Annual Statements Open main menu

First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2018 March (Form 10-Q)

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
Commission File Number: 001-37621

 

 
FIRST GUARANTY BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Louisiana
 
26-0513559
(State or other jurisdiction incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
 
400 East Thomas Street
 
 
Hammond, Louisiana
 
70401
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
(985) 345-7685
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
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  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  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 filers," "accelerated filers," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
                  Non-accelerated filer  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company

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

As of May 9, 2018 the registrant had 8,807,175 shares of $1 par value common stock outstanding.
 

Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
Page
Part I.
Financial Information
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
3
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
Item 2.
26
 
 
 
Item 3.
46
 
 
 
Item 4.
49
 
 
 
Part II.
49
 
 
 
Item 1.
49
 
 
 
Item 1A.
49
 
 
 
Item 6.
50
 
 
Signatures
51


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
FIRST GUARANTY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
Cash and due from banks
 
$
31,274
   
$
37,205
 
Federal funds sold
   
990
     
823
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
32,264
     
38,028
 
 
               
Investment securities:
               
Available for sale, at fair value
   
384,971
     
381,535
 
Held to maturity, at cost (estimated fair value of $113,348 and $118,557 respectively)
   
117,111
     
120,121
 
Investment securities
   
502,082
     
501,656
 
 
               
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
   
2,359
     
2,351
 
Loans held for sale
   
1,837
     
1,308
 
                 
Loans, net of unearned income
   
1,137,171
     
1,149,014
 
Less: allowance for loan losses
   
9,788
     
9,225
 
Net loans
   
1,127,383
     
1,139,789
 
 
               
Premises and equipment, net
   
38,082
     
38,020
 
Goodwill
   
3,472
     
3,472
 
Intangible assets, net
   
4,221
     
4,424
 
Other real estate, net
   
1,271
     
1,281
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
8,098
     
7,982
 
Other assets
   
10,707
     
12,119
 
Total Assets
 
$
1,731,776
   
$
1,750,430
 
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing demand
 
$
250,110
   
$
251,617
 
Interest-bearing demand
   
586,888
     
611,677
 
Savings
   
112,965
     
104,661
 
Time
   
600,267
     
581,331
 
Total deposits
   
1,550,230
     
1,549,286
 
 
               
Short-term borrowings
   
-
     
15,500
 
Accrued interest payable
   
2,849
     
2,488
 
Senior long-term debt
   
22,040
     
22,774
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
14,673
     
14,664
 
Other liabilities
   
1,981
     
1,735
 
Total Liabilities
   
1,591,773
     
1,606,447
 
 
               
Shareholders' Equity
               
Common stock:
               
$1 par value - authorized 100,600,000 shares; issued 8,807,175 shares
   
8,807
     
8,807
 
Surplus
   
92,268
     
92,268
 
Retained earnings
   
46,656
     
44,464
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(7,728
)
   
(1,556
)
Total Shareholders' Equity
   
140,003
     
143,983
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
$
1,731,776
   
$
1,750,430
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
-3-

FIRST GUARANTY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
2018
   
2017
 
Interest Income:
           
Loans (including fees)
 
$
14,864
   
$
12,200
 
Deposits with other banks
   
85
     
19
 
Securities (including FHLB stock)
   
3,353
     
3,403
 
Federal funds sold
   
1
     
-
 
Total Interest Income
   
18,303
     
15,622
 
 
               
Interest Expense:
               
Demand deposits
   
1,976
     
1,082
 
Savings deposits
   
82
     
36
 
Time deposits
   
2,085
     
1,444
 
Borrowings
   
405
     
366
 
Total Interest Expense
   
4,548
     
2,928
 
 
               
Net Interest Income
   
13,755
     
12,694
 
Less: Provision for loan losses
   
605
     
711
 
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses
   
13,150
     
11,983
 
 
               
Noninterest Income:
               
Service charges, commissions and fees
   
717
     
562
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
501
     
474
 
Net gains on securities
   
10
     
530
 
Net gain on sale of loans
   
2
     
5
 
Other
   
348
     
385
 
Total Noninterest Income
   
1,578
     
1,956
 
 
               
Noninterest Expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
5,582
     
4,826
 
Occupancy and equipment expense
   
1,341
     
1,031
 
Other
   
3,284
     
3,137
 
Total Noninterest Expense
   
10,207
     
8,994
 
 
               
Income Before Income Taxes
   
4,521
     
4,945
 
Less: Provision for income taxes
   
920
     
1,694
 
Net Income
 
$
3,601
   
$
3,251
 
 
               
Per Common Share:1
               
Earnings
 
$
0.41
   
$
0.39
 
Cash dividends paid
 
$
0.16
   
$
0.15
 
 
               
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
   
8,807,175
     
8,369,424
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1 All share amounts have been restated to reflect the ten percent stock dividend paid December 14, 2017 to shareholders of record as of December 8, 2017.


-4-

FIRST GUARANTY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2018
   
2017
 
Net Income
 
$
3,601
   
$
3,251
 
Other comprehensive income:
               
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
   
(7,803
)
   
1,320
 
Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income
   
(10
)
   
(530
)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities
   
(7,813
)
   
790
 
Tax impact
   
1,641
     
(268
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(6,172
)
   
522
 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
$
(2,571
)
 
$
3,773
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
-5-

FIRST GUARANTY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
 
 
 
Common Stock
$1 Par
   
Surplus
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
   
Total
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
                             
Balance December 31, 2016(1)
 
$
8,369
   
$
81,000
   
$
38,979
   
$
(3,999
)
 
$
124,349
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
3,251
     
-
     
3,251
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
522
     
522
 
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.15 per share)(1)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,217
)
   
-
     
(1,217
)
Balance March 31, 2017 (unaudited)
 
$
8,369
   
$
81,000
   
$
41,013
   
$
(3,477
)
 
$
126,905
 
 
                                       
Balance December 31, 2017
 
$
8,807
   
$
92,268
   
$
44,464
   
$
(1,556
)
 
$
143,983
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
3,601
     
-
     
3,601
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(6,172
)
   
(6,172
)
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,409
)
   
-
     
(1,409
)
Balance March 31, 2018 (unaudited)
 
$
8,807
   
$
92,268
   
$
46,656
   
$
(7,728
)
 
$
140,003
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(1) All share and per share amounts reflect the ten percent stock dividend paid December 14, 2017 to shareholders of record as of December 8, 2017.

-6-

FIRST GUARANTY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2018
   
2017
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
           
Net income
 
$
3,601
   
$
3,251
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
   
605
     
711
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
684
     
554
 
Amortization/Accretion of investments
   
375
     
447
 
Gain on sale/call of securities
   
(10
)
   
(530
)
Gain on sale of assets
   
(19
)
   
(5
)
Repossessed asset write downs, gains and losses on dispositions
   
(97
)
   
45
 
FHLB stock dividends
   
(8
)
   
(3
)
Net increase in loans held for sale
   
(529
)
   
-
 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
   
3,189
     
(1,783
)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
   
7,791
     
2,687
 
 
               
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
Proceeds from maturities and calls of HTM securities
   
2,854
     
2,880
 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and sales of AFS securities
   
160,894
     
222,511
 
Funds Invested in AFS securities
   
(171,964
)
   
(250,022
)
Net decrease (increase) in loans
   
11,637
     
(45,696
)
Purchase of premises and equipment
   
(584
)
   
(2,063
)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
   
37
     
-
 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
   
271
     
90
 
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities
   
3,145
     
(72,300
)
 
               
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
Net increase in deposits
   
944
     
76,087
 
Net decrease in federal funds purchased and short-term borrowings
   
(15,500
)
   
(4,500
)
Repayment of long-term borrowings
   
(735
)
   
(775
)
Dividends paid
   
(1,409
)
   
(1,217
)
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities
   
(16,700
)
   
69,595
 
 
               
Net Decrease In Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(5,764
)
   
(18
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning of the Period
   
38,028
     
18,111
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Period
 
$
32,264
   
$
18,093
 
 
               
Noncash Activities:
               
Loans transferred to foreclosed assets
 
$
164
   
$
-
 
                 
Cash Paid During The Period:
               
Interest on deposits and borrowed funds
 
$
4,187
   
$
2,897
 
Income taxes
 
$
-
   
$
4,200
 
 
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
-7-

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements and the footnotes of First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. ("First Guaranty") thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and note disclosures for First Guaranty previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in First Guaranty's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary First Guaranty Bank (the "Bank"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Those adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations at March 31, 2018 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year or any other interim period. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, and the valuation of investment securities.
-8-

Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases: Conforming Amendments Related to Leases". This ASU amends the codification regarding leases in order to increase transparency and comparability. The ASU requires companies to recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the leased asset for the lease term. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on First Guaranty's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments- Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments". This ASU amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available for sale debt securities. The ASU amendments require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date be based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ASU requires assets held at cost basis to reflect the company's current estimate of all expected credit losses. For available for sale debt securities, credit losses should be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. In addition, this ASU amends the accounting for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. First Guaranty is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard and is implementing a new software application to assist in determining the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". This ASU amends the guidance on impairment testing. The ASU eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The ASU also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. First Guaranty is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, "Receivables- Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities". This ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, this ASU requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. This ASU does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount, the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. First Guaranty is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income". This ASU provides an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within AOCI to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (or portion thereof) is recorded. This ASU requires disclosure of a description of the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from AOCI; whether election is made to reclassify the stranded income tax effects from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and information about the other income tax effects that are reclassified. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. First Guaranty is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
-9-

Note 3. Merger Transaction

Effective at the close of business on June 16, 2017, First Guaranty completed its acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Premier Bancshares, Inc., a Texas corporation ("Premier"), a single bank holding company headquartered in McKinney, Texas and its wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy Bank. This acquisition allowed First Guaranty to expand its presence into the North Central Texas market area. Under terms of an agreement and plan of merger dated January 30, 2017, First Guaranty issued 0.119 of a share of its common stock for each share of Premier for a total of 397,988 shares at a price of $25.86 (unadjusted for the 10% stock dividend in December 2017) and paid $10.3 million in cash for an acquisition value of approximately $21.0 million. Based on the initial preliminary valuation of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the purchase price resulted in approximately $1.5 million in goodwill and $2.7 million in core deposit intangible, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. 

The valuations of loans, premises and equipment and core deposit intangible and other assets acquired and liabilities assumed are still preliminary and subject to change. United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") provides up to twelve months following the date of acquisition in which management can finalize the fair values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. Material events that occur during the measurement period will be analyzed to determine if the new information reflected facts and circumstances that existed on the acquisition date. The measurement period ends as soon as First Guaranty receives the information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learns more information is unobtainable. The measurement period is limited to one year from the acquisition date. Once management has finalized the fair values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities within this twelve month period, management considers such values to be the "Day One Fair Values." No adjustments were made in the first quarter of 2018 to the fair value estimates. Based on management's preliminary valuation of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the purchase price for the Premier acquisition is allocated in the table below.

(in thousands)
 
Premier Bancshares, Inc.
 
       
Cash and due from banks
 
$
4,542
 
Federal funds sold
   
2,855
 
Securities available for sale
   
5,892
 
Loans
   
128,018
 
Premises and equipment
   
9,493
 
Goodwill
   
1,474
 
Intangible assets
   
3,809
 
Other real estate
   
221
 
Other assets
   
2,009
 
     Total assets acquired
 
$
158,313
 
         
Deposits
   
127,228
 
FHLB borrowings
   
9,700
 
Other liabilities
   
431
 
     Total liabilities assumed
 
$
137,359
 
         Net assets acquired
 
$
20,954
 
The following pro forma information for the three months ended March 31, 2017 reflects First Guaranty's estimated consolidated results of operations as if the acquisition of Premier occurred at January 1, 2016, unadjusted for potential cost savings.

