Diluted earnings per common share  $0.32   $0.35 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   Three months ended March 31, 
   2019   2018 
         
Net income  $2,495   $2,709 
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Unrealized (loss) gain during the period on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $609 and tax benefit of $605, respectively   2,282    (2,274)
           
Reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) on available-for-sale securities included in net income, net of tax benefit of $6 and $22, respectively   23    82 
           
Other comprehensive income gain (loss)   2,305    (2,192)
Comprehensive income  $4,800   $517 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Three Months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018

(Unaudited)

 

                           Accumulated     
   Common       Common   Additional   Nonvested   Retained   Other     
(Dollars in thousands)  Shares   Common   Stock   Paid-in   Restricted   Earnings   Comprehensive     
   Issued   Stock   Warrants   Capital   Stock   (Deficit)   Income (loss)   Total 
Balance December 31, 2017   7,588   $7,588   $46   $94,516   $(109)  $4,066   $(444)  $105,663 
Net income                            2,709         2,709 
                                         
Other comprehensive loss net of tax of $583                                 (2,192)   (2,192)
Issuance of restricted stock   11    11         233    (244)              
Amortization of compensation on restricted stock                       35              (35)
Shares retired   (2)   (2)        (55)                  (57)
Dividends: Common ($0.10 per share)                            (757)        (757)
Dividend reinvestment plan   3    3         79                   82 
Balance March 31, 2018   7,600   $7,600   $46   $94,773   $(318)  $6,018   $(2,636)  $105,483 
                                         
Balance December 31, 2018   7,639   $7,639   $31   $95,048   $(149)  $12,262   $(2,334)  $112,497 
Net income                            2,495         2,495 
                                         
Other comprehensive loss net of tax of $615                                 2,305    2,305 
Issuance of restricted stock   8    8         162    (170)              
Amortization of compensation on restricted stock                       33              33 
Shares retired   (8)   (8)        (148)                  (156)
Exercise of warrants   21    21    (14)   (7)                   
Dividends: Common ($0.11 per share)                            (840)        (840)
Dividend reinvestment plan   5    5         95                   100 
Balance March 31, 2019   7,665   $7,665   $17   $95,150   $(286)  $13,917   $(29)  $116,434 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
   Three months ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)  2019   2018 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $2,495   $2,709 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:          
       Depreciation   393    374 
       Premium amortization   539    727 
       Provision for loan losses   105    202 
       Gain on sale of other real estate owned       (15)
       Origination of loans held-for-sale   (25,345)   (26,734)
       Sale of loans held-for-sale   21,269    24,280 
       Amortization of intangibles   132    142 
       Accretion on acquired loans   (143)   (77)
       Writedown of land held for sale       42 
       Loss on sale of securities   29    104 
       Gain on sale of fixed assets       (123)
       Increase in other assets   (3,273)   (59)
       Increase (decrease) in other liabilities   1,634    (272)
         Net cash (used) provided from operating activities   (2,165)   1,300 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
    Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale   (5,419)   (10,505)
    Purchase of other investment securities   (207)    
Maturity/call of investment securities available-for-sale   7,969    12,457 
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale   7,137    5,605 
Proceeds from sale of other securities       603 
Decrease (Increase) in loans   152    (21,747)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned       (62)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets   301    1,143 
Purchase of property and equipment   (1,178)   (149)
         Net cash provided (used) in investing activities   8,755    (12,531)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Increase (decrease) in deposit accounts   (5,735)   31,602 
Increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase   3,985    2,689 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank   56,000     
Repayment of advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   (54,005)   (14,005)
Shares forfeited   (156)    
Shares retired       (57)
Dividends paid:  Common Stock   (840)   (757)
Dividend reinvestment plan   100    82 
        Net cash (used) provided from financing activities   (651)   19,554 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   5,939    8,323 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   32,268    30,591 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $38,207   $38,914 
Supplemental disclosure:          
Cash paid during the period for:          
Interest  $1,293   $797 
Income taxes  $   $ 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:          
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities  $2,917   $(2,192)
Recognition of operating lease right of use asset  $2,846   $ 
Recognition of operating lease liability  $2,849   $ 
Transfer of investment securities held-to-maturity to available-for-sale  $16,144   $ 

  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7
 


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and the cash flows of First Community Corporation (the “Company”), present fairly in all material respects the Company’s financial position at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the Company’s results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to fairly present the consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are presented in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. The information included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 should be referred to in connection with these unaudited interim financial statements.

   

Note 2—Earnings Per Common Share

 

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

 

(In thousands except average market price)

 

   Three months ended 
   March 31, 
   2019   2018 
Numerator (Net income available to common shareholders)  $2,495   $2,709 
Denominator          
  Weighted average common shares outstanding for:          
     Basic shares   7,634    7,569 
     Dilutive securities:          
         Deferred compensation   52    16 
         Warrants/Restricted stock -Treasury stock method   39    128 
     Diluted shares   7,725    7,713 
The average market price used in calculating assumed number of shares  $19.90   $21.94 

 

There were no options outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2011, we issued $2.5 million in 8.75% subordinated notes maturing December 16, 2019. On November 15, 2012, the subordinated notes were redeemed in full at par. Warrants for 107,500 shares of common stock at $5.90 per share were issued in connection with the issuance of the subordinated debt. There were 36,550 warrants outstanding at March 31, 2019. These warrants expire December 16, 2019 and are included in dilutive securities in the table above.

 

The Company has issued a total of 15,438 unvested restricted shares under the terms of its compensation plans and employment agreements. The employee shares cliff vest over a three year period; the non-employee director shares vest one year after issuance. The unrecognized compensation cost at March 31, 2019 for non-vested shares amounts to $286.1 thousand. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company issued 2,090 and 3,201 stock units, respectively, to employees that cliff vest over three years. Each unit is convertible into one share of common stock at the time the unit vests. The related compensation cost is accrued over the vesting period. 

8
 

Note 2—Earnings Per Common Share-continued

 

In 2006, the Company established a Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, whereby a director may elect to defer all or any part of annual retainer and monthly meeting fees payable with respect to service on the board of directors or a committee of the board. Units of common stock are credited to the director’s account at the time compensation is earned and are included in dilutive securities in the table above. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were 117,595 and 114,982 units in the plan, respectively. The accrued liability at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 amounted to $1.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and is included in “Other liabilities” on the balance sheet.

 

Note 3—Investment Securities

 

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

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:         Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized        
(Dollars in thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
March 31, 2019                                
US Treasury securities   $ 15,521     $ 18     $ 24     $ 15,515  
Government Sponsored Enterprises     1,100       11       1       1,110  
Mortgage-backed securities     114,397       209       1,419       113,187  
Small Business Administration pools     50,403       212       505       50,110  
State and local government     65,344       1,700       237       66,807  
Other securities     18                   18  
    $ 246,783     $ 2,150     $ 2,186     $ 246,747  
                         
          Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized        
(Dollars in thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
December 31, 2018                                
US Treasury securities   $ 15,488     $ 9     $ 40     $ 15,457  
Government Sponsored Enterprises     1,096       6       2       1,100  
Mortgage-backed securities     117,862       73       2,460       115,475  
Small Business Administration pools     55,784       247       695       55,336  
State and local government     50,599       619       712       50,506  
Other securities     19                   19  
    $ 240,848     $ 954     $ 3,909     $ 237,893  

 

HELD-TO-MATURITY:         Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized        
(Dollars in thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
December 31, 2018                                
State and local government   $ 16,174     $ 50     $ 40     $ 16,184  
    $ 16,174     $ 50     $ 40     $ 16,184  

 

During the first quarter of 2019, the Company reclassified the portfolio of securities listed as held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. There were no investment securities listed as held-to-maturity as of March 31, 2019.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company received proceeds of $7.1 million and $5.6 million, respectively, from the sale of investment securities available-for-sale. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, gross realized gains from the sale of investment securities available-for-sale amounted to $41 thousand and gross realized losses amounted to $70 thousand. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, gross realized gains from the sale of investment securities available-for-sale amounted to $33.8 thousand and gross realized losses amounted to $138.0 thousand.

9
 

Note 3—Investment Securities-continued

 

At March 31, 2019, other securities available-for-sale included the following at fair value: a mutual fund at $8.1 thousand, and foreign debt of $10.0 thousand. As required by Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01-Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10), the Company measured its equity investments at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, a $1.0 thousand gain was recognized on a mutual fund. At December 31, 2018, corporate and other securities available-for-sale included the following at fair value: a mutual fund at $9.0 thousand, and foreign debt of $10.0 thousand. Other investments, at cost include Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock in the amount of $1.2 million and $955 thousand and corporate stock in the amount of $1.0 million and $1.0 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. 

 

The following tables show gross unrealized losses and fair values, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)   Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total  
March 31, 2019   Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
Available-for-sale securities:   Value     Loss     Value     Loss     Value     Loss  
                                     
US Treasury securities   $ 6,982     $ 2     $ 2,892     $ 22     $ 9,874     $ 24  
Government Sponsored Enterprise                 124       1       124       1  
Government Sponsored Enterprise mortgage-backed securities     1,196       15       84,454       1,404       85,650       1,419  
Small Business Administration pools     13,661       160       19,483       345       33,144       505  
State and local government                 13,126       237       13,126       237  
    $ 21,839     $ 177     $ 120,079     $ 2,009     $ 141,918     $ 2,185  
                   
(Dollars in thousands)   Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total  
December 31, 2018   Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
Available-for-sale securities:   Value     Loss     Value     Loss     Value     Loss  
                                     
US Treasury securities   $ 8,355     $ 10     $ 1,488     $ 30     $ 9,843     $ 40  
Government Sponsored Enterprise                 122       2       122       2  
Government Sponsored Enterprise mortgage-backed securities     13,924       121       89,870       2,339       103,794       2,460  
Small Business Administration pools     16,400       211       20,330       484       36,730       695  
State and local government     9,517       52       15,598       660       25,115       712  
    $ 48,196     $ 394     $ 127,408     $ 3,515     $ 175,604     $ 3,909  

(Dollars in thousands)   Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total  
December 31, 2018   Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
Held-to-maturity securities:   Value     Loss     Value     Loss     Value     Loss  
 State and local government   $ 2,843     $ 14     $ 4,899     $ 26     $ 7,742     $ 40  
                                                 

Government Sponsored Enterprise, Mortgage-Backed Securities: The Company owned mortgage-backed securities (“MBSs”), including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), issued by government sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) with an amortized cost of $114.4 million and $117.9 million and approximate fair value of $113.2 million and $115.4 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. As of March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, all of the MBSs issued by GSEs were classified as “Available for Sale.” Unrealized losses on certain of these investments are not considered to be “other than temporary,” and we have the intent and ability to hold these until they mature or recover the current book value. The contractual cash flows of the investments are guaranteed by the GSE. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required sell these securities before a recovery of its amortized cost, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider the investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2019.

10
 

Note 3—Investment Securities-continued

Non-agency Mortgage Backed Securities: The Company held private label mortgage-backed securities (“PLMBSs”), including CMOs, at March 31, 2019 with an amortized cost of $146.3 thousand and approximate fair value of $146.6 thousand. The Company held PLMBSs, including CMOs, at December 31, 2018 with an amortized cost of $199.9 thousand and approximate fair value of $204.1 thousand. Management monitors each of these securities on a quarterly basis to identify any deterioration in the credit quality, collateral values and credit support underlying the investments.

State and Local Governments and Other: Management monitors these securities on a quarterly basis to identify any deterioration in the credit quality. Included in the monitoring is a review of the credit rating, a financial analysis and certain demographic data on the underlying issuer. The Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2019.

The following sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2019 by contractual maturity. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay the obligations with or without prepayment penalties. MBSs are based on average life at estimated prepayment speeds.

 

March 31, 2019  Available-for-sale 
   Amortized   Fair 
(Dollars in thousands)  Cost   Value 
Due in one year or less  $17,746   $17,752 
Due after one year through five years   121,784    121,218 
Due after five years through ten years   93,937    94,369 
Due after ten years   13,315    13,408 
   $246,782   $246,747 

 

Note 4—Loans

 

Loans summarized by category as of March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 are as follows:

   March 31,   December 31,   March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2019   2018   2018 
Commercial, financial and agricultural   $52,289   $53,933   $44,724 
Real estate:               
  Construction    56,234    58,440    44,273 
  Mortgage-residential   50,732    52,764    46,801 
  Mortgage-commercial   519,420    513,833    488,597 
Consumer:               
  Home equity    30,092    29,583    32,544 
  Other    9,653    9,909    11,644 
Total  $718,420   $718,462   $668,583 
11
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

The detailed activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans receivable as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                                                
                Real estate     Real estate     Consumer                    
          Real estate     Mortgage     Mortgage     Home     Consumer              
    Commercial     Construction     Residential     Commercial     equity     Other     Unallocated     Total  
March 31, 2019                                                                
Allowance for loan losses:                                                                
Beginning balance
December 31, 2018
  $ 430     $ 89     $ 431     $ 4,318     $ 261     $ 88     $ 646     $ 6,263  
Charge-offs     (2 )                        (1 )     (30 )           (33 )
Recoveries                       10             9             19  
Provisions     (10 )     7       (19 )     18       8       22       79       105  
Ending balance
March 31, 2019
  $ 418     $ 96     $ 412     $ 4,346     $ 268     $ 89     $ 725     $ 6,354  
                                                                 
Ending balances:                                                                
Individually evaluated for impairment   $     $     $     $ 14     $     $     $     $ 14  
                                                                 
Collectively evaluated for impairment     418       96       412       4,332       268       89       725       6,340  
                                                                 
March 31, 2019
Loans receivable:
                                                               
Ending balance-total   $ 52,289     $ 56,234     $ 50,732     $ 519,420     $ 30,092     $ 9,653     $     $ 718,420  
                                                                 
Ending balances:                                                                
Individually evaluated for impairment                 409       4,162       57       5             4,633  
                                                                 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   $ 52,289     $ 56,234     $ 50,323     $ 515,258     $ 30,035     $ 9,648     $     $ 713,787  

12
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)                                                
                Real estate     Real estate     Consumer                    
          Real estate     Mortgage     Mortgage     Home     Consumer              
    Commercial     Construction     Residential     Commercial     equity     Other     Unallocated     Total  
March 31, 2018                                                                
Allowance for loan losses:                                                                
Beginning balance
December 31, 2017
  $ 221     $ 101     $ 461     $ 3,077     $ 308     $ 35     $ 1,594     $ 5,797  
Charge-offs                 (1 )                 (47 )           (48 )
Recoveries                       27             8             35  
Provisions     (11 )     (3 )     256       13       171       67       (291 )     202  
Ending balance
March 31, 2018
  $ 210     $ 98     $ 716     $ 3,117     $ 479     $ 63     $ 1,303     $ 5,986  
                                                                 
Ending balances:                                                                
Individually evaluated for impairment   $     $     $ 1     $ 19     $     $     $     $ 20  
                                                                 
Collectively evaluated for impairment     210       98       715       3,098       479       63       1,303       5,966  
                                                                 
March 31, 2018
Loans receivable:
                                                               
Ending balance-total   $ 44,724     $ 44,273     $ 46,801     $ 488,597     $ 32,544     $ 11,644     $     $ 668,583  
                                                                 
Ending balances:                                                                
Individually evaluated for impairment                 436       4,440       35                   4,911  
                                                                 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   $ 44,724     $ 44,273     $ 46,365     $ 484,157     $ 32,509     $ 11,644     $     $ 663,672  
13
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)                                                
                Real estate     Real estate     Consumer                    
          Real estate     Mortgage     Mortgage     Home     Consumer              
    Commercial     Construction     Residential     Commercial     equity     Other     Unallocated     Total  
December 31, 2018                                                                
Allowance for loan losses:                                                                
Beginning balance
December 31, 2017
  $ 221     $ 101     $ 461     $ 3,077     $ 308     $ 35     $ 1,594     $ 5,797  
Charge-offs                 (1 )            (23 )     (140 )           (164 )
Recoveries     3             4       210       6       61             284  
Provisions     206       (12 )     (33 )      1,031       (30 )      132       (948     346  
Ending balance
December 31, 2018
  $ 430     $ 89     $ 431     $ 4,318     $ 261     $ 88     $ 646     $ 6,263  
                                                                 
Ending balances:                                                                
Individually evaluated for impairment   $     $     $     $ 14     $     $     $     $ 14  
                                                                 
Collectively evaluated for impairment     430       89       431       4,304       261       88       646       6,249  
                                                                 
December 31, 2018
Loans receivable:
                                                               
Ending balance-total   $ 53,933     $ 58,440     $ 52,764     $ 513,833     $ 29,583     $ 9,909     $     $ 718,462  
                                                                 
Ending balances:                                                                
Individually evaluated for impairment                 322       4,030       29                   4,381  
                                                                 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   $ 53,933     $ 58,440     $ 52,442     $ 509,803     $ 29,554     $ 9,909     $     $ 714,081  
14
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

Related party loans and lines of credit are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and generally do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability. The following table presents related party loan transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018:

(Dollars in thousands)  2019   2018 
Beginning Balance December 31,  $5,937   $5,549 
New Loans       567 
Less loan repayments   85    641 
Ending Balance March 31,  $5,852   $5,475 

 

The following table presents at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 loans individually evaluated and considered impaired under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” Impairment includes performing troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”).

 

(Dollars in thousands)  March 31,   December 31, 
   2019   2018 
Total loans considered impaired   $4,633   $4,381 
Loans considered impaired for which there is a related allowance for loan loss:          
Outstanding loan balance   $447   $453 
Related allowance   $14   $14 
Loans considered impaired and previously written down to fair value   $2,809   $3,928 
Average impaired loans   $4,973   $4,128 
Amount of interest earned during period of impairment  $72   $160 

15
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

The following tables are by loan category and present at March 31, 2019, March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018 loans individually evaluated and considered impaired under FASB ASC 310 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” Impairment includes performing TDRs. 

 

(Dollars in thousands)                     Three months ended  
          Unpaid           Average     Interest  
March 31, 2019   Recorded     Principal     Related     Recorded     Income  
    Investment     Balance     Allowance     Investment     Recognized  
With no allowance recorded:                                        
  Commercial   $     $     $     $     $  
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential     409       462             413       4  
    Mortgage-commercial     3,715       6,708             4,048       61  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity     57       59             59       1  
    Other     5       5             5        
                                         
With an allowance recorded:                                        
  Commercial                              
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential                              
    Mortgage-commercial     447       447       14       448       6  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity                              
    Other                              
                                         
Total:                                        
  Commercial                              
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential     409       462             413       4  
    Mortgage-commercial     4,162       7,155       14       4,496       67  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity     57       59             59       1  
    Other     5       5             5        
    $ 4,633     $ 7,681     $ 14     $ 4,973     $ 72  

16
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)                     Three months ended  
          Unpaid           Average     Interest  
March 31, 2018   Recorded     Principal     Related     Recorded     Income  
    Investment     Balance     Allowance     Investment     Recognized  
With no allowance recorded:                                        
  Commercial   $     $     $     $     $  
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential     395       466             394       4  
    Mortgage-commercial     2,807       5,674             3,000       52  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity     35       35             35        
    Other                              
                                         
With an allowance recorded:                                        
  Commercial                              
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential     41       41       1       41       1  
    Mortgage-commercial     1,633       1,633       19       1,655       29  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity                              
    Other                              
                                         
Total:                                        
  Commercial                              
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential     436       507       1       435       5  
    Mortgage-commercial     4,440       7,307       19       4,655       81  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity     35       35             35        
    Other                              
    $ 4,911     $ 7,849     $ 20     $ 5,126     $ 86  

17
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)                              
December 31, 2018         Unpaid           Average     Interest  
    Recorded     Principal     Related     Recorded     Income  
    Investment     Balance     Allowance     Investment     Recognized  
With no allowance recorded:                                        
  Commercial   $     $     $     $     $  
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential     322       371             483       9  
    Mortgage-commercial     3,577       6,173             3,232       128  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity     29       30             33       2  
    Other                              
                                         
With an allowance recorded:                                        
  Commercial                              
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential                              
    Mortgage-commercial     453       453       14       380       21  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity                              
    Other                              
                                         
Total:                                        
  Commercial                              
  Real estate:                                        
    Construction                              
    Mortgage-residential     322       371             483       9  
    Mortgage-commercial     4,030       6,626       14       3,612       149  
  Consumer:                                        
    Home Equity     29       30             33       2  
    Other                              
    $ 4,381     $ 7,027     $ 14     $ 4,128     $ 160  

18
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered as pass rated loans. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is shown in the table below. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, no loans were classified as doubtful.

 

(Dollars in thousands)                              
March 31, 2019         Special                    
    Pass     Mention     Substandard     Doubtful     Total  
Commercial, financial & agricultural   $ 52,052     $ 237     $     $     $ 52,289  
Real estate:                                        
   Construction     56,234                         56,234  
   Mortgage – residential     49,567       486       679             50,732  
   Mortgage – commercial     511,101       3,977       4,342             519,420  
Consumer:                                        
  Home Equity     28,622       1,171       299             30,092  
  Other     9,651             2               9,653  
Total   $ 707,227     $ 5,871     $ 5,322     $     $ 718,420  

 

(Dollars in thousands)                              
December 31, 2018         Special                    
    Pass     Mention     Substandard     Doubtful     Total  
Commercial, financial & agricultural   $ 53,709     $ 224     $     $     $ 53,933  
Real estate:                                        
   Construction     58,440                         58,440  
   Mortgage – residential     51,286       633       845             52,764  
   Mortgage – commercial     505,493       5,176       3,164             513,833  
Consumer:                                        
  Home Equity     28,071       1,197       315             29,583  
  Other     9,907             2             9,909  
Total   $ 706,906     $ 7,230     $ 4,326     $     $ 718,462  

19
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, non-accrual loans totaled $2.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

 

TDRs that are still accruing and included in impaired loans at March 31, 2019 and at December 31, 2018 amounted to $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively. TDRs in non-accrual status at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 amounted to $1.2 million.

 

Loans greater than 90 days delinquent and still accruing interest were $21.7 thousand and $31.2 thousand at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. 

 

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

 

A summary of changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2019
   Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2018
 
         
Accretable yield, beginning of period  $153   $22 
Additions        
Accretion   (7)   (10)
Reclassification of nonaccretable difference due to improvement in expected cash flows        
Other changes, net   0     
Accretable yield, end of period  $145   $12 

 

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the recorded investment in purchased impaired loans was $112 thousand. The unpaid principal balance was $202 thousand and $205 thousand at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, these loans were all secured by commercial real estate. 

20
 

Note 4—Loans-continued

 

The following tables are by loan category and present loans past due and on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:  

(Dollars in thousands)               Greater than                          
    30-59 Days     60-89 Days     90 Days and           Total              
March 31, 2019   Past Due     Past Due     Accruing     Nonaccrual     Past Due     Current     Total Loans  
                                           
Commercial   $ 831     $     $     $     $ 831     $ 51,458     $ 52,289  
Real estate:                                                        
Construction     114                         114       56,120       56,234  
Mortgage-residential     73                   409       482       50,250       50,732  
Mortgage-commercial     93                   2,171       2,264       517,156       519,420  
Consumer:                                                      
Home equity     99                   57       156       29,936       30,092  
Other     49       13       22       5       89       9,564       9,653  
    $ 1,259     $ 13     $ 22     $ 2,642     $ 3,936     $ 714,484     $ 718,420  

 

(Dollars in thousands)               Greater than                          
    30-59 Days     60-89 Days     90 Days and           Total              
December 31, 2018   Past Due     Past Due     Accruing     Nonaccrual     Past Due     Current     Total Loans  
                                           
Commercial   $ 18     $ 8     $     $     $ 26     $ 53,907     $ 53,933  
Real estate:                                                        
Construction                                   58,440       58,440  
Mortgage-residential     110       163             284       557       52,207       52,764  
Mortgage-commercial     1,302                   2,232       3,534       510,299       513,833  
Consumer:                                                      
Home equity     146       11       31       29       217       29,366       29,583  
Other     14       55                   69       9,840       9,909  
    $ 1,590     $ 237     $ 31     $ 2,545     $ 4,403     $ 714,059     $ 718,462  

 

The Company identifies TDRs as impaired under the guidance in ASC 310-10-35. There were no loans determined to be TDRs that were restructured during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018.

 

During the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, there were no loans determined to be TDRs in the previous twelve months that had payment defaults. Defaulted loans are those loans that are greater than 89 days past due.

 

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

21
 

Note 5—Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements:

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance (ASU 2014-09) to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity 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 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018. The Company evaluated the overall impact on affected revenue streams and any related contracts, including asset management fees, gains and losses on the sale of real estate, deposit related fees and interchange fees. Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that ASU 2014-09 did not materially change the method in which revenue from impacted revenue streams was previously being recognized. The Company applied the guidance using a modified retrospective approach. This approach requires the application of the new guidance to uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption. Periods prior to the date of adoption were not retrospectively revised as the impact on uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption was not material.

