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SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC. - Quarter Report: 2015 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

X
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2015

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   0-23406

Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Missouri
 
43-1665523
(State or jurisdiction of incorporation)
 
(IRS employer id. no.)

531 Vine Street       Poplar Bluff, MO            63901
(Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip code)

(573) 778-1800
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes
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 proceeding 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 definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):

Large accelerated filer
 
Accelerated filer
X
Non-accelerated filer
 
Smaller reporting company
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12 b-2 of the Exchange Act)

Yes
 
No
X

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class
 
Outstanding at February 8, 2016
Common Stock, Par Value $.01
 
7,438,416 Shares
 

 
SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-Q

INDEX


PART I.
Financial Information
PAGE NO.
     
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
     
 
 -      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
3
     
 
 -      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
4
     
 
 -      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
5
     
 
 -      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
6
     
 
 -      Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
   Operations
34
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
50
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
52
     
PART II.
Other Information
53
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
53
     
Item 1a.
Risk Factors
53
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
53
     
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
53
     
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
53
     
Item 5.
Other Information
53
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
54
     
 
-     Signatures Page
55
     
 
-     Certifications

2

 
PART I:  Item 1:  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND JUNE 30, 2015


   
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
   
(unaudited)
     
(dollars in thousands)
   
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
24,573
   
$
16,775
 
Interest-bearing time deposits
   
1,221
     
1,944
 
Available for sale securities
   
129,085
     
129,593
 
Stock in FHLB of Des Moines
   
3,898
     
4,127
 
Stock in Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
   
2,340
     
2,340
 
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses of
     $13,172 and $12,298 at December 31, 2015 and
     June 30, 2015, respectively
   
1,079,427
     
1,053,146
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
5,646
     
5,168
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
45,505
     
39,726
 
Bank owned life insurance – cash surrender value
   
19,754
     
19,692
 
Goodwill
   
4,556
     
4,556
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
3,682
     
4,201
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
17,985
     
18,796
 
     Total assets
 
$
1,337,672
   
$
1,300,064
 
                 
Deposits
 
$
1,117,221
   
$
1,055,242
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
23,066
     
27,332
 
Advances from FHLB of Des Moines
   
58,929
     
64,794
 
Accounts payable and other liabilities
   
3,843
     
4,618
 
Accrued interest payable
   
700
     
777
 
Subordinated debt
   
14,705
     
14,658
 
     Total liabilities
   
1,218,464
     
1,167,421
 
                 
                 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, $1,000 liquidation value;
     500,000 shares authorized; 0 shares and 20,000 shares,
     respectively, issued and outstanding at December 31,
     2015 and June 30, 2015
   
-
     
20,000
 
                 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
     7,428,416 and 7,419,666 shares, respectively, issued at
     December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015
   
74
     
74
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
34,116
     
33,948
 
Retained earnings
   
84,132
     
77,760
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
886
     
861
 
     Total stockholders' equity
   
119,208
     
132,643
 
                 
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,337,672
   
$
1,300,064
 

 


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
3

 
 
SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE- AND SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 (Unaudited)


   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
       
INTEREST INCOME:
               
      Loans
 
$
13,362
   
$
13,361
   
$
26,460
   
$
25,586
 
      Investment securities
   
496
     
499
     
992
     
1,045
 
      Mortgage-backed securities
   
368
     
448
     
738
     
863
 
      Other interest-earning assets
   
9
     
49
     
17
     
82
 
                   Total interest income
   
14,235
     
14,357
     
28,207
     
27,576
 
INTEREST EXPENSE:
                               
      Deposits
   
1,847
     
1,703
     
3,633
     
3,305
 
      Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
29
     
27
     
58
     
55
 
      Advances from FHLB of Des Moines
   
320
     
333
     
637
     
673
 
      Subordinated debt
   
139
     
132
     
274
     
254
 
                   Total interest expense
   
2,335
     
2,195
     
4,602
     
4,287
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
   
11,900
     
12,162
     
23,605
     
23,289
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
496
     
862
     
1,114
     
1,689
 
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER
                               
    PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
11,404
     
11,300
     
22,491
     
21,600
 
NONINTEREST INCOME:
                               
     Deposit account charges and related fees
   
901
     
934
     
1,825
     
1,745
 
     Bank card interchange income
   
632
     
589
     
1,268
     
1,092
 
     Loan late charges
   
81
     
83
     
158
     
179
 
     Loan servicing fees
   
40
     
22
     
75
     
37
 
     Other loan fees
   
178
     
112
     
347
     
246
 
     Net realized gains on sale of loans
   
153
     
203
     
287
     
382
 
     Net realized gains on sale of AFS securities
   
-
     
3
     
-
     
3
 
     Earnings on bank owned life insurance
   
466
     
144
     
611
     
287
 
     Other income
   
340
     
97
     
421
     
195
 
                   Total noninterest income
   
2,791
     
2,187
     
4,992
     
4,166
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE:
                               
     Compensation and benefits
   
4,399
     
4,628
     
8,757
     
8,772
 
     Occupancy and equipment, net
   
1,676
     
1,633
     
3,341
     
2,990
 
     Deposit insurance premiums
   
163
     
174
     
323
     
337
 
     Legal and professional fees
   
144
     
264
     
270
     
527
 
     Advertising
   
219
     
275
     
473
     
406
 
     Postage and office supplies
   
154
     
172
     
313
     
300
 
     Intangible amortization
   
259
     
323
     
569
     
615
 
     Bank card network expense
   
230
     
234
     
483
     
510
 
     Other operating expense
   
922
     
887
     
1,625
     
1,735
 
                   Total noninterest expense
   
8,166
     
8,590
     
16,154
     
16,192
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
6,029
     
4,897
     
11,329
     
9,574
 
INCOME TAXES
   
1,820
     
1,460
     
3,485
     
2,841
 
NET INCOME
 
$
4,209
   
$
3,437
   
$
7,844
   
$
6,733
 
      Less: dividend on preferred shares
   
35
     
50
     
85
     
100
 
      Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
4,174
   
$
3,387
   
$
7,759
   
$
6,633
 
                                 
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.56
   
$
0.46
   
$
1.05
   
$
0.91
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.56
   
$
0.45
   
$
1.04
   
$
0.89
 
Dividends per common share
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.085
   
$
0.18
   
$
0.17
 
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
4

 
 
 
 
SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE- AND SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 (Unaudited)


   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
   
 
(dollars in thousands)
               
Net income
 
$
4,209
   
$
3,437
   
$
7,844
   
$
6,733
 
      Other comprehensive income:
                               
            Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
   
(343
)
   
1,041
     
47
     
1,235
 
            Less:  reclassification adjustment for realized gains (losses)
                 included in net income
   
-
     
3
     
-
     
3
 
            Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities for
                  which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment
                  has been recognized in income
   
(4
)
   
(2
)
   
(8
)
   
(1
)
            Tax benefit (expense)
   
129
     
(401
)
   
(14
)
   
(478
)
      Total other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(218
)
   
635
     
25
     
753
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
3,991
   
$
4,072
   
$
7,869
   
$
7,486
 
































See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
5

 
 
SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 (Unaudited)
   
Six months ended
 
   
December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
   
2014
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
       
Net income
 
$
7,844
   
$
6,733
 
    Items not requiring (providing) cash:
               
      Depreciation
   
1,139
     
974
 
      Loss on disposal of fixed assets
   
33
     
-
 
      Stock option and stock grant expense
   
133
     
95
 
      Amortization of intangible assets
   
569
     
615
 
      Amortization of purchase accounting adjustments
   
(1,450
)
   
(1,447
)
      Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
   
(611
)
   
(287
)
      Loss on sale of foreclosed assets
   
70
     
6
 
      Provision for loan losses
   
1,114
     
1,689
 
      Gains realized on AFS securities
   
-
     
(3
)
      Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities
   
400
     
497
 
      Originations of loans held for sale
   
(10,781
)
   
(3,318
)
      Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
   
10,630
     
3,995
 
      Gain on sales of loans held for sale
   
(287
)
   
(382
)
    Changes in:
               
      Accrued interest receivable
   
(478
)
   
(894
)
      Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
551
     
706
 
      Accounts payable and other liabilities
   
(546
)
   
(940
)
      Deferred income taxes
   
(640
)
   
(624
)
      Accrued interest payable
   
(77
)
   
103
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
7,613
     
7,518
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
      Net increase in loans
   
(26,154
)
   
(24,470
)
      Net change in interest-bearing deposits
   
723
     
4,951
 
      Proceeds from maturities of available for sale securities
   
8,271
     
8,992
 
      Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
   
-
     
7,193
 
      Net redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
229
     
1,537
 
      Purchases of available-for-sale securities
   
(8,124
)
   
-
 
      Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(6,951
)
   
(2,718
)
      Net cash received in acquisitions
   
-
     
3,221
 
      Investments in state & federal tax credits
   
(162
)
   
-
 
      Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
   
-
     
14
 
      Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
   
1,121
     
485
 
      Proceeds from bank owned life insurance claim
   
549
     
-
 
            Net cash used in investing activities
   
(30,498
)
   
(795
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
      Net increase in demand deposits and savings accounts
   
60,536
     
41,357
 
      Net increase in certificates of deposits
   
1,548
     
14,019
 
      Net decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
(4,266
)
   
(4,176
)
      Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
247,950
     
145,910
 
      Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
(253,650
)
   
(184,310
)
      Exercise of stock options
   
36
     
265
 
      Dividends paid on preferred stock
   
(135
)
   
(100
)
      Dividends paid on common stock
   
(1,336
)
   
(1,256
)
      Redemption of preferred stock
   
(20,000
)
   
-
 
            Net cash provided by financing activities
   
30,683
     
11,709
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
7,798
     
18,432
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
16,775
     
14,932
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
24,573
   
$
33,364
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Noncash investing and financing activities:
               
Conversion of loans to foreclosed real estate
 
$
281
   
$
666
 
Conversion of foreclosed real estate to loans
   
185
     
58
 
Conversion of loans to repossessed assets
   
141
     
48
 
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest (net of interest credited)
 
$
1,652
   
$
1,450
 
Income taxes
   
2,500
     
2,897
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6

 
 
SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1:  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of June 30, 2015, has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of that date. Operating results for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. For additional information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's June 30, 2015, Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern Bank. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Note 2:  Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization. Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc., a Missouri corporation (Southern Missouri or Company) was organized in 1994 and is the parent company of Southern Bank (the Bank). Substantially all of the Company's consolidated revenues are derived from the operations of the Bank, and the Bank represents substantially all of the Company's consolidated assets and liabilities.

The Bank is primarily engaged in providing a full range of banking and financial services to individuals and corporate customers in its market areas. The Bank and Company are subject to competition from other financial institutions. The Bank and Company are subject to regulation by certain federal and state agencies and undergo periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.
 
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation. The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices within the banking industry. In the normal course of business, the Company encounters two significant types of risk: economic and regulatory. Economic risk is comprised of interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities reprice on a different basis than its interest-earning assets. Credit risk is the risk of default on the Company's investment or loan portfolios resulting from the borrowers' inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of the investment portfolio, collateral underlying loans receivable, and the value of the Company's investments in real estate.
 
Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, estimated fair values of purchased loans, other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI), and fair value of financial instruments.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents. For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash, due from depository institutions and interest-bearing deposits in other depository institutions with original maturities of three months or less. Interest-bearing deposits in other depository institutions were $14.8 million and $6.6 million at
 
7

 
December 31 and June 30, 2015, respectively. The deposits are held in various commercial banks in amounts not exceeding the FDIC's deposit insurance limits, as well as at the Federal Reserve and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines.
 
Available for Sale Securities. Available for sale securities, which include any security for which the Company has no immediate plan to sell but which may be sold in the future, are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity. All securities have been classified as available for sale.

Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized or accreted as adjustments to income over the estimated life of the security using the level yield method. Realized gains or losses on the sale of securities is based on the specific identification method. The fair value of securities is based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

The Company does not invest in collateralized mortgage obligations that are considered high risk.

When the Company does not intend to sell a debt security, and it is more likely than not the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it recognizes the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income. As a result, the Company's balance sheet as of the dates presented reflects the full impairment (that is, the difference between the security's amortized cost basis and fair value) on debt securities that the Company intends to sell or would more likely than not be required to sell before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. For available-for-sale debt securities that management has no intent to sell and believes that it more likely than not will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the noncredit loss is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security as projected based on cash flow projections.

Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system, and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Capital stock of the Federal Reserve and the FHLB is a required investment based upon a predetermined formula and is carried at cost.
 
Loans. Loans are generally stated at unpaid principal balances, less the allowance for loan losses and net deferred loan origination fees.

Interest on loans is accrued based upon the principal amount outstanding. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management's judgment, the collectability of interest or principal in the normal course of business is doubtful. The Company complies with regulatory guidance which indicates that loans should be placed in nonaccrual status when 90 days past due, unless the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. A loan that is "in the process of collection" may be subject to legal action or, in appropriate circumstances, through other collection efforts reasonably expected to result in repayment or restoration to current status in the near future. A loan is considered delinquent when a payment has not been made by the contractual due date. Interest income previously accrued but not collected at the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against interest income. Cash receipts on a nonaccrual loan are applied to principal and interest in accordance with its contractual terms unless full payment of principal is not expected, in which case cash receipts, whether designated as principal or interest, are applied as a reduction of the carrying value of the loan. A nonaccrual loan is generally returned to accrual status when principal and interest payments are current, full collectability of principal and interest is reasonably assured, and a consistent record of performance has been demonstrated.

The allowance for losses on loans represents management's best estimate of losses probable in the existing loan portfolio. The allowance for losses on loans is increased by the provision for losses on loans charged to expense and reduced by loans charged off, net of recoveries. Loans are charged off in the period deemed uncollectible, based on management's analysis of expected cash flow (for non-collateral dependent loans) or collateral value (for collateral-dependent loans). Subsequent recoveries of loans previously charged off, if any, are credited to the allowance when received. The provision for losses on loans is determined based on management's assessment of several factors: reviews and evaluations of specific loans, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and the related impact on specific borrowers and industry groups, historical loan loss experience, the level of classified and nonperforming loans and the results of regulatory examinations.
 
8

 

Loans are considered impaired if, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Depending on a particular loan's circumstances, we measure impairment of a loan based upon either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent. Valuation allowances are established for collateral-dependent impaired loans for the difference between the loan amount and fair value of collateral less estimated selling costs. For impaired loans that are not collateral dependent, a valuation allowance is established for the difference between the loan amount and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate or the observable market price of the loan. Impairment losses are recognized through an increase in the required allowance for loan losses. Cash receipts on loans deemed impaired are recorded based on the loan's separate status as a nonaccrual loan or an accrual status loan.

Some loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. For these loans ("purchased credit impaired loans"), the Company recorded a fair value discount and began carrying them at book value less the fair value discount (see Note 4). We determined the contractual amount and timing of undiscounted principal and interest payments on these loans (the "undiscounted contractual cash flows"), and estimated the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal and interest payments, including expected prepayments (the "undiscounted expected cash flows"). Under acquired impaired loan accounting, the difference between the undiscounted contractual cash flows and the undiscounted expected cash flows is the nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference is an estimate of the loss exposure of principal and interest related to the purchased credit impaired loans, and the amount is subject to change over time based on the performance of the loans. The carrying value of purchased credit impaired loans is initially determined as the discounted expected cash flows. The excess of expected cash flows at acquisition over the initial fair value of the purchased credit impaired loans is referred to as the "accretable yield" and is recorded as interest income over the estimated life of the acquired loans using the level-yield method, if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable. The carrying value of purchased credit impaired loans is reduced by payments received, both principal and interest, and increased by the portion of the accretable yield recognized as interest income. Subsequent to acquisition, the Company evaluates the purchased credit impaired loans on a quarterly basis. Increases in expected cash flows compared to those previously estimated increase the accretable yield and are recognized as interest income prospectively. Decreases in expected cash flows compared to those previously estimated reduce the accretable yield and may result in the establishment of an allowance for loan losses and a provision for loan losses. Purchased credit impaired loans are generally considered accruing and performing loans, as the loans accrete interest income over the estimated life of the loan when expected cash flows are reasonably estimable. Accordingly, purchased credit impaired loans that are contractually past due are still considered to be accruing and performing as long as there is an expectation that the estimated cash flows will be received. If the timing and amount of cash flows is not reasonably estimable, the loans may be classified as nonaccrual loans.

Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income using the interest method over the contractual life of the loans.
 
Foreclosed Real Estate. Real estate acquired by foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs. Costs for development and improvement of the property are capitalized.

Valuations are periodically performed by management, and an allowance for losses is established by a charge to operations if the carrying value of a property exceeds its estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs.

Loans to facilitate the sale of real estate acquired in foreclosure are discounted if made at less than market rates. Discounts are amortized over the fixed interest period of each loan using the interest method.
 
Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and include expenditures for major betterments and renewals. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When property is retired or sold, the retired asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss taken into income. The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment loss recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets.
 
9

 

Depreciation is computed by use of straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated lives are generally seven to forty years for premises, three to seven years for equipment, and three years for software.
 
Intangible Assets.  The Company's intangible assets at December 31, 2015 included gross core deposit intangibles of $5.9 million with $2.4 million accumulated amortization, gross other identifiable intangibles of $3.8 million with accumulated amortization of $3.8 million, and mortgage servicing rights of $207,000. At June 30, 2015, the Company's intangible assets included gross core deposit intangibles of $5.9 million with $1.9 million accumulated amortization, and gross other identifiable intangibles of $3.8 million with accumulated amortization of $3.8 million, and mortgage servicing rights of $157,000.  The Company's core deposit and other intangible assets are being amortized using the straight line method, over periods ranging from five to fifteen years, with amortization expense expected to be approximately $456,000  in the remainder of fiscal 2016, $911,000 in fiscal 2017, $911,000 in fiscal 2018, $655,000 in fiscal 2019, $500,000 in fiscal 2020 and $42,000 thereafter.
Goodwill. The Company's goodwill is evaluated annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present.  A qualitative assessment is performed to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not the fair value is less than the carrying amount, including goodwill.  If, based on the evaluation, it is determined to be more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then goodwill is tested further for impairment.  If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than its carrying amount, a goodwill impairment is indicated and goodwill is written down to its implied fair value.  Subsequent increases in goodwill value are not recognized in the financial statements.

Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance (ASC 740, Income Taxes). The income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management's judgment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

The Company files consolidated income tax returns with its subsidiaries.
 
Incentive Plan. The Company accounts for its Management Recognition and Development Plan (MRP) and Equity Incentive Plan (EIP) in accordance with ASC 718, "Share-Based Payment." Compensation expense is based on the market price of the Company's stock on the date the shares are granted and is recorded over the vesting period. The difference between the aggregate purchase price and the fair value on the date the shares are considered earned represents a tax benefit to the Company and is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid in capital
 
Outside Directors' Retirement. Southern Bank adopted a directors' retirement plan in April 1994 for outside directors. The directors' retirement plan provides that each non-employee director (participant) shall receive, upon termination of service on the Board on or after age 60, other than termination for cause, a benefit in equal annual installments over a five year period. The benefit will be based upon the product of the participant's vesting percentage and the total Board fees paid to the participant during the calendar year preceding termination of service on the Board. The vesting percentage shall be determined based upon the participant's years of service on the Board.
10


 
In the event that the participant dies before collecting any or all of the benefits, Southern Bank shall pay the participant's beneficiary. No benefits shall be payable to anyone other than the beneficiary, and benefits shall terminate on the death of the beneficiary.
 
Stock Options. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued, and recognized over the vesting period during which an employee provides service in exchange for the award.
 
Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share available to common stockholders is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share available to common stockholders includes the effect of all weighted-average dilutive potential common shares (stock options and warrants) outstanding during each period.  All per share data has been restated to reflect the two-for-one common stock split in the form of a 100% common stock dividend paid January 30, 2015.
 
Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in income, and changes in the funded status of defined benefit pension plans.

Transfers Between Fair Value Hierarchy Levels.  Transfers in and out of Level 1 (quoted market prices), Level 2 (other significant observable inputs) and Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) are recognized on the period ending date.
 
Reclassification. Certain amounts included in the 2015 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income.
 
The following paragraphs summarize the impact of new accounting pronouncements:

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," to generally require equity investments be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily-determinable fair value, and change disclosure and presentation requirements regarding financial instruments and other comprehensive income, and clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. For public entities, the guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the new guidance, but does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-14, "Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors," to address the classification of certain foreclosed mortgage loans held by creditors that are either fully or partially guaranteed under government programs (e.g., FHA, VA, HUD). The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company did not experience a significant impact on its financial statements with the adoption of ASU 2014-14.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  The update provides a five-step revenue recognition model for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and affects all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to their customers (unless the contracts are included in the scope of other standards).  The guidance requires an entity to recognize the revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.  For public entities, the guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and must be applied either retrospectively or using the modified retrospective approach.  In April 2015, the FASB voted to propose a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 and issued an exposure draft.  Management is evaluating the new guidance, but does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.  Early adoption would be permitted, but not before the original public entity effective date.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) – Repurchase to Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures.  ASU 2014-11 aligns the accounting for repurchase to maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as a repurchase financing with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements.  Going forward, these transactions would all be accounted for as secured borrowings.  ASU 2014-11 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014.  In addition, the disclosure of certain transactions accounted for as a sale is effective for the first interim or annual
11

 
 
period beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and the disclosure for transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015.  The Company did not experience a significant impact on its financial statements with the adoption of ASU 2014-11.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, "Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure," to reduce diversity by clarifying 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 receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of the ASU did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects," to permit entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The ASU modifies the conditions that an entity must meet to be eligible to use a method other than the equity or cost methods to account for qualified affordable housing project investments. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of the ASU did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


Note 3:  Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and approximate fair value of securities available for sale consisted of the following:

`
 
December 31, 2015
 
       
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                 
Investment and mortgage backed securities:
               
  U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs)
 
$
13,945
   
$
32
   
$
(95
)
 
$
13,882
 
  State and political subdivisions
   
43,764
     
1,623
     
(6
)
   
45,381
 
  Other securities
   
4,155
     
168
     
(703
)
   
3,620
 
  Mortgage-backed: GSE residential
   
65,826
     
473
     
(97
)
   
66,202
 
     Total investments and mortgage-backed securities
 
$
127,690
   
$
2,296
   
$
(901
)
 
$
129,085
 
                                 
                                 
   
June 30, 2015
 
           
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                                 
Investment and mortgage backed securities:
                               
  U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs)
 
$
14,924
   
$
49
   
$
(159
)
 
$
14,814
 
  State and political subdivisions
   
40,641
     
1,473
     
(93
)
   
42,021
 
  Other securities
   
3,189
     
184
     
(669
)
   
2,704
 
  Mortgage-backed GSE residential
   
69,483
     
597
     
(26
)
   
70,054
 
     Total investments and mortgage-backed securities
 
$
128,237
   
$
2,303
   
$
(947
)
 
$
129,593
 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment and mortgage-backed securities, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.

   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Amortized
   
Estimated
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
         
   Within one year
 
$
1,676
   
$
1,681
 
   After one year but less than five years
   
15,626
     
15,629
 
   After five years but less than ten years
   
18,412
     
18,926
 
   After ten years
   
26,150
     
26,647
 
      Total investment securities
   
61,864
     
62,883
 
   Mortgage-backed securities
   
65,826
     
66,202
 
     Total investments and mortgage-backed securities
 
$
127,690
   
$
129,085
 

 
12

 
 
The carrying value of securities sold under agreement to repurchase amounted to $23.1 million at December 31, 2015 and $27.3 million at June 30, 2015.  The securities, which are classified as borrowings, generally mature within one to four days.  The securities underlying the agreements consist of marketable securities, including $9.9 million and $10.9 million of U.S. Government and Federal Agency Obligations, $13.2 million and $15.6 million of Mortgage-Backed Securities, and $3.0 million and $2.1 million of Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, at December 31 and June 30, 2015, respectively.  The right of offset for a repurchase agreement resembles a secured borrowing, whereby the collateral pledged by the Company would be used to settle the fair value of the repurchase agreement should the Company be in default.  The collateral is held by the Company in a segregated custodial account.  In the event the collateral fair value falls below stipulated levels, the Company will pledge additional securities.  The Company closely monitors collateral levels to ensure adequate levels are maintained.

The following tables show our investments' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31 and June 30, 2015:

   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
       
Unrealized
       
Unrealized
       
Unrealized
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
                         
  U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs)
 
$
5,963
   
$
34
   
$
4,932
   
$
61
   
$
10,895
   
$
95
 
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
1,488
     
5
     
532
     
1
     
2,020
     
6
 
  Other securities
   
985
     
15
     
1,177
     
688
     
2,162
     
703
 
  Mortgage-backed securities
   
13,000
     
97
     
-
     
-
     
13,000
     
97
 
    Total investments and mortgage-backed securities
 
$
21,436
   
$
151
   
$
6,641
   
$
750
   
$
28,077
   
$
901
 
                                                 
   
June 30, 2015
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
           
Unrealized
           
Unrealized
           
Unrealized
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
                                                 
  U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs)
 
$
2,970
   
$
28
   
$
6,862
   
$
131
   
$
9,832
   
$
159
 
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
3,872
     
59
     
1,507
     
34
     
5,379
     
93
 
  Other securities
   
-
     
-
     
1,206
     
669
     
1,206
     
669
 
  Mortgage-backed securities
   
6,787
     
26
     
-
     
-
     
6,787
     
26
 
    Total investments and mortgage-backed securities
 
$
13,629
   
$
113
   
$
9,575
   
$
834
   
$
23,204
   
$
947
 

Other securities. At December 31, 2015, there were three pooled trust preferred securities with an estimated fair value of $758,000 and unrealized losses of $678,000 in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or more. These unrealized losses were primarily due to the long-term nature of the pooled trust preferred securities, a lack of demand or inactive market for these securities, and concerns regarding the financial institutions that have issued the underlying trust preferred securities. Rules adopted by the federal banking agencies in December 2013 to implement Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act (the "Volcker Rule") generally prohibit banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading and from investing in, sponsoring, or having certain relationships with a hedge fund or private equity fund. The pooled trust preferred securities owned by the Company were included in a January 2014 listing of securities which the agencies considered to be grandfathered with regard to these prohibitions; as such, banking entities are permitted to retain their interest in these securities, provided the interest was acquired on or before December 10, 2013, or acquired after that date pursuant to a merger or acquisition with a banking entity holding the security under similar grandfathered status.

The December 31, 2015, cash flow analysis for the three securities indicated it is probable the Company will receive all contracted principal and related interest projected. The cash flow analysis used in making this determination was based on anticipated default, recovery, and prepayment rates, and the resulting cash flows were discounted based on the yield anticipated at the time the securities were purchased. Other inputs include the actual collateral attributes, which include credit ratings and other performance indicators of the underlying financial institutions, including profitability, capital ratios, and asset quality. Assumptions for these three securities included annualized prepayments of 1.3 to 1.7 percent; no recoveries on issuers currently in default; recoveries of zero to 70 percent on currently deferred issuers within the next two years; new defaults of 50 basis points annually; and recoveries of 10% of new defaults.

 
13

 
 
One of these three securities has continued to receive cash interest payments in full since our purchase; the second of the three securities received principal-in-kind (PIK) for a period of time following the recession and financial crisis which began in 2008, but resumed cash interest payments during fiscal 2014. Our cash flow analysis indicates that interest payments are expected to continue for these two securities. Because the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.

For the last of these three securities, the Company has been receiving PIK in lieu of cash interest since June 2009. Pooled trust preferred securities generally allow, under the terms of the issue, for issuers within the pool to defer interest for up to five consecutive years. After five years, if not cured, the issuer is considered to be in default and the trustee may demand payment in full of principal and accrued interest. Issuers are also considered to be in default in the event of the failure of the issuer or a subsidiary. Both deferred and defaulted issuers are considered non-performing, and the trustee calculates, on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, certain coverage tests prior to the payment of cash interest to owners of the various tranches of the securities. The tests must show that performing collateral is sufficient to meet requirements for senior tranches, both in terms of cash flow and collateral value, before cash interest can be paid to subordinate tranches. If the tests are not met, available cash flow is diverted to pay down the principal balance of senior tranches until the coverage tests are met, before cash interest payments to subordinate tranches may resume. The Company is receiving PIK for this security due to failure of the required coverage tests described above at senior tranche levels of the security. The risk to holders of a tranche of a security in PIK status is that the pool's total cash flow will not be sufficient to repay all principal and accrued interest related to the investment. The impact of payment of PIK to subordinate tranches is to strengthen the position of senior tranches, by reducing the senior tranches' principal balances relative to available collateral and cash flow, while increasing principal balances, decreasing cash flow, and increasing credit risk to the tranches receiving PIK. For our security in receipt of PIK, the principal balance is increasing, cash flow has stopped, and, as a result, credit risk is increasing. The Company currently expects this security to remain in PIK status for a period of less than one year. Despite these facts, because the Company does not intend to sell this security and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell this security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.

At December 31, 2008, analysis of a fourth pooled trust preferred security indicated other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). The loss recognized at that time reduced the amortized cost basis for the security, and as of December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of the security exceeds the new, lower amortized cost basis.

The Company does not believe any other individual unrealized loss as of December 31, 2015, represents OTTI. However, the Company could be required to recognize OTTI losses in future periods with respect to its available for sale investment securities portfolio. The amount and timing of any additional OTTI will depend on the decline in the underlying cash flows of the securities. Should the impairment of any of these securities become other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in the period the other-than-temporary impairment is identified.

Credit losses recognized on investments. As described above, one of the Company's investments in trust preferred securities experienced fair value deterioration due to credit losses, but is not otherwise other-than-temporarily impaired. During fiscal 2009, the Company adopted ASC 820, formerly FASB Staff Position 157-4, "Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly."  The following table provides information about the trust preferred security for which only a credit loss was recognized in income and other losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for the six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

   
Accumulated Credit Losses
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
   
2014
 
Credit losses on debt securities held
       
Beginning of period
 
$
365
   
$
375
 
  Additions related to OTTI losses not previously recognized
   
-
     
-
 
  Reductions due to sales
   
-
     
-
 
  Reductions due to change in intent or likelihood of sale
   
-
     
-
 
  Additions related to increases in previously-recognized OTTI losses
   
-
     
-
 
  Reductions due to increases in expected cash flows
   
(5
)
   
(5
)
End of period
 
$
360
   
$
370
 

 
14

 

Note 4:  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Classes of loans are summarized as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2015
June 30, 2015
Real Estate Loans:
   
      Residential
 $                  392,320
 $                  377,465
      Construction
                       83,768
                       69,204
      Commercial
                     411,200
                     404,720
Consumer loans
                       45,514
                       46,770
Commercial loans
                     190,253
                     191,886
 
                  1,123,055
                  1,090,045
Loans in process
                     (30,525)
                     (24,688)
Deferred loan fees, net
                              69
                              87
Allowance for loan losses
                     (13,172)
                     (12,298)
      Total loans
 $               1,079,427
 $               1,053,146


The Company's lending activities consist of origination of loans secured by mortgages on one- to four-family residences and commercial and agricultural real estate, construction loans on residential and commercial properties, commercial and agricultural business loans and consumer loans. The Company has also occasionally purchased loan participation interests originated by other lenders and secured by properties generally located in the states of Missouri and Arkansas.
 
Residential Mortgage Lending. The Company actively originates loans for the acquisition or refinance of one- to four-family residences. This category includes both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage ("ARM") loans amortizing over periods of up to 30 years, and the properties securing such loans may be owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied. Single-family residential loans do not generally exceed 90% of the lower of the appraised value or purchase price of the secured property at origination. Substantially all of the one- to four-family residential mortgage originations in the Company's portfolio are located within the Company's primary lending area.

The Company also originates loans secured by multi-family residential properties that are often located outside the Company's primary lending area, but made to borrowers who operate within the primary lending area. The majority of the multi-family residential loans that are originated by the Bank are amortized over periods generally up to 25 years, with balloon maturities typically up to ten years. Both fixed and adjustable interest rates are offered and it is typical for the Company to include an interest rate "floor" and "ceiling" in the loan agreement. Generally, multi-family residential loans do not exceed 85% of the lower of the appraised value or purchase price of the secured property at origination.

Commercial Real Estate Lending. The Company actively originates loans secured by commercial real estate including land (improved, unimproved, and farmland), strip shopping centers, retail establishments and other businesses. These properties are typically owned and operated by borrowers headquartered within the Company's primary lending area, however, the property may be located outside our primary lending area.

Most commercial real estate loans originated by the Company generally are based on amortization schedules of up to 20 years with monthly principal and interest payments. Generally, the interest rate received on these loans is fixed for a maturity for up to five years, with a balloon payment due at maturity. Alternatively, for some loans, the interest rate adjusts at least annually after an initial period up to five years. The Company typically includes an interest rate "floor" in the loan agreement. Generally, improved commercial real estate loan amounts do not exceed 80% of the lower of the appraised value or the purchase price of the secured property at origination. Agricultural real estate terms offered differ slightly, with amortization schedules of up to 25 years with an 80% loan-to-value ratio, or 30 years with a 75% loan-to-value ratio at origination.

Construction Lending. The Company originates real estate loans secured by property or land that is under construction or development. Construction loans originated by the Company are generally secured by mortgage loans for the construction of owner occupied residential real estate or to finance speculative construction secured by residential real estate, land development, or owner-operated or non-owner occupied commercial real estate. During construction, these loans typically require monthly interest-only payments and have maturities ranging from six to twelve months. Once construction is completed, loans may be converted to permanent status with monthly payments using amortization schedules of up to 30 years on residential and generally up to 20 years on commercial real estate.
 
15


 
While the Company typically utilizes maturity periods ranging from 6 to 12 months to closely monitor the inherent risks associated with construction loans for these loans, weather conditions, change orders, availability of materials and/or labor, and other factors may contribute to the lengthening of a project, thus necessitating the need to renew the construction loan at the balloon maturity. Such extensions are typically executed in incremental three month periods to facilitate project completion. The Company's average term of construction loans is approximately nine months. During construction, loans typically require monthly interest only payments which may allow the Company an opportunity to monitor for early signs of financial difficulty should the borrower fail to make a required monthly payment. Additionally, during the construction phase, the Company typically obtains interim inspections completed by an independent third party. This monitoring further allows the Company an opportunity to assess risk. At December 31, 2015, construction loans outstanding included 35 loans, totaling $8.0 million, for which a modification had been agreed to. At June 30, 2015, construction loans outstanding included 49 loans, totaling $8.2 million, for which a modification had been agreed to. All modifications were solely for the purpose of extending the maturity date due to conditions described above. None of these modifications were executed due to financial difficulty on the part of the borrower and, therefore, were not accounted for as TDRs.

Consumer Lending. The Company offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity, direct and indirect automobile loans, second mortgages, mobile home loans and loans secured by deposits. The Company originates substantially all of its consumer loans in its primary lending area. Usually, consumer loans are originated with fixed rates for terms of up to five years, with the exception of home equity lines of credit, which are variable, tied to the prime rate of interest and are for a period of ten years.

Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are secured with a deed of trust and are issued up to 100% of the appraised or assessed value of the property securing the line of credit, less the outstanding balance on the first mortgage and are typically issued for a term of ten years. Interest rates on the HELOCs are generally adjustable. Interest rates are based upon the loan-to-value ratio of the property with better rates given to borrowers with more equity.

Automobile loans originated by the Company include both direct loans and a smaller amount of loans originated by auto dealers. The Company generally pays a negotiated fee back to the dealer for indirect loans. Typically, automobile loans are made for terms of up to 60 months for new and used vehicles. Loans secured by automobiles have fixed rates and are generally made in amounts up to 100% of the purchase price of the vehicle.

Commercial Business Lending. The Company's commercial business lending activities encompass loans with a variety of purposes and security, including loans to finance accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and operating lines of credit, including agricultural production and equipment loans. The Company offers both fixed and adjustable rate commercial business loans. Generally, commercial loans secured by fixed assets are amortized over periods up to five years, while commercial operating lines of credit or agricultural production lines are generally for a one year period.

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans (excluding loans in process and deferred loan fees) based on portfolio segment and impairment methods as of December 31 and June 30, 2015, and activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
16

 

   
At period end and for the six months ended December 31, 2015
 
   
Residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
             
(dollars in thousands)
 
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Commercial
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                       
      Balance, beginning of period
 
$
2,819
   
$
899
   
$
4,956
   
$
758
   
$
2,866
   
$
12,298
 
      Provision charged to expense
   
475
     
147
     
324
     
60
     
108
     
1,114
 
      Losses charged off
   
(90
)
   
-
     
(77
)
   
(35
)
   
(100
)
   
(302
)
      Recoveries
   
3
     
-
     
46
     
3
     
10
     
62
 
      Balance, end of period
 
$
3,207
   
$
1,046
   
$
5,249
   
$
786
   
$
2,884
   
$
13,172
 
      Ending Balance: individually
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
144
   
$
144
 
      Ending Balance: collectively
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
3,207
   
$
1,046
   
$
5,249
   
$
786
   
$
2,740
   
$
13,028
 
      Ending Balance: loans acquired
            with deteriorated credit quality
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
      Ending Balance: individually
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
625
   
$
625
 
      Ending Balance: collectively
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
389,179
   
$
51,411
   
$
400,583
   
$
45,514
   
$
188,558
   
$
1,075,245
 
      Ending Balance: loans acquired
            with deteriorated credit quality
 
$
3,141
   
$
1,832
   
$
10,617
   
$
-
   
$
1,070
   
$
16,660
 
                                                 
                                                 
   
For the three months ended December 31, 2015
 
   
Residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
                         
(dollars in thousands)
 
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Commercial
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
      Balance, beginning of period
 
$
3,295
   
$
865
   
$
5,049
   
$
750
   
$
2,853
   
$
12,812
 
      Provision charged to expense
   
(64
)
   
181
     
210
     
59
     
110
     
496
 
      Losses charged off
   
(26
)
   
-
     
(56
)
   
(25
)
   
(88
)
   
(195
)
      Recoveries
   
2
     
-
     
46
     
2
     
9
     
59
 
      Balance, end of period
 
$
3,207
   
$
1,046
   
$
5,249
   
$
786
   
$
2,884
   
$
13,172
 
                                                 
                                                 
   
At period end and for the six months ended December 31, 2014
 
   
Residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
                         
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Commercial
   
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
   
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
      Balance, beginning of period
 
$
2,462
   
$
355
   
$
4,143
   
$
519
   
$
1,780
   
$
9,259
 
      Provision charged to expense
   
340
     
206
     
381
     
229
     
533
     
1,689
 
      Losses charged off
   
(11
)
   
-
     
-
     
(38
)
   
(19
)
   
(68
)
      Recoveries
   
9
     
-
     
40
     
26
     
3
     
78
 
      Balance, end of period
 
$
2,800
   
$
561
   
$
4,564
   
$
736
   
$
2,297
   
$
10,958
 
      Ending Balance: individually
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
      Ending Balance: collectively
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,800
   
$
561
   
$
4,564
   
$
736
   
$
2,297
   
$
10,958
 
      Ending Balance: loans acquired
            with deteriorated credit quality
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
                                                 
 
17

 

   
For the three months ended December 31, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
             
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Commercial
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                       
      Balance, beginning of period
 
$
2,676
   
$
517
   
$
4,175
   
$
570
   
$
2,172
   
$
10,110
 
      Provision charged to expense
   
123
     
44
     
367
     
185
     
143
     
862
 
      Losses charged off
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(20
)
   
(18
)
   
(38
)
      Recoveries
   
1
     
-
     
22
     
1
     
-
     
24
 
      Balance, end of period
 
$
2,800
   
$
561
   
$
4,564
   
$
736
   
$
2,297
   
$
10,958
 
                                                 
   
June 30, 2015
 
   
Residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
                         
(dollars in thousands)
 
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Commercial
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
      Balance, end of period
 
$
2,819
   
$
899
   
$
4,956
   
$
758
   
$
2,866
   
$
12,298
 
      Ending Balance: individually
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
160
   
$
160
 
      Ending Balance: collectively
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,819
   
$
899
   
$
4,956
   
$
758
   
$
2,706
   
$
12,138
 
      Ending Balance: loans acquired
            with deteriorated credit quality
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
      Ending Balance: individually
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
675
   
$
675
 
      Ending Balance: collectively
            evaluated for impairment
 
$
374,186
   
$
42,655
   
$
394,028
   
$
46,560
   
$
190,128
   
$
1,047,557
 
      Ending Balance: loans acquired
            with deteriorated credit quality
 
$
3,279
   
$
1,861
   
$
10,692
   
$
210
   
$
1,083
   
$
17,125
 

Management's opinion as to the ultimate collectability of loans is subject to estimates regarding future cash flows from operations and the value of property, real and personal, pledged as collateral. These estimates are affected by changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of borrowers.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that, in management's judgment, is adequate to cover probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when an amount is determined to be uncollectible, based on management's analysis of expected cash flow (for non-collateral-dependent loans) or collateral value (for collateral-dependent loans). Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management's periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of allocated and general components. The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For those loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

Under the Company's methodology, loans are first segmented into 1) those comprising large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans, including single-family mortgages and installment loans, which are collectively evaluated for impairment, and 2) all other loans which are individually evaluated. Those loans in the second category are further segmented utilizing a defined grading system which involves categorizing loans by severity of risk based on conditions that may affect the ability of the borrowers to repay their debt, such as current financial information, collateral valuations, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current trends. The loans subject to credit classification represent the portion of the portfolio subject to the greatest credit risk and
18

 
 
where adjustments to the allowance for losses on loans as a result of provision and charge offs are most likely to have a significant impact on operations.

A periodic review of selected credits (based on loan size and type) is conducted to identify loans with heightened risk or probable losses and to assign risk grades.  The primary responsibility for this review rests with loan administration personnel.  This review is supplemented with periodic examinations of both selected credits and the credit review process by the Company's internal audit function and applicable regulatory agencies.  The information from these reviews assists management in the timely identification of problems and potential problems and provides a basis for deciding whether the credit represents a probable loss or risk that should be recognized.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the scheduled payments of principal or interest will not be able to be collected when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and agricultural loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's obtainable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Groups of loans with similar risk characteristics are collectively evaluated for impairment based on the group's historical loss experience adjusted for changes in trends, conditions and other relevant factors that affect repayment of the loans. Accordingly, individual consumer and residential loans are not separately identified for impairment measurements, unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement due to financial difficulties of the borrower.

The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on quantitative and qualitative factors. The loan portfolio is stratified into homogeneous groups of loans that possess similar loss characteristics and an appropriate loss ratio adjusted for qualitative factors is applied to the homogeneous pools of loans to estimate the incurred losses in the loan portfolio.

Included in the Company's loan portfolio are certain loans accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. These loans were written down at acquisition to an amount estimated to be collectible. As a result, certain ratios regarding the Company's loan portfolio and credit quality cannot be used to compare the Company to peer companies or to compare the Company's current credit quality to prior periods. The ratios particularly affected by accounting under ASC 310-30 include the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans, nonaccrual loans, and nonperforming assets, and nonaccrual loans and nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans.

The following tables present the credit risk profile of the Company's loan portfolio (excluding loans in process and deferred loan fees) based on rating category and payment activity as of December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015. These tables include purchased credit impaired loans, which are reported according to risk categorization after acquisition based on the Company's standards for such classification:

   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
         
(dollars in thousands)
 
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Commercial
 
Pass
 
$
388,173
   
$
53,243
   
$
400,674
   
$
45,109
   
$
187,551
 
Watch
   
1,052
     
-
     
3,957
     
65
     
96
 
Special Mention
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Substandard
   
3,095
     
-
     
6,569
     
340
     
2,606
 
Doubtful
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Total
 
$
392,320
   
$
53,243
   
$
411,200
   
$
45,514
   
$
190,253
 
 
19

 

   
June 30, 2015
 
   
Residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
         
(dollars in thousands)
 
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Commercial
 
Pass
 
$
372,797
   
$
44,383
   
$
392,063
   
$
46,513
   
$
188,784
 
Watch
   
1,155
     
-
     
4,636
     
72
     
119
 
Special Mention
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Substandard
   
3,513
     
133
     
8,021
     
185
     
2,983
 
Doubtful
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Total
 
$
377,465
   
$
44,516
   
$
404,720
   
$
46,770
   
$
191,886
 


The above amounts include purