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REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP INC - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

republicfirst10q.htm
 
 



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[ X ]
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014.
 
or
 
[      ]
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ____ to ____.
 
Commission File Number:  000-17007
 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania
23-2486815
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
50 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19102
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
 
215-735-4422
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  [X]   NO  [  ]
 
 
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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   YES  [X ]     NO  [  ]
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer    [   ]
Accelerated filer     [   ]
Non-Accelerated filer   [   ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company    [X]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
YES  [  ]
NO   [X]
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
 
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
37,815,003
Title of Class
Number of Shares Outstanding as of November 6, 2014
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
Part I:  Financial Information
Page
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (unaudited)
 
Consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
 
 
Notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
     
Part II:  Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
     
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
     
Item 5.
Other Information
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
     
Signatures
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
 2013
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 13,546     $ 12,525  
Interest bearing deposits with banks
    88,917       23,355  
Federal funds sold
    3,381       -  
    Cash and cash equivalents
    105,844       35,880  
                 
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
    158,830       204,891  
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $68,646 and $21, respectively)
    68,991       21  
Restricted stock, at cost
    1,725       1,570  
Loans held for sale
    789       4,931  
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $12,216 and $12,263, respectively)
    739,817       667,048  
Premises and equipment, net
    29,767       22,748  
Other real estate owned, net
    3,775       4,059  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,282       3,049  
Other assets
    17,896       17,468  
    Total Assets
  $ 1,130,716     $ 961,665  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Deposits
               
   Demand – non-interest bearing
  $ 216,642     $ 157,806  
   Demand – interest bearing
    224,102       230,221  
   Money market and savings
    471,199       402,671  
   Time deposits
    78,132       78,836  
       Total Deposits
    990,075       869,534  
Accrued interest payable
    300       237  
Other liabilities
    6,272       6,519  
Subordinated debt
    22,476       22,476  
    Total Liabilities
    1,019,123       898,766  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
    -       -  
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued 38,343,848 as of September 30, 2014 and 26,501,742 as of December 31, 2013
    383       265  
Additional paid in capital
    152,122       107,078  
Accumulated deficit
    (36,119 )     (37,708 )
Treasury stock at cost (503,408 shares as of September 30, 2014 and 416,303 shares as of December 31, 2013)
    (3,725 )     (3,099 )
Stock held by deferred compensation plan (25,437 shares as of September 30, 2014 and 112,542 shares as of December 31, 2013)
    (183 )     (809 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (885 )     (2,828 )
    Total Shareholders’ Equity
    111,593       62,899  
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 1,130,716     $ 961,665  
 
(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
 

 
 
1

 

 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 (unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Interest income:
                       
Interest and fees on taxable loans
  $ 8,914     $ 8,060     $ 25,381     $ 23,888  
Interest and fees on tax-exempt loans
    86       86       252       266  
Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities
    1,260       1,097       3,689       3,187  
Interest and dividends on tax-exempt investment securities
    96       56       258       177  
Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
    45       40       107       143  
Total interest income
    10,401       9,339       29,687       27,661  
Interest expense:
                               
Demand- interest bearing
    220       213       636       615  
Money market and savings
    509       425       1,392       1,355  
Time deposits
    189       197       540       680  
Other borrowings
    277       278       830       834  
Total interest expense
    1,195       1,113       3,398       3,484  
Net interest income
    9,206       8,226       26,289       24,177  
Provision for loan losses
    300       250       600       1,175  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    8,906       7,976       25,689       23,002  
Non-interest income:
                               
Loan advisory and servicing fees
    388       446       1,291       1,220  
Gain on sales of SBA loans
    614       1,106       2,814       3,863  
Service fees on deposit accounts
    316       270       896       769  
Legal settlements
    -       -       -       238  
Gain on sale of investment securities
    -       -       458       703  
Other-than-temporary impairment
    -       -       21       -  
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)
    -       -       (28 )     -  
Net impairment loss on investment securities
    -       -       (7 )     -  
Bank owned life insurance income
    -       -       -       13  
Other non-interest income
    53       70       138       199  
Total non-interest income
    1,371       1,892       5,590       7,005  
Non-interest expenses:
                               
 Salaries and employee benefits
    5,074       4,486       14,942       13,276  
 Occupancy
    1,039       941       3,104       2,661  
 Depreciation and amortization
    710       671       1,779       1,626  
 Legal
    283       544       982       1,411  
 Other real estate owned
    376       745       1,062       1,771  
 Advertising
    91       103       453       321  
 Data processing
    336       299       990       715  
 Insurance
    148       155       427       466  
 Professional fees
    330       358       1,160       1,040  
 Regulatory assessments and costs
    258       327       791       912  
 Taxes, other
    171       63       620       566  
 Legal settlement
    -       1,875       -       1,875  
 Other operating expenses
    1,170       1,541       3,448       3,654  
Total non-interest expense
    9,986       12,108       29,758       30,294  
Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes
    291       (2,240 )     1,521       (287 )
Benefit for income taxes
    (6 )     (18 )     (68 )     (68 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 297     $ (2,222 )   $ 1,589     $ (219 )
Net income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.01     $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05     $ (0.01 )
Diluted
  $ 0.01     $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05     $ (0.01 )
 
(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
 
 
 
2

 
 
 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 297     $ (2,222 )   $ 1,589     $ (219 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                               
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities (pre-tax $(244), $(220), $3,422, and $(3,717), respectively)
    (156 )     (141 )     2,194       (2,383 )
 
Reclassification adjustment for securities gains (pre-tax $-, $-, $458, and $703, respectively)
    -       -       (293 )     (450 )
 
Reclassification adjustment for impairment charge (pre-tax $-, $-, $7, and $-, respectively)
    -       -       4       -  
 
       Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on
       securities transferred between available-for-sale
       and held-to-maturity:
                               
          Amortization of net unrealized holding losses
           to income during the period
           (pre-tax $60, $-, $60, $-, respectively)
    38       -       38       -  
                                 
Total other comprehensive income  (loss)
    (118 )     (141 )     1,943       (2,833 )
                                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 179     $ (2,363 )   $ 3,532     $ (3,052 )
 
 
 (See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
 
 
 
 
3

 
 
 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
       2014
   
2013
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,589     $ (219 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    600       1,175  
Loss (gain) on sale of other real estate owned
    9       (229 )
Write down of other real estate owned
    667       1,442  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,779       1,626  
Stock based compensation
    309       237  
Gain on sale and call of investment securities
    (458 )     (703 )
Impairment charges on investment securities
    7       -  
Amortization of premiums on investment securities
    414       613  
Proceeds from sales of SBA loans originated for sale
    29,485       39,519  
SBA loans originated for sale
    (22,529 )     (42,704 )
Gains on sales of SBA loans originated for sale
    (2,814 )     (3,863 )
Increase in value of bank owned life insurance
    -       (13 )
Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets
    (1,747 )     (2,129 )
Net (decrease) increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    (184 )     723  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    7,127       (4,525 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Purchase of investment securities available for sale
    (46,823 )     (50,054 )
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
    5,700       7,946  
Proceeds from the maturity or call of securities available for sale
    20,114       27,315  
Proceeds from the maturity or call of securities held to maturity
    1,166       -  
Net (purchase) redemption of restricted stock
    (155 )     2,246  
Net increase in loans
    (73,852 )     (34,595 )
Net proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
    91       1,994  
Surrender proceeds on bank owned life insurance
    -       10,503  
Premises and equipment expenditures
    (8,798 )     (831 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (102,557 )     (35,476 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Net proceeds from stock offering
    44,853       -  
Net increase (decrease) in demand, money market and savings deposits
    121,245       (4,041 )
Net decrease in time deposits
    (704 )     (39,657 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    165,394       (43,698 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    69,964       (83,699 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    35,880       128,004  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 105,844     $ 44,305  
                 
Supplemental disclosures:
               
Interest paid
  $ 3,335     $ 3,476  
Income taxes paid
  $ 70     $ 185  
Non-cash transfers from loans to other real estate owned
  $ 483     $ 246  
Transfer of available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity securities
  $ 70,118     $ -  

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
 
 
 
 
4

 
 

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid in
Capital
   
Accumulated Deficit
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Stock Held by Deferred Compensation Plan
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total Shareholders’ Equity
 
                                           
Balance January 1, 2014
  $ 265     $ 107,078     $ (37,708 )   $ (3,099 )   $ (809 )   $ (2,828 )   $ 62,899  
                                                         
Net income
                    1,589                               1,589  
Other comprehensive income, net of
   tax
                                            1,943       1,943  
Proceeds from shares issued under
   common stock offering (11,842,106
   shares) net of offering costs (pre-tax
   $147)
    118       44,735                                       44,853  
Stock based compensation
            309                                       309  
Transfer from deferred compensation
                                                       
  plan to treasury stock (87,105 shares)
                            (626 )     626               -  
                                                         
Balance September 30,  2014
  $ 383     $ 152,122     $ (36,119 )   $ (3,725 )   $ (183 )   $ (885 )   $ 111,593  
                                                         
                                                         
Balance January 1, 2013
  $ 265     $ 106,753     $ (34,228 )   $ (3,099 )   $ (809 )   $ 1,020     $ 69,902  
                                                         
Net loss
                    (219 )                             (219 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
                                            (2,833 )     (2,833 )
Stock based compensation
            237                                       237  
                                                         
Balance September 30,  2013
  $ 265     $ 106,990     $ (34,447 )   $ (3,099 )   $ (809 )   $ (1,813 )   $ 67,087  
 
 
(See notes to consolidated financial statements)




 
5

 
 

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Note 1:  Basis of Presentation

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a registered bank holding company.  The Company offers a variety of retail and commercial banking services to individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic First Bank (“Republic” or the “Bank”) which does business under the name Republic Bank.  The Company also has three unconsolidated subsidiaries, which are statutory trusts established by the Company in connection with its sponsorship of three separate issuances of trust preferred securities.

The Company and Republic encounter vigorous competition for market share in the geographic areas they serve from bank holding companies, national, regional and other community banks, thrift institutions, credit unions and other non-bank financial organizations, such as mutual fund companies, insurance companies and brokerage companies.
 
The Company and Republic are subject to regulations of certain state and federal agencies. These regulatory agencies periodically examine the Company and Republic for adherence to laws and regulations. As a consequence, the cost of doing business may be affected.
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic. The Company follows accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).  The FASB sets accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) that are followed to ensure consistent reporting of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information and with the instructions to United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Form 10-Q and Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for financial statements for a complete fiscal year.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the financial data included herein.
 
Note 2:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Risks and Uncertainties

The earnings of the Company depend primarily on the earnings of Republic.  The earnings of Republic are dependent primarily upon the level of net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Accordingly, the Company’s results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding Republic’s exposure to changes in the interest rate environment.

Prepayments on residential real estate mortgage and other fixed rate loans and mortgage-backed securities vary significantly and may cause significant fluctuations in interest margins.
 
 
 
 
 
6

 
 
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates are made by management in determining the allowance for loan losses, carrying values of other real estate owned, assessment of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of investment securities, fair value of financial instruments and the realization of deferred income tax assets. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing these estimates.

In estimating the allowance for loan losses, management considers current economic conditions, diversification of the loan portfolio, delinquency statistics, results of internal loan reviews, borrowers’ perceived financial and managerial strengths, the adequacy of underlying collateral, if collateral dependent, or present value of future cash flows, and other relevant factors.  An estimate for the carrying value of other real estate owned is normally determined through appraisals which are updated on a regular basis or through agreements of sale that have been negotiated. Because the allowance for loan losses and carrying value of other real estate owned are dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other conditions that may be beyond the Company’s and Republic’s control, the estimates of the allowance for loan losses and the carrying values of other real estate owned could differ materially in the near term.
 
In estimating OTTI of investment securities, securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis and more frequently when market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether a decline in their value is other than temporary.  To determine whether a loss in value is other than temporary, management utilizes criteria such as the reasons underlying the decline, the magnitude and duration of the decline, the intent to hold the security and the likelihood of the Company not being required to sell the security prior to an anticipated recovery in the fair value.  The term “other than temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospect for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of investment.  Once a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, the value of the security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized.
 
In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover deferred tax assets, management considers all available positive and negative evidence.   Management also makes assumptions on the amount of future taxable income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies.  These assumptions require management to make judgments that are consistent with the plans and estimates used to manage the Company’s business.  As a result of cumulative losses in recent years including 2011, 2012, 2013, and the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 and the uncertain nature of recovery in the current economic environment, the Company has decided to currently exclude future taxable income from its analysis of the ability to recover deferred tax assets and has recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets.  An increase or decrease in the valuation allowance would result in an adjustment to income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on the Company’s future earnings.

      Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“Plan”), under which the Company may grant options, restricted stock or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, and certain consultants.  The Plan became effective on November 14, 1995, and was amended and approved at the Company’s 2005 annual meeting of shareholders.  Under the terms of the Plan, 1.5 million shares of common stock, plus an annual increase equal to the number of shares needed to restore the maximum number of shares that may be available for grant under the Plan to 1.5 million shares, are available for such grants.  As of September 30, 2014, the only grants under the Plan have been option grants.  The Plan provides that the exercise price of each option granted equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant.  Options granted pursuant to the Plan vest within one to four years and have a maximum term of 10 years.  The Plan terminates pursuant to its terms on November 14, 2015.
 
 
 
 
 
7

 

 
On April 29, 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), under which the Company may grant options, restricted stock, stock units, or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, independent contractors, and consultants.  Under the terms of the 2014 Plan, 2.6 million shares of common stock, plus an annual adjustment to be no less than 10% of the outstanding shares or such lower number as the Board of Directors may determine, are available for such grants.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 360,900 options were granted under the Plan with a weighted average grant date fair value of $576,185. There were no options granted under the 2014 Plan.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the estimated fair value of each stock option granted on the date of the grant.  A summary of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for 2014 and 2013 are as follows:


   
2014
   
2013
 
Dividend yield(1)
    0.0 %     0.0 %
Expected volatility(2)
 
55.79% to 57.99
%  
54.88% to 55.08%
Risk-free interest rate(3)
 
1.51% to 2.26
%  
1.28% to 2.02%
Expected life(4)
 
5.5 to 7.0 years
 
7.0 years
                 
(1) A dividend yield of 0.0% is utilized because cash dividends have never been paid.
(2) Expected volatility is based on Bloomberg’s five and one-half to seven year volatility calculation for “FRBK” stock.
(3) The risk-free interest rate is based on the five to seven year Treasury bond.
(4) The expected life reflects a 1 to 4 year vesting period, the maximum ten year term and review of historical behavior.


During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 206,825 options and 127,287 options vested, respectively.  Expense is recognized ratably over the period required to vest.  At September 30, 2014, the intrinsic value of the 1,502,774 options outstanding was $1,207,234, while the intrinsic value of the 452,261 exercisable (vested) options was $206,121. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 73,656 options were forfeited with a weighted average grant date fair value of $27,365.

Information regarding stock based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is set forth below:
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Stock based compensation expense recognized
  $ 309,000     $ 237,000  
Number of unvested stock options
    1,050,513       893,563  
Fair value of unvested stock options
  $ 1,552,934     $ 1,210,840  
Amount remaining to be recognized as expense
  $ 812,979     $ 597,709  

The remaining amount of $812,979 will be recognized as expense through September 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
8

 

Earnings per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) consist of two separate components: basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common stock equivalents (“CSEs”). CSEs consist of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s Plan and 2014 Plan and convertible securities related to the trust preferred securities issued in 2008.  In the diluted EPS computation, the after tax interest expense on the trust preferred securities issuance is added back to net income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the effect of CSEs (convertible securities related to the trust preferred securities only) and the related add back of after tax interest expense was considered anti-dilutive and therefore was not included in the EPS calculation.

The calculation of EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
     
Three Months Ended
September 30,
     
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     
2014
     
2013
     
2014
     
2013
 
                                 
Net income (loss) (basic and diluted)
  $ 297     $ (2,222 )   $ 1,589     $ (219 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    37,815       25,973       33,025       25,973  
Net income (loss) per share – basic
  $ 0.01     $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05     $ (0.01 )
Weighted average shares outstanding (including dilutive CSEs)
    38,253       25,973       33,399       25,973  
Net income (loss) per share – diluted
  $ 0.01     $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05     $ (0.01 )

 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2014-04

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.”  The guidance clarifies when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized.  For public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. For entities other than public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods.  The Company does not believe the adoption of the amendment to this guidance will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-09

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 660): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40).”  The purpose of this guidance is to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue.  The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification.  For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
9

 
 

ASU 2014-14

      In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure - a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.”  The amendments in this update address a practice issue related to the classification of certain foreclosed residential and nonresidential mortgage loans that are either fully or partially guaranteed under government programs. Specifically, creditors should reclassify loans that meet certain conditions to "other receivables" upon foreclosure, rather than reclassifying them to other real estate owned (OREO). The separate other receivable recorded upon foreclosure is to be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) the creditor expects to recover from the guarantor. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2015, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3:  Legal Proceedings

The Company and Republic are from time to time parties (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits in the normal course of business.  While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management is of the opinion that the liability of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Republic.

Note 4:  Segment Reporting

       The Company has one reportable segment: community banking. The community bank segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of Republic, as well as consumer loan products in the area surrounding its stores.
 
 
 
 
 
10

 
 
 
Note 5:  Investment Securities

A summary of the amortized cost and market value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
 
   
At September 30, 2014
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 83,145     $ 326     $ (346 )   $ 83,125  
Mortgage-backed securities
    12,832       611       (56 )     13,387  
Municipal securities
    12,246       348       (41 )     12,553  
Corporate bonds
    26,908       818       -       27,726  
Asset-backed securities
    18,532       204       -       18,736  
Trust preferred securities
    5,261       -       (2,082 )     3,179  
Other securities
    115       9       -       124  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 159,039     $ 2,316     $ (2,525 )   $ 158,830  
                                 
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 1     $ -     $ -     $ 1  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    68,970       123       (468 )     68,625  
Other securities
    20       -       -       20  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 68,991     $ 123     $ (468 )   $ 68,646  

 
   
At December 31, 2013
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 127,242     $ 665     $ (4,467 )   $ 123,440  
Mortgage-backed securities
    15,669       623       (111 )     16,181  
Municipal securities
    9,737       68       (162 )     9,643  
Corporate bonds
    32,174       1,079       -       33,253  
Asset-backed securities
    19,089       318       -       19,407  
Trust preferred securities
    5,277       -       (2,427 )     2,850  
Other securities
    115       2       -       117  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 209,303     $ 2,755     $ (7,167 )   $ 204,891  
                                 
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 1     $ -     $ -     $ 1  
Other securities
    20       -       -       20  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 21     $ -     $ -     $ 21  


 

 
11

 
 

      The maturity distribution of the amortized cost and estimated market value of investment securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2014 is as follows:
 
   
Available for Sale
   
Held to Maturity
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
 
Due in 1 year or less
  $ 14,979     $ 15,211     $ -     $ -  
After 1 year to 5 years
    63,314       63,848       41,733       41,676  
After 5 years to 10 years
    69,020       67,598       27,258       26,970  
After 10 years
    11,726       12,173       -       -  
Total
  $ 159,039     $ 158,830     $ 68,991     $ 68,646  
 
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage backed securities included in the investment securities portfolio consist solely of securities issued by U.S. government sponsored agencies.  There were no private label mortgage securities held in the investment securities portfolio as of those dates. The Company did not hold any mortgage-backed securities that were rated “Alt-A” or “Subprime” as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  In addition, the Company did not hold any private issued collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the asset-backed securities consisted solely of Sallie Mae bonds collateralized by student loans which are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education.

In instances when a determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment exists with respect to a debt security but the investor does not intend to sell the debt security and it is more likely than not that the investor will not be required to sell the debt security prior to its anticipated recovery, accounting standards require the other-than-temporary impairment to be separated into (a) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security (the credit loss) and (b) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors.  The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Impairment charges (credit losses) on trust preferred securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 amounted to $7,000. There were no impairment charges (credit losses) on trust preferred securities during the three month period ended September 30, 2014 or the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013.

The following table presents a roll-forward of the balance of credit-related impairment losses on securities held at September 30, 2014 and 2013 for which a portion of OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income:
(dollars in thousands)
 
2014
   
2013
 
             
Beginning Balance, January 1st
  $ 3,959     $ 3,959  
Additional credit-related impairment loss on securities for which an
               
other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
    7       -  
Reductions for securities paid off during the period
    -       -  
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in other
               
comprehensive income was recognized in earnings because the Company
               
intends to sell the security
    -       -  
Ending Balance, September 30th
  $ 3,966     $ 3,959  




 
12

 
 

The Company realized gross gains on the sale of securities of $458,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The related sale proceeds amounted to $5.7 million.  The tax provision applicable to these gross gains in 2014 amounted to approximately $165,000. The Company realized gross gains on the sale of securities of $703,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The related sale proceeds amounted to $7.9 million.  The tax provision applicable to these gross gains in 2013 amounted to approximately $253,000. The tax provisions applicable to the gains in both nine month periods were offset by an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with the investment portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
 
 
At September 30, 2014
 
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized 
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Collateralized  mortgage obligations
  $ 50,551     $ 480       $ 30,221     $ 334     $ 80,772     $ 814  
Mortgage-backed securities
    1,461       9         1,075       47       2,536       56  
Municipal securities
    -       -         1,384       41       1,384       41  
Trust preferred securities
    -       -         3,179       2,082       3,179       2,082  
Total
  $ 52,012     $ 489       $ 35,859     $ 2,504     $ 87,871     $ 2,993  

 
At December 31, 2013
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized 
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Collateralized  mortgage obligations
  $ 73,137     $ 3,923       $ 8,697     $ 544     $ 81,834     $ 4,467  
Mortgage-backed securities
    1,450       41         1,123       70       2,573       111  
Municipal Securities
    5,108       162         -       -       5,108       162  
Trust preferred securities
    -       -         2,850       2,427       2,850       2,427  
Total
  $ 79,695     $ 4,126       $ 12,670     $ 3,041     $ 92,365     $ 7,167  
 

The impairment of the investment portfolio amounted to $3.0 million on securities with a total fair value of $87.9 million at September 30, 2014.  The most significant components of this impairment are related to the CMOs and the trust preferred securities held in the portfolio.  The unrealized losses on the CMOs are primarily related to the recent movement in market interest rates rather than the underlying credit quality of the issuers.  The Company does not currently intend to sell these securities prior to maturity or the recovering the cost bases and does not believe it will be forced to sell these securities prior to maturity or recovering the cost bases.

At September 30, 2014, the investment portfolio included thirty-two CMOs with a total market value of $151.8 million.  Sixteen of these securities carried an unrealized loss at September 30, 2014.  At September 30, 2014, the investment portfolio included forty-two mortgage-backed securities with a total market value of $13.4 million.  Two of these securities carried an unrealized loss at September 30, 2014.  Management found no evidence of OTTI on any of these securities and the unrealized losses are due to changes in fair value resulting from changes in market interest rates and are considered temporary as of September 30, 2014.

The unrealized losses on the trust preferred securities are primarily the result of the secondary market for such securities becoming inactive and are also considered temporary at this time.




 
13

 


 The following table provides additional detail about trust preferred securities held in the portfolio as of September 30, 2014.
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
Class /
Tranche
 
Amortized Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Lowest Credit Rating Assigned
   
Number of Banks Currently Performing
   
Deferrals / Defaults as % of Current Balance
   
Conditional Default Rates for 2014 and beyond
   
Cumulative OTTI Life to Date
 
Preferred Term Securities IV
Mezzanine
   Notes
  $ 49     $ 40     $ (9 )     B1       6       18 %     0.31 %   $ -  
Preferred Term Securities VII
Mezzanine
   Notes
    979       809       (170 )     D       11       54       0.35       2,173  
TPREF Funding II
Class B Notes
    732       379       (353 )     C       17       41       0.35       267  
TPREF Funding III
Class B2 Notes
    1,521       775       (746 )     C       15       36       0.27       480  
Trapeza CDO I, LLC
Class C1 Notes
    556       324       (232 )     C       8       49       0.30       470  
ALESCO Preferred  Funding IV
Class B1 Notes
    604       414       (190 )     C       40       8       0.32       396  
ALESCO Preferred Funding V
Class C1 Notes
    820       438       (382 )     C       41       15       0.33       180  
Total
    $ 5,261       3,179     $ (2,082 )             138       30 %           $ 3,966  

At September 30, 2014, the investment portfolio included twenty-two municipal securities with a total market value of $12.6 million.  One of these securities carried an unrealized loss at September 30, 2014.  Each of the municipal securities is reviewed quarterly for impairment. Research on each issuer is completed to ensure the financial stability of the municipal entity. The largest geographic concentration was in Pennsylvania where eleven municipal securities had a market value of $6.4 million.  As of September 30, 2014, management found no evidence of OTTI on any of the municipal securities held in the investment securities portfolio.

In July 2014, thirteen CMOs with a fair value of $70.1 million that were previously classified as available-for-sale were transferred to the held-to-maturity category.  These securities were transferred at fair value.  Unrealized losses of $1.2 million associated with the transferred securities will remain in other comprehensive income and be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of those securities.  At September 30, 2014, the fair market value of the securities transferred to held-for-maturity is $68.6 million and the unrealized losses are $1.5 million.
 
 
 

 
 
14

 


Note 6:  Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table sets forth the Company’s gross loans by major categories as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
 2013
 
             
Commercial real estate
  $ 366,611     $ 342,794  
Construction and land development
    38,236       23,977  
Commercial and industrial
    134,340       118,209  
Owner occupied real estate
    172,642       160,229  
Consumer and other
    38,365       31,981  
Residential mortgage
    2,314       2,359  
Total loans receivable
    752,508       679,549  
Deferred costs (fees)
    (475 )     (238 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (12,216 )     (12,263 )
Net loans receivable
  $ 739,817     $ 667,048  
 
 
A loan is considered impaired, when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.  Impaired loans include nonperforming loans, but also include internally classified accruing loans. 
 
 
 

 
 
15

 

 
       The following table summarizes information with regard to impaired loans by loan portfolio class as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
   
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Recorded Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Recorded Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial real estate
  $ 6,528     $ 6,533     $ -     $ 6,850     $ 6,971     $ -  
Construction and land development
    61       158       -       902       4,076       -  
Commercial and industrial
    3,487       6,635       -       2,043       2,882       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    827       827       -       542       862       -  
Consumer and other
    437       711       -       453       711       -  
Total
  $ 11,340     $ 14,864     $ -     $ 10,790     $ 15,502     $ -  
 
With an allowance recorded
                                   
Commercial real estate
  $ 13,119     $ 13,245     $ 3,856     $ 13,044     $ 13,044     $ 3,679  
Construction and land development
    516       3,741       211       716       3,867       237  
Commercial and industrial
    2,432       2,718       1,276       4,889       7,634       1,254  
Owner occupied real estate
    3,877       3,879       838       2,891       2,891       430  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -       203       210       10  
Total
  $ 19,944     $ 23,583     $ 6,181     $ 21,743     $ 27,646     $ 5,610  
 
Total
                                   
Commercial real estate
  $ 19,647     $ 19,778     $ 3,856     $ 19,894     $ 20,015     $ 3,679  
Construction and land development
    577       3,899       211       1,618       7,943       237  
Commercial and industrial
    5,919       9,353       1,276       6,932       10,516       1,254  
Owner occupied real estate
    4,704       4,706       838       3,433       3,753       430  
Consumer and other
    437       711       -       656       921       10  
Total
  $ 31,284     $ 38,447     $ 6,181     $ 32,533     $ 43,148     $ 5,610  

 

 
 
16

 
 
 

The following table presents additional information regarding the Company’s impaired loans for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Recorded Investment
   
Interest
Income Recognized
   
Average
Recorded Investment
   
Interest
Income Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 6,578     $ 88     $ 12,063     $ 178  
Construction and land development
    229       -       1,421       3  
Commercial and industrial
    3,290       10       3,034       7  
Owner occupied real estate
    806       2       465       4  
Consumer and other
    457       -       538       -  
Total
  $ 11,360     $ 100     $ 17,521     $ 192  


With an allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 13,150     $ (3 )   $ 1,925     $ 10  
Construction and land development
    551       -       545       -  
Commercial and industrial
    2,851       -       3,392       14  
Owner occupied real estate
    3,686       26       3,013       37  
Consumer and other
    17       -       163       -  
Total
  $ 20,255     $ 23     $ 9,038     $ 61  

Total:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 19,728     $ 85     $ 13,988     $ 188  
Construction and land development
    780       -       1,966       3  
Commercial and industrial
    6,141       10       6,426       21  
Owner occupied real estate
    4,492       28       3,478       41  
Consumer and other
    474       -       701       -  
Total
  $ 31,615     $ 123     $ 26,559     $ 253  

 
If these loans were performing under their original contractual rate, interest income on such loans would have increased approximately $232,000 and $113,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.




 
17

 
 
 
The following table presents additional information regarding the Company’s impaired loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 6,682     $ 300     $ 15,865     $ 599  
Construction and land development
    563       -       2,217       32  
Commercial and industrial
    2,896       11       2,968       18  
Owner occupied real estate
    762       4       299       4  
Consumer and other
    495       1       700       1  
Total
  $ 11,398     $ 316     $ 22,049     $ 654  


With an allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 13,216     $ 5     $ 4,565     $ 71  
Construction and land development
    617       -       445       -  
Commercial and industrial
    3,691       -       3,628       42  
Owner occupied real estate
    3,304       96       3,201       110  
Consumer and other
    51       -       87       -  
Total
  $ 20,879     $ 101     $ 11,926     $ 223  

Total:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 19,898     $ 305     $ 20,430     $ 670  
Construction and land development
    1,180       -       2,662       32  
Commercial and industrial
    6,587       11       6,596       60  
Owner occupied real estate
    4,066       100       3,500       114  
Consumer and other
    546       1       787       1  
Total
  $ 32,277     $ 417     $ 33,975     $ 877  

If these loans were performing under their original contractual rate, interest income on such loans would have increased approximately $774,000 and $480,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 


 
18

 
 

The following tables provide the activity in and ending balances of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio class at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
 
Owner Occupied Real Estate
 
Consumer
and Other
 
Residential Mortgage
 
 Unallocated
 
Total
 
                               
Three months ended September 30, 2014
                             
Allowance for loan losses:
                             
                                                 
Beginning balance:
  $ 6,776     $ 1,024     $ 2,791     $ 1,129     $ 220     $ 13     $ 110     $ 12,063  
Charge-offs
    (176 )     (83 )     (152 )     -       -       -       -       (411 )
Recoveries
    -       213       51       -       -       -       -       264  
Provisions (credits)
    98       (25 )     (165 )     436       6       -       (50 )     300  
                                                                 
Ending balance
  $ 6,698     $ 1,129     $ 2,525     $ 1,565     $ 226     $ 13     $ 60     $ 12,216  
                                                           
Three months ended September 30, 2013
                                                         
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                         
                                                                 
Beginning balance:
  $ 3,581     $ 2,502     $ 1,997     $ 986     $ 191     $ 14     $ 61     $ 9,332  
Charge-offs
    (882 )     (5 )     -       (2 )     -       -       -       (889 )
Recoveries
    -       -       10       -       1       -       -       11  
Provisions (credits)
    41       (473 )     (174 )     (17 )     20       -       853       250  
                                                                 
Ending balance
  $ 2,740     $ 2,024     $ 1,833     $ 967     $ 212     $ 14     $ 914     $ 8,704  
                                                                 

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
 
Owner Occupied Real Estate
 
Consumer
and Other
 
Residential Mortgage
 
 
Unallocated
 
 
Total
 
                               
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
                             
Allowance for loan losses:
                             
                                 
Beginning balance:
  $ 6,454     $ 1,948     $ 2,309     $ 985     $ 225     $ 14     $ 328     $ 12,263  
Charge-offs
    (364 )     (103 )     (435 )     -       (10 )     -       -       (912 )
Recoveries
    -       213       52       -       -       -       -       265  
Provisions (credits)
    608       (929 )     599       580       11       (1 )     (268 )     600  
                                                                 
Ending balance
  $ 6,698     $ 1,129     $ 2,525     $ 1,565     $ 226     $ 13     $ 60     $ 12,216  
                                                           
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
                                                         
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                         
                                                                 
Beginning Balance:
  $ 3,979     $ 1,273     $ 1,880     $ 1,967     $ 234     $ 17     $ 192     $ 9,542  
Charge-offs
    (1,291 )     (60 )     (361 )     (321 )     (75 )     -       -       (2,108 )
Recoveries
    54       -       15       -       26       -       -       95  
Provisions (credits)
    (2 )     811       299       (679 )     27       (3 )     722       1,175  
                                                                 
Ending balance
  $ 2,740     $ 2,024     $ 1,833     $ 967     $ 212     $ 14     $ 914     $ 8,704  
 
 
 

 
 
19

 



The following tables provide a summary of the allowance for loan losses and balance of loans receivable by loan class and by impairment method as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
   
Construction and Land Development
   
Commercial and
Industrial
   
Owner Occupied Real
Estate
   
Consumer
and Other
   
Residential Mortgage
   
 
Unallocated
 
 
Total
 
                                             
September 30, 2014
                                           
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                           
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 3,856     $ 211     $ 1,276     $ 838     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 6,181  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    2,842       918       1,249       727       226       13       60       6,035  
Total allowance for loan losses
  $ 6,698     $ 1,129     $ 2,525     $ 1,565     $ 226     $ 13     $ 60     $ 12,216  
                                                                 
Loans receivable:
                                                               
Loans evaluated individually
  $ 19,647     $ 577     $ 5,919     $ 4,704     $ 437     $ -     $ -     $ 31,284  
Loans evaluated collectively
    346,964       37,659       128,421       167,938       37,928       2,314       -       721,224  
Total loans receivable
  $ 366,611     $ 38,236     $ 134,340     $ 172,642     $ 38,365     $ 2,314     $ -     $ 752,508  
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
Construction and Land Development
   
Commercial and
Industrial
   
Owner Occupied Real Estate
   
Consumer
and Other
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
December 31, 2013
                                               
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 3,679     $ 237     $ 1,254     $ 430     $ 10     $ -     $ -     $ 5,610  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    2,775       1,711       1,055       555       215       14       328       6,653  
Total allowance for loan losses
  $ 6,454     $ 1,948     $ 2,309     $ 985     $ 225     $ 14     $ 328     $ 12,263  
                                                                 
Loans receivable:
                                                               
Loans evaluated individually
  $ 19,894     $ 1,618     $ 6,932     $ 3,433     $ 656     $ -     $ -     $ 32,533  
Loans evaluated collectively
    322,900       22,359       111,277       156,796       31,325       2,359       -       647,016  
Total loans receivable
  $ 342,794     $ 23,977     $ 118,209     $ 160,229     $ 31,981     $ 2,359     $ -     $ 679,549  
 
 

 
20

 


The performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio is also monitored by analyzing the age of the loans receivable as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due.  The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the past due status as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
30-59
Days Past
Due
 
60-89
Days Past
Due
 
 
Greater
than 90
Days
 
 
Total
Past Due
 
 
 
Current
 
Total
Loans Receivable
 
Loans
Receivable
> 90 Days
and
Accruing
 
At September 30, 2014
                           
Commercial real estate
  $ 15,714     $ -     $ 14,674     $ 30,388     $ 336,223     $ 366,611     $ 131  
  Construction and land development
    -       -       577       577       37,659       38,236       -  
Commercial and industrial
    1,371       -       5,028       6,399       127,941       134,340       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    605       -       2,459       3,064       169,578       172,642       -  
Consumer and other
    31       -       437       468       37,897       38,365       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -       -       2,314       2,314       -  
Total
  $ 17,721     $ -     $ 23,175     $ 40,896     $ 711,612     $ 752,508     $ 131  
                             
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
30-59
Days Past
Due
 
60-89
Days Past
Due
 
 
Greater
than 90
Days
 
 
Total
Past Due
 
 
 
Current
 
Total
Loans Receivable
 
Loans
Receivable
> 90 Days
and
Accruing
 
At December 31, 2013
                                                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 19,707     $ 5,635     $ 1,104     $ 26,446     $ 316,348     $ 342,794     $ -  
  Construction and land development
    -       -       1,618       1,618       22,359       23,977       -  
Commercial and industrial
    951       71       6,837       7,859       110,350       118,209       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    808       1,281       205       2,294       157,935       160,229       -  
Consumer and other
    38       -       656       694       31,287       31,981       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -       -       2,359       2,359       -  
Total
  $ 21,504     $ 6,987     $ 10,420     $ 38,911     $ 640,638     $ 679,549     $ -  
 
 
 
 
 
21

 
 

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate pass rating and the classified ratings of special mention, substandard and doubtful within the Company’s internal risk rating system as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
At September 30, 2014:
                             
Commercial real estate
  $ 328,556     $ 17,870     $ 20,185     $ -     $ 366,611  
Construction and land development
    37,659       -       577       -       38,236  
Commercial and industrial
    127,572       720       6,048       -       134,340  
  Owner occupied real estate
    166,376       1,562       4,704       -       172,642  
  Consumer and other
    37,595       75       695       -       38,365  
  Residential mortgage
    2,314       -       -       -       2,314  
Total
  $ 700,072     $ 20,227     $ 32,209     $ -     $ 752,508  

 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
At December 31, 2013:
                             
Commercial real estate
  $ 305,974     $ 16,372     $ 20,448     $ -     $ 342,794  
Construction and land development
    22,359       -       1,618       -       23,977  
Commercial and industrial
    110,629       611       6,969       -       118,209  
  Owner occupied real estate
    155,648       1,485       3,096       -       160,229  
  Consumer and other
    30,993       75       913       -       31,981  
  Residential mortgage
    2,359       -       -       -       2,359  
Total
  $ 627,962     $ 18,543     $ 33,044     $ -     $ 679,549  

Risk ratings for these loans are periodically reviewed by an internal loan review committee as well as federal and state bank regulatory agencies.

The following table shows non-accrual loans by class as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

  (dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
 2014
   
December 31,
 2013
 
Commercial real estate
  $ 14,543     $ 1,104  
Construction and land development
    577       1,618  
Commercial and industrial
    5,028       6,837  
Owner occupied real estate
    2,459       205  
Consumer and other
    437       656  
Residential mortgage
    -       -  
Total
  $ 23,044     $ 10,420  

 
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings

A modification to the contractual terms of a loan which results in a concession to a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulty is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”).  The concessions made in a TDR are those that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower or collateral with similar risk characteristics.  A TDR is typically the result of efforts to minimize potential losses that may be incurred during loan workouts, foreclosure, or repossession of collateral at a time when collateral values are declining.  Concessions include a reduction in interest rate below current market rates, a material extension of time to the loan term or amortization period, partial forgiveness of the outstanding principal balance, acceptance of interest only payments for a period of time, or a combination of any of these conditions.
 