(in thousands, except share data)
 
2017
 
       
Net Interest Income
 
$
14,021
 
Noninterest Income
   
2,211
 
Noninterest Expense
   
10,534
 
Net Income
   
3,234
 
         
Earnings per common share
 
$
0.37
 

-10-

Note 4. Securities
 
A summary comparison of securities by type at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is shown below.
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Available-for-sale:
                                               
U.S Treasuries
 
$
15,296
   
$
1
   
$
(1
)
 
$
15,296
   
$
19,490
   
$
-
   
$
(4
)
 
$
19,486
 
U.S. Government Agencies
   
200,055
     
-
     
(7,492
)
   
192,563
     
200,052
     
-
     
(4,069
)
   
195,983
 
Corporate debt securities
   
88,515
     
313
     
(2,467
)
   
86,361
     
91,770
     
661
     
(946
)
   
91,485
 
Mutual funds or other equity securities
   
500
     
-
     
(14
)
   
486
     
500
     
-
     
(7
)
   
493
 
Municipal bonds
   
36,952
     
1,195
     
(328
)
   
37,819
     
37,210
     
2,434
     
(75
)
   
39,569
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
1,124
     
-
     
(17
)
   
1,107
     
1,191
     
-
     
(6
)
   
1,185
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
52,311
     
17
     
(989
)
   
51,339
     
33,680
     
-
     
(346
)
   
33,334
 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
394,753
   
$
1,526
   
$
(11,308
)
 
$
384,971
   
$
383,893
   
$
3,095
   
$
(5,453
)
 
$
381,535
 
 
                                                               
Held-to-maturity:
                                                               
U.S. Government Agencies
 
$
28,170
   
$
-
   
$
(1,161
)
 
$
27,009
   
$
28,169
   
$
-
   
$
(670
)
 
$
27,499
 
Municipal bonds
   
5,279
     
-
     
(139
)
   
5,140
     
5,322
     
15
     
(12
)
   
5,325
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
83,662
     
-
     
(2,463
)
   
81,199
     
86,630
     
6
     
(903
)
   
85,733
 
Total held-to-maturity securities
 
$
117,111
   
$
-
   
$
(3,763
)
 
$
113,348
   
$
120,121
   
$
21
   
$
(1,585
)
 
$
118,557
 
 
The scheduled maturities of securities at March 31, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayments. Mortgage-backed securities are not due at a single maturity because of amortization and potential prepayment of the underlying mortgages. For this reason they are presented separately in the maturity table below.
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Available For Sale:
           
Due in one year or less
 
$
35,818
   
$
35,726
 
Due after one year through five years
   
67,109
     
65,996
 
Due after five years through 10 years
   
216,046
     
208,773
 
Over 10 years
   
22,345
     
22,030
 
Subtotal
   
341,318
     
332,525
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
1,124
     
1,107
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
52,311
     
51,339
 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
394,753
   
$
384,971
 
 
               
Held to Maturity:
               
Due in one year or less
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Due after one year through five years
   
5,249
     
5,146
 
Due after five years through 10 years
   
18,336
     
17,402
 
Over 10 years
   
9,864
     
9,601
 
Subtotal
   
33,449
     
32,149
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
83,662
     
81,199
 
Total held to maturity securities
 
$
117,111
   
$
113,348
 
 
At March 31, 2018, $416.9 million of First Guaranty's securities were pledged to secure public fund deposits and borrowings. The pledged securities had a market value of $413.2 million as of March 31, 2018.
 
-11-

The following is a summary of the fair value of securities with gross unrealized losses and an aging of those gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2018.
 
 
       
At March 31, 2018
       
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
(in thousands)
 
Number
of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Number
of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Number
of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized Losses
 
Available for sale:
                                                     
U.S. Treasuries
   
1
   
$
4,997
   
$
(1
)
   
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
1
   
$
4,997
   
$
(1
)
U.S. Government agencies
   
30
     
61,948
     
(1,563
)
   
36
     
130,615
     
(5,929
)
   
66
     
192,563
     
(7,492
)
Corporate debt securities
   
135
     
44,199
     
(1,182
)
   
70
     
22,207
     
(1,285
)
   
205
     
66,406
     
(2,467
)
Mutual funds or other equity securities
   
1
     
486
     
(14
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1
     
486
     
(14
)
Municipal bonds
   
24
     
10,956
     
(264
)
   
1
     
1,051
     
(64
)
   
25
     
12,007
     
(328
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
5
     
1,107
     
(17
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
5
     
1,107
     
(17
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
36
     
27,079
     
(358
)
   
11
     
17,286
     
(631
)
   
47
     
44,365
     
(989
)
Total available-for-sale
   
232
   
$
150,772
   
$
(3,399
)
   
118
   
$
171,159
   
$
(7,909
)
   
350
   
$
321,931
   
$
(11,308
)
 
                                                                       
Held to maturity:
                                                                       
U.S. Government agencies
   
4
     
9,728
     
(272
)
   
10
     
17,281
     
(889
)
   
14
     
27,009
     
(1,161
)
Municipal bonds
   
9
     
5,140
     
(139
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
9
     
5,140
     
(139
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
39
     
55,840
     
(1,569
)
   
17
     
25,359
     
(894
)
   
56
     
81,199
     
(2,463
)
Total held to maturity
   
52
   
$
70,708
   
$
(1,980
)
   
27
   
$
42,640
   
$
(1,783
)
   
79
   
$
113,348
   
$
(3,763
)
 
The following is a summary of the fair value of securities with gross unrealized losses and an aging of those gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2017.
 
 
       
At December 31, 2017
       
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
(in thousands)
 
Number
of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Number
of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized Losses
   
Number
of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized Losses
 
Available for sale:
                                                     
U.S. Treasuries
   
6
   
$
19,486
   
$
(4
)
   
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
6
   
$
19,486
   
$
(4
)
U.S. Government agencies
   
30
     
62,991
     
(519
)
   
36
     
132,992
     
(3,550
)
   
66
     
195,983
     
(4,069
)
Corporate debt securities
   
56
     
19,050
     
(240
)
   
70
     
22,818
     
(706
)
   
126
     
41,868
     
(946
)
Mutual funds or other equity securities
   
1
     
493
     
(7
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1
     
493
     
(7
)
Municipal bonds
   
9
     
4,431
     
(36
)
   
1
     
1,079
     
(39
)
   
10
     
5,510
     
(75
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
4
     
936
     
(6
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
4
     
936
     
(6
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
26
     
14,737
     
(73
)
   
11
     
18,313
     
(273
)
   
37
     
33,050
     
(346
)
Total available for sale
   
132
   
$
122,124
   
$
(885
)
   
118
   
$
175,202
   
$
(4,568
)
   
250
   
$
297,326
   
$
(5,453
)
 
                                                                       
Held to maturity:
                                                                       
U.S. Government agencies
   
4
   
$
9,925
   
$
(75
)
   
10
   
$
17,574
   
$
(595
)
   
14
   
$
27,499
   
$
(670
)
Municipal bonds
   
6
     
3,191
     
(12
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
6
     
3,191
     
(12
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
35
     
54,186
     
(515
)
   
17
     
26,852
     
(388
)
   
52
     
81,038
     
(903
)
Total held to maturity
   
45
   
$
67,302
   
$
(602
)
   
27
   
$
44,426
   
$
(983
)
   
72
   
$
111,728
   
$
(1,585
)
 
As of March 31, 2018, 429 of First Guaranty's debt securities had unrealized losses totaling 3.3% of the individual securities' amortized cost basis and 2.9% of First Guaranty's total amortized cost basis of the investment securities portfolio. 145 of the 429 securities had been in a continuous loss position for over 12 months at such date. The 145 securities had an aggregate amortized cost basis of $223.5 million and an unrealized loss of $9.7 million at March 31, 2018. Management has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until maturity or until anticipated recovery.

-12-

Securities are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment at least quarterly and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the recovery of contractual principal and interest and (iv) the intent and ability of First Guaranty to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
 
Investment securities issued by the U.S. Government and Government sponsored enterprises with unrealized losses and the amount of unrealized losses on those investment securities that are the result of changes in market interest rates will not be other-than-temporarily impaired. First Guaranty has the ability and intent to hold these securities until recovery, which may not be until maturity.
 
Corporate debt securities in a loss position consist primarily of corporate bonds issued by businesses in the financial, insurance, utility, manufacturing, industrial, consumer products and oil and gas industries. Two securities with an other-than-temporary impairment loss were held at March 31, 2018. First Guaranty believes that the remaining issuers will be able to fulfill the obligations of these securities based on evaluations described above. First Guaranty has the ability and intent to hold these securities until they recover, which could be at their maturity dates.

There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized on securities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

The following table presents a roll-forward of the amount of credit losses on debt securities held by First Guaranty for which a portion of OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
 
Beginning balance of credit losses at end of prior year
 
$
60
   
$
60
 
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on securities not previously OTTI
   
-
     
-
 
Increases for additional credit losses on securities previously determined to be OTTI
   
-
     
-
 
Reduction for increases in cash flows
   
-
     
-
 
Reduction due to credit impaired securities sold or fully settled
   
-
     
-
 
Ending balance of cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings at end of period
 
$
60
   
$
60
 
 
In the first three months of 2018 there were no other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on securities for which we had previously recognized OTTI. For securities that have indications of credit related impairment, management analyzes future expected cash flows to determine if any credit related impairment is evident. Estimated cash flows are determined using management's best estimate of future cash flows based on specific assumptions. The assumptions used to determine the cash flows were based on estimates of loss severity and credit default probabilities. Management reviews reports from credit rating agencies and public filings of issuers. 
 
At March 31, 2018, First Guaranty's exposure to bond issuers that exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity is below:
 
 
 
At March 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
U.S. Treasuries
 
$
15,296
   
$
15,296
 
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)
   
50,396
     
48,473
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac-FHLMC)
   
63,363
     
62,020
 
Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae-FNMA)
   
113,514
     
109,654
 
Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB)
   
136,925
     
131,963
 
Total
 
$
379,494
   
$
367,406
 
 
-13-

Note 5. Loans
 
The following table summarizes the components of First Guaranty's loan portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
(in thousands except for %)
 
Balance
   
As % of Category
   
Balance
   
As % of Category
 
Real Estate:
                       
Construction & land development
 
$
95,524
     
8.4
%
 
$
112,603
     
9.8
%
Farmland
   
24,668
     
2.2
%
   
25,691
     
2.2
%
1- 4 Family
   
158,937
     
13.9
%
   
158,733
     
13.8
%
Multifamily
   
43,406
     
3.8
%
   
16,840
     
1.4
%
Non-farm non-residential
   
529,478
     
46.5
%
   
530,293
     
46.1
%
Total Real Estate
   
852,013
     
74.8
%
   
844,160
     
73.3
%
Non-Real Estate:
                               
Agricultural
   
18,957
     
1.7
%
   
21,514
     
1.9
%
Commercial and industrial
   
213,613
     
18.7
%
   
230,638
     
20.0
%
Consumer and other
   
55,007
     
4.8
%
   
55,185
     
4.8
%
Total Non-Real Estate
   
287,577
     
25.2
%
   
307,337
     
26.7
%
Total loans before unearned income
   
1,139,590
     
100.0
%
   
1,151,497
     
100.0
%
Unearned income
   
(2,419
)
           
(2,483
)
       
Total loans net of unearned income
 
$
1,137,171
           
$
1,149,014
         
 
The following table summarizes fixed and floating rate loans by contractual maturity, excluding nonaccrual loans, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 unadjusted for scheduled principal payments, prepayments, or repricing opportunities. The average life of the loan portfolio may be substantially less than the contractual terms when these adjustments are considered.
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
 
Fixed
   
Floating
   
Total
   
Fixed
   
Floating
   
Total
 
One year or less
 
$
100,339
   
$
91,386
   
$
191,725
   
$
89,383
   
$
75,361
   
$
164,744
 
More than one to five years
   
374,968
     
221,610
     
596,578
     
390,333
     
251,135
     
641,468
 
More than five to 15 years
   
130,571
     
71,811
     
202,382
     
124,215
     
70,273
     
194,488
 
Over 15 years
   
71,456
     
66,913
     
138,369
     
70,366
     
67,881
     
138,247
 
Subtotal
 
$
677,334
   
$
451,720
     
1,129,054
   
$
674,297
   
$
464,650
     
1,138,947
 
Nonaccrual loans
                   
10,536
                     
12,550
 
Total loans before unearned income
                   
1,139,590
                     
1,151,497
 
Unearned income
                   
(2,419
)
                   
(2,483
)
Total loans net of unearned income
                 
$
1,137,171
                   
$
1,149,014
 
 
As of March 31, 2018, $54.9 million of floating rate loans were at their interest rate floor. At December 31, 2017, $95.4 million of floating rate loans were at the interest rate floor. Nonaccrual loans have been excluded from these totals.
-14-

 
The following tables present the age analysis of past due loans at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
 
30-89 Days Past Due
   
90 Days or Greater
   
Total Past Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
   
Recorded Investment
90 Days Accruing
 
Real Estate:
                                   
Construction & land development
 
$
328
   
$
360
   
$
688
   
$
94,836
   
$
95,524
   
$
-
 
Farmland
   
420
     
235
     
655
     
24,013
     
24,668
     
-
 
1 - 4 family
   
2,906
     
1,480
     
4,386
     
154,551
     
158,937
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
43,406
     
43,406
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
6,680
     
4,201
     
10,881
     
518,597
     
529,478
     
316
 
Total Real Estate
   
10,334
     
6,276
     
16,610
     
835,403
     
852,013
     
316
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                               
Agricultural
   
383
     
2,047
     
2,430
     
16,527
     
18,957
     
75
 
Commercial and industrial
   
973
     
2,428
     
3,401
     
210,212
     
213,613
     
30
 
Consumer and other
   
252
     
206
     
458
     
54,549
     
55,007
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
1,608
     
4,681
     
6,289
     
281,288
     
287,577
     
105
 
Total loans before unearned income
 
$
11,942
   
$
10,957
   
$
22,899
   
$
1,116,691
   
$
1,139,590
   
$
421
 
Unearned income
                                   
(2,419
)
       
Total loans net of unearned income
                                 
$
1,137,171
         
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
 
30-89 Days Past Due
   
90 Days or Greater
   
Total Past Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
   
Recorded Investment
90 Days Accruing
 
Real Estate:
                                   
Construction & land development
 
$
95
   
$
371
   
$
466
   
$
112,137
   
$
112,603
   
$
-
 
Farmland
   
175
     
65
     
240
     
25,451
     
25,691
     
-
 
1 - 4 family
   
1,481
     
1,953
     
3,434
     
155,299
     
158,733
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
16,840
     
16,840
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
1,006
     
3,758
     
4,764
     
525,529
     
530,293
     
-
 
Total Real Estate
   
2,757
     
6,147
     
8,904
     
835,256
     
844,160
     
-
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                               
Agricultural
   
239
     
1,537
     
1,776
     
19,738
     
21,514
     
41
 
Commercial and industrial
   
630
     
5,624
     
6,254
     
224,384
     
230,638
     
798
 
Consumer and other
   
463
     
81
     
544
     
54,641
     
55,185
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
1,332
     
7,242
     
8,574
     
298,763
     
307,337
     
839
 
Total loans before unearned income
 
$
4,089
   
$
13,389
   
$
17,478
   
$
1,134,019
   
$
1,151,497
   
$
839
 
Unearned income
                                   
(2,483
)
       
Total loans net of unearned income
                                 
$
1,149,014
         
 
The tables above include $10.5 million and $12.6 million of nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. See the tables below for more detail on nonaccrual loans.
 