In January 2016, the FASB amended the Financial Instruments topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (ASU 2016-01) to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The guidance affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values were applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption of the amendments. ASU 2016-01 requires the use of exit price rather than entrance price in determining the fair value of loans not measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments for information regarding the change in the valuation of these loans. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB amended the Leases topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to revise certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leasing transactions. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the guidance using the modified retrospective method and practical expedients for transition. The practical expedients allow the Company to largely account for our existing leases consisted with current guidance except for the incremental balance sheet recognition of lessees. The Company evaluated the new guidance and its impact on the Company’s financial statements. Based on leases outstanding at December 31,2018, the impact of adoption on January 1, 2019 was recording a right-of-use asset and lease liability of $2.8 million. See Note 9 “Leases” to the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance to change the accounting for credit losses and modify the impairment model for certain debt securities. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all organizations for periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that implementation of the new standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendment to the Business Combinations Topic is intended to address concerns that the existing definition of a business has been applied too broadly and has resulted in many transactions being recorded as business acquisitions that in substance are more akin to asset acquisitions. The guidance was effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. These amendments had no material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB amended the Goodwill and Other Topic of the ASC to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment for public business entities and other entities that have goodwill reported in their financial statements and have not elected the private company alternative for the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The amendment removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The effective date and transition requirements for the technical corrections will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

22
 

Note 5—Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements-continued

 

In March 2017, the FASB amended the requirements in the Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs Topic of the ASC related to the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The amendments shorten the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date. The amendments became effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In November 2017, the FASB updated the Income Statement and Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topics of the ASC. The amendments incorporate into the ASC recent SEC guidance related to revenue recognition. The amendments were effective upon issuance and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In March 2018, the FASB updated the Debt Securities and the Regulated Operations Topics of the ASC. The amendments incorporate into the ASC recent SEC guidance which was issued in order to make the relevant interpretive guidance consistent with current authoritative accounting and auditing guidance and SEC rules and regulations. The amendments were effective upon issuance and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In July 2018, the FASB amended the Leases Topic of the ASC to make narrow amendments to clarify how to apply certain aspects of the new lease standard. Additionally, amendments were made to give entities another option for transition and to provide lessors with a practical expedient. The amendments became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB amended the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC. The amendments remove, modify, and add certain fair value disclosure requirements based on the concepts in the FASB Concepts Statement, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting—Chapter 8: Notes to Financial Statements. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB amended the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic of the ASC to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendments will be effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In March 2019, the FASB issued guidance to address concerns companies had raised about an accounting exception they would lose when assessing the fair value of underlying assets under the leases standard and clarify that lessees and lessors are exempt from a certain interim disclosure requirement associated with adopting the new standard. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

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

23
 

Note 6—Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company adopted FASB ASC Fair Value Measurement Topic 820, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: 

 

Level l

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Loans - The fair value of loans at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were measured using an exit price methodology. The exit price uses this methodology but also incorporates other assumptions such as market factors illiquidity risk and enhanced credit risk. These added assumptions are intended to approximate the fair value that a market participant would realize in a hypothetical orderly transaction. In estimating the fair value, the Company’s portfolio is segmented using the six categories in Note 4 – Loans. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are primarily valued on a nonrecurring basis at the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral. Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-01 loans other than impaired loans were classified as a Level 2 measurement, as of March 31, 2019 all loans are classified as a Level 3 measurement. 

24
 

Note 6—Fair Value of Financial Instruments-continued

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

25
 

Note 6—Fair Value of Financial Instruments-continued 

 

The carrying amount and estimated fair value by classification level of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

   March 31, 2019 
       Fair Value 
(Dollars in thousands)  Carrying
Amount
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and short term investments   $38,207   $38,207   $38,207   $   $ 
Available-for-sale securities    246,747    246,747    8    246,739     
Other investments, at cost    2,162    2,162            2,162 
Loans held for sale    7,299    7,299        7,299     
Net loans receivable    712,066    712,066            712,066 
Accrued interest    3,616    3,616    3,616         
Financial liabilities:                         
Non-interest bearing demand   $257,764   $257,764   $   $257,764   $ 
Interest bearing demand deposits and money market accounts    376,843    376,843        376,843     
Savings    105,588    105,588        105,588     
Time deposits    179,578    180,066        180,066     
Total deposits    919,773    920,261        920,264     
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances    2,226    2,226        2,226     
Short term borrowings    32,007    32,007        32,007     
Junior subordinated debentures    14,964    13,453        13,453     
Accrued interest payable    951    951    951         

26
 

Note 6—Fair Value of Financial Instruments-continued

 

   December 31, 2018 
       Fair Value 
(Dollars in thousands)  Carrying
Amount
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and short term investments   $32,268   $32,268   $32,268   $   $ 
Held-to-maturity securities   16,174    16,184        16,184     
Available-for-sale securities    237,893    237,893    1,642    235,560    691 
Other investments, at cost    1,955    1,955            1,955 
Loans held for sale    3,223    3,223        3,223     
Net loans receivable    712,199    697,432        693,065    4,367 
Accrued interest    3,579    3,579    3,579         
Financial liabilities:                         
Non-interest bearing demand   $244,686   $244,686   $   $244,686   $ 
Interest bearing demand deposits and money market accounts    393,473    393,473        393,4738     
Savings    108,368    108,368        108,368     
Time deposits    178,996    177,797        177,797     
Total deposits    925,523    925,849        925,849     
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances    231    231        231     
Short term borrowings    28,022    28,022        28,022     
Junior subordinated debentures    14,964    14,178        12,791     
Accrued interest payable    861    861    861         

 

The following tables summarize quantitative disclosures about the fair value for each category of assets carried at fair value as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 that are measured on a recurring basis. There were no liabilities carried at fair value as of March 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018 that are measured on a recurring basis.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Description  March 31,
2019
   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Available for sale securities                    
US Treasury Securities  $15,515   $   $15,515   $ 
Government sponsored enterprises   1,110        1,110     
Mortgage-backed securities   113,187        113,187     
Small Business Administration pools   50,110        50,110     
State and local government   66,807        66,807     
Corporate and other securities   18    8    10     
    246,747    8    246,739     
Loans held for sale   7,299        7,299     
Total  $254,046   $8   $254,038   $ 

27
 

Note 6—Fair Value of Financial Instruments-continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Description   December 31,
2018
    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Available for sale securities                                
US Treasury Securities   $ 15,457     $     $ 15,457     $  
Government sponsored enterprises     1,100             1,100        
Mortgage-backed securities     115,475             114,784       691  
Small Business Administration securities     55,336       1,633       53,703        
State and local government     50,506             50,506        
Corporate and other securities     19       9       10        
      237,893       1,642       235,560       691  
Loans held for sale     3,223             3,223        
         Total   $ 241,116     $ 1,642     $ 238,783     $ 691  

  

The following tables summarize quantitative disclosures about the fair value for each category of assets carried at fair value as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 that are measured on a non-recurring basis. There were no Level 3 financial instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 measured on a recurring basis.

  

(Dollars in thousands)                        
Description   March 31,
2019
    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Impaired loans:                                
  Commercial   $     $     $     $  
  Real estate:                                
    Mortgage-residential     409                   409  
    Mortgage-commercial     4,148                   4,148  
  Consumer:                                
    Home equity     57                   57  
    Other     5                   5  
      Total impaired     4,619                   4,619  
Other real estate owned:                                
  Construction     828                   828  
  Mortgage-residential     632                   632  
      Total other real estate owned     1,460                   1,460  
Total   $ 6,079     $     $     $ 6,079  

28
 

Note 6—Fair Value of Financial Instruments-continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)                        
Description   December 31,
2018
    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Impaired loans:                                
  Commercial & Industrial   $             $  
  Real estate:                                
    Mortgage-residential     322                   322  
    Mortgage-commercial     4,016                   4,016  
  Consumer:                                
    Home equity     29                   29  
    Other                        
      Total impaired     4,367                   4,367  
Other real estate owned:                                
  Construction     828                   828  
  Mortgage-residential     632                   632  
      Total other real estate owned     1,460                   1,460  
Total   $ 6,057             $ 6,057  

  

The Company has a large percentage of loans with real estate serving as collateral. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are primarily valued on a nonrecurring basis at the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral. Such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be Level 3 inputs. Third party appraisals are generally obtained when a loan is identified as being impaired or at the time it is transferred to OREO. This internal process consists of evaluating the underlying collateral to independently obtained comparable properties. With respect to less complex or smaller credits, an internal evaluation may be performed. Generally, the independent and internal evaluations are updated annually. Factors considered in determining the fair value include, among others, geographic sales trends, the value of comparable surrounding properties and the condition of the property. The aggregate amount of impaired loans was $4.6 million and $4.4 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

29
 

Note 6—Fair Value of Financial Instruments-continued

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)   Fair Value
as of
March 31,
2019
  Valuation Technique   Significant
Observable Inputs
  Significant
Unobservable Inputs
OREO   $    1,460   Appraisal Value/Comparison Sales/Other estimates   Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties   Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost
Impaired loans   $    4,619   Appraisal Value   Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties   Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost
                 
(Dollars in thousands)   Fair Value
as of
December 31,
2018
  Valuation Technique   Significant
Observable Inputs
  Significant
Unobservable Inputs
OREO   $    1,460   Appraisal Value/Comparison Sales/Other estimates   Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties   Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost
                 
Impaired loans   $    4,367   Appraisal Value   Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties   Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost

 

Note 7—Deposits

 

The Company’s total deposits are comprised of the following at the dates indicated:  

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2019   2018 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits  $257,764   $244,686 
Interest bearing demand deposits and money market accounts   376,843    393,473 
Savings   105,588    108,369 
Time deposits   179,578    178,995 
Total deposits  $919,773   $925,523 

 

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had time deposits greater than $250,000 of $31.0 million and $27.8 million, respectively.  