 
 
 
 
22

 
 
 
The following table summarizes the balance of outstanding TDRs at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)
 
Number
of Loans
   
Accrual
Status
   
Non-
Accrual
Status
   
Total
TDRs
 
September 30, 2014
                       
Commercial real estate
    -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
  Construction and land development
    -       -       -       -  
Commercial and industrial
    1       -       2,173       2,173  
Owner occupied real estate
    1       1,866       -       1,866  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -       -  
Total
    2     $ 1,866     $ 2,173     $ 4,039  
                                 
December 31, 2013
                               
Commercial real estate
    1     $ 103     $ -     $ 103  
  Construction and land development
    -       -       -       -  
Commercial and industrial
    1       -       2,188       2,188  
Owner occupied real estate
    1       1,894       -       1,894  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -       -  
Total
    3     $ 1,997     $ 2,188     $ 4,185  

All TDRs are considered impaired and are therefore individually evaluated for impairment in the calculation of the allowance for loan losses.  Some TDRs may not ultimately result in the full collection of principal and interest as restructured and could lead to potential incremental losses.  These potential incremental losses would be factored into our estimate of the allowance for loan losses.  The level of any subsequent defaults will likely be affected by future economic conditions.  There were no loan modifications that were considered TDRs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
 
After a loan is determined to be a TDR, we continue to track its performance under the most recent restructured terms.  One loan classified as a TDR subsequently paid off during the three months ended March 31, 2014.  One loan classified as a TDR subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2013.  There were no TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
 

Note 7:  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sale transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective year-ends and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each year-end.
 
The Company follows the guidance issued under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and identifies required disclosures on fair value measurements. 
 
 
 
 
 
23

 
 
 
ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 are as follows:

 Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported with little or no market activity).
 
An asset or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

For financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:

 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
(Level 3)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
                         
September 30, 2014
                       
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 83,125     $ -     $ 83,125     $ -  
Mortgage-backed securities
    13,387       -       13,387       -  
Municipal securities
    12,553       -       12,553       -  
Corporate bonds
    27,726       -       24,720       3,006  
Asset-backed securities
    18,736       -       18,736       -  
Trust Preferred Securities
    3,179       -       -       3,179  
Other securities
    124       -       124       -  
Securities Available for Sale
  $ 158,830     $ -     $ 152,645     $ 6,185  
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
                       
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 123,440     $ -     $ 123,440     $ -  
Mortgage-backed securities
    16,181       -       16,181       -  
Municipal securities
    9,643       -       9,643       -  
Corporate bonds
    33,253       -       30,247       3,006  
Asset-backed securities
    19,407       -       19,407       -  
Trust Preferred Securities
    2,850       -       -       2,850  
Other securities
    117       -       117       -  
Securities Available for Sale
  $ 204,891     $ -     $ 199,035     $ 5,856  
 
 
 

 
 
24

 
 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the securities available for sale measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2013
 
                         
Level 3 Investments Only
(dollars in thousands)
 
Trust
Preferred Securities
   
Corporate
Bonds
   
Trust
Preferred Securities
   
Corporate
Bonds
 
Balance,  July 1st
  $ 2,977     $ 3,006     $ 3,162     $ 3,006  
Unrealized gains  (losses)
    212       -       308       -  
Paydowns
    (10 )     -       (422 )     -  
Impairment charges on Level 3
    -       -       -       -  
Balance,  September 30th
  $ 3,179     $ 3,006     $ 3,048     $ 3,006  

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2013
 
                         
Level 3 Investments Only
(dollars in thousands)
 
Trust
Preferred Securities
   
Corporate
Bonds
   
Trust
Preferred Securities
   
Corporate
Bonds
 
Balance,  January 1st
  $ 2,850     $ 3,006     $ 3,187     $ 3,007  
Unrealized gains (losses)
    346       -       301       (1 )
Paydowns
    (10 )     -       (440 )     -  
Impairment charges on Level 3
    (7 )     -       -       -  
Balance,  September 30th
  $ 3,179     $ 3,006     $ 3,048     $ 3,006  

 
For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
   
(Level 2)
Significant
 Other
 Observable Inputs
   
(Level 3)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
September 30, 2014:
                       
Impaired loans
  $ 15,529     $ -     $ -     $ 15,529  
Other real estate owned
    1,560       -       -       1,560  
    SBA servicing assets
    4,040       -       -       4,040  
                                 
December 31, 2013:
                               
Impaired loans
  $ 17,474     $ -     $ -     $ 17,474  
Other real estate owned
    3,921       -       -       3,921  
SBA servicing assets
    3,477       -       -       3,477  
 
 
 

 
 
25

 
 

The table below presents additional quantitative information about level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (dollars in thousands):

 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
Asset Description
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable Input
 
 
Range Weighted 
Average
                 
September 30, 2014:
               
                     
Impaired loans
  $ 15,529  
Fair Value of
Collateral (1)
Appraised Value (2)
    0% - 78%(30%) (4)
                     
Other real estate owned
  $ 1,560  
Fair Value of
Collateral (1)
Appraised Value (2)
Sales Price
    8% - 38%(27%)(4)
SBA Servicing Assets
  $ 4,040  
 
Fair Value
Individual Loan
Valuation (3)
    (3)
                     
December 31, 2013:
                   
Impaired loans
  $ 17,474  
Fair Value of
Collateral (1)
Appraised Value (2)
    0% - 40%(23%) (4)
                     
Other real estate owned
  $ 3,921  
Fair Value of
Collateral (1)
Appraised Value (2)
Sales Price
    4% - 77%(17%) (4)
SBA Servicing Assets
  $ 3,477  
 
Fair Value
Individual Loan
Valuation (3)
    (3)
 
(1)
Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which include Level 3 inputs that are
not identifiable.
(2)
Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.
(3)
There is a lack of transactional data in this market place for the non-guaranteed portion of SBA loans.
(4)
The range and weighted average of qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses are presented as a percent of the appraised value.
 
The significant unobservable inputs for impaired loans and other real estate owned are the appraised value or an agreed upon sales price.  These values are adjusted for estimated costs to sell which are incremental direct costs to transact a sale such as broker commissions, legal fees, closing costs and title transfer fees. The costs must be considered essential to the sale and would not have been incurred if the decision to sell had not been made. The costs to sell are based on costs associated with the Company’s actual sales of other real estate owned which are assessed annually.

The following table presents an analysis of the activity in the SBA servicing assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2014
   
2013
 
2014
   
2013
 
Beginning balance
  $ 4,067     $ 2,904     $ 3,477     $ 2,340  
Additions
    158       283       733       911  
Fair value adjustments
    (185 )     (112 )     (170 )     (176 )
Ending balance
  $ 4,040     $ 3,075     $ 4,040     $ 3,075  
 
 
 

 
 
26

 
 

Fair Value Assumptions

The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities.  Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Carried at Cost)

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values.

Investment Securities

The fair value of securities available for sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1), or matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.  For certain securities, which are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments, are generally based on available market evidence (Level 3).  In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.  Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments.  Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) were used to support fair values of certain Level 3 investments.

The types of instruments valued based on matrix pricing in active markets include all of the Company’s U.S. government and agency securities, corporate bonds, asset backed securities, and municipal obligations. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As required by ASC 820-10, the Company does not adjust the matrix pricing for such instruments.

Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, and may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with such adjustment generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Subsequent to inception, management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows. The Level 3 investment securities classified as available for sale are comprised of various issues of trust preferred securities and a single corporate bond.

 The trust preferred securities are pools of similar securities that are grouped into an asset structure commonly referred to as collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) which consist of the debt instruments of various banks, diversified by the number of participants in the security as well as geographically.  The secondary market for these securities has become inactive, and therefore these securities are classified as Level 3 securities. The fair value analysis does not reflect or represent the actual terms or prices at which any party could purchase the securities. There is currently a limited secondary market for the securities and there can be no assurance that any secondary market for the securities will expand.
 
 
 
 
 
27

 
 
 
An independent, third party pricing service is used to estimate the current fair market value of each CDO held in the investment securities portfolio. The calculations used to determine fair value are based on the attributes of the trust preferred securities, the financial condition of the issuers of the trust preferred securities, and market based assumptions. The INTEX CDO Deal Model Library was utilized to obtain information regarding the attributes of each security and its specific collateral as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Financial information on the issuers was also obtained from Bloomberg, the FDIC, and SNL Financial. Both published and unpublished industry sources were utilized in estimating fair value. Such information includes loan prepayment speed assumptions, discount rates, default rates, and loss severity percentages. Due to the current state of the global capital and financial markets, the fair market valuation is subject to greater uncertainty than would otherwise exist.

The fair market valuation for each CDO was determined based on discounted cash flow analyses. The cash flows are primarily dependent on the estimated speeds at which the trust preferred securities are expected to prepay, the estimated rates at which the trust preferred securities are expected to defer payments, the estimated rates at which the trust preferred securities are expected to default, and the severity of the losses on securities that do default. 
 
Increases (decreases) in actual or expected issuer defaults tend to decrease (increase) the fair value of the Company’s senior and mezzanine tranches of CDOs.  The values of the Company’s mezzanine tranches of CDOs are also affected by expected future interest rates.  However, due to the structure of each security, timing of cash flows, and secondary effects on the financial performance of the underlying issuers, the effects of changes in future interest rates on the fair value of the Company’s holdings are not quantifiably estimable.

Also included in Level 3 investment securities classified as available for sale is a corporate bond since the bond is not actively traded.  Impairment would depend on the repayment ability of the underlying issuer, which is assessed through a detailed quarterly review of the issuer’s financial statements.  The issuer is a “well capitalized” financial institution as defined by federal banking regulations and has demonstrated the ability to raise additional capital, when necessary, through the public capital markets.  The fair value of this corporate bond is estimated by obtaining a price of a comparable floating rate debt instrument through Bloomberg.

Loans Held For Sale (Carried at Lower of Cost or Fair Value)

       The fair values of loans held for sale is determined, when possible, using quoted secondary-market prices.  If no such quoted prices exist, the fair value of a loan is determined using quoted prices for a similar loan or loans, adjusted for the specific attributes of that loan.  The Company did not write down any loans held for sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013.

Loans Receivable (Carried at Cost)

The fair values of loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market rates at the balance sheet date that reflect the credit and interest rate-risk inherent in the loans.  Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal.  Generally, for variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  Due to the significant judgment involved in evaluating credit quality, loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Impaired Loans (Carried at Lower of Cost or Fair Value)
 
Impaired loans are those that the Company has measured impairment based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds.  These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.  The fair value consists of the loan balances less any valuation allowance.  The valuation allowance amount is calculated as the difference between the recorded investment in a loan and the present value of expected future cash flows or it is calculated based on discounted collateral values if the loans are collateral dependent.
 
 
 
 
 
28

 

 
Other Real Estate Owned (Carried at Lower of Cost or Fair Value)
 
These assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value.  At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 these assets are carried at current fair value.

SBA Servicing Asset (Carried at Fair Value)

The SBA servicing asset is initially recorded when loans are sold and the servicing rights are retained and recorded on the balance sheet.  Updated fair values are obtained on a quarterly basis and adjustments are presented as loan advisory and servicing fees on the consolidated statement of operations. The valuation begins with the projection of future cash flows for each asset based on their unique characteristics, our market-based assumptions for prepayment speeds and estimated losses and recoveries.  The present value of the future cash flows are then calculated utilizing our market-based discount ratio assumptions.  In all cases, we model expected payments for every loan for each quarterly period in order to create the most detailed cash flow stream possible.

The Company uses assumptions and estimates in determining the impairment of the SBA servicing asset.  These assumptions include prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved and comparable to assumptions used by participants to value and bid serving rights available for sale in the market.  At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the sensitivity of the current fair value of the SBA loan servicing rights to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in key assumptions are included in the accompanying table.

 (dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
             
SBA Servicing Asset
           
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset
  $ 4,040     $ 3,477  
 
               
Composition of SBA Loans Serviced for Others
               
      Fixed-rate SBA loans
    0 %     0 %
      Adjustable-rate SBA loans
    100 %     100 %
                  Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
Weighted Average Remaining Term
 
21.0 years
 
21.4 years
                 
Prepayment Speed
    7.28 %     6.72 %
      Effect on fair value of a 10% increase
  $ (117 )   $ (83 )
      Effect on fair value of a 20% increase
    (227 )     (163 )
                 
Weighted Average Discount Rate
    11.18 %     13.59 %
      Effect on fair value of a 10% increase
  $ (203 )   $ (162 )
      Effect on fair value of a 20% increase
    (392 )     (316 )

The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance.  As indicated, changes in value based on adverse changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in value may not be linear.  Also in this table, the effect of an adverse variation in a particular assumption on the value of the SBA servicing rights is calculated without changing any other assumption.  While in reality, changes in one factor may magnify or counteract the effect of the change.
 