-15-

The following is a summary of nonaccrual loans by class at the dates indicated:
 
(in thousands)
 
As of March 31, 2018
   
As of December 31, 2017
 
Real Estate:
           
Construction & land development
 
$
360
   
$
371
 
Farmland
   
235
     
65
 
1 - 4 family
   
1,480
     
1,953
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
3,885
     
3,758
 
Total Real Estate
   
5,960
     
6,147
 
Non-Real Estate:
               
Agricultural
   
1,972
     
1,496
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,398
     
4,826
 
Consumer and other
   
206
     
81
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
4,576
     
6,403
 
Total Nonaccrual Loans
 
$
10,536
   
$
12,550
 
 
The following table identifies the credit exposure of the loan portfolio, including loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, by specific credit ratings as of the dates indicated:
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2018
   
As of December 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
 
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
   
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
Real Estate:
                                                           
Construction & land development
 
$
91,189
   
$
122
   
$
4,213
   
$
-
   
$
95,524
   
$
108,200
   
$
125
   
$
4,278
   
$
-
   
$
112,603
 
Farmland
   
23,838
     
569
     
261
     
-
     
24,668
     
25,030
     
569
     
92
     
-
     
25,691
 
1 - 4 family
   
148,464
     
2,213
     
8,260
     
-
     
158,937
     
149,426
     
1,856
     
7,451
     
-
     
158,733
 
Multifamily
   
35,931
     
660
     
6,815
     
-
     
43,406
     
9,366
     
639
     
6,835
     
-
     
16,840
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
506,128
     
5,290
     
18,060
     
-
     
529,478
     
510,494
     
2,490
     
17,309
     
-
     
530,293
 
Total Real Estate
   
805,550
     
8,854
     
37,609
     
-
     
852,013
     
802,516
     
5,679
     
35,965
     
-
     
844,160
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                                                               
Agricultural
   
15,714
     
631
     
2,612
     
-
     
18,957
     
19,050
     
995
     
1,469
     
-
     
21,514
 
Commercial and industrial
   
187,498
     
18,849
     
5,248
     
2,018
     
213,613
     
201,722
     
19,187
     
5,169
     
4,560
     
230,638
 
Consumer and other
   
48,691
     
137
     
6,179
     
-
     
55,007
     
48,225
     
68
     
6,892
     
-
     
55,185
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
251,903
     
19,617
     
14,039
     
2,018
     
287,577
     
268,997
     
20,250
     
13,530
     
4,560
     
307,337
 
Total loans before unearned income
 
$
1,057,453
   
$
28,471
   
$
51,648
   
$
2,018
   
$
1,139,590
   
$
1,071,513
   
$
25,929
   
$
49,495
   
$
4,560
   
$
1,151,497
 
Unearned income
                                   
(2,419
)
                                   
(2,483
)
Total loans net of unearned income
                                 
$
1,137,171
                                   
$
1,149,014
 
 
-16-

Purchased Impaired Loans

As part of the acquisition of Premier on June 16, 2017, First Guaranty purchased credit impaired loans for which there was, at acquisition, evidence of deterioration of credit quality since their origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected. The carrying amount of those loans is as follows at March 31, 2018.

(in thousands)
 
As of March 31, 2018
   
As of December 31, 2017
 
Real Estate:
           
Construction & land development
 
$
1,127
   
$
1,135
 
Farmland
   
7
     
8
 
1 - 4 family
   
48
     
50
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
2,131
     
2,148
 
Total Real Estate
   
3,313
     
3,341
 
Non-Real Estate:
               
Agricultural
   
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
896
     
1,017
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
896
     
1,017
 
Total
 
$
4,209
   
$
4,358
 

For those purchased loans disclosed above, there was no allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

Where First Guaranty can reasonably estimate the cash flows expected to be collected on the loans, a portion of the purchase discount is allocated to an accretable yield adjustment based upon the present value of the future estimated cash flows versus the current carrying value of the loan and the accretable yield portion is being recognized as interest income over the remaining life of the loan.

Where First Guaranty cannot reasonably estimate the cash flows expected to be collected on the loans, it has decided to account for those loans using the cost recovery method of income recognition.  As such, no portion of a purchase discount adjustment has been determined to meet the definition of an accretable yield adjustment on those loans accounted for using the cost recovery method.  If, in the future, cash flows from the borrower(s) can be reasonably estimated, a portion of the purchase discount would be allocated to an accretable yield adjustment based upon the present value of the future estimated cash flows versus the current carrying value of the loan and the accretable yield portion would be recognized as interest income over the remaining life of the loan.  Until such accretable yield can be calculated, under the cost recovery method of income recognition, all payments will be used to reduce the carrying value of the loan and no income will be recognized on the loan until the carrying value is reduced to zero.  Any loan accounted for under the cost recovery method is also still included as a non-accrual loan in the amounts presented in the table below.

The accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, on the purchased loans above is as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018.


(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,031
 
Acquisition accretable yield
   
-
 
Accretion
   
(65
)
Net transfers from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield
   
-
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
966
 

-17-

Note 6. Allowance for Loan Losses
 
A summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses, by portfolio type, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2018
   
2017
 
(in thousands)
 
Beginning
Allowance
(12/31/2017)
   
Charge-offs
   
Recoveries
   
Provision
   
Ending
Allowance
(3/31/2018)
   
Beginning
Allowance
(12/31/2016)
   
Charge-offs
   
Recoveries
   
Provision
   
Ending
Allowance
(3/31/2017)
 
Real Estate:
                                                           
Construction & land development
 
$
628
   
$
-
   
$
1
   
$
(60
)
 
$
569
   
$
1,232
   
$
-
   
$
1
   
$
(92
)
 
$
1,141
 
Farmland
   
5
     
-
     
-
     
21
     
26
     
19
     
-
     
-
     
(13
)
   
6
 
1 - 4 family
   
1,078
     
(97
)
   
80
     
(157
)
   
904
     
1,204
     
-
     
14
     
(154
)
   
1,064
 
Multifamily
   
994
     
-
     
10
     
510
     
1,514
     
591
     
-
     
10
     
8
     
609
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
2,811
     
-
     
3
     
722
     
3,536
     
3,451
     
-
     
2
     
367
     
3,820
 
Total real estate
   
5,516
     
(97
)
   
94
     
1,036
     
6,549
     
6,497
     
-
     
27
     
116
     
6,640
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                                                               
Agricultural
   
187
     
-
     
11
     
94
     
292
     
74
     
(33
)
   
8
     
13
     
62
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,377
     
-
     
10
     
(453
)
   
1,934
     
3,543
     
(45
)
   
5
     
625
     
4,128
 
Consumer and other
   
1,125
     
(98
)
   
38
     
(58
)
   
1,007
     
972
     
(206
)
   
66
     
(15
)
   
817
 
Unallocated
   
20
     
-
     
-
     
(14
)
   
6
     
28
     
-
     
-
     
(28
)
   
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
3,709
     
(98
)
   
59
     
(431
)
   
3,239
     
4,617
     
(284
)
   
79
     
595
     
5,007
 
Total
 
$
9,225
   
$
(195
)
 
$
153
   
$
605
   
$
9,788
   
$
11,114
   
$
(284
)
 
$
106
   
$
711
   
$
11,647
 
 
Negative provisions are caused by changes in the composition and credit quality of the loan portfolio. The result is an allocation of the loan loss reserve from one category to another.
 
-18-

A summary of the allowance and loans, including loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, individually and collectively evaluated for impairment are as follows:
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
 
Allowance
Individually
Evaluated
for Impairment
   
Allowance
Collectively Evaluated
for Impairment
   
Total Allowance
for Credit Losses
   
Loans
Individually
Evaluated
for Impairment
   
Loans
Collectively
Evaluated
for Impairment
   
Total Loans
before
Unearned Income
 
Real Estate:
                                   
Construction & land development
 
$
-
   
$
569
   
$
569
   
$
-
   
$
95,524
   
$
95,524
 
Farmland
   
-
     
26
     
26
     
-
     
24,668
     
24,668
 
1 - 4 family
   
-
     
904
     
904
     
631
     
158,306
     
158,937
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
1,514
     
1,514
     
-
     
43,406
     
43,406
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
1,360
     
2,176
     
3,536
     
8,937
     
520,541
     
529,478
 
Total Real Estate
   
1,360
     
5,189
     
6,549
     
9,568
     
842,445
     
852,013
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                               
Agricultural
   
148
     
144
     
292
     
1,663
     
17,294
     
18,957
 
Commercial and industrial
   
104
     
1,830
     
1,934
     
3,161
     
210,452
     
213,613
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
1,007
     
1,007
     
-
     
55,007
     
55,007
 
Unallocated
   
-
     
6
     
6
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
252
     
2,987
     
3,239
     
4,824
     
282,753
     
287,577
 
Total
 
$
1,612
   
$
8,176
   
$
9,788
   
$
14,392
   
$
1,125,198
   
$
1,139,590
 
Unearned Income
                                           
(2,419
)
Total loans net of unearned income
                                         
$
1,137,171
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
 
Allowance
Individually
Evaluated
For Impairment
   
Allowance
Collectively Evaluated
for Impairment
   
Total Allowance
for Credit Losses
   
Loans
Individually
Evaluated
For Impairment
   
Loans
Collectively
Evaluated
for Impairment
   
Total Loans
before
Unearned Income
 
Real Estate:
                                   
Construction & land development
 
$
-
   
$
628
   
$
628
   
$
-
   
$
112,603
   
$
112,603
 
Farmland
   
-
     
5
     
5
     
-
     
25,691
     
25,691
 
1 - 4 family
   
-
     
1,078
     
1,078
     
-
     
158,733
     
158,733
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
994
     
994
     
-
     
16,840
     
16,840
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
236
     
2,575
     
2,811
     
8,990
     
521,303
     
530,293
 
Total Real Estate
   
236
     
5,280
     
5,516
     
8,990
     
835,170
     
844,160
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                               
Agricultural
   
66
     
121
     
187
     
861
     
20,653
     
21,514
 
Commercial and industrial
   
565
     
1,812
     
2,377
     
5,731
     
224,907
     
230,638
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
1,125
     
1,125
     
-
     
55,185
     
55,185
 
Unallocated
   
-
     
20
     
20
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
631
     
3,078
     
3,709
     
6,592
     
300,745
     
307,337
 
Total
 
$
867
   
$
8,358
   
$
9,225
   
$
15,582
   
$
1,135,915
   
$
1,151,497
 
Unearned Income
                                           
(2,483
)
Total loans net of unearned income
                                         
$
1,149,014
 
 
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that First Guaranty will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due are considered in evaluating loan impairment. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.