30
 

Note 8—Reportable Segments

 

The Company’s reportable segments represent the distinct product lines the Company offers and are viewed separately for strategic planning by management. The Company has four reportable segments:

 

  · Commercial and retail banking: The Company’s primary business is to provide deposit and lending products and services to its commercial and retail customers.

 

  · Mortgage banking: This segment provides mortgage origination services for loans that will be sold to investors in the secondary market.

 

  · Investment advisory and non-deposit: This segment provides investment advisory services and non-deposit products.

 

  · Corporate: This segment includes the parent company financial information, including interest on parent company debt and dividend income received from First Community Bank (the “Bank”).

 

Three months ended March 31, 2019  Commercial       Investment             
(Dollars in thousands)  and Retail   Mortgage   advisory and             
   Banking   Banking   non-deposit   Corporate   Eliminations   Consolidated 
                         
Dividend and Interest Income  $10,131   $237   $   $1,017   $(1,011)   10,374 
Interest expense   1,156            198        1,354 
Net interest income  $8,975   $237   $   $819   $(1,011)  $9,020 
Provision for loan losses   105                    105 
Noninterest income   1,227    844    438            2,509 
Noninterest expense   7,024    804    415    80        8,323 
Net income before taxes  $3,073   $277   $23   $739   $(1,011)  $3,101 
                               
Income tax provision (benefit)   685            (79)       606 
Net income  $2,388   $277   $23   $818   $(1,011)  $2,495 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2018  Commercial       Investment             
(Dollars in thousands)  and Retail   Mortgage   advisory and             
   Banking   Banking   non-deposit   Corporate   Eliminations   Consolidated 
                         
Dividend and Interest Income  $9,128   $198   $   $909   $(904)   9,331 
Interest expense   639            158        797 
Net interest income  $8,489   $198   $   $751   $(904)  $8,534 
Provision for loan losses   202                    202 
Noninterest income   1,297    951    383            2,631 
Noninterest expense   6,409    755    340    90        7,594 
Net income before taxes  $3,175   $394   $43   $661   $(904)  $3,369 
                               
Income tax provision (benefit)   725            (65)       660 
Net income  $2,450   $394   $43   $726   $(904)  $2,709 

31
 

Note 8—Reportable Segments-continued

 

   Commercial       Investment             
(Dollars in thousands)  and Retail   Mortgage   advisory and             
   Banking   Banking   non-deposit   Corporate   Eliminations   Consolidated 
                         
Total Assets as of March 31, 2019  $1,076,190   $20,486   $7   $130,121   $(129,408)  $1,097,396 
                               
Total Assets as of December 31, 2018  $1,074,838   $16,078   $9   $129,992   $(129,322)  $1,091,595 

 

   Commercial       Investment             
(Dollars in thousands)  and Retail   Mortgage   advisory and             
   Banking   Banking   non-deposit   Corporate   Eliminations   Consolidated 
                         
Total Assets as of March 31, 2018  $1,051,311   $18,361   $17   $123,501   $(122,651)  $1,070,539 
                               
Total Assets as of December 31, 2017  $1,033,483   $16,298   $19   $121,326   $(120,395)  $1,050,731 

 

Note 9—Leases

 

Effective January 1, 2019 the Company adopted ASC 842 “Leases”. Currently, the Company has operating leases on two of its facilities that are accounted for under this standard. As a result of this standard, the Company recognized a right-of-use asset and a lease liability of $2.8 million, respectively. During the period ended March 31, 2019, the Company made cash payments in the amount of $64.5 thousand for operating leases. The lease expense recognized during this period amounted to $58.1 thousand and the lease liability was reduced by $15.6 thousand. The following table is a maturity analysis of the operating lease liabilities. The weighted average lease term is 18.88 years and the weighted average discount rate used is 4.83%.

  

(Dollars in thousands)  Liability 
Year  Cash   Lease Expense   Reduction 
2019  $196   $135   $61 
2020   200    133    67 
2021   204    129    75 
2022   208    125    83 
2023   212    121    91 
Thereafter   3,471    994    2,477 
Total  $4,492   $1,638   $2,854 

32
 

Note 10—Subsequent Events

 

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

 

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

 

This report contains statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other matters, the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business of our Company. Forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors which are beyond our control. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “assume,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “goal,” and “estimate,” as well as similar expressions, are meant to identify such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2019 and the following:

  · credit losses as a result of, among other potential factors, declining real estate values, increasing interest rates, increasing unemployment, changes in customer payment behavior or other factors;

 

  · the amount of our loan portfolio collateralized by real estate and weaknesses in the real estate market;

 

  · restrictions or conditions imposed by our regulators on our operations;

 

  · the adequacy of the level of our allowance for loan losses and the amount of loan loss provisions required in future periods;

 

  · examinations by our regulatory authorities, including the possibility that the regulatory authorities may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for loan losses or write-down assets;

 

  · reduced earnings due to higher other-than-temporary impairment charges resulting from additional decline in the value of our securities portfolio, specifically as a result of increasing default rates, and loss severities on the underlying real estate collateral;

 

  · merger and merger integration risk, including potential customer loss, higher than expected costs, loss of key employees, and business disruption associated with completed combinations, and including the potential inability to identify and successfully negotiate, complete and integrate additional potential combinations with merger or acquisition partners or to realize the benefits and cost savings sought from, and acceptably limit unexpected liabilities associated with, any business combinations;

 

  · increases in competitive pressure in the banking and financial services industries;

 

  · changes in the interest rate environment which could reduce anticipated or actual margins;

 

  · changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment, including governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry;

33
 

  · general economic conditions resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality;

 

  · changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;

 

  · changes in access to funding or increased regulatory requirements with regard to funding;

 

  · increased cybersecurity risk, including potential business disruptions or financial losses;

 

  · changes in deposit flows;

 

  · changes in technology;

 

  · our current and future products, services, applications and functionality and plans to promote them;

 

  · changes in monetary and tax policies;

 

  · changes in accounting standards, policies, estimates, practices and procedures;

 

  · our assumptions and estimates used in applying critical accounting policies, which may prove unreliable, inaccurate or not predictive of actual results;

 

  · the rate of delinquencies and amounts of loans charged-off;

 

  · the rate of loan growth in recent years and the lack of seasoning of a portion of our loan portfolio;

 

  · our ability to maintain appropriate levels of capital, including levels of capital required under the capital rules implementing Basel III;

 

  · our ability to attract and retain key personnel;

 

  · our ability to retain our existing clients, including our deposit relationships;

 

  · adverse changes in asset quality and resulting credit risk-related losses and expenses;

 

  · loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions resulting from terrorist activities;

 

  · disruptions due to flooding, severe weather or other natural disasters; and

 

  · other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

Because of these and other risks and uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by any forward-looking statements. For additional information with respect to factors that could cause actual results to differ from the expectations stated in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking information and statements.

All forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to us as of the date of this report. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee you that these expectations will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

34
 

Overview

The following discussion describes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 and analyzes our financial condition as of March 31, 2019 as compared to December 31, 2018. Like most community banks, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments. Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits. Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. There are risks inherent in all loans, so we maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. We establish and maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings. In the following section we have included a discussion of this process, as well as several tables describing our allowance for loan losses and the allocation of this allowance among our various categories of loans.

 

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

 

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

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with general practices within the banking industry in the preparation of our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in the footnotes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2019 and our notes included in the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2019.

 

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

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

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

35
 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

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

 

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

 

Core deposit intangibles consist of costs that resulted from the acquisition of deposits from Savannah River Financial Corporation (“Savannah River”), First South Bank, and Cornerstone Bancorp (“Cornerstone”). Core deposit intangibles represent the estimated value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in this transaction. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the deposit accounts acquired on a method that we believe reasonably approximates the anticipated benefit stream from the accounts. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness.