 
 

 
 
29

 

 
Restricted Stock (Carried at Cost)

The carrying amount of restricted stock approximates fair value, and considers the limited marketability of such securities.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable (Carried at Cost)

The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable approximates fair value.

Deposit Liabilities (Carried at Cost)

The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and noninterest checking, passbook savings and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts).  Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Subordinated Debt (Carried at Cost)

Fair values of subordinated debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on market rates currently offered on such debt with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity.  Due to the significant judgment involved in developing the spreads used to value the subordinated debt, it is classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments (Disclosed at notional amounts)

Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments (lending commitments and letters of credit) are based on fees currently charged in the market to enter into similar agreements, taking into account, the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.

 

 
 
30

 
 
 
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
   
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 (Level 3)
 
Balance Sheet Data
                             
Financial assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 105,844     $ 105,844     $ 105,844     $ -     $ -  
Investment securities available for sale
    158,830       158,830       -       152,645       6,185  
Investment securities held to maturity
    68,991       68,446       -       68,646       -  
Restricted stock
    1,725       1,725       -       1,725       -  
Loans held for sale
    789       830       -       -       830  
Loans receivable, net
    739,817       731,133       -       -       731,133  
SBA servicing assets
    4,040       4,040       -       -       4,040  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,282       3,282       -       3,282       -  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
                                       
Demand, savings and money market
  $ 911,943     $ 911,943     $ -     $ 911,943     $ -  
Time
    78,132       78,450       -       78,450       -  
Subordinated debt
    22,476       18,312       -       -       18,312  
Accrued interest payable
    300       300       -       300       -  
                                         
Off-Balance Sheet Data
                                       
Commitments to extend credit
    -       -                          
Standby letters-of-credit
    -       -                          

   
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 (Level 3)
 
Balance Sheet Data
                             
Financial assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 35,880     $ 35,880     $ 35,880     $ -     $ -  
Investment securities available for sale
    204,891       204,891       -       199,035       5,856  
Investment securities held to maturity
    21       21       -       21       -  
Restricted stock
    1,570       1,570       -       1,570       -  
Loans held for sale
    4,931       5,225       -       -       5,225  
Loans receivable, net
    667,048       660,237       -       -       660,237  
SBA servicing assets
    3,477       3,477       -       -       3,477  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,049       3,049       -       3,049       -  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
                                       
Demand, savings and money market
  $ 790,698     $ 790,698     $ -     $ 790,698     $ -  
Time
    78,836       79,323       -       79,323       -  
Subordinated debt
    22,476       17,835       -       -       17,835  
Accrued interest payable
    237       237       -       237       -  
                                         
Off-Balance Sheet Data
                                       
Commitments to extend credit
    -       -                          
Standby letters-of-credit
    -       -                          
 
 
 
 
 
31

 
 
 
ITEM 2:  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Certain statements in this report may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements that include the words “would be,” “could be,” “should be,” “probability,” “risk,” “target,” “objective,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect” and similar expressions or variations on such expressions.  The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  For example, risks and uncertainties can arise with changes in: general economic conditions, including turmoil in the financial markets and related efforts of government agencies to stabilize the financial system; business conditions in the financial services industry, including competitive pressure among financial services companies, new service and product offerings by competitors, price pressures and similar items. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations.  Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and other documents the Company files from time to time with the SEC, such as Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and any Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as other filings.
 
Regulatory Reform and Legislation

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) has and will continue to have a broad impact on the financial services industry, including significant regulatory and compliance changes including, among other things, (i) enhanced resolution authority of troubled and failing banks and their holding companies; (ii) increased capital and liquidity requirements; (iii) increased regulatory examination fees; (iv) changes to assessments to be paid to the FDIC for federal deposit insurance; and (v) numerous other provisions designed to improve supervision and oversight of, and strengthening safety and soundness for, the financial services sector.  Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act establishes a new framework for systemic risk oversight within the financial system to be distributed among new and existing federal regulatory agencies, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the FDIC.  A summary of certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act is set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Many of the requirements called for in the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented over time, and most are subject to implementing regulations that have or will be become effective over the course of several years.  Given the complexity associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies through regulations, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on financial institutions’ operations is unclear.  The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of the Company’s business activities, require changes to certain of the Company’s business practices, impose upon the Company more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements or otherwise adversely affect the Company’s business. These changes may also require the Company to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.
 
 
 
 
 
32

 

 
In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted revisions to the agencies’ capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action rules, which were designed to enhance such requirements and implement the revised standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, commonly referred to as Basel III. The final rules generally implement higher minimum capital requirements, add a new common equity tier 1 capital requirement, and establish criteria that instruments must meet to be considered common equity tier 1 capital, additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital.  The new minimum capital to risk-adjusted assets requirements are a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% (6.5% to be considered “well capitalized”) and a tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0%, increased from 4.0% (and increased from 6.0% to 8.0% to be considered “well capitalized”); the total capital ratio remains at 8.0% under the new rules (10.0% to be considered “well capitalized”).  Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets. The new minimum capital requirements are effective on January 1, 2015. The capital contribution buffer requirements phase in over a three-year period beginning January 1, 2016.

The Company and the Bank will continue to analyze these new rules and their effects on the business, operations and capital levels of the Company and the Bank.  The Company and the Bank expect to be considered “well capitalized” immediately following effectiveness of these regulations.


Financial Condition

Assets

Total assets increased by $169.1 million, or 17.6%, to $1.1 billion at September 30, 2014, compared to $961.7 million at December 31, 2013, mainly due to increases in cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, loans receivable, and premises and equipment balances during the first nine months of 2014.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with banks, and federal funds sold comprise this category, which consists of our most liquid assets. The aggregate amount in these three categories increased by $70.0 million, to $105.8 million at September 30, 2014, from $35.9 million at December 31, 2013 as a result of strong deposit growth during 2014 along with the sale of common stock in a private placement offering during the second quarter of 2014.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are comprised of loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) which the Bank usually originates with the intention of selling in the future.  Total SBA loans held for sale were $789,000 at September 30, 2014 as compared to $4.9 million at December 31, 2013.  This decrease was driven by the timing of settlement on two loans which closed shortly after December 31, 2013.  Loans held for sale, as a percentage of total Company assets, were less than 0.1% at September 30, 2014.
 
Loans Receivable

The loan portfolio represents our largest asset category and is our most significant source of interest income. Our lending strategy is focused on small and medium size businesses and professionals that seek highly personalized banking services.  The loan portfolio consists of secured and unsecured commercial loans including commercial real estate, construction loans, residential mortgages, automobile loans, home improvement loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, overdraft lines of credit and others. Commercial loans typically range between $250,000 and $5,000,000 but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to our legal lending limit to a customer, which was approximately $18.2 million at September 30, 2014.  Loans made to one individual customer, even if secured by different collateral, are aggregated for purposes of the lending limit.

Loans increased $72.7 million, or 10.7%, to $752.0 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $679.3 million at December 31, 2013.  This growth was driven by an increase in quality loan demand across all categories over the first nine months of 2014 along with the successful execution of the Company’s relationship banking strategy which focuses on customer service.
 
 
 
 
 
33

 
 

Investment Securities

Investment securities considered available-for-sale are investments which may be sold in response to changing market and interest rate conditions, and for liquidity and other purposes.  Our investment securities classified as available-for-sale consist primarily of U.S. Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), municipal securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities (ABS), and pooled trust preferred securities (CDO). Available-for-sale securities totaled $158.8 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $204.9 million at December 31, 2013.  The decrease was primarily due to the transfer of available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity totaling $70.1 million and sales and pay downs of securities totaling $25.8 million, partially offset by the purchase of available-for-sale securities totaling $46.8 million during the first nine months of 2014.  At September 30, 2014, the portfolio had a net unrealized loss of $209,000 compared to a net unrealized loss of $4.4 million at December 31, 2013.  The change in value of the investment portfolio was driven by a decrease in market interest rates which drove an increase in value of the bonds held in the Company’s portfolio during the first nine months of 2014.

Investment securities held-to-maturity are investments for which there is the intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. These investments are carried at amortized cost. The held-to-maturity portfolio consists primarily of CMOs. The market value of securities held-to-maturity totaled $68.6 million and $21,000 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The increase was due to the transfer of $70.1 million of available for sale securities to held-to-maturity, partially offset by pay downs of securities totaling $1.2 million.

ASC 320 “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities” requires an entity to determine how to classify a security at the time of acquisition. The appropriateness of the original classification should be reassessed at each reporting period.  The transfer of investment securities from available-for-sale to held-to maturity category during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was completed after an extensive analysis of the characteristics of all securities held in the portfolio, in addition to a review of the Company’s liquidity position under multiple scenarios including varying interest rate environments. Twelve of the thirteen securities transferred were GNMA collateralized mortgage obligations which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.  The other bond was a collateralized mortgage obligation issued by FNMA. Bonds issued by GNMA receive favorable risk rating when calculating regulatory risk-based capital ratios. In addition, both GNMA and FNMA securities are often pledged as collateral as required to hold certain government deposits and are accepted as collateral as a result of the high quality and low-risk nature of these bonds.

After completion of these analyses and consideration of the factors mentioned above, management determined that it had the intent and ability to hold specific securities until maturity and it was appropriate to transfer them to the held-to-maturity category during the third quarter of 2014.

The fair value of the securities transferred to the held-to-maturity category was $70.1 million.  The book value of the securities on the date of transfer was $71.3 million.  The unrealized holding gain or loss on each individual security calculated at the time of transfer was reported as a component of shareholders’ equity in the accumulated other comprehensive income account and will be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of each security.
 

 
 
 
 
34

 

 
Restricted Stock

Restricted stock, which represents required investment in the capital stock of correspondent banks related to available credit facilities, is carried at cost as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  As of those dates, restricted stock consisted of investments in the capital stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”).

At September 30, 2014, the investment in FHLB capital stock totaled $1.6 million, compared to $1.4 million at December 31, 2013.  At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, ACBB capital stock totaled $143,000.  Both the FHLB and ACBB issued dividend payments during 2014.

Other Real Estate Owned

The balance of other real estate owned decreased to $3.8 million at September 30, 2014 from $4.1 million at December 31, 2013, primarily due to writedowns on two foreclosed properties during the first nine months of 2014.
 
Deposits

Deposits, which include non-interest and interest-bearing demand deposits, money market, savings and time deposits, are Republic’s major source of funding. Deposits are generally solicited from the Company’s market area through the offering of a variety of products to attract and retain customers, with a primary focus on multi-product relationships.

Total deposits increased by $120.5 million, or 13.9%, to $990.1 million at September 30, 2014 from $869.5 million at December 31, 2013.  The increase was primarily the result of increases in noninterest-bearing demand deposit balances and money market/savings balances partially offset by reductions in interest-bearing demand deposit balances and time deposit balances.  Republic has continued to focus on its efforts to gather low-cost, core deposits by successfully executing its relationship banking model which is based upon high levels of customer service. In addition, the Company has begun to implement its relocation and expansion strategy through the opening of additional stores. This strategy has also allowed Republic to reduce its dependence on the more volatile sources of funding in brokered and public fund certificates of deposit.
 
Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity increased $48.7 million to $111.6 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $62.9 million at December 31, 2013, primarily due to $44.9 million in net proceeds received from the sale of common stock in a private placement offering. To support its growth and expansion strategy, the Company sold 11.8 million shares of common stock at a price of $3.80 per share during the second quarter of 2014. In addition, there was also a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive losses associated with unrealized losses in the investment securities portfolio resulting in an increase in shareholder’s equity of $1.9 million. The shift in market value of the securities portfolio resulted in accumulated other comprehensive losses of $885,000 at September 30, 2014 compared to accumulated other comprehensive losses of $2.8 million at December 31, 2013 which was primarily driven by a decrease in market interest rates which drove an increase in value of the bonds held in the Company’s portfolio and the transfer of available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity. The Company also recognized net income of $1.6 million during the first nine months of 2014.
 
 
 

 
 
35

 
 

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

The Company reported net income of $297,000, or $0.01 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to a net loss of $2.2 million, or $0.09 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Earnings for the three month period ended September 30, 2013 were impacted by a one-time charge of $1.9 million related to a settlement agreement in connection with litigation in which the Company was a defendant.
 
Net interest income for the three month period ended September 30, 2014 was $9.2 million compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Interest income increased $1.1 million, or 11.4%, to $10.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. This increase was primarily due to a $102.8 million increase in average loan balances.  Interest expense increased $82,000, or 7.4%, to $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase in average deposits outstanding.
 
The Company recorded a loan loss provision in the amount of $300,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a provision of $250,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2013.  The higher provision recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was driven by an increase in the allowance for loan losses during the period related to non-impaired loans evaluated collectively for impairment when compared to the period ended September 30, 2013.
 
Non-interest income decreased by $521,000 to $1.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013.  The Company recognized $614,000 in gains on the sale of SBA loans for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of fewer SBA loan originations during the current period.
 
Non-interest expenses decreased by $2.1 million to $10.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $12.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013 mainly due to the aforementioned legal settlement recorded in 2013.
 
Return on average assets and average equity was 0.11% and 1.06%, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to (0.93)% and (12.94)%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 compared to September 30, 2013

The Company reported net income of $1.6 million, or $0.05 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a net loss of $219,000, or $0.01 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The increase for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to the one-time charge of $1.9 million recorded in 2013 related to the aforementioned legal settlement.
 
Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $2.1 million to $26.3 million as compared to $24.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  Interest income increased $2.0 million, or 7.3%, due primarily to an increase in average loan balances. Interest expense decreased $86,000 or 2.5%, primarily due to a 4 basis point decrease in the rate on average deposits outstanding partially offset by an increase in average balances.
 
 
 
 
 
36

 
 
 
The Company recorded a loan loss provision in the amount of $600,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a provision of $1.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The lower provision recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was driven by a reduction in the allowance for loan losses related to non-impaired loans evaluated collectively for impairment when compared to September 30, 2013.
 
Non-interest income decreased $1.4 million to $5.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $7.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to a decrease of $1.0 million in gains recognized on the sale of SBA loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as a result of fewer SBA loan originations during the current period.  In addition, there was a decrease of $245,000 in gains on the sale of investment securities and a decrease of $238,000 in legal settlements compared to September 30, 2013.
 
Non-interest expenses decreased $536,000 to $29.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $30.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The decrease during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to a legal settlement of $1.9 million recorded in 2013, a decrease in other real estate owned expenses of $709,000, and a decrease of $429,000 in legal expenses.  The decreases were partially offset by an increase in salaries and benefits of $1.7 million driven primarily by annual merit increases along with increased staffing levels related to the Company’s growth strategy of adding and relocating stores.  Occupancy related expenses also increased by $443,000 as a result of the growth and relocation strategy.
 
Return on average assets and average equity from continuing operations were 0.21% and 2.30%, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to (0.03)% and (0.42)%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
37

 
 
 
Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
Historically, the Company’s earnings have depended primarily upon Republic’s net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is affected by changes in the mix of the volume and rates of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table provides an analysis of net interest income, setting forth for the periods’ (i) average assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, (iii) annualized average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities, and (iv) Republic’s annualized net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest-earning assets).  Averages are computed based on daily balances.  Non-accrual loans are included in average loans receivable.  All yields are adjusted for tax equivalency.
 
Average Balances and Net Interest Income
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30, 2014
   
For the three months ended
September 30, 2013
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate(1)
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate(1)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
  $ 77,666     $ 45       0.23 %   $ 58,532     $ 40       0.27 %
Investment securities and restricted stock
    221,357       1,408       2.54 %     197,283       1,183       2.40 %
Loans receivable
    744,466       9,046       4.82 %     641,698       8,192       5.06 %
Total interest-earning assets
    1,043,489       10,499       3.99 %     897,513       9,415       4.16 %
                                                 
Other assets
    53,430                       45,652                  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 1,096,919                     $ 943,165                  
                                                 
Interest-earning liabilities:
                                               
Demand – non-interest bearing
  $ 196,734                     $ 150,915                  
Demand – interest bearing
    229,229       220       0.38 %     198,341       213       0.43 %
Money market & savings
    449,848       509       0.45 %     410,402       425       0.41 %
Time deposits
    79,798       189       0.94 %     85,576       197       0.91 %
Total deposits
    955,609       918       0.38 %     845,234       835       0.39 %
                                                 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    758,875       918       0.48 %     694,319       835       0.48 %
                                                 
Other borrowings
    22,476       277       4.89 %     22,476       278       4.91 %
                                                 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    781,351       1,195       0.61 %     716,795       1,113       0.62 %
                                                 
Total deposits and other borrowings
    978,085       1,195       0.48 %     867,710       1,113       0.51 %
                                                 
Non interest-bearing other liabilities
    7,198                       7,313                  
Shareholders’ equity
    111,636                       68,142                  
                                                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,096,919                     $ 943,165                  
Net interest income (2)
          $ 9,304                     $ 8,302          
Net interest spread
                    3.38 %                     3.54 %
                                                 
Net interest margin (2)
                    3.54 %                     3.67 %
 
 (1)Yields on investments are calculated based on amortized cost.
(2)Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis.  Net interest income has been increased over the financial statement amount by $98 and $76 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to adjust for tax equivalency. The tax equivalent net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average total interest earning assets.
 
 
 

 
 
38

 
 
 
Average Balances and Net Interest Income
 
   
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2014
   
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2013
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate(1)
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate(1)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
  $ 59,689     $ 107       0.24 %   $ 69,109     $ 143       0.28 %
Investment securities and restricted stock
    212,364       4,086       2.57 %     187,616       3,459       2.46 %
Loans receivable
    712,867       25,769       4.83 %     632,369       24,297       5.14 %
Total interest-earning assets
    984,920       29,962       4.07 %     889,094       27,899       4.20 %
                                                 
Other assets
    48,383                       52,048                  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 1,033,303                     $ 941,142                  
                                                 
Interest-earning liabilities:
                                               
Demand – non-interest bearing
  $ 181,365                     $ 145,475                  
Demand – interest bearing
    225,352       636       0.38 %     183,445       615       0.45 %
Money market & savings
    426,285       1,392       0.44 %     416,867       1,355       0.43 %
Time deposits
    78,517       540       0.92 %     96,103       680       0.95 %
Total deposits
    911,519       2,568       0.38 %     841,890       2,650       0.42 %
                                                 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    730,154       2,568       0.47 %     696,415       2,650       0.51 %
                                                 
Other borrowings
    22,476       830       4.94 %     22,476       834       4.96 %
                                                 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    752,630       3,398       0.60 %     718,891       3,484       0.65 %
                                                 
Total deposits and other borrowings
    933,995       3,398       0.49 %     864,366       3,484       0.54 %
                                                 
Non interest-bearing other liabilities
    6,995                       7,439                  
Shareholders’ equity
    92,313                       69,337                  
                                                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,033,303                     $ 941,142                  
Net interest income (2)
          $ 26,564                     $ 24,415          
Net interest spread
                    3.47 %                     3.55 %
                                                 
Net interest margin (2)
                    3.61 %                     3.67 %
 
 
(1)Yields on investments are calculated based on amortized cost.
(2)Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis.  Net interest income has been increased over the financial statement amount by $275 and $238 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to adjust for tax equivalency. The tax equivalent net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average total interest earning assets.
 
 
 

 
 
39

 
 

Rate/Volume Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of interest income and interest expense. The following table sets forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the respective changes in average balances and average rates.
 
   
For the three months ended
 September 30, 2014 vs. 2013
   
For the nine months ended
 September 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
   
Changes due to:
         
Changes due to:
       
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Volume
   
Average
Rate
   
Total
Change
   
Average Volume
   
Average
Rate
   
Total
Change
 
Interest earned:
                                   
Federal funds sold and other
interest-earning assets
  $ 12     $ (7 )   $ 5     $ (17 )   $ (19 )   $ (36 )
Securities
    153       72       225       476       151       627  
Loans
    1,237       (383 )     854       2,854       (1,382 )     1,472  
Total interest-earning assets
    1,402       (318 )     1,084       3,313       (1,250 )     2,063  
                                                 
Interest expense:
                                               
Deposits
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    30       (23 )     7       118       (97 )     21  
Money market and savings
    42       42       84       31       6       37  
Time deposits
    (15 )     7       (8 )     (121 )     (19 )     (140 )
Total deposit interest expense
    57       26       83       28       (110 )     (82 )
Other borrowings
    -       (1 )     (1 )     -       (4 )     (4 )
Total interest expense
    57       25       82       28       (114 )     (86 )
Net interest income
  $ 1,345     $ (343 )   $ 1,002     $ 3,285     $ (1,136 )   $ 2,149  


Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
 
       Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the third quarter of 2014 increased by $1.0 million, or 12.1%, over the same period in 2013. Interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, on interest-earning assets totaled $10.5 million and $9.4 million for the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest income on loans receivable including loans held for sale, increased by $854,000 over the third quarter of 2013 from $8.2 million to $9.0 million. This was the result of a 16.1% increase in the volume of average loans outstanding partially offset by a decrease of 24 bps in the yield on the total loan portfolio compared to the third quarter one year ago. Interest income on the investment securities portfolio increased by $225,000, or 19.0%, for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period last year. The average balance of the investment portfolio increased $24.1 million, or 12.2%, for the third quarter of 2014 over the third quarter of 2013.  The average yield on the investment portfolio increased 14 bps compared to the same period last year.
 
       Total interest expense for the third quarter increased $82,000, or 7.4%, to $1.2 million in 2014. Interest expense on deposits for the quarter increased by $83,000, or 9.9%, from the third quarter of 2013.

       Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the first nine months of 2014 increased by $2.1 million, or 8.8%, over the same period in 2013. Interest income on interest-earning assets totaled $30.0 million for the first nine months of 2014, an increase of $2.1 million, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase in interest income earned was the result of an increase in the average balance of loans receivable and investment securities that helped to offset a 31 bp decrease in the yield on loans receivable. Total interest expense for the first nine months decreased $86,000, or 2.5%, from $3.5 million in 2013 to $3.4 million in 2014. Interest expense on deposits decreased by $82,000, or 3.1%, for the first nine months of 2014 versus the same period of 2013. Interest expense on short-term borrowings decreased by $4,000 for the first nine months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
40

 

 
       Changes in net interest income are frequently measured by two statistics: net interest rate spread and net interest margin. Net interest rate spread is the difference between the average rate earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Our net interest rate spread on a fully tax-equivalent basis was 3.38% during the third quarter of 2014 compared to 3.54% during the same period in the previous year and was 3.47% during the first nine months of 2014 versus 3.55% during the first nine months of 2013. Net interest margin represents the difference between interest income, including net loan fees earned, and interest expense, reflected as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. The fully tax-equivalent net interest margin decreased 13 bps, from 3.67% for the third quarter of 2013 to 3.54% for the third quarter of 2014.  For the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, the fully tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.61% and 3.67%, respectively.  The net interest margin for the both the 3 and 9 month periods ending September 30, 2014 decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in the yield on loans receivable.

Provision for Loan Losses
 
       The Company recorded a $300,000 provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a $250,000 provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2013. A provision of $600,000 was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a $1.2 million provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The provision for loan losses is charged to operations in an amount necessary to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level that management believes is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio.  The provision recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was driven by a reduction in the allowance for loan losses related to non-impaired loans evaluated collectively for impairment.  The decrease associated with loans collectively evaluated for impairment was driven by a reduction in the factor used in the calculation related to historical charge-offs which has declined as a result of lower charge-offs in recent years. Nonperforming assets at September 30, 2014 totaled $27.0 million, or 2.38%, of total assets, up $12.5 million, or 86.1%, from $14.5 million, or 1.51%, of total assets at December 31, 2013 and up $13.5 million, or 100.4%, from $13.4 million, or 1.43%, of total assets at September 30, 2013.

Noninterest Income

       Total noninterest income for the third quarter of 2014 decreased by $521,000, or 27.5%, from the same period in 2013. Gains on sales of SBA loans totaled $614,000 for the third quarter of 2014 versus $1.1 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease in gains primarily relates to a decrease in the number of SBA loans originated and sold. Service charges, fees and other operating income, comprised primarily of servicing fees on SBA loans and deposit and loan service charges, totaled $757,000 for the third quarter of 2014, a decrease of $29,000 over the third quarter of 2013. 

       Total noninterest income for the first nine months of 2014 decreased by $1.4 million, or 20.2%, from the same period in 2013. Gains on the sale of loans were $2.8 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $3.9 million in the same period of 2013. Service charges, fees and other operating income totaled $2.3 million, increasing $137,000, from the first nine months of 2013. The Company recognized gains of $458,000 on sales of securities during the first nine months of 2014 compared to gains of $703,000 on sales of securities in the first nine months of 2013. There was an OTTI loss of $7,000 during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $0 in 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
41

 
 
 
Noninterest Expenses

Third Quarter 2014 compared to Third Quarter 2013

       Noninterest expenses decreased by $2.1 million, or 17.5%, for the third quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. A detailed comparison of noninterest expenses for certain categories for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 is presented in the following paragraphs.

       Salary and employee benefits expenses, which represent the largest component of noninterest expenses, increased by $588,000, or 13.1%, for the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 driven primarily by annual merit increases along with increased staffing levels related to the Company’s growth strategy of adding and relocating stores.
 
       Occupancy expenses increased by $98,000, or 10.4%, for the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 as a result of the growth and relocation strategy.

       Other real estate owned expenses totaled $376,000 during the third quarter of 2014, a decrease of $369,000, or 49.5%, from the same quarter in 2013. The Company recorded writedowns of $115,000 during the third quarter 2014 compared to writedowns of $633,000 during the third quarter of 2013 of which $497,000 related to a single property.