-19-

The following is a summary of impaired loans, excluding loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, by class as of the date indicated:
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income
Recognized
   
Interest Income
Cash Basis
 
Impaired Loans with no related allowance:
                                   
Real Estate:
                                   
Construction & land development
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Farmland
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
1 - 4 family
   
631
     
631
     
-
     
610
     
13
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
2,679
     
2,679
     
-
     
2,679
     
28
     
26
 
Total Real Estate
   
3,310
     
3,310
     
-
     
3,289
     
41
     
26
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                               
Agricultural
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,018
     
5,350
     
-
     
3,713
     
-
     
-
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
2,018
     
5,350
     
-
     
3,713
     
-
     
-
 
Total Impaired Loans with no related allowance
   
5,328
     
8,660
     
-
     
7,002
     
41
     
26
 
 
                                               
Impaired Loans with an allowance recorded:
                                               
Real Estate:
                                               
Construction & land development
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Farmland
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
1 - 4 family
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
6,258
     
6,610
     
1,360
     
6,265
     
34
     
35
 
Total Real Estate
   
6,258
     
6,610
     
1,360
     
6,265
     
34
     
35
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                               
Agricultural
   
1,663
     
1,722
     
148
     
1,664
     
7
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,143
     
1,143
     
104
     
1,152
     
20
     
16
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
2,806
     
2,865
     
252
     
2,816
     
27
     
16
 
Total Impaired Loans with an allowance recorded
   
9,064
     
9,475
     
1,612
     
9,081
     
61
     
51
 
 
                                               
Total Impaired Loans
 
$
14,392
   
$
18,135
   
$
1,612
   
$
16,083
   
$
102
   
$
77
 
 
-20-

The following is a summary of impaired loans by class as of the date indicated:
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income
Recognized
   
Interest Income
Cash Basis
 
Impaired Loans with no related allowance:
                                   
Real Estate:
                                   
Construction & land development
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Farmland
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
1 - 4 family
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
5,771
     
5,771
     
-
     
5,933
     
248
     
279
 
Total Real Estate
   
5,771
     
5,771
     
-
     
5,933
     
248
     
279
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                               
Agricultural
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Impaired Loans with no related allowance
   
5,771
     
5,771
     
-
     
5,933
     
248
     
279
 
 
                                               
Impaired Loans with an allowance recorded:
                                               
Real Estate:
                                               
Construction & land development
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Farmland
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
1 - 4 family
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
3,219
     
3,570
     
236
     
3,555
     
183
     
127
 
Total Real Estate
   
3,219
     
3,570
     
236
     
3,555
     
183
     
127
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                               
Agricultural
   
861
     
920
     
66
     
1,117
     
70
     
17
 
Commercial and industrial
   
5,731
     
9,062
     
565
     
8,121
     
65
     
84
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
6,592
     
9,982
     
631
     
9,238
     
135
     
101
 
Total Impaired Loans with an allowance recorded
   
9,811
     
13,552
     
867
     
12,793
     
318
     
228
 
 
                                               
Total Impaired Loans
 
$
15,582
   
$
19,323
   
$
867
   
$
18,726
   
$
566
   
$
507
 

-21-

Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
A troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") is considered such if the lender for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. The modifications to First Guaranty's TDRs were concessions on either the interest rate charged or the amortization. The effect of the modifications to First Guaranty was a reduction in interest income. These loans have an allocated reserve in First Guaranty's allowance for loan losses. First Guaranty has not restructured any loans that are considered TDRs in the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The following table identifies the TDRs as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Accruing Loans
               
Accruing Loans
             
(in thousands)
 
Current
   
30-89 Days
Past Due
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total TDRs
   
Current
   
30-89 Days
Past Due
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total TDRs
 
Real Estate:
                                               
Construction & land development
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
325
   
$
325
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
334
   
$
334
 
Farmland
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
1-4 Family
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non residential
   
2,138
     
-
     
-
     
2,138
     
2,138
     
-
     
-
     
2,138
 
Total Real Estate
   
2,138
     
-
     
325
     
2,463
     
2,138
     
-
     
334
     
2,472
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                                               
Agricultural
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
 
$
2,138
   
$
-
   
$
325
   
$
2,463
   
$
2,138
   
$
-
   
$
334
   
$
2,472
 
 
The following table discloses TDR activity for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 
 
 
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans Activity
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
 
Beginning balance
December 31, 2017
   
New TDRs
   
Charge-offs
post-modification
   
Transferred to ORE
   
Paydowns
   
Construction to
permanent financing
   
Restructured
to market terms
   
Other adjustments
   
Ending balance
March 31, 2018
 
Real Estate:
                                                     
Construction & land development
 
$
334
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(9
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
325
 
Farmland
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
1 - 4 family
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
2,138
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,138
 
Total Real Estate
   
2,472
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(9
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,463
 
Non-Real Estate:
                                                                       
Agricultural
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
 
$
2,472
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(9
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
     
-
   
$
2,463
 
 
There were no commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified in a TDR at March 31, 2018.
-22-

 
Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but are subject to impairment testing. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives. First Guaranty's goodwill is the difference in purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired from its acquisition of Homestead Bancorp in 2007 and Premier in 2017. Goodwill totaled $3.5 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. No impairment charges have been recognized on First Guaranty's intangible assets. Loan servicing assets decreased $0.1 million to $1.1 million at March 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017. Other intangible assets recorded include core deposit intangibles, which are subject to amortization. The weighted-average amortization period remaining for First Guaranty's core deposit intangibles is 9.7 years at March 31, 2018. The core deposits intangible reflect the value of deposit relationships, including the beneficial rates, which arose from acquisitions. The goodwill and other intangibles arising from the Premier acquisition are estimates and are subject to change.

Note 8. Other Real Estate (ORE)
 
Other real estate owned consists of the following at the dates indicated:
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
Real Estate Owned Acquired by Foreclosure:
           
Residential
 
$
164
   
$
23
 
Construction & land development
   
250
     
304
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
857
     
954
 
Total Other Real Estate Owned and Foreclosed Property
 
$
1,271
   
$
1,281
 
 
Loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties in the process of foreclosure totaled $0.2 million as of March 31, 2018.
 
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Off-balance sheet commitments
 
First Guaranty is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of the involvement in particular classes of financial instruments.
 
The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The same credit policies are used in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for balance sheet instruments. Unless otherwise noted, collateral or other security is not required to support financial instruments with credit risk.
 
Below is a summary of the notional amounts of the financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

Contract Amount

(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
Commitments to Extend Credit
 
$
65,638
   
$
78,125
 
Unfunded Commitments under lines of credit
 
$
126,401
   
$
101,344
 
Commercial and Standby letters of credit
 
$
8,801
   
$
7,886
 
 
Litigation
 
The nature of First Guaranty's business ordinarily results in a certain amount of claims, litigation and legal and administrative cases, all of which are considered incidental to the normal conduct of business. When First Guaranty determines it has defenses to the claims asserted, it defends itself. First Guaranty will consider settlement of cases when it is in the best interests of both First Guaranty and its shareholders.
 
While the final outcome of legal proceedings is inherently uncertain, based on information currently available as of March 31, 2018, any incremental liability arising from First Guaranty's legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on First Guaranty's financial position or results of operations.
 
-23-

Note 10. Fair Value Measurements

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Valuation techniques use certain inputs to arrive at fair value. Inputs to valuation techniques are the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. They may be observable or unobservable. First Guaranty uses a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
 
Level 1 Inputs – Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
 
Level 2 Inputs – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds or credit risks) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.
 
Level 3 Inputs – Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.
 
A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value follows, as well as the classification of such instruments within the valuation hierarchy.
 
Securities available for sale. Securities are classified within Level 1 where quoted market prices are available in an active market. Inputs include securities that have quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. If quoted market prices are unavailable, fair value is estimated using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, at which point the securities would be classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy. Securities classified within Level 3 in First Guaranty's portfolio as of March 31, 2018 include municipal bonds.
 
Impaired loans. Loans are measured for impairment using the methods permitted by ASC Topic 310. Fair value of impaired loans is measured by either the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent (Level 2 or Level 3), or the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate (Level 3). Fair value of the collateral is determined by appraisals or by independent valuation.
 
Other real estate owned. Properties are recorded at the balance of the loan or at estimated fair value less estimated selling costs, whichever is less, at the date acquired. Fair values of other real estate owned ("OREO") are determined by sales agreement or appraisal, and costs to sell are based on estimation per the terms and conditions of the sales agreement or amounts commonly used in real estate transactions. Inputs include appraisal values or recent sales activity for similar assets in the property's market; thus OREO measured at fair value would be classified within either Level 2 or Level 3 of the hierarchy.
 
Certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis including assets and liabilities related to reporting units measured at fair value in the testing of goodwill impairment, as well as intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment.
 
The following table summarizes financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
Available for Sale Securities Fair Value Measurements Using:
           
Level 1: Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets
 
$
15,781
   
$
19,980
 
Level 2: Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
362,507
     
355,022
 
Level 3: Significant Unobservable Inputs
   
6,683
     
6,533
 
Securities available for sale measured at fair value
 
$
384,971
   
$
381,535
 
 
First Guaranty's valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While the methodologies used are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value.

The change in Level 1 securities available for sale from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 was due principally to a net decrease in Treasury bills of $4.2 million. The change in Level 2 securities available for sale from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 was due principally to the purchase of mortgage-backed securities.
 
-24-

The following table measures financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, segregated by the level of valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 
(in thousands)
 
At March 31, 2018
   
At December 31, 2017
 
Impaired Loans - Fair Value Measurements Using:
           
Level 1: Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Level 2: Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
-
     
-
 
Level 3: Significant Unobservable Inputs
   
9,470
     
12,003
 
Impaired loans measured at fair value
 
$
9,470
   
$
12,003
 
 
               
Other Real Estate Owned - Fair Value Measurements Using:
               
Level 1: Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Level 2: Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
1,239
     
1,249
 
Level 3: Significant Unobservable Inputs
   
32
     
32
 
Other real estate owned measured at fair value
 
$
1,271
   
$
1,281
 

ASC 825-10 provides First Guaranty with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The fair value option established by this statement permits First Guaranty to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates and report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each reporting date subsequent to implementation.
 
First Guaranty has chosen not to elect the fair value option for any items that are not already required to be measured at fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

-25-

Note 11. Financial Instruments
 
Fair value estimates are generally subjective in nature and are dependent upon a number of significant assumptions associated with each instrument or group of similar instruments, including estimates of discount rates, risks associated with specific financial instruments, estimates of future cash flows and relevant available market information. Fair value information is intended to represent an estimate of an amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between a willing buyer and seller engaging in an exchange transaction. However, since there are no established trading markets for a significant portion of First Guaranty's financial instruments, First Guaranty may not be able to immediately settle financial instruments; as such, the fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized through immediate settlement. In addition, the majority of the financial instruments, such as loans and deposits, are held to maturity and are realized or paid according to the contractual agreement with the customer.
 
Quoted market prices are used to estimate fair values when available. However, due to the nature of the financial instruments, in many instances quoted market prices are not available. Accordingly, estimated fair values have been estimated based on other valuation techniques, such as discounting estimated future cash flows using a rate commensurate with the risks involved or other acceptable methods. Fair values are estimated without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of financial instruments, possible income tax ramifications or estimated transaction costs. The fair value estimates are subjective in nature and involve matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Fair values are also estimated at a specific point in time and are based on interest rates and other assumptions at that date. As events change the assumptions underlying these estimates, the fair values of financial instruments will change.
 
Disclosure of fair values is not required for certain items such as lease financing, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, obligations of pension and other postretirement benefits, premises and equipment, other real estate, prepaid expenses, the value of long-term relationships with depositors (core deposit intangibles) and other customer relationships, other intangible assets and income tax assets and liabilities. Fair value estimates are presented for existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses have not been considered in the estimates. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not purport to represent and should not be considered representative of the underlying market or franchise value of First Guaranty.
 
Because the standard permits many alternative calculation techniques and because numerous assumptions have been used to estimate the fair values, reasonable comparison of the fair value information with other financial institutions' fair value information cannot necessarily be made. The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments are as follows:
 
Cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold and federal funds purchased.
 
These items are generally short-term and the carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets are a reasonable estimation of the fair values.
 
Investment Securities.
 
Fair values are principally based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or the use of discounted cash flow analyses.
 
Loans Held for Sale.
 
Fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors or prevailing market prices. These loans are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Loans, net.
 
Market values are computed present values using net present value formulas. The present value is the sum of the present value of all projected cash flows on an item at a specified discount rate. The discount rate is set as an appropriate rate index, plus or minus an appropriate spread. These loans are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Impaired loans.
 
Fair value of impaired loans is measured by either the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent (Level 2 or Level 3), or the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate (Level 3). Fair value of the collateral is determined by appraisals or by independent valuation.

-26-

Accrued interest receivable.
 
The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.
 
Deposits.
 
The fair value of demand deposits, savings and interest-bearing demand deposits is the amount payable on demand. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Deposits are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Accrued interest payable.
 
The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.
 
Borrowings.
 
The carrying amount of federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings approximate their fair values. The fair value of First Guaranty's long-term borrowings is computed using net present value formulas. The present value is the sum of the present value of all projected cash flows on an item at a specified discount rate. The discount rate is set as an appropriate rate index, plus or minus an appropriate spread. Borrowings are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Other Unrecognized Financial Instruments.
 
The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated using the fees charged to enter into similar legally binding agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and customers' credit ratings. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. Noninterest-bearing deposits are held at cost. The fair values of letters of credit are based on fees charged for similar agreements or on estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the fair value of guarantees under commercial and standby letters of credit was not material.
 
The estimated fair values and carrying values of the financial instruments at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are presented in the following table:
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
 
Carrying Value
   
Estimated Fair Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
Assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
32,264
   
$
32,264
   
$
38,028
   
$
38,028
 
Securities, available for sale
   
384,971
     
384,971
     
381,535
     
381,535
 
Securities, held to maturity
   
117,111
     
113,348
     
120,121
     
118,557
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
2,359
     
2,359
     
2,351
     
2,351
 
Loans held for sale
   
1,837
     
2,021
     
1,308
     
1,439
 
Loans, net
   
1,127,383
     
1,115,592
     
1,139,789
     
1,133,868
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
8,098
     
8,098
     
7,982
     
7,982
 
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Deposits
 
$
1,550,230
   
$
1,546,546
   
$
1,549,286
   
$
1,549,449
 
Borrowings
   
22,040
     
22,058
     
38,274
     
38,294
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
14,673
     
14,525
     
14,664
     
14,324
 
Accrued interest payable
   
2,849
     
2,849
     
2,488
     
2,488
 
 
There is no material difference between the contract amount and the estimated fair value of off-balance sheet items that are primarily comprised of short-term unfunded loan commitments that are generally at market prices.
 