 

Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

 

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in our consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related to differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of certain assets and liabilities, including available-for-sale securities, allowance for loan losses, write downs of OREO properties, accumulated depreciation, net operating loss carry forwards, accretion income, deferred compensation, intangible assets, and pension plan and post-retirement benefits. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. We file a consolidated federal income tax return for the Bank. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we were in a net deferred tax asset position.

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

We evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) the outlook for receiving the contractual cash flows of the investments, (4) the anticipated outlook for changes in the general level of interest rates, and (5) our intent and ability to retain our investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

36
 

Business Combinations, Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired

 

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

 

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

 

Comparison of Results of Operations for Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

Net Income

Our net income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $2.5 million, or $0.32 diluted earnings per common share, as compared to $2.7 million, or $0.35 diluted earnings per common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in net income between the two periods is primarily due to an increase in non- interest expense of $729 thousand partially offset by an increase in net interest income between the periods of $486 thousand. The increase in non-interest expense is primarily related to the opening and staffing of two new offices. We opened the downtown Augusta, Georgia office late in the first quarter of 2018 and the downtown Greenville South Carolina office in the first quarter of 2019. The increase in net interest income results from an increase of $35.5 million in average earning assets and a 7 basis point increase in the net interest margin between the two periods.  

37
 

Net Interest Income

Please refer to the table at the end of this Item 2 (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) for the yield and rate data for interest-bearing balance sheet components during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, along with average balances and the related interest income and interest expense amounts.

 

Net interest income was $9.0 million and $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our net interest margin increased by 7 basis points from 3.61% at March 31, 2018 to 3.68% at March 31, 2019. Average earning assets were $957.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 as compared to $993.5 million in the same period of 2019. The growth in earning assets as well as the 7 basis point increase in margin resulted in the $486 thousand increase in net interest income in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the first quarter of 2018. We continue to focus on changing the mix of earning assets from investment securities to loans, which will positively impact our net interest margin. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, loans represented 68.7% of average earning assets as compared to 72.9% in the same period of 2019. The yield on loans increased 13 basis points in the first quarter of 2019 (4.82%) as compared to the same period in 2018 (4.69%). The yield on earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was 4.23% and 3.95%, respectively. The yield on our securities portfolio increased to 2.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from 2.39% for the same period in 2018. This increase is primarily a result of the variable rate portion of the investment portfolio being positively impacted by the three rate increases in the federal funds rate in the last three quarters of 2018. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was at 76 basis points in the first quarter 2019 compared to 45 basis points in the first quarter of 2018. Deposit rates within our markets have steadily increased over the last year as the Federal Reserve has increased the federal funds rate. We continue to focus on growing our pure deposits (demand accounts, interest bearing transaction accounts, savings and money market accounts). These accounts tend to be low-cost deposits and assist us in controlling our overall cost of funds. In the first quarter of 2018, these deposits averaged 78.3% of total deposits as compared to 80.2% in the same period of 2019.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the allowance for loan losses was $6.4 million, or 0.8% of total loans (excluding loans held for sale), and $6.3 million, or 0.87% of total loans (excluding loans held for sale), respectively. Loans that were acquired in the acquisition of Cornerstone in 2017 as well as in the acquisition of Savannah River in 2014 are accounted for under FASB ASC 310-30. These acquired loans were initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. The credit component on loans related to cash flows not expected to be collected is not subsequently accreted (non-accretable difference) into interest income. Any remaining portion representing the excess of a loan’s or pool’s cash flows expected to be collected over the fair value is accreted (accretable difference) into interest income. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the remaining credit component on loans attributable to acquired loans in the Cornerstone and Savannah River transactions was $575 thousand and $660 thousand, respectively. Our provision for loan losses was $105 thousand and $202 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Our judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on assumptions about future events, which we believe to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. Our determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans, the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio, the experience ability and depth of lending personnel, economic conditions (local and national) that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans, our historical loan loss experience, and a review of specific problem loans. We also consider subjective issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity of problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight, and concentrations of credit. Periodically, we adjust the amount of the allowance based on changing circumstances. We charge recognized losses to the allowance and add subsequent recoveries back to the allowance for loan losses.

38
 

We perform an analysis quarterly to assess the risk within the loan portfolio. The portfolio is segregated into similar risk components for which historical loss ratios are calculated and adjusted for identified changes in current portfolio characteristics. Historical loss ratios are calculated by product type and by regulatory credit risk classification (See Note 4 – Loans). The annualized weighted average loss ratios over the last 36 months for loans classified substandard, special mention and pass have been approximately 0.19%, 0.39% and 0.01%, respectively. The allowance consists of an allocated and unallocated allowance. The allocated portion is determined by types and ratings of loans within the portfolio. The unallocated portion of the allowance is established for losses that exist in the remainder of the portfolio and compensates for uncertainty in estimating the loan losses. The allocated portion of the allowance is based on historical loss experience as well as certain qualitative factors as explained above. The qualitative factors have been established based on certain assumptions made as a result of the current economic conditions and are adjusted as conditions change to be directionally consistent with these changes. The unallocated portion of the allowance is composed of factors based on management’s evaluation of various conditions that are not directly measured in the estimation of probable losses through the experience formula or specific allowances. The unallocated portion of the allowance is composed of factors based on management’s evaluation of various conditions that are not directly measured in the estimation of probable losses through the experience formula or specific allowances. The overall risk as measured in our three-year lookback, both quantitatively and qualitatively, does not encompass a full economic cycle. The U.S. economy has been in an extended period of recovery. The period at which we may revert back to a slowing economy is not determinable. Net charge-offs in the 2009 to 2011 period averaged 63 basis points annualized in our loan portfolio. Over the most recent three-year period, our net charge-offs have experienced a modest net recovery. We believe the unallocated portion of our allowance represents potential risk associated throughout a full economic cycle. Management does not believe it would be judicious to reduce substantially the overall level of the allowance at this time.

 

We have a significant portion of our loan portfolio with real estate as the underlying collateral. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, approximately 91.4% and 91.1%, respectively, of the loan portfolio had real estate collateral. When loans, whether commercial or personal, are granted, they are based on the borrower’s ability to generate repayment cash flows from income sources sufficient to service the debt. Real estate is generally taken to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment and as a secondary source of repayment. We work closely with all our borrowers that experience cash flow or other economic problems, and we believe that we have the appropriate processes in place to monitor and identify problem credits. There can be no assurance that charge-offs of loans in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time or that provisions for loan losses will not be significant to a particular accounting period. The allowance is also subject to examination and testing for adequacy by regulatory agencies, which may consider such factors as the methodology used to determine adequacy and the size of the allowance relative to that of peer institutions. Such regulatory agencies could require us to adjust our allowance based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

Non-performing assets were $4.1 million (0.38% of total assets) at March 31, 2019 as compared to $4.0 million (0.37% of total assets) at December 31, 2018. While we believe the non-performing assets to total assets ratios are favorable in comparison to current industry results (both nationally and locally), we continue to be concerned about the impact of this economic environment on our customer base of local businesses and professionals. There were 31 loans totaling $2.6 million included in non-performing status (non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days and still accruing) at March 31, 2019. The largest loan included in non-accrual status is in the amount of $765 thousand and is secured by a first mortgage on developed lots to be sold for residential use. The average balance of the remaining 30 loans is approximately $63 thousand, and the majority of these loans are secured by first mortgage liens. At the time the loans are placed in non-accrual status, we typically obtain an updated appraisal and, if the loan balance exceeds fair value, write the balance down to the fair value. At March 31, 2019, we had loans totaling $1.3 million that were delinquent 30 days to 89 days representing 0.18% of total loans.

 

Our management continuously monitors non-performing, classified and past due loans to identify deterioration regarding the condition of these loans. At March 31, 2019, there have been no loans identified as potential problem loans. 