       Other expense totaled $3.5 million during the third quarter of 2014, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 41.1%, from the same quarter in 2013. The Company settled a legal matter totaling $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2013 which did not recur in 2014.  The Company also saw decreases in legal fees and other operating expenses. There were also minimal increases in insurance, other taxes, depreciation, and data processing fees for the quarter versus the same period last year.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

       For the first nine months of 2014, noninterest expenses decreased by $536,000, or 1.8%, compared to the first nine months of 2013. A detail of noninterest expenses for certain categories is presented in the following paragraphs.

       Salary expenses and employee benefits for the first nine months of 2014 were $14.9 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 12.5%, compared to the first nine months of 2013 primarily driven by annual merit increases along with increased staffing levels related to the Company’s growth strategy of adding and relocating stores.

       Occupancy expenses increased by $443,000, or 16.6%, for the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 as a result of the growth and relocation strategy.

       Other real estate owned expenses totaled $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2014, a decrease of $709,000, or 40.0%, from the first nine months of 2013 primarily due to lower writedowns in 2014 on a single other real estate owned property.

       Other expense totaled $10.7 million during the first nine months of 2014, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 15.4%, from the first nine months of 2013. As previously mentioned, the Company settled a legal mater totaling $1.9 million during the first nine months of 2013.  The Company had minor decreases in legal fees, regulatory assessments, insurance, and other operating expenses offset by increases in data processing, depreciation, advertising, professional fees, and other taxes for the first nine months of 2014 versus the same period last year.
 
 
 
 
 
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       One key measure that management utilizes to monitor progress in controlling overhead expenses is the ratio of annualized net noninterest expenses to average assets. For purposes of this calculation, net noninterest expenses equal noninterest expenses less noninterest income and nonrecurring expense. For the third quarters of 2014 and 2013 this ratio equaled 3.12% and 3.51%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, the ratio equaled 3.13% compared to 3.04% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, respectively, reflecting higher expenses related to the Company’s growth strategy of adding and relocating stores.

       Another productivity measure utilized by management is the operating efficiency ratio. This ratio expresses the relationship of noninterest expenses to net interest income plus noninterest income. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the operating efficiency ratio was 94.4%, compared to 119.7% for the same period in 2013. The improvement in the operating efficiency ratio relates to a 17.5% decrease in total noninterest expense. The efficiency ratio equaled 93.3% for the first nine months of 2014, compared to 97.2% for the first nine months of 2013. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 versus September 30, 2013 was due to a 1.8% decrease in noninterest expenses and a 2.2% increase in total revenues.

Benefit for Federal Income Taxes
 
       The Company recorded a benefit for income taxes of $6,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to a $18,000 benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, the Company recorded a benefit of $68,000. The $68,000 benefit recorded during the first nine months of 2014 was the net result of a tax provision in the amount of $377,000 calculated on the net profit generated during the period using the Company’s normal estimated tax rate, offset by an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the amount of $445,000.  The effective tax rates for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 15% and 37%, respectively, and for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 25% and 96%, respectively, excluding an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

       The Company evaluates the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis or more frequently, if necessary, in accordance with the guidance provided in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 (ASC 740), in particular, applying the criteria set forth therein to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within its life cycle, based on the weight of available evidence.  If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods, a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded.  These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence.
 
       In conducting the deferred tax asset analysis, the Company believes it is important to consider the unique characteristics of an industry or business.  In particular, characteristics such as business model, level of capital and reserves held by financial institutions and their ability to absorb potential losses are important distinctions to be considered for bank holding companies like the Company. In addition, it is also important to consider that net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for federal income tax purposes can generally be carried back two years and carried forward for a period of twenty years. In order to realize our deferred tax assets, we must generate sufficient taxable income in such future years.
 
       In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company carefully weighed both positive and negative evidence currently available.  Judgment is required when considering the relative impact of such evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence must be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. A cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome. Based on the analysis of available positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that a valuation allowance should be recorded as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
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       When calculating an estimate for a valuation allowance, the Company assessed the possible sources of taxable income available under tax law to realize a tax benefit for deductible temporary differences and carry forwards as defined in ASC 740. As a result of cumulative losses in recent years and the slow, ongoing recovery in the current economic environment, the Company did not use projections of future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary timing differences and carryforwards, as a factor. The Company will exclude future taxable income as a factor until it can show consistent and sustainable profitability.
 
       The Company did assess tax planning strategies as defined under ASC 740 to determine the amount of a valuation allowance. Strategies reviewed included the sale of investment securities and loans with fair values greater than book values, redeployment of cash and cash equivalents into higher yielding investment options, a switch from tax-exempt to taxable investments and loans, and the election of a decelerated depreciation method for tax purposes on future fixed asset purchases. The Company believes that these tax planning strategies are (a) prudent and feasible, (b) steps that the Company would not ordinarily take, but would take to prevent an operating loss or tax credit carryforward from expiring unused, and (c) would result in the realization of existing deferred tax assets. These tax planning strategies, if implemented, would result in taxable income in the first full reporting period after deployment and accelerate the recovery of deferred tax asset balances if faced with the inability to recover those assets or the risk of potential expiration. The Company believes that these are viable tax planning strategies and appropriately considered in the analysis at this time, but may not align with the strategic direction of the organization today and therefore, has no present intention to implement such strategies.

       The net deferred tax asset balance before consideration of a valuation allowance was $20.0 million as of September 30, 2014 and $21.4 million as of December 31, 2013.  After assessment of all available tax planning strategies, the Company determined that a partial valuation allowance in the amount of $14.9 million as of September 30, 2014 and $15.3 million as of December 31, 2013 should be recorded.

The deferred tax asset will continue to be analyzed on a quarterly basis for changes affecting realizability.  When the determination is made to include projections of future taxable income as a factor in recovering the deferred tax asset, the valuation allowance will be reduced accordingly resulting in a corresponding increase in net income.
 
Net Income and Net Income per Common Share
 
       Net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $297,000 compared to a net loss of $2.2 million recorded in the third quarter of 2013. The $2.5 million increase was primarily due to a $2.1 million decrease in noninterest expenses and a $1.0 million increase in net interest income, partially offset by a $521,000 decrease in noninterest income and a $50,000 increase in the provision for loan losses.

       Net income for the first nine months of 2014 was $1.6 million, an increase of $1.8 million, compared to a  $219,000 net loss recorded in the first nine months of 2013. The higher net income in 2014 was due to a $2.1 million increase in net interest income, a $575,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $536,000 decrease in noninterest expenses, partially offset by a $1.4 million decrease in noninterest income.

       Basic and fully-diluted net income per common share was $0.01 for the third quarter of 2014 compared to $0.09 loss for the third quarter of 2013. The increase was directly related to the 17.5% decrease in noninterest expense. For the first nine months of 2014, basic and fully-diluted net income per common share was $0.05 compared to basic and fully-diluted net loss per common share of $0.01 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Return on Average Assets and Average Equity
 
       Return on average assets (ROA) measures our net income in relation to our total average assets. Our annualized ROA for the third quarter of 2014 was 0.11%, compared to (0.93)% for the third quarter of 2013. The ROA for the first nine months in 2014 and 2013 was 0.21% and (0.03)%, respectively. Return on average equity (ROE) indicates how effectively we can generate net income on the capital invested by our stockholders. ROE is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average stockholders' equity. The ROE was 1.06% for the third quarter of 2014, compared to (12.94)% for the third quarter of 2013. The ROE for the first nine months of 2014 was 2.30%, compared to (0.42)% for the first nine months of 2013.
 
 
 

 
 
44

 
 
 
Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations

Financial instruments, whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk, were commitments to extend credit of approximately $139.6 million and $109.3 million, and standby letters of credit of approximately $3.9 million and $2.7 million, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These financial instruments constitute off-balance sheet arrangements.  Commitments often expire without being drawn upon.  Substantially all of the $139.6 million of commitments to extend credit at September 30, 2014 were committed as variable rate credit facilities.
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment. The Company’s commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and many require the payment of fees.  Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. In issuing commitments, the Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral required in connection with any commitment is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.  The type of required collateral varies, but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments that guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit risk and collateral policy involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in issuing loan commitments.  The amount of collateral which may be pledged to secure a letter of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.  The type of collateral which may be held varies, but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.




 
45

 
 

Regulatory Matters

The following table presents the capital regulatory ratios for both Republic and the Company as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
   
 
Actual
   
For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
   
To be well capitalized
under regulatory
capital guidelines
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
At September 30, 2014:
                                   
Total risk based capital
                                   
Republic
  $ 120,706       13.36 %   $ 72,262       8.00 %   $ 90,328       10.00 %
Company
    141,078       15.62 %     72,255       8.00 %     -       - %
Tier one risk based capital
                                               
Republic
    109,404       12.11 %     36,131       4.00 %     54,197       6.00 %
Company
    129,777       14.37 %     36,128       4.00 %     -       - %
Tier one leveraged capital
                                               
Republic
    109,404       10.03 %     43,647       4.00 %     54,559       5.00 %
Company
    129,777       11.88 %     43,697       4.00 %     -       - %
                                                 
At December 31, 2013:
                                               
Total risk based capital
                                               
Republic
  $ 92,493       11.38 %   $ 65,038       8.00 %   $ 81,297       10.00 %
Company
    93,848       11.53 %     65,092       8.00 %     -       - %
Tier one leveraged capital
                                               
Republic
    82,305       10.12 %     32,519       4.00 %     48,778       6.00 %
Company
    83,652       10.28 %     32,546       4.00 %     -       - %
Tier one leveraged capital
                                               
Republic
    82,305       8.46 %     38,921       4.00 %     48,651       5.00 %
Company
    83,652       8.59 %     38,971       4.00 %     -       - %
 
Dividend Policy

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock.  The Company has no plans to pay cash dividends in 2014.  The Company’s ability to pay dividends depends primarily on receipt of dividends from the Company’s subsidiary, Republic.  Dividend payments from Republic are subject to legal and regulatory limitations.  The ability of Republic to pay dividends is also subject to profitability, financial condition, capital expenditures and other cash flow requirements.

Liquidity

Financial institutions must maintain liquidity to meet day-to-day requirements of depositors and borrowers, time investment purchases to market conditions and provide a cushion against unforeseen needs.  Liquidity needs can be met by either reducing assets or increasing liabilities.  The most liquid assets consist of cash and amounts due from banks.

Regulatory authorities require the Company to maintain certain liquidity ratios in order for funds to be available to satisfy commitments to borrowers and the demands of depositors. In response to these requirements, the Company has formed an asset/liability committee (ALCO), comprised of certain members of Republic’s board of directors and senior management to monitor such ratios. The ALCO committee is responsible for managing the liquidity position and interest sensitivity. That committee’s primary objective is to maximize net interest income while configuring Republic’s interest-sensitive assets and liabilities to manage interest rate risk and provide adequate liquidity for projected needs. The ALCO committee meets on a quarterly basis or more frequently if deemed necessary.
 
 
 
 
 
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The Company’s target and actual liquidity levels are determined by comparisons of the estimated repayment and marketability of interest-earning assets with projected future outflows of deposits and other liabilities. The Company’s most liquid assets, comprised of cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet, totaled $105.8 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $35.9 million at December 31, 2013.  Loan maturities and repayments are another source of asset liquidity. At September 30, 2014, Republic estimated that more than $65.0 million of loans would mature or repay in the three month period ending December 31, 2014. Additionally, the majority of its investment securities are available to satisfy liquidity requirements if necessary.  At September 30, 2014, the Company had outstanding commitments (including unused lines of credit and letters of credit) of $143.5 million. Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year totaled $50.4 million at September 30, 2014. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current commitments.
 
Daily funding requirements have historically been satisfied by generating core deposits and certificates of deposit with competitive rates, buying federal funds or utilizing the credit facilities of the FHLB. The Company has established a line of credit with the FHLB of Pittsburgh with total borrowing capacity in the amount of $388.5 million as of September 30, 2014.  As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding term borrowings with the FHLB.  The Company had no short-term borrowings at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The Company has also established a contingency line of credit of $10.0 million with Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”) to assist in managing its liquidity position. The Company had no amounts outstanding against the ACBB line of credit at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
On April 22, 2014, the Company issued 11,842,106 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $45.0 million.  A registration statement covering the resale of these shares by such investors was declared effective May 22, 2014 by the SEC.
 
Investment Securities Portfolio

At September 30, 2014, the Company identified certain investment securities that were being held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that will be used as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy and that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayments and similar factors.  These securities are classified as available for sale and are intended to increase the flexibility of the Company’s asset/liability management.  Available for sale securities consist primarily of U.S Government Agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), agency collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), municipal securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities and pooled trust preferred securities (CDO).  Available-for-sale securities totaled $158.8 million and $204.9 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the portfolio had net unrealized losses of $209,000 and $4.4 million, respectively.
 
Loan Portfolio

The Company’s loan portfolio consists of secured and unsecured commercial loans including commercial real estate, construction loans, residential mortgages, automobile loans, home improvement loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, overdraft lines of credit and others.  Commercial loans are primarily secured term loans made to small to medium-sized businesses and professionals for working capital, asset acquisition and other purposes. Commercial loans are originated as either fixed or variable rate loans with typical terms of 1 to 5 years. Republic’s commercial loans typically range between $250,000 and $5,000,000 but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to Republic’s combined legal lending limit, which was approximately $18.2 million at September 30, 2014.  Individual customers may have several loans often secured by different collateral.
 
 
 
 
 
47

 
 
 
Credit Quality

Republic’s written lending policies require specified underwriting, loan documentation and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding, with independent credit department approval for the majority of new loan balances. A committee consisting of senior management and certain members of the Board of Directors oversees the loan approval process to monitor that proper standards are maintained, while approving the majority of commercial loans.
 
Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as non-accrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of interest or principal for a period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as non-accrual if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is in doubt. Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment performance by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms.
 
Our appraisal policy suggests that we consider obtaining an updated appraisal for loans that are less than 90 days delinquent or downgraded to the Special Mention category.  When a loan becomes 90 days delinquent and is transferred to nonaccrual status an updated appraisal is required. Delinquent loans and loans classified in the Special Mention category are reviewed by the Company’s internal Asset Recovery Committee on a quarterly basis.  This committee assesses the circumstances surrounding each loan reviewed and determines when an updated appraisal should be ordered.  Updated appraisals are considered current for a period of twelve months.  New appraisals are obtained on an annual basis until the loan is upgraded or resolved.
 
While a loan is classified as non-accrual or as an impaired loan and the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is doubtful, collections of interest and principal are generally applied as a reduction to principal outstanding. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. For non-accrual loans, which have been partially charged off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Cash interest receipts in excess of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until prior charge-offs have been fully recovered.
 
The following table shows information concerning loan delinquency and non-performing assets as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
Loans accruing, but past due 90 days or more
  $ 131     $ -  
Non-accrual loans
    23,044       10,420  
Total non-performing loans
    23,175       10,420  
Other real estate owned
    3,775       4,059  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 26,950     $ 14,479  
 
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income
    3.08 %     1.53 %
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
    2.38 %     1.51 %
 
 
 
 
 
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Non-performing assets increased by $12.5 million to $27.0 million as of September 30, 2014, from $14.5 million at December 31, 2013.  Non-accrual loans increased by $12.6 million to $23.0 million as of September 30, 2014, from $10.4 million at December 31, 2013.  These increases were primarily driven by one loan in the amount of $13.0 million that was transferred to non-accrual status during the second quarter of 2014. A reserve for this loan was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2013 when it was initially downgraded to impaired status. Loans accruing, but past due 90 days or more amounted to $131,000 as of September 30, 2014. There were no loans accruing but past due 90 days or more at December 31, 2013.  In addition to non-accrual loans, impaired loans also include loans that are currently performing but potential credit concerns with the borrowers’ financial condition have caused management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to continue to comply with present repayment terms. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, all identified impaired loans are internally classified as well as individually evaluated for impairment in accordance with the guidance under ASC 310.
 
Republic had delinquent loans as follows: (i) 30 to 59 days past due, in the aggregate principal amount of $17.7 million and $21.5 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and (ii) 60 to 89 days past due, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, in the aggregate principal amount of $0 and $7.0 million, respectively. Delinquent loans are currently in the process of collection and management believes they are supported by adequate collateral.
 
Other Real Estate Owned

The balance of other real estate owned decreased by $284,000 to $3.8 million at September 30, 2014 from $4.1 million at December 31, 2013 primarily due to writedowns on two foreclosed properties during the first nine months of 2014.
 
  The following table presents a reconciliation of other real estate owned for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
 2014
   
December 31,
 2013
 
Beginning Balance, January 1st
  $ 4,059     $ 8,912  
Additions
    483       246  
Valuation adjustments
    (667 )     (2,740 )
Dispositions
    (100 )     (2,359 )
Ending Balance
  $ 3,775     $ 4,059  

At September 30, 2014, the Company had no credit exposure to “highly leveraged transactions” as defined by the FDIC.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company evaluates the need to establish an allowance against loan losses on a quarterly basis. When an increase in this allowance is necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings. The allowance for loan losses consists of three components. The first component is allocated to individually evaluated loans found to be impaired and is calculated in accordance with ASC 310. The second component is allocated to all other loans that are not individually identified as impaired pursuant to ASC 310 (“non-impaired loans”). This component is calculated for all non-impaired loans on a collective basis in accordance with ASC 450. The third component is an unallocated allowance to account for a level of imprecision in management’s estimation process.

The Company evaluates loans for impairment and potential charge-off on a quarterly basis.  Management regularly monitors the condition of borrowers and assesses both internal and external factors in determining whether any loan relationships have deteriorated. Any loan rated as substandard or lower will have an individual collateral evaluation analysis prepared to determine if a deficiency exists. We first evaluate the primary repayment source.  If the primary repayment source is seriously inadequate and unlikely to repay the debt, we then look to the other available repayment sources. Secondary sources are conservatively reviewed for liquidation values. Updated appraisals and financial data are obtained to substantiate current values.  If the reviewed sources are deemed to be inadequate to cover the outstanding principal and any costs associated with the resolution of the troubled loan, an estimate of the deficient amount will be calculated and a specific allocation of loan loss reserve is recorded.
 
Factors considered in the calculation of the allowance for non-impaired loans include several qualitative and quantitative factors such as historical loss experience, trends in delinquency and nonperforming loan balances, changes in risk composition and underwriting standards, experience and ability of management, and general economic conditions along with other external factors. Historical loss experience is analyzed by reviewing charge-offs over a three year period to determine loss rates consistent with the loan categories depicted in the allowance for loan loss table below.

The factors supporting the allowance for loan losses do not diminish the fact that the entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio and related commitment portfolio, respectively. The Company’s principal focus, therefore, is on the adequacy of the total allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is subject to review by banking regulators. The Company’s primary bank regulators regularly conduct examinations of the allowance for loan losses and make assessments regarding the adequacy and the methodology employed in their determination.
 
 
 
 
 
49

 
 
 
       An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:

 
(dollars in thousands)  
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2014
   
For the twelve months ended
December 31, 2013
 
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2013
 
                   
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 12,263     $ 9,542     $ 9,542  
Charge-offs:
                       
Commercial real estate
    364       1,291       1,291  
Construction and land development
    103       60       60  
Commercial and industrial
    435       611       361  
Owner occupied real estate
    -       320       321  
Consumer and other
    10       75       75  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -  
Total charge-offs
    912       2,357       2,108  
Recoveries:
                       
Commercial real estate
    -       54       54  
Construction and land development
    213       -       -  
Commercial and industrial
    52       63       15  
Owner occupied real estate
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    -       26       26  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -  
Total recoveries
    265       143       95  
Net charge-offs
    647       2,214       2,013  
Provision for loan losses
    600       4,935       1,175  
Balance at end of period
  $ 12,216     $ 12,263     $ 8,704  
                         
Average loans outstanding(1)
  $ 712,867     $ 640,233     $ 632,369  
As a percent of average loans:(1)
                 
Net charge-offs (annualized)
    0.12 %     0.35 %     0.43 %
Provision for loan losses (annualized)
    0.11 %     0.77 %     0.25 %
Allowance for loan losses
    1.71 %     1.92 %     1.38 %
Allowance for loan losses to:
                       
Total loans, net of unearned income
    1.62 %     1.81 %     1.34 %
Total non-performing loans
    52.71 %     117.69 %     116.13 %
 
(1)  
Includes non-accruing loans.
 
The Company recorded a $600,000 provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a $1.2 million provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The provision for loan losses is charged to operations in an amount necessary to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level that management believes is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio.  The lower provision recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was driven by a reduction in the allowance for loan losses related to non-impaired loans evaluated collectively for impairment.  The decrease associated with loans collectively evaluated for impairment was driven by a reduction in the factor used in the calculation related to historical charge-offs which has declined as a result of lower charge-offs in recent years.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans (coverage ratio) was 52.71% at September 30, 2014, compared to 117.69% at December 31, 2013 and 116.13% at September 30, 2013. Total non-performing loans were $23.2 million, $10.4 million and $7.5 million at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively.  The increase in non-performing loans was primarily driven by one loan that was transferred to non-performing status during the second quarter of 2014.  A reserve for this loan was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2013 when it was initially downgraded to impaired status. The increase in non-performing loans has caused a corresponding decrease in the coverage ratio at September 30, 2014.
 
 
 
 
 
50

 

 
Our credit monitoring process assesses the ultimate collectability of an outstanding loan balance from all potential sources. When a loan is determined to be uncollectible it is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. Unsecured commercial loans are charged-off immediately upon reaching the 90-day delinquency mark.  All consumer loans are also charged-off immediately upon reaching the 90-day delinquency mark unless they are well secured and in the process of collection.  The timing on charge-offs of all other loan types is subjective and will be recognized when we determine that full repayment, either from the cash flow of the borrower, collateral sources, and/or guarantors, will not be sufficient and that full repayment is not probable.

Factors considered when evaluating the probability of full repayment include serious delinquency, deteriorating financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, reductions in appraised collateral values and bankruptcy proceedings. The likelihood of possible recoveries or improvements in a borrower’s financial condition is also assessed when considering a charge-off.  A full or partial charge-off is recognized equal to the amount of the estimated deficiency calculation.  The Company recorded net charge-offs of $647,000 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, compared to $2.0 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013.
 
Partial charge-offs of non-performing and impaired loans can significantly reduce the coverage ratio and other credit loss statistics due to the fact that the balance of the allowance for loan losses will be reduced while still carrying the remainder of a non-performing loan balance in the impaired loan category.  The amount of non-performing loans for which partial charge-offs have been recorded amounted to $16.2 million at September 30, 2014 compared to $6.2 million at December 31, 2013.
 
The following table provides additional analysis of partially charged-off loans.
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,  2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
Total nonperforming loans
  $ 23,175     $ 10,420  
Nonperforming and impaired loans with partial charge-offs
    16,218       6,236  
                 
Ratio of nonperforming loans with partial charge-offs to total loans
    2.16 %     0.92 %
Ratio of nonperforming loans with partial charge-offs to total nonperforming loans
    69.98 %     59.85 %
Coverage ratio net of nonperforming loans with partial charge-offs
    75.32 %     196.65 %
 
The Company’s charge-off policy is reviewed on an annual basis and updated as necessary.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, there were no changes made to this policy.
 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2014-04

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.”  The guidance clarifies when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized.  For public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. For entities other than public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods.  The Company does not believe the adoption of the amendment to this guidance will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
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ASU 2014-09

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 660): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40).”  The purpose of this guidance is to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue.  The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification.  For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-14

      In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure - a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.”  The amendments in this Update address a practice issue related to the classification of certain foreclosed residential and nonresidential mortgage loans that are either fully or partially guaranteed under government programs. Specifically, creditors should reclassify loans that meet certain conditions to "other receivables" upon foreclosure, rather than reclassifying them to other real estate owned (OREO). The separate other receivable recorded upon foreclosure is to be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) the creditor expects to recover from the guarantor. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2015, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effects of Inflation

The majority of assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. Therefore, a financial institution differs greatly from most commercial and industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or inventories.  Management believes that the most significant impact of inflation on its financial results is through the Company’s need and ability to react to changes in interest rates.  Management attempts to maintain an essentially balanced position between rate sensitive assets and liabilities over a one-year time horizon in order to protect net interest income from being affected by wide interest rate fluctuations.
 

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK

There has been no material change in the Company’s assessment of its sensitivity to market risk since its presentation in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 24, 2014.
 

 

 
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ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures  

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 The Company’s management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e), were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Controls

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (“Internal Control”) to determine whether any changes in Internal Control occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected or which are reasonably likely to materially affect Internal Control.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter ended September 30, 2014.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not an absolute, level of assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company and Republic are from time to time parties (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits in the normal course of business. While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management is of the opinion that the liability of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Republic.
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Significant risk factors could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operation.  Risk factors discussing these risks can be found in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.  The risk factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have not materially changed. You should carefully consider these risk factors. The risks described in the Company’s Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
 
 
 
 
 
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ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

    None.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

    None.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

    Not applicable.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

    None.




 
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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report.  (Exhibit numbers correspond to the exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q).

Exhibit Number
 
 
Description
 
 
Location
         
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed May 13, 2010
         
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
 
 
Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed April 23, 2010  (333-166286)
 
10.1
 
 
Form of Investment Agreement
 
 
 
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed April 22, 2014
 
31.1
 
 
 
 
Filed herewith
         
31.2
   
Filed herewith
         
32.1
   
Furnished herewith
         
32.2
   
Furnished herewith
         
101
 
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (iii)  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (v) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014  and 2013, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
   
         




 
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SIGNATURES

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


   
REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
     
Date:  November 7, 2014
By:
/s/ Harry D. Madonna
   
Harry D. Madonna
   
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
     
Date:  November 7, 2014
By:
/s/ Frank A. Cavallaro
   
Frank A. Cavallaro
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
     
 
 
 
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