-27-

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion of First Guaranty's financial condition and results of operations is intended to highlight the significant factors affecting First Guaranty's financial condition and results of operations presented in the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This discussion is designed to provide readers with a more comprehensive view of the operating results and financial position than would be obtained from reading the consolidated financial statements alone. Reference should be made to those statements for an understanding of the following review and analysis. The financial data at March 31, 2018 and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 have been derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and provisions) necessary to present fairly First Guaranty's financial position and results of operations for such periods.
 
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
Congress passed the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 in an effort to encourage corporations to provide information about a company's anticipated future financial performance. This act provides a safe harbor for such disclosure, which protects us from unwarranted litigation, if actual results are different from management expectations. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and reflects management's current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "continue," "believe," "seek," "estimate" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, including, changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected; competition among depository and other financial institutions; inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments; adverse changes in the securities markets; changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements; our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities; our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans; changes in our financial condition or results of operations that reduce capital available to pay dividends; and changes in the financial condition or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own, which could cause our actual results and experience to differ from the anticipated results and expectations, expressed in such forward-looking statements.
 
-28-

First Quarter Ended 2018 Financial Overview
 
First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. is a Louisiana-chartered bank holding company headquartered in Hammond, Louisiana. First Guaranty Bank, the wholly-owned subsidiary of First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc., is a Louisiana-chartered commercial bank that provides personalized commercial banking services primarily to Louisiana and Texas customers through 27 banking facilities primary located throughout Southeast, Southwest and North Louisiana and in North Central Texas. We emphasize personal relationships and localized decision making to ensure that products and services are matched to customer needs. First Guaranty competes for business principally on the basis of personal service to customers, customer access to officers and directors and competitive interest rates and fees.
 
Financial highlights for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 are as follows:

Total assets were $1.7 billion at March 31, 2018 and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2017. Total deposits were $1.6 billion at March 31, 2018 and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2017. Total loans were $1.1 billion at March 31, 2018, a decrease of $11.8 million, or 1.0%, compared with December 31, 2017. Shareholders' equity was $140.0 million and $144.0 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
 
Net income for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 was $3.6 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
  
Earnings per common share were $0.41 and $0.39 for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total weighted average shares outstanding were 8,807,175 at March 31, 2018 compared to 8,369,424 at March 31, 2017. The change in shares was due to First Guaranty's acquisition of Premier in June 2017.
 
Net interest income for the first quarter of 2018 was $13.8 million compared to $12.7 million for the same period in 2017.
 
The provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2018 was $0.6 million compared to $0.7 million for the same period in 2017.
 
The net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was 3.32% which was a decrease of three basis points from the net interest margin of 3.35% for the same period in 2017. First Guaranty attributed the decrease in the net interest margin to a rise in interest expense associated with deposits. Loans as a percentage of average interest earning assets increased to 68% at March 31, 2018 compared to 64% at March 31, 2017.
 
Investment securities totaled $502.1 million at March 31, 2018, an increase of $0.4 million when compared to $501.7 million at December 31, 2017. At March 31, 2018, available for sale securities, at fair value, totaled $385.0 million, an increase of $3.4 million when compared to $381.5 million at December 31, 2017. At March 31, 2018, held to maturity securities, at amortized cost, totaled $117.1 million, a decrease of $3.0 million when compared to $120.1 million at December 31, 2017.  
 
Total loans net of unearned income was $1.1 billion at March 31, 2018, a decrease of $11.8 million when compared to  December 31, 2017. Total loans net of unearned income are reduced by the allowance for loan losses which totaled $9.8 million at March 31, 2018 and $9.2 million at December 31, 2017, respectively.
 
Total impaired loans decreased $1.2 million to $14.4 million at March 31, 2018 compared to $15.6 million at December 31, 2017.
 
Nonaccrual loans decreased $2.0 million to $10.5 million at March 31, 2018 compared to $12.6 million at December 31, 2017. The reduction in nonaccrual loans included a $2.5 million paydown on a commercial and industrial loan. Subsequent to March 31, 2018, First Guaranty received a $3.6 million negotiated payment in settlement of that commercial and industrial nonaccrual loan on May 9, 2018. The payment will result in a recovery of $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2018. See the subsequent events section for further discussion.

The allowance for loan losses was 0.86% of loans at March 31, 2018 compared to 0.80% at December 31, 2017. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 0.95% prior to the inclusion of the acquired loans from Premier.
  
Return on average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 0.84%, respectively. Return on average common equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 10.29% and 10.45%, respectively. Return on average assets is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average assets.  Return on average common equity is calculated by dividing net income by average common equity.
 
Book value per common share was $15.90 as of March 31, 2018 compared to $15.16 as of March 31, 2017. The increase in book value was due primarily to the issuance of shares related to the acquisition of Premier and an increase in retained earnings, which was partially offset by an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCI"). AOCI is comprised of unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities.

First Guaranty's Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.16 per common share in the first quarter of 2018. First Guaranty also declared cash dividends of $0.16 per share during the first quarter of 2017, which was the equivalent of $0.15 per common share after adjusting for the 10% common stock dividend paid in December 2017. First Guaranty has paid 99 consecutive quarterly dividends as of March 31, 2018.

 ●
In November 2017, First Guaranty announced the launch of an At-The-Market Equity Offering program ("ATM Offering").  First Guaranty may sell up to $25.0 million of common stock under the ATM Offering. First Guaranty expects to use the net proceeds of the ATM Offering for general corporate purposes, including support for organic growth and financing possible acquisitions of other financial institutions. First Guaranty did not sell any shares of common stock under the ATM Offering during the quarter ended March 31, 2018. 
-29-

Financial Condition
 
Changes in Financial Condition from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018
 
General
 
Total assets at March 31, 2018 were $1.7 billion, a decrease of $18.7 million, or 1.1%, from December 31, 2017. Assets decreased primarily due to decreases in net loans of $12.4 million and cash and cash equivalents of $5.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 
Loans
 
Net loans decreased $12.4 million, or 1.1%, to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017. Total net loans decreased during the first three months of 2018 primarily due to a reduction in nonaccrual loans from a paydown and payoffs of existing loans in the commercial and industrial category. Construction and land development loans decreased $17.1 million principally due to payoffs and the conversion of interim construction loans to permanent financing which was concentrated in the multifamily category. Commercial and industrial loans decreased $17.0 million primarily due to paydowns. Agricultural loans decreased $2.6 million primarily due to seasonal activity. Farmland loans decreased $1.0 million due to seasonal paydowns on agricultural loan commitments. Non-farm non-residential loan balances had a slight decrease of $0.8 million due to paydowns. Multifamily loans increased $26.6 million primarily due to the conversion of existing construction loans to permanent financing. First Guaranty had approximately 2.2% of funded and 0.5% of unfunded commitments in our loan portfolio to businesses engaged in support or service activities for oil and gas operations. Syndicated loans at March 31, 2018 were $77.4 million, of which $27.5 million were shared national credits. Syndicated loans increased $7.0 million from $70.4 million at December 31, 2017 primarily due to fundings on existing lines of credit.
 
As of March 31, 2018, 74.8% of our loan portfolio was secured by real estate. There are no significant concentrations of credit to any individual borrower. The largest portion of our loan portfolio, at 46.5% as of March 31, 2018, was non-farm non-residential loans secured by real estate. Approximately 40.0% of the loan portfolio was based on a floating rate tied to the prime rate or LIBOR as of March 31, 2018. 69.8% of the loan portfolio is scheduled to mature within five years from March 31, 2018.

First Guaranty acquired in the Premier acquisition a portfolio of loans comprised of loans guaranteed principally by the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA") or by the U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA") and the unguaranteed portion of SBA and USDA loans for which the guaranteed portion had been sold into the secondary market. At March 31, 2018, First Guaranty's balance of SBA and USDA loans was $37.1 million of which $12.9 million retained the government guarantee and $24.2 million was the unguaranteed residual balance. At March 31, 2018, First Guaranty also serviced 54 SBA and USDA loans that totaled $48.8 million. First Guaranty receives servicing fee income on this portfolio.

Net loans are reduced by the allowance for loan losses which totaled $9.8 million at March 31, 2018 and $9.2 million at December 31, 2017. Loan charge-offs were $0.2 million during the first three months of 2018 and $0.3 million during the same period in 2017. Recoveries totaled $0.2 million during the first three months of 2018 and $0.1 million during the same period in 2017. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on loans and Note 6 for information on the allowance for loan losses.
-30-

 
Investment Securities
 
Investment securities at March 31, 2018 totaled $502.1 million, an increase of $0.4 million compared to $501.7 million at December 31, 2017. The investment portfolio consisted of available-for-sale securities at fair market value for a total of $385.0 million at March 31, 2018 and held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost of $117.1 million at March 31, 2018.
 
Our investment securities portfolio is comprised of both available-for-sale securities and securities that we intend to hold to maturity. We purchase securities for our investment portfolio to provide a source of liquidity, to provide an appropriate return on funds invested, to manage interest rate risk and meet pledging requirements for public funds and borrowings. In particular, our held to maturity securities portfolio is used as collateral for our public funds deposits.
 
The securities portfolio consisted principally of U.S. Government and Government agency securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt securities and municipal bonds. U.S. government agencies consist of FHLB, Federal Farm Credit Bank ("FFCB"), Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae obligations. Mortgage backed securities that we purchase are issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Management monitors the securities portfolio for both credit and interest rate risk. We generally limit the purchase of corporate securities to individual issuers to manage concentration and credit risk. Corporate securities generally have a maturity of 10 years or less. U.S. Government securities consist of U.S. Treasury bills that have maturities of less than 30 days. Government agency securities generally have maturities of 15 years or less. Agency mortgage backed securities have stated final maturities of 15 to 20 years. 

Our available-for-sale securities portfolio totaled $385.0 million at March 31, 2018, an increase of $3.4 million, or 0.9%, compared to $381.5 million at December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to the purchase of $20.0 million in mortgage-backed securities used to collateralize public funds deposits. Partially offsetting this increase were early payoffs of existing securities and the continued amortization of our collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities.
 
Our held-to-maturity securities portfolio had an amortized cost of $117.1 million at March 31, 2018, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 2.5%, compared to $120.1 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the continued amortization of our mortgage-backed securities.
 
At March 31, 2018, $35.7 million, or 7.1%, of the securities portfolio was scheduled to mature in less than one year. $71.2 million, or 14.2%, of the securities portfolio was scheduled to mature between one and five years. Securities, not including collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities, with contractual maturity dates over 10 years totaled $31.9 million, or 6.4%, of the total securities portfolio at March 31, 2018. The average maturity of the securities portfolio is affected by call options that may be exercised by the issuer of the securities and are influenced by market interest rates. Prepayments of mortgages that collateralize mortgage-backed securities also affect the maturity of the securities portfolio. Based on internal forecasts as of March 31, 2018, management believes that the securities portfolio has a forecasted weighted average life of approximately 6.0 years based on the current interest rate environment. A parallel interest rate shock of 400 basis points is forecasted to increase the weighted average life of the portfolio to approximately 6.4 years. The portfolio had an estimated effective duration of 4.7 years at March 31, 2018.
 
There was no credit related other-than-temporary impairment of securities losses recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or March 31, 2017.
-31-

 
Nonperforming Assets
 
Non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans and other real-estate owned. Non-performing loans (including nonaccruing troubled debt restructurings described below) are those on which the accrual of interest has stopped or loans which are contractually 90 days past due on which interest continues to accrue. Loans are ordinarily placed on nonaccrual status when principal and interest is delinquent for 90 days or more.  However, management may elect to continue the accrual when the asset is well secured and in the process of collection. It is our policy to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan for which we have reasonable doubt as to the payment of interest or principal. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income is reversed. Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when the financial position of the borrower indicates there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the payment of principal or interest and a reasonable payment performance period is observed (generally considered six months or longer). Other real estate owned consists of property acquired through formal foreclosure, in-substance foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure.
-32-


The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated.
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
Nonaccrual loans:
           
Real Estate:
           
Construction and land development
 
$
360
   
$
371
 
Farmland
   
235
     
65
 
1 - 4 family residential
   
1,480
     
1,953
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
3,885
     
3,758
 
Total Real Estate
   
5,960
     
6,147
 
Non-Real Estate:
               
Agricultural
   
1,972
     
1,496
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,398
     
4,826
 
Consumer and other
   
206
     
81
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
4,576
     
6,403
 
Total nonaccrual loans
   
10,536
     
12,550
 
 
               
Loans 90 days and greater delinquent & accruing:
               
Real Estate:
               
Construction and land development
   
-
     
-
 
Farmland
   
-
     
-
 
1 - 4 family residential
   
-
     
-
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
316
     
-
 
Total Real Estate
   
316
     
-
 
Non-Real Estate:
               
Agricultural
   
75
     
41
 
Commercial and industrial
   
30
     
798
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
105
     
839
 
Total loans 90 days and greater delinquent & accruing
   
421
     
839
 
 
               
Total non-performing loans
   
10,957
     
13,389
 
 
               
Real Estate Owned:
               
Real Estate Loans:
               
Construction and land development
   
250
     
304
 
Farmland
   
-
     
-
 
1 - 4 family residential
   
164
     
23
 
Multifamily
   
-
     
-
 
Non-farm non-residential
   
857
     
954
 
Total Real Estate
   
1,271
     
1,281
 
Non-Real Estate Loans:
               
Agricultural
   
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
-
 
Consumer and other
   
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Real Estate
   
-
     
-
 
Total Real Estate Owned
   
1,271
     
1,281
 
 
               
Total non-performing assets
 
$
12,228
   
$
14,670
 
 
               
Non-performing assets to total loans
   
1.08
%
   
1.28
%
Non-performing assets to total assets
   
0.71
%
   
0.84
%
Non-performing loans to total loans
   
0.96
%
   
1.17
%
 
-33-

At March 31, 2018, nonperforming assets totaled $12.2 million, or 0.71% of total assets, compared to $14.7 million, or 0.84%, of total assets at December 31, 2017, which represented a decrease of $2.4 million, or 16.6%. The decrease in non-performing assets occurred primarily as a result of a decrease in non-accrual loans from $12.6 million at December 31, 2017 to $10.5 million at March 31, 2018. The decrease in non-accrual loans was concentrated primarily in commercial and industrial loans and one-to four-family residential loans.
 
At March 31, 2018, nonaccrual loans totaled $10.5 million, a decrease of $2.0 million, or 16.0%, compared to nonaccrual loans of $12.6 million at December 31, 2017. The reduction in nonaccrual loans was primarily associated with a $2.5 million paydown on a non-performing commercial and industrial loan relationship, and a $0.3 million agricultural loan that was returned to accrual status. Nonaccrual loans were concentrated in five loan relationships that totaled $7.1 million, or 67.8%, of nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2018.
 
At March 31, 2018, loans 90 days or greater delinquent and still accruing totaled $0.4 million, a decrease of $0.4 million compared to $0.8 million at December 31, 2017. These loans were comprised of two non-farm non-residential loans totaling $0.3 million, two agricultural loans totaling $75,000 and a $30,000 commercial and industrial loan at March 31, 2018.

Other real estate owned totaled $1.3 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

At March 31, 2018, our largest non-performing assets were comprised of the following non-accrual loans and other real estate owned: (1) a non-farm non-residential loan that totaled $3.1 million; (2) a commercial and industrial loan that totaled $2.0 million that is a shared national credit involved in oil and gas support and service activity; (3) an agricultural loan relationship that totaled $0.9 million; (4) an agricultural loan relationship that totaled $0.8 million; (5) a $0.3 million construction and land development loan; and (6) a $0.7 million non-farm non-residential property. The commercial and industrial and agricultural loans have been charged down to their estimated fair value.
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
Another category of assets which contribute to our credit risk is troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). A TDR is a loan for which a concession has been granted to the borrower due to a deterioration of the borrower's financial condition. Such concessions may include reduction in interest rates, deferral of interest or principal payments, principal forgiveness and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. We strive to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify to more affordable terms before such loan reaches nonaccrual status. In evaluating whether to restructure a loan, management analyzes the long-term financial condition of the borrower, including guarantor and collateral support, to determine whether the proposed concessions will increase the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest. TDRs that are not performing in accordance with their restructured terms and are either contractually 90 days past due or placed on nonaccrual status are reported as non-performing loans. Our policy provides that nonaccrual TDRs are returned to accrual status after a period of satisfactory and reasonable future payment performance under the terms of the restructuring. Satisfactory payment performance is generally no less than six consecutive months of timely payments and demonstrated ability to continue to repay. 

The following is a summary of loans restructured as TDRs at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
Restructured Loans:
           
In Compliance with Modified Terms
 
$
2,138
   
$
2,138
 
Past Due 30 through 89 days and still accruing
   
-
     
-
 
Past Due 90 days and greater and still accruing
   
-
     
-
 
Nonaccrual
   
325
     
334
 
Restructured Loans that subsequently defaulted
   
-
     
-
 
Total Restructured Loans
 
$
2,463
   
$
2,472
 
 
At March 31, 2018, we had two outstanding TDRs: (1) a $2.1 million non-farm non-residential loan secured by commercial real estate, which is performing in accordance with its modified terms; and (2) a $0.3 million construction and land development loan secured by raw land that is on non-accrual. The restructuring of these loans was related to interest rate or amortization concessions. 
 
-34-

Allowance for Loan Losses
 
The allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb potential losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, offset by recoveries of previously charged-off loans and is decreased by loan charge-offs. The provision is a charge to current expense to provide for current loan losses and to maintain the allowance commensurate with management's evaluation of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio. Various factors are taken into consideration when determining the amount of the provision and the adequacy of the allowance. These factors include but are not limited to:
 
past due and non-performing assets;

specific internal analysis of loans requiring special attention;

the current level of regulatory classified and criticized assets and the associated risk factors with each;

changes in underwriting standards or lending procedures and policies;

charge-off and recovery practices;

national and local economic and business conditions;

nature and volume of loans;

overall portfolio quality;

adequacy of loan collateral;

quality of loan review system and degree of oversight by our board of directors;

competition and legal and regulatory requirements on borrowers;

examinations of the loan portfolio by federal and state regulatory agencies and examinations; and

review by our internal loan review department and independent accountants.
 
The data collected from all sources in determining the adequacy of the allowance is evaluated on a regular basis by management with regard to current national and local economic trends, prior loss history, underlying collateral values, credit concentrations and industry risks. An estimate of potential loss on specific loans is developed in conjunction with an overall risk evaluation of the total loan portfolio. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as new information becomes available.
 
The allowance consists of specific, general, and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard, and impaired. For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Also, a specific reserve is allocated for our syndicated loans, including shared national credits. The general component covers non-classified loans and special mention loans and is based on historical loss experience for the past three years adjusted for qualitative factors described above. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect the estimate of probable losses.
 
The balance in the allowance for loan losses is principally influenced by the provision for loan losses and by net loan loss experience.  Additions to the allowance are charged to the provision for loan losses.  Losses are charged to the allowance as incurred and recoveries on losses previously charged to the allowance are credited to the allowance at the time recovery is collected.
 
The allowance for loan losses was $9.8 million or 0.86% of total loans and 89.3% of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2018.

Comparing March 31, 2018 to December 31, 2017, there were changes within the specific components of the allowance balance. The primary changes were an increase in the balance associated with non-farm non-residential loans, multifamily loans and agricultural loans. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the allowance for commercial and industrial loans, one-to four-family loans and consumer and other loans. Special mention loans increased by $2.5 million during the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to the downgrade of a non-farm non-residential loan. Substandard loans increased by $2.2 million during the first quarter of 2018 due to the downgrade of loans from special mention status. Doubtful loans decreased $2.5 million during the first quarter of 2018, due to the partial charge off and paydown on a nonperforming commercial and industrial loan.
 
First Guaranty charged off $0.2 million in loan balances during the first three months of 2018. The charged-off loan balances were concentrated in one loan relationship which totaled $0.1 million or 49.6% of the total charged off amount. The details of the $0.2 million in charged off loans were as follows:
 
1.
First Guaranty charged off $0.1 million on a one-to four-family loan in the first quarter of 2018. This loan had no remaining principal balance at March 31, 2018.
2.
Smaller loans and overdrawn deposit accounts comprised the remaining $0.1 million of charge-offs for the first three months of 2018.

The provision for loan losses decreased to $0.6 million in the first three months of 2018 from $0.7 million for the same period in 2017. The provision in the first three months of 2018 was taken to provide for current loan and deposit losses and to maintain the allowance proportionate to risks inherent in the loan portfolio. Total charge-offs were $0.2 million for the first three months of 2018 and $0.3 million for the same period in 2017.  Recoveries totaled $0.2 million during the first three months of 2018 and $0.1 million during the first three months of 2017. For more information, see Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

-35-

Other information related to the allowance for loan losses is as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Loans:
           
Average outstanding balance
 
$
1,139,036
   
$
976,855
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
1,137,171
   
$
994,439
 
 
               
Allowance for Loan Losses:
               
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
9,225
   
$
11,114
 
Charge-offs
   
(195
)
   
(284
)
Recoveries
   
153
     
106
 
Provision
   
605
     
711
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
9,788
   
$
11,647
 

-36-

Deposits
 
Managing the mix and pricing the maturities of deposit liabilities is an important factor affecting our ability to maximize our net interest margin. The strategies used to manage interest-bearing deposit liabilities are designed to adjust as the interest rate environment changes. We regularly assess our funding needs, deposit pricing and interest rate outlooks. From December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018, total deposits increased $0.9 million, or 0.1%, to $1.6 billion. Time deposits increased $18.9 million, or 3.3%, to $600.3 million at March 31, 2018, primarily due to our local deposit campaign along with an increase in public fund time deposits. Savings deposits increased $8.3 million, or 7.9%, during the first three months of 2018 to $113.0 million at March 31, 2018, primarily related to public fund deposits. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits decreased $1.5 million, or 0.6% during the first three months of 2018 to $250.1 million at March 31, 2018. The reduction in noninterest-bearing demand deposits was due to fluctuations in existing customer balances. Interest-bearing demand deposits decreased $24.8 million, or 4.1%, during the first three months of 2018 to $586.9 million at March 31, 2018. The reduction in interest-bearing demand deposits was primarily concentrated in brokered deposits. Brokered deposits decreased $13.0 million from $115.9 million to $102.9 million at March 31, 2018.

As we seek to strengthen our net interest margin and improve our earnings, attracting noninterest-bearing deposits will be a primary emphasis. Management will continue to evaluate and update our product mix in its efforts to attract additional customers. We currently offer a number of deposit products that are competitively priced and designed to attract and retain customers with primary emphasis on noninterest-bearing deposits.

As of March 31, 2018, the aggregate amount of outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was approximately $432.3 million. At March 31, 2018, approximately $214.4 million of First Guaranty's certificates of deposit had a remaining term greater than one year.
 
The following table compares deposit categories for the periods indicated.

Total Deposits
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(in thousands except for %)
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Noninterest-bearing Demand
 
$
249,678
     
16.0
%
   
0.0
%
 
$
244,949
     
16.7
%
   
0.0
%
 
$
221,634
     
17.2
%
   
0.0
%
Interest-bearing Demand
   
607,344
     
38.9
%
   
1.3
%
   
539,399
     
36.9
%
   
1.0
%
   
415,410
     
32.3
%
   
0.6
%
Savings
   
110,240
     
7.1
%
   
0.3
%
   
102,779
     
7.0
%
   
0.2
%
   
89,279
     
7.0
%
   
0.1
%
Time
   
592,057
     
38.0
%
   
1.4
%
   
575,666
     
39.4
%
   
1.2
%
   
558,982
     
43.5
%
   
1.1
%
Total Deposits
 
$
1,559,319
     
100.0
%
   
1.1
%
 
$
1,462,793
     
100.0
%
   
0.9
%
 
$
1,285,305
     
100.0
%
   
0.7
%
 
Individual and Business Deposits
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(in thousands except for %)
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Noninterest-bearing Demand
 
$
243,965
     
27.0
%
   
0.0
%
 
$
240,337
     
28.0
%
   
0.0
%
 
$
217,245
     
30.1
%
   
0.0
%
Interest-bearing Demand
   
217,180
     
24.0
%
   
0.9
%
   
187,439
     
21.8
%
   
0.6
%
   
117,221
     
16.2
%
   
0.3
%
Savings
   
83,544
     
9.2
%
   
0.1
%
   
82,442
     
9.6
%
   
0.1
%
   
72,647
     
10.0
%
   
0.1
%
Time
   
360,672
     
39.8
%
   
1.4
%
   
348,656
     
40.6
%
   
1.3
%
   
316,191
     
43.7
%
   
1.3
%
Total Individual and Business Deposits
 
$
905,361
     
100.0
%
   
0.8
%
 
$
858,874
     
100.0
%
   
0.7
%
 
$
723,304
     
100.0
%
   
0.6
%

Public Fund Deposits
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(in thousands except for %)
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Noninterest-bearing Demand
 
$
5,713
     
0.9
%
   
0.0
%
 
$
4,612
     
0.8
%
   
0.0
%
 
$
4,389
     
0.8
%
   
0.0
%
Interest-bearing Demand
   
390,164
     
59.6
%
   
1.5
%
   
351,960
     
58.3
%
   
1.2
%
   
298,189
     
53.0
%
   
0.8
%
Savings
   
26,696
     
4.1
%
   
1.1
%
   
20,337
     
3.4
%
   
0.8
%
   
16,632
     
3.0
%
   
0.3
%
Time
   
231,385
     
35.4
%
   
1.5
%
   
227,010
     
37.5
%
   
1.1
%
   
242,791
     
43.2
%
   
0.8
%
Total Public Fund Deposits
 
$
653,958
     
100.0
%
   
1.5
%
 
$
603,919
     
100.0
%
   
1.2
%
 
$
562,001
     
100.0
%
   
0.8
%
 
The following table sets forth the distribution of our time deposit accounts.
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
 
Time deposits of less than $100,000
 
$
167,964
 
Time deposits of $100,000 through $250,000
   
149,223
 
Time deposits of more than $250,000
   
283,080
 
Total Time Deposits
 
$
600,267
 

-37-

At March 31, 2018, public funds deposits totaled $653.1 million compared to $640.7 million at December 31, 2017. Public fund time deposits totaled $236.2 million at March 31, 2018 compared to $225.6 million at December 31, 2017. We have developed a program for the retention and management of public funds deposits. Since the end of 2012, we have maintained public funds deposits in excess of $400.0 million. These deposits are from public entities such as school districts, hospital districts, sheriff departments and municipalities. $606.4 million, or 93%, of these accounts at March 31, 2018, are under fiscal agency agreements with terms of three years or less. Deposits under fiscal agency agreements are generally stable but public entities may maintain the ability to negotiate term deposits on a specific basis including with other financial institutions. Three of these relationships account for 38% of public fund deposits that are under fiscal agency agreements. These deposits generally have stable balances as we maintain both operating accounts and time deposits for these entities. There is a seasonal component to public deposit levels associated with annual tax collections. Public funds will increase at the end of the year and during the first quarter. Public funds deposit accounts are collateralized by FHLB letters of credit, by Louisiana municipal bonds and by eligible government and government agency securities such as those issued by the FHLB, FFCB, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. We invest the majority of these public deposits in our investment portfolio, but have increasingly invested more public funds into loans during the last several years.  