39
 

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

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)   2019     2018  
Average loans outstanding (including loans held for sale)   $ 724,060     $ 658,227  
Loans outstanding at period end   $ 718,420     $ 668,583  
Non-performing assets:                
Nonaccrual loans   $ 2,641     $ 3,117  
Loans 90 days past due still accruing     22       34  
Foreclosed real estate     1,460       1,887  
Repossessed-other           20  
Total non-performing assets   $ 4,123     $ 5,058  
                 
Beginning balance of allowance   $ 6,263     $ 5,797  
Loans charged-off:                
Real estate Construction            
Real estate Mortgage Residential           1  
Real estate Mortgage Commercial            
Consumer Home equity     1       47  
Commercial     2        
Consumer Other     30        
Total loans charged-off     33       48  
Recoveries:                
Real estate Construction            
Real estate Mortgage Residential            
Real estate Mortgage Commercial     10       27  
Consumer Home equity            
Commercial            
Consumer Other     9       8  
Total recoveries     19       35  
Net loan charge offs (recoveries)     14       12  
Provision for loan losses     105       202  
Balance at period end   $ 6,354     $ 5,986  
                 
Net charge offs (recoveries) to average loans     0.00 %     0.00 %
Allowance as percent of total loans     0.88 %     0.90 %
Non-performing assets as % of total assets     0.38 %     0.47 %
Allowance as % of non-performing loans     238.6 %     190.0 %

40
 

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

 

Composition of the Allowance for Loan Losses

(Dollars in thousands)   March 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
          % of loans in           % of loans in  
    Amount     Category     Amount     Category  
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural   $ 418       7.3 %   $ 430       7.5 %
Real Estate – Construction     96       7.8 %     89       8.1 %
Real Estate Mortgage:                                
Residential     412       7.1 %     431       7.3 %
Commercial     4,346       72.3 %     4,318       71.6 %
Consumer:                                
Home Equity     268       4.2 %     261       4.1 %
Other     89       1.3 %     88       1.4 %
Unallocated     725             N/A       646       N/A  
Total   $ 6,354       100.0 %   $ 6,263       100.0 %

  

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

 

Non-interest Income and Non-interest Expense

 

Non-interest income during the first quarter of 2019 was $2.5 million as compared to $2.6 million during the same period in 2018. Deposit service charges decreased $52 thousand during the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018. Changes in the overdraft protection fee collection regulatory requirements contributed to the decrease in overall deposit service charge fees. Mortgage banking income decreased by $107 thousand from $951 thousand in the first quarter of 2018 to $844 thousand in the first quarter of 2019. Mortgage production in the first quarter of 2019 was $25.8 million as compared to $27.9 million in the same period of 2018. Investment advisory fees increased $55 thousand in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018 as a result of increased assets under management. Total assets under management amounted to $272 million at March 31, 2018 as compared to $330 million at March 31, 2019. Management continues to focus on increasing both the mortgage banking income as well as the investment advisory fees and commissions.

 

Non-interest income, other decreased $78 thousand in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018. In the first quarter of 2018 we sold excess real estate and wrote down the balance of another excess real estate lot, all of which resulted in a net gain of approximately $80 thousand and is included in Non-interest Income “Other” for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. 

41
 

The following is a summary of the components of other non-interest income for the periods indicated:

 

(Dollars in thousands)   

Three months ended

March 31,

 
    2019     2018  
ATM debit card income   $ 462     $ 440  
Income on bank owned life insurance     196       210  
Rental income     70       72  
Loan late charges     26       26  
Safe deposit fees     15       17  
Wire transfer fees     18       20  
Other     58       138  
Total   $ 845     $ 923  

 

Non-interest expense increased $729 thousand in the first quarter of 2019 to $8.3 million as compared to $7.6 million in the first quarter of 2018. Salary and benefit expense increased $593 thousand from $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 to $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2019. This increase is primarily a result of the normal salary adjustments, as well as the opening of our downtown Greenville office in February 2019. Substantially all of the salary and benefit costs were included in the full quarter ended March 31, 2019 for the staffing of this new full-service branch. We had 230 full time equivalent employees at March 31, 2019 and 2018. Occupancy expense increased $41 thousand in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018. This increase is attributable to the opening of the downtown Greenville office. Marketing expense increased $86 thousand in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. The timing of a media campaign impacts the recognition of marketing expense, and it is expected that the overall 2019 annual media cost will not vary substantially from the annual cost incurred in 2018.

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Three months ended 
   March 31, 
   2019   2018 
Data processing  $616   $574 
Supplies   46    36 
Telephone   105    116 
Courier   38    38 
Correspondent services   57    70 
Insurance   57    60 
Postage   11    18 
Legal and professional fees   231    253 
Loss on limited partnership interest   12    12 
Director fees   87    94 
Shareholder expense   39    50 
Dues   35    35 
Subscriptions   48    50 
Loan closing costs/fees   81    4 
Other   239    282 
   $1,702   $1,692 

42
 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective tax rate was 19.5% and 19.6% in the first quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively. The effective rate in 2019 and 2018 is impacted by the passing of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017. The federal tax rate prior to this change was 34%, and beginning January 1, 2018, the rate was lowered to 21%. As a result, of our current level of tax-exempt securities in our investment portfolio and our BOLI holdings, the effective tax rate is expected to be 20.0% to 20.5% throughout the remainder of 2019.

 

Financial Position

 

Assets totaled $1.1 billion at March 31, 2019 and at December 31, 2018. Loans (excluding loans held for sale) remained substantially unchanged between the periods at $718 million. Total loan production was $26.5 million during the first quarter of 2019. During this three-month period, we experienced loan paydowns of the same amount. The loan-to-deposit ratio at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was 78.9% and 78.0%, respectively. Investment securities decreased to $248.9 million at March 31, 2019 from $256.0 million at December 31, 2018. During the first quarter of 2019, we reclassified our entire held-to-maturity portfolio to the available for sale portfolio. The held to maturity portfolio consisted of approximately $16.2 million in municipal securities.

 

One of our goals as a community bank has been, and continues to be, to grow our assets through quality loan growth by providing credit to small and mid-size businesses and individuals within the markets we serve. We remain committed to meeting the credit needs of our local markets.

 

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

(Dollars in thousands)   March 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
    Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
Commercial, financial & agricultural   $ 52,289       7.3 %   $ 53,933       7.5 %
Real estate:                                
   Construction     56,234       7.8 %     58,440       8.1 %
   Mortgage – residential     50,732       7.1 %     52,764       7.3 %
   Mortgage – commercial     519,420       72.3 %     513,833       71.6 %
Consumer:                                
   Home Equity     30,092       4.2 %     29,583       4.1 %
   Other     9,653       1.3 %     9,909       1.4 %
Total gross loans     718,420       100.0 %     718,462       100.0 %
Allowance for loan losses     (6,354 )             (6,263 )        
     Total net loans   $ 712,066             $ 712,199          

  

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

 

Deposits decreased $5.8 million to $919.8 million at March 31, 2019 as compared to $925.5 million at December 31, 2018. We typically experience a short term decrease in deposit in the first quarter of each year due to our business customers withdrawing funds primarily for bonuses and taxes. We continue to focus on growing our pure deposits as a percentage of total deposits in order to better manage our overall cost of funds.

 

During the first quarter of 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting standard (ASC 842 “Leases”). As a result of this change in accounting for leases, we recorded a Right-of-Use Asset of $2.8 million and Lease liability of $2.8 million (see Note 9 “Leases” to the consolidated financial statements). 

43
 

Market Risk Management

 

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

A monitoring technique employed by the ALCO is the measurement of interest sensitivity “gap,” which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time. Simulation modeling is performed to assess the impact varying interest rates and balance sheet mix assumptions will have on net interest income. We model the impact on net interest income for several different changes, to include a flattening, steepening and parallel shift in the yield curve. For each of these scenarios, we model the impact on net interest income in an increasing and decreasing rate environment of 100 and 200 basis points. Policies have been established in an effort to maintain the maximum anticipated negative impact of these modeled changes in net interest income at no more than 10% and 15% in a 100 and 200 basis point change in interest rates, respectively, over a twelve month period. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets or liabilities, selling securities available-for-sale, replacing an asset or liability at maturity or by adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability. Managing the amount of assets and liabilities repricing in the same time interval helps to hedge the risk and minimize the impact on net interest income of rising or falling interest rates.

 

We are currently asset sensitive within one year. However, neither the “gap” analysis nor asset/liability simulation modeling is a precise indicator of our interest sensitivity position due to the many factors that affect net interest income, including changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

Based on the many factors and assumptions used in simulating the effect of changes in interest rates, the following table estimates the percentage change in net interest income at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 over twelve months.

 

Net Interest Income Sensitivity

 

Change in short-term
interest rates
  Hypothetical
percentage change in
net interest income
 
    March 31,
2019
    December 31,
2018
 
+200bp     -3.08 %     -3.54 %
+100bp     -1.51 %     -1.58 %
Flat            
-100bp     -0.31 %     -0.34 %
-200bp     -3.10 %     -4.37 %

  

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

We also perform a valuation analysis projecting future cash flows from assets and liabilities to determine the Present Value of Equity (“PVE”) over a range of changes in market interest rates. The sensitivity of PVE to changes in interest rates is a measure of the sensitivity of earnings over a longer time horizon. At March 31, 2019, the PVE exposure in a plus 200 basis point increase in market interest rates was estimated to be 4.21% as compared to (1.56)% at December 31, 2018. 

44
 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We believe our liquidity remains adequate to meet operating and loan funding requirements. Interest-bearing bank balances, federal funds sold, and investment securities available-for-sale represent 24.6% of total assets at March 31, 2019. We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits along with continued growth in this deposit base will enable us to meet our long-term and short-term liquidity needs successfully. These needs include the ability to respond to short-term demand for funds caused by the withdrawal of deposits, maturity of repurchase agreements, extensions of credit and the payment of operating expenses. Other sources of liquidity, in addition to deposit gathering activities, include maturing loans and investments, purchase of federal funds from other financial institutions and selling securities under agreements to repurchase. We monitor closely the level of large certificates of deposits in amounts of $100 thousand or more as they tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes and, thus, less reliable sources of funding for liquidity purposes. At March 31, 2019, the amount of time deposits of $100 thousand or more represented 9.6% of total deposits and the amount of time deposits of $250 thousand or more represented 3.4% of deposits. The majority of these deposits are issued to local customers, many of whom have other product relationships with the Bank.

 

Through the operations of our Bank, we have made contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money to our customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time. At March 31, 2019, we had issued commitments to extend credit of $123.9 million, including $37 million in unused home equity lines of credit, through various types of lending arrangements. We evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial and residential real estate. We manage the credit risk on these commitments by subjecting them to normal underwriting and risk management processes.

 

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

 

We generally maintain a high level of liquidity and adequate capital, which along with continued retained earnings, we believe will be sufficient to fund the operations of the Bank for at least the next 12 months. Shareholders’ equity was 10.6% of total assets at March 31, 2019 and 10.3% at December 31, 2018. The Bank maintains federal funds purchased lines in the total amount of $20.0 million with two financial institutions, although these were not utilized in the first quarter of 2018. The FHLB of Atlanta has approved a line of credit of up to 25% of the Bank’s assets, which, when utilized, is collateralized by a pledge against specific investment securities and/or eligible loans. We regularly review our liquidity position and have implemented internal policies establishing guidelines for sources of asset-based liquidity and evaluate and monitor the total amount of purchased funds used to support the balance sheet and funding from noncore sources. We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits along with continued growth in this deposit base will enable us to meet our long-term liquidity needs successfully.

 

Regulatory capital rules released by the federal bank regulatory agencies in July 2013 to implement capital standards, referred to as Basel III and developed by an international body known as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, impose higher minimum capital requirements for certain bank holding companies and banks.

 

The regulatory capital rules became effective for the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions), and all of the requirements in the rules were fully phased in on January 1, 2019. In 2018, the Federal Reserve increased the asset size to qualify as a small bank holding company. As a result of this change, we generally are not subject to the Federal Reserve capital requirements unless advised otherwise. Our Bank remains subject to capital requirements including a minimum leverage ratio and a minimum ratio of “qualifying capital” to risk weighted assets. These requirements are essentially the same as those that applied to us prior to the change in the definition of a small bank holding company.

45
 

When implemented, the final Basel III rules included certain new and higher risk-based capital and leverage requirements than those previously in place. Specifically, the following minimum capital requirements apply to our Bank:

 

  · a Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%;

 

  · a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% (increased from the former 4% requirement);

 

  · a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from former requirements); and

 

  · a leverage ratio of 4% (also unchanged from the former requirement).

 

Under the final Basel III rules, Tier 1 capital was redefined to include two components: Common Equity Tier 1 capital and additional Tier 1 capital. The new and highest form of capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital, consists solely of common stock (plus related surplus), retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income, and limited amounts of minority interests that are in the form of common stock. Additional Tier 1 capital includes other perpetual instruments historically included in Tier 1 capital, such as noncumulative perpetual preferred stock. The rules permit bank holding companies with less than $15 billion in total consolidated assets to continue to include trust preferred securities and cumulative perpetual preferred stock issued before May 19, 2010 in Tier 1 capital, but not in Common Equity Tier 1 capital, subject to certain restrictions. Tier 2 capital consists of instruments that currently qualify in Tier 2 capital plus instruments that the rules have disqualified from Tier 1 capital treatment. Cumulative perpetual preferred stock, formerly includable in Tier 1 capital, is now included only in Tier 2 capital. Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) is presumptively included in Common Equity Tier 1 capital and often would operate to reduce this category of capital. The rules provided a one-time opportunity at the end of the first quarter of 2015 for covered banking organizations to opt out of much of this treatment of AOCI. We elected to opt out from the inclusion of AOCI in Common Equity Tier 1 capital.

 

In addition, in order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions or discretionary bonus payments to executives, a covered banking organization must maintain a “capital conservation buffer” on top of its minimum risk-based capital requirements. This buffer must consist solely of Tier 1 Common Equity, but the buffer applies to all three measurements (Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 capital and total capital). The capital conservation buffer was phased in incrementally over time, became fully effective on January 1, 2019, and consists of an additional amount of common equity equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets 

 

In general, the final Basel III rules have had the effect of increasing capital requirements by increasing the risk weights on certain assets, including high volatility commercial real estate, certain loans past due 90 days or more or in nonaccrual status, mortgage servicing rights not includable in Common Equity Tier 1 capital, equity exposures, and claims on securities firms, that are used in the denominator of the three risk-based capital ratios.

 

As outlined above, we are generally not subject to the Federal Reserve capital requirements unless advised otherwise because we qualify as a small bank holding company. Our Bank remains subject to capital requirements including a minimum leverage ratio and a minimum ratio of “qualifying capital” to risk weighted assets. As of March 31, 2019, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements under the rules on a fully phased-in basis. The Bank’s risk-based capital ratios of leverage ratio, Tier 1, and total capital were 10.2%, 13.3% and 14.1%, respectively, at March 31, 2019 as compared to 9.7%, 13.2%, and 13.9%, respectively, at December 31, 2018. The Bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 ratio at March 31, 2019 was 13.3% and 13.2% at December 31, 2018. Under the Basel III rules, we anticipate that the Bank will remain a well capitalized institution for at least the next 12 months.

 

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

 

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

46
 

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Yields on Average Earning Assets and Rates

on Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities

                

   Three months ended March 31, 2019   Three months ended March 31, 2018 
   Average   Interest   Yield/   Average   Interest   Yield/ 
   Balance   Earned/Paid   Rate   Balance   Earned/Paid   Rate 
Assets                              
Earning assets                              
Loans  $724,060   $8,609    4.82%  $658,227   $7,617    4.69%
Securities:   251,920    1,656    2.67%   278,666    1,643    2.39%
Other short-term investments   17,479    109    2.53%   21,019    71    1.37%
Total earning assets   993,459    10,374    4.23%   957,912    9,331    3.95%
Cash and due from banks   13,359              13,671           
Premises and equipment   35,524              35,566           
Intangibles   16,576              17,083           
Other assets   36,713              36,141           
Allowance for loan losses   (6,313)             (5,868)          
Total assets  $1,089,318             $1,054,505           
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Interest-bearing transaction accounts   194,401    149    0.31%   186,042    68    0.15%
Money market accounts   179,376    341    0.77%   177,692    144    0.33%
Savings deposits   107,921    35    0.13%   106,541    38    0.14%
Time deposits   180,152    476    1.07%   193,221    297    0.62%
Other borrowings   56,604    353    2.53%   50,087    250    2.02%
Total interest-bearing liabilities   718,454    1,354    0.76%   713,583    797    0.45%
Demand deposits   246,890              227,785           
Other liabilities   10,189              7,546           
Shareholders’ equity   113,785              105,591           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $1,089,318             $1,054,505           
                               
Cost of funds including demand deposits             0.57%             0.34%
Net interest spread             3.47%             3.50%
Net interest income/margin       $9,020    3.68%       $8,534    3.61%
Net interest income/margin (taxable equivalent)       $9,134    3.73%       $8,652    3.66%

47
 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

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

  

The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

48
 

PART II -

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

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

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

There have not been any material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit    Description
     
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer.
     
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer.
     
32   Section 1350 Certifications
     
101   The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

49
 

SIGNATURES

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

 

  FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION
    (REGISTRANT)
     
Date: May 9, 2019 By: /s/ Michael C. Crapps
    Michael C. Crapps
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
Date: May 9, 2019 By:  /s/ Joseph G. Sawyer
    Joseph G. Sawyer
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
50
 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit    
Number   Description
     
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer.
     
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer.
     
32   Section 1350 Certifications.
     
101   The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.