The following table sets forth public funds as a percent of total deposits.

(in thousands except for %)
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
     
December 31, 2014
 
Public Funds:
                             
Noninterest-bearing Demand
 
$
4,475
   
$
4,828
   
$
4,114
   
$
4,906
   
$
3,241
 
Interest-bearing Demand
   
383,925
     
389,788
     
324,356
     
296,416
     
321,382
 
Savings
   
28,455
     
20,539
     
20,116
     
14,667
     
10,142
 
Time
   
236,235
     
225,591
     
208,330
     
252,688
     
266,743
 
Total Public Funds
 
$
653,090
   
$
640,746
   
$
556,916
   
$
568,677
   
$
601,508
 
Total Deposits
 
$
1,550,230
   
$
1,549,286
   
$
1,326,181
   
$
1,295,870
   
$
1,371,839
 
Total Public Funds as a percent of Total Deposits
   
42.1
%
   
41.4
%
   
42.0
%
   
43.9
%
   
43.9
%
 
-38-

Borrowings
 
First Guaranty maintains borrowing relationships with other financial institutions as well as the Federal Home Loan Bank on a short and long-term basis to meet liquidity needs. First Guaranty had no short-term borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2018 compared to $15.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2017. First Guaranty has an available line of credit of $6.5 million, with no outstanding balance at March 31, 2018. First Guaranty had senior long-term debt totaling $22.0 million as of March 31, 2018 and $22.8 million at December 31, 2017.
 
First Guaranty also had junior subordinated debentures totaling $14.7 million at March 31, 2018 and at December 31, 2017.

First Guaranty had $302.7 million in Federal Home Loan Bank letters of credit as of March 31, 2018 compared to $294.2 million at December 31, 2017. Federal Home Loan Bank letters of credit are obtained primarily for collateralizing public deposits. The increase in Federal Home Loan Bank letters of credit reflects First Guaranty's strategy to transition public funds deposits into loans.

Total Shareholders' Equity
 
Total shareholders' equity decreased to $140.0 million at March 31, 2018 from $144.0 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease in shareholders' equity was principally the result of an increase of $6.2 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss, offset by an increase of $2.2 million in retained earnings. The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss was primarily attributed to the increase in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities during the period due to the increase in interest rates. The $2.2  million increase in retained earnings was due to net income of $3.6 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2018, partially offset by $1.4 million in cash dividends paid on our common stock.

-39-

Results of Operations for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017
 
Performance Summary
 
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $3.6 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 10.8%, from $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the prior year period was the result of the decrease in income tax expense of $0.8 million resulting from the decrease in corporate tax rates as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. First Guaranty also experienced increased interest income associated with loans, partially offset by increased interest and noninterest expense and decreased noninterest income. Earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $0.41 per common share, an increase of 5.1% or $0.02 per common share from $0.39 per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  The increase in earnings per share was caused by the increase in net income.
 
Net Interest Income
 
Our operating results depend primarily on our net interest income, which is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets, including loans and securities, and interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, including deposits and other borrowed funds. Interest rate fluctuations, as well as changes in the amount and type of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, combine to affect net interest income. Our net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. It is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowed funds.
 
A financial institution's asset and liability structure is substantially different from that of a non-financial company, in that virtually all assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Accordingly, changes in interest rates may have a significant impact on a financial institution's performance. The impact of interest rate changes depends on the sensitivity to the change of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The effects of a gradually increasing interest rate environment in recent years and our interest sensitivity position is discussed below.
 
Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $13.8 million and $12.7 million, respectively. The increase in net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our total interest-earning assets and an increase in the average yield of our total interest-earning assets, partially offset by the increase in the average balance of our total interest-bearing liabilities and an increase in the average rate of our total interest-bearing liabilities. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the average balance of our total interest-earning assets increased by $142.8 million to $1.7 billion, and the average yield of interest-earning assets increased by 29 basis points to 4.41% from 4.12% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the average balance of our total interest-bearing liabilities increased by $134.6 million to $1.3 billion, and the average rate of our total interest-bearing liabilities increased by 39 basis points to 1.37% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 0.98% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Our net interest-earning assets increased $8.3 million to $333.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the prior year period. Our net interest rate spread decreased ten basis points to 3.04% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from 3.14% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  Our net interest margin also decreased by three basis points to 3.32% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from 3.35% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
 
Interest Income
 
Interest income increased $2.7 million, or 17.2%, to $18.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.  First Guaranty continues to transition assets from lower yielding securities to higher yielding loans in order to increase interest income.  The increase in interest income resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of our total interest-earning assets along with an increase in the average yield of interest-earning assets. The average balance of interest-earning assets increased $142.8 million to $1.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the prior year period. The average yield of interest-earning assets increased by 29 basis points to 4.41% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 4.12% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  

Interest income on securities decreased $0.1 million, or 1.5%, to $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018  compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of a decrease in the average balance of securities, which was partially offset by an increase in the average yield on securities. The average balance of securities decreased $35.4 million to $507.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $542.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as a result of First Guaranty's plan to transition assets from securities into loans. The average yield on securities increased by 14 basis points to 2.68% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from 2.54% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
 
Interest income on loans increased $2.7 million, or 21.8%, to $14.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the prior year period as a result of an increase in the average balance of loans along with an increase in the average yield on loans. The average balance of loans (excluding loans held for sale) increased by $162.2 million to $1.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $1.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as a result of new loan originations, acquired loans and loans assumed from the Premier acquisition, the majority of which were one-to-four family residential loans, commercial leases, commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans. The average yield on loans (excluding loans held for sale) increased by 22 basis points to 5.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from 5.06% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense increased $1.6 million, or 55.3%, to $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 due to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits along with an increase in the average rate on interest-bearing deposits. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased by $137.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 to $1.3 billion due to increases in the average balance of demand, savings and time deposits. The average rate of interest-bearing demand deposits increased by 50 basis points during the three months ended March 31, 2018 to 1.32%. The increase in the average rate on interest-bearing deposits was due to the increase in demand deposits, primarily public funds interest-bearing accounts and brokered money market deposits, whose rates are contractually tied to national index rates such as the U.S. Federal Funds rate or short term U.S. Treasury rates.

-40-

The following table sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. Loans, net of unearned income, include loans held for sale. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.
 
The net interest income yield shown below in the average balance sheet is calculated by dividing net interest income by average interest-earning assets and is a measure of the efficiency of the earnings from balance sheet activities. It is affected by changes in the difference between interest on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the percentage of interest-earning assets funded by interest-bearing liabilities.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
(in thousands except for %)
 
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Rate (5)
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Rate (5)
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Interest-earning deposits with banks
 
$
32,143
   
$
85
     
1.07
%
 
$
18,643
   
$
19
     
0.41
%
Securities (including FHLB stock)
   
507,485
     
3,353
     
2.68
%
   
542,860
     
3,403
     
2.54
%
Federal funds sold
   
1,034
     
1
     
0.21
%
   
244
     
-
     
0.00
%
Loans held for sale
   
1,725
     
23
     
5.41
%
   
-
     
-
     
0.00
%
Loans, net of unearned income
   
1,139,036
     
14,841
     
5.28
%
   
976,855
     
12,200
     
5.06
%
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,681,423
   
$
18,303
     
4.41
%
   
1,538,602
   
$
15,622
     
4.12
%
 
                                               
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
   
10,271
                     
7,757
                 
Premises and equipment, net
   
38,189
                     
24,475
                 
Other assets
   
14,398
                     
4,885
                 
Total Assets
 
$
1,744,281
                   
$
1,575,719
                 
 
                                               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
 
$
607,344
   
$
1,976
     
1.32
%
 
$
534,509
   
$
1,082
     
0.82
%
Savings deposits
   
110,240
     
82
     
0.30
%
   
97,767
     
36
     
0.15
%
Time deposits
   
592,057
     
2,085
     
1.43
%
   
539,965
     
1,444
     
1.08
%
Borrowings
   
38,407
     
405
     
4.27
%
   
41,256
     
366
     
3.60
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
1,348,048
   
$
4,548
     
1.37
%
   
1,213,497
   
$
2,928
     
0.98
%
 
                                               
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
   
249,678
                     
231,588
                 
Other
   
4,567
                     
4,478
                 
Total Liabilities
   
1,602,293
                     
1,449,563
                 
 
                                               
Shareholders' equity
   
141,988
                     
126,156
                 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
$
1,744,281
                   
$
1,575,719
                 
Net interest income
         
$
13,755
                   
$
12,694
         
 
                                               
Net interest rate spread (1)
                   
3.04
%
                   
3.14
%
Net interest-earning assets (2)
 
$
333,375
                   
$
325,105
                 
Net interest margin (3), (4)
                   
3.32
%
                   
3.35
%
 
                                               
Average interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                   
124.73
%
                   
126.79
%

(1)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)
Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
(4)
The tax adjusted net interest margin was 3.34% and 3.37% for the above periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively. A 21% and 35% tax rate was used to calculate the effect on securities income from tax exempt securities for the above periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively.
(5)
Annualized.

-41-

Provision for Loan Losses
 
A provision for loan losses is a charge to income in an amount that management believes is necessary to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. The provision is based on management's regular evaluation of current economic conditions in our specific markets as well as regionally and nationally, changes in the character and size of the loan portfolio, underlying collateral values securing loans, and other factors which deserve recognition in estimating loan losses. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events change.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the provision for loan losses was $0.6 million compared to $0.7 million for the same period in 2017. The allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2018 was $9.8 million and was 0.86% of total loans. The decrease in the provision was attributed to the improvement in credit quality of the loan portfolio. Total charge-offs were $0.2 million for the first three months of 2018 as compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2017.
 
We believe that the allowance is adequate to cover potential losses in the loan portfolio given the current economic conditions, and current expected net charge-offs and non-performing asset levels.
 
Noninterest Income
 
Our primary sources of recurring noninterest income are customer service fees, ATM and debit card fees, loan fees, gains on the  sales of available-for-sale securities and loans and other service fees. Noninterest income does not include loan origination fees which are recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment to yield using the interest method.
 
Noninterest income totaled $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, a decrease of $0.4 million from $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  The decrease was primarily due to lower gains on securities sales.  Net securities gains were $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2017. The gains on securities sales occurred as First Guaranty sold investment securities in order to fund loan growth. We also continued to have gains from bonds that were called and paid off before their contractual maturity. Service charges, commissions and fees totaled $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $0.6 million for the same period in 2017.  ATM and debit card fees totaled $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Other noninterest income totaled $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $0.4 million for the same period in 2017.

-42-

Noninterest Expense
 
Noninterest expense includes salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense and other types of expenses.  Noninterest expense totaled $10.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Salaries and benefits expense totaled $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Occupancy and equipment expense totaled $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Other noninterest expense totaled $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of other noninterest expense:

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2018
   
2017
 
Other noninterest expense:
           
Legal and professional fees
 
$
463
   
$
631
 
Data processing
   
367
     
307
 
ATM fees
   
274
     
277
 
Marketing and public relations
   
345
     
299
 
Taxes - sales, capital, and franchise
   
244
     
197
 
Operating supplies
   
135
     
100
 
Software expense and amortization
   
269
     
209
 
Travel and lodging
   
226
     
204
 
Telephone
   
55
     
40
 
Amortization of core deposits
   
136
     
80
 
Donations
   
87
     
90
 
Net costs from other real estate and repossessions
   
(33
)
   
77
 
Regulatory assessment
   
189
     
197
 
Other
   
527
     
429
 
Total other noninterest expense
 
$
3,284
   
$
3,137
 

Income Taxes
 
The amount of income tax expense is influenced by the amount of pre-tax income, the amount of tax-exempt income, the amount of other non-deductible expenses and the statutory tax rate. The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $0.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively.  The provision for income taxes decreased due to a decrease in the corporate federal income tax rate which took effect on January 1, 2018 as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. First Guaranty's statutory tax rate was 21.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which was a decrease of 14 basis points from the first quarter of 2017 rate of 35.0%.
 
Subsequent Events

On May 9, 2018, First Guaranty received a $3.6 million negotiated payment in settlement of a commercial and industrial loan that was a shared national credit. The carrying value of the loan, net of prior charge-offs, was $2.0 million. The payment amount was in excess of the current carrying value of the loan and resulted in a recovery of $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2018. The loan was on nonaccrual and classified as doubtful. The payment results in a reduction of $2.0 million in nonaccrual loans and a $2.0 million reduction in loans classified as doubtful.

-43-

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity refers to the ability or flexibility to manage future cash flows to meet the needs of depositors and borrowers and fund operations. Maintaining appropriate levels of liquidity allows us to have sufficient funds available to meet customer demand for loans, withdrawal of deposit balances and maturities of deposits and other liabilities. Liquid assets include cash and due from banks, interest-earning demand deposits with banks, federal funds sold and available for sale investment securities.

Loans maturing within one year or less at March 31, 2018 totaled $191.7 million. At March 31, 2018, time deposits maturing within one year or less totaled $385.9 million. First Guaranty's held-to-maturity ("HTM") portfolio at March 31, 2018 was $117.1 million or 23.3% of the investment portfolio compared to $120.1 million or 23.9% at December 31, 2017. The securities in the HTM portfolio are used to collateralize public funds deposits and may also be used to secure borrowings with the Federal Home Loan Bank or Federal Reserve Bank. The agency securities in the HTM portfolio have maturities of 10 years or less. The mortgage-backed securities have stated final maturities of 15 to 20 years at March 31, 2018. The municipal securities in the HTM portfolio have maturities of 20 years or less. The HTM portfolio had a forecasted weighted average life of approximately 5.97 years based on current interest rates. Management regularly monitors the size and composition of the HTM portfolio to evaluate its effect on First Guaranty's liquidity. First Guaranty's available-for-sale ("AFS") portfolio was $385.0 million or 76.7% of the investment portfolio as of March 31, 2018. The majority of the AFS portfolio was comprised of  U.S. Government Agencies, municipal bonds and investment grade corporate bonds. Management believes these securities are readily marketable and enhance First Guaranty's liquidity.
 
First Guaranty maintained a net borrowing capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank totaling $60.6 million and $40.1 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The change in borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank was due to changes in the value that First Guaranty receives on pledged collateral and due to First Guaranty's usage of the line. First Guaranty also has a discount window line with the Federal Reserve Bank. We also maintain federal funds lines of credit at various correspondent banks with borrowing capacity of $95.5 million and a revolving line of credit for $6.5 million with an availability of $6.5 million as of March 31, 2018 secured by a pledge of the Bank's common stock. Management believes there is sufficient liquidity to satisfy current operating needs.
 
Capital Resources
 
First Guaranty's capital position is reflected in shareholders' equity, subject to certain adjustments for regulatory purposes. Further, our capital base allows us to take advantage of business opportunities while maintaining the level of resources we deem appropriate to address business risks inherent in daily operations.

Total shareholders' equity decreased to $140.0 million at March 31, 2018 from $144.0 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease in shareholders' equity was principally the result of an increase of $6.2 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss, offset by a $2.2 million increase in retained earnings. The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss was primarily attributed to the increase in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 due to the increase in interest rates. The $2.2 million increase in retained earnings was due to net income of $3.6 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2018, partially offset by $1.4 million in cash dividends paid on our common stock.
 
-44-

Regulatory Capital
 
Risk-based capital regulations adopted by the FDIC require banks to achieve and maintain specified ratios of capital to risk-weighted assets. Similar capital regulations apply to bank holding companies over $1.0 billion in assets. The risk-based capital rules are designed to measure "Tier 1" capital (consisting of common equity, retained earnings and a limited amount of qualifying perpetual preferred stock and trust preferred securities, net of goodwill and other intangible assets and accumulated other comprehensive income) and total capital in relation to the credit risk of both on- and off- balance sheet items. Under the guidelines, one of its risk weights is applied to the different on balance sheet items. Off-balance sheet items, such as loan commitments, are also subject to risk weighting. Applicable bank holding companies and all banks must maintain a minimum total capital to total risk weighted assets ratio of 8.00%, at least half of which must be in the form of core or Tier 1 capital. These guidelines also specify that bank holding companies that are experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels.
 
In order to avoid limitations on distributions, including dividend payments, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, an institution must hold a capital conservation buffer above its minimum risk-based capital requirements.  As of March 31, 2018, the Bank's capital conservation buffer was 5.27% exceeding the minimum of 1.875% for 2018. As of March 31, 2018, First Guaranty's capital conservation buffer was 4.42% exceeding the minimum of 1.875% for 2018.
 
At March 31, 2018, we satisfied the minimum regulatory capital requirements and were well capitalized within the meaning of federal regulatory requirements.
 
 
"Well Capitalized Minimums"
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
5.00%
 
 
8.11%
 
 
8.27%
Bank
 
5.00%
 
 
9.60%
 
 
9.88%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
8.00%
 
 
10.56%
 
 
10.35%
Bank
 
8.00%
 
 
12.54%
 
 
12.39%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Risk-based Capital Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
10.00%
 
 
12.42%
 
 
12.14%
Bank
 
10.00%
 
 
13.27%
 
 
13.07%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier One Capital Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
6.50%
 
 
10.56%
 
 
10.35%
Bank
 
6.50%
 
 
12.54%
 
 
12.39%

-45-

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Asset/Liability Management and Market Risk
 
Our asset/liability management (ALM) process consists of quantifying, analyzing and controlling interest rate risk (IRR) to maintain reasonably stable net interest income levels under various interest rate environments. The principal objective of ALM is to maximize net interest income while operating within acceptable limits established for interest rate risk and to maintain adequate levels of liquidity.
 
The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, one of our most significant forms of market risk is interest rate risk, which is inherent in our lending and deposit-taking activities. Our assets, consisting primarily of loans secured by real estate and fixed rate securities in our investment portfolio, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and reduce the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. The board of directors of First Guaranty Bank has established two committees, the management asset liability committee and the board investment committee, to oversee the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the board of directors. The management asset liability committee is comprised of senior officers of the Bank and meets as needed to review our asset liability policies and interest rate risk position. The board ALCO investment committee is comprised of certain members of the board of directors of the Bank and meets monthly. The management asset liability committee provides a monthly report to the board ALCO investment committee.
 
The need for interest sensitivity gap management is most critical in times of rapid changes in overall interest rates. We generally seek to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations by maintaining a relatively balanced mix of rate sensitive assets and liabilities on a one-year time horizon and greater than one-year time horizon. Because of the significant impact on net interest margin from mismatches in repricing opportunities, we monitor the asset-liability mix periodically depending upon the management asset liability committee's assessment of current business conditions and the interest rate outlook. We maintain exposure to interest rate fluctuations within prudent levels using varying investment strategies. These strategies include, but are not limited to, frequent internal modeling of asset and liability values and behavior due to changes in interest rates. We monitor cash flow forecasts closely and evaluate the impact of both prepayments and extension risk.
 
The following interest sensitivity analysis is one measurement of interest rate risk. This analysis reflects the contractual maturity characteristics of assets and liabilities over various time periods. This analysis does not factor in prepayments or interest rate floors on loans which may significantly change the report. This table includes nonaccrual loans in their respective maturity periods. The gap indicates whether more assets or liabilities are subject to repricing over a given time period. The interest sensitivity analysis at March 31, 2018 illustrated below reflects a liability-sensitive position with a negative cumulative gap on a one-year basis.
 
The interest spread and liability funding discussed below are directly related to changes in asset and liability mixes, volumes, maturities and repricing opportunities for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Interest-sensitive assets and liabilities are those which are subject to repricing in the near term, including both floating or adjustable rate instruments and instruments approaching maturity. The interest sensitivity gap is the difference between total interest-sensitive assets and total interest-sensitive liabilities. Interest rates on our various asset and liability categories do not respond uniformly to changing market conditions. Interest rate risk is the degree to which interest rate fluctuations in the marketplace can affect net interest income.
 
-46-

 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
Interest Sensitivity Within
 
(in thousands except for %)
 
3 Months Or Less
   
Over 3 Months
thru 12 Months
   
Total One Year
   
Over One Year
   
Total
 
Earning Assets:
                             
Loans (including loans held for sale)
 
$
418,705
   
$
65,483
   
$
484,188
   
$
654,820
   
$
1,139,008
 
Securities (including FHLB stock)
   
19,751
     
18,334
     
38,085
     
466,356
     
504,441
 
Federal Funds Sold
   
990
     
-
     
990
     
-
     
990
 
Other earning assets
   
20,259
     
-
     
20,259
     
-
     
20,259
 
Total earning assets
 
$
459,705
   
$
83,817
   
$
543,522
   
$
1,121,176
   
$
1,664,698
 
 
                                       
Source of Funds:
                                       
Interest-bearing accounts:
                                       
Demand deposits
 
$
586,888
   
$
-
   
$
586,888
   
$
-
   
$
586,888
 
Savings deposits
   
112,965
     
-
     
112,965
     
-
     
112,965
 
Time deposits
   
199,201
     
186,714
     
385,915
     
214,352
     
600,267
 
Short-term borrowings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Senior long-term debt
   
22,040
     
-
     
22,040
     
-
     
22,040
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
14,673
     
14,673
 
Noninterest-bearing, net
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
327,865
     
327,865
 
Total source of funds
 
$
921,094
   
$
186,714
   
$
1,107,808
   
$
556,890
   
$
1,664,698
 
 
                                       
Period gap
 
$
(461,389
)
 
$
(102,897
)
 
$
(564,286
)
 
$
564,286
         
Cumulative gap
 
$
(461,389
)
 
$
(564,286
)
 
$
(564,286
)
 
$
-
         
 
                                       
Cumulative gap as a percent of earning assets
   
-27.7
%
   
-33.9
%
   
-33.9
%
               
 
-47-

Net interest income at risk measures the risk of a decline in earnings due to changes in interest rates. The first table below presents an analysis of our interest rate risk as measured by the estimated changes in net interest income resulting from an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in the yield curve over a 12-month horizon at March 31, 2018. Shifts are measured in 100 basis point increments (+400 through -100 basis points) from base case. We do not present shifts less than 100 basis points because of the current low interest rate environment. The base case scenario encompasses key assumptions for asset/liability mix, loan and deposit growth, pricing, prepayment speeds, deposit decay rates, securities portfolio cash flows and reinvestment strategy and the market value of certain assets under the various interest rate scenarios. The base case scenario assumes that the current interest rate environment is held constant throughout the forecast period for a static balance sheet and the instantaneous shocks are performed against that yield curve. The second table presents an analysis of our interest rate risk as measured by the estimated changes in net interest income resulting from a gradual shift in the yield curve over a 12 month horizon.
 
Instantaneous Changes in Interest Rates (In Basis Points)
 Percent Change In Net Interest Income
+400
(13.32)%
+300
(9.72)%
+200
(6.42)%
+100
(3.13)%
Base
-%
-100
3.97%
 
Gradual Change in Interest Rates (In Basis Points)
Percent Change In Net Interest Income
+400
(6.77)%
+300
(5.01)%
+200
(3.26)%
+100
(1.56)%
Base
-%
-100
2.39%

These scenarios above are both instantaneous shocks and gradual interest rate ramps that assume balance sheet management will mirror the base case. Even if interest rates change in the designated amounts, there can be no assurance that our assets and liabilities would perform as anticipated. Additionally, a change in the U.S. Treasury rates in the designated amounts accompanied by a change in the shape of the U.S. Treasury yield curve would cause significantly different changes to net interest income than indicated above. Strategic management of our balance sheet would be adjusted to accommodate these movements. As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methods of analysis presented above. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Also, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. We consider all of these factors in monitoring exposure to interest rate risk.
 
-48-

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), a Company's "disclosure controls and procedures" means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. First Guaranty maintains such controls designed to ensure this material information is communicated to Management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), as appropriate, to allow timely decision regarding required disclosure.

Management, with the participation of the CEO and CFO, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report are effective. There were no changes in First Guaranty's internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter in the period covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, First Guaranty's internal control over financial reporting.
 
-49-

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
At March 31, 2018, First Guaranty is subject to various legal proceedings in the normal course of business and otherwise. It is our belief that the ultimate resolution of such claims will not have a material adverse effect on First Guaranty's financial position or results of operations.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
There have been no material changes to our risk factors as disclosed in First Guaranty's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
The following exhibits are either filed as part of this report or are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Exhibit Number
Exhibit
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
 
-50-

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, First Guaranty has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
FIRST GUARANTY BANCSHARES, INC.
 
Date: May 10, 2018
 
By: /s/ Alton B. Lewis
 
 
Alton B. Lewis
 
 
Principal Executive Officer
 
 
 
Date: May 10, 2018
 
By: /s/ Eric J. Dosch
 
 
Eric J. Dosch
 
 
Principal Financial Officer
 
 
Secretary and Treasurer

-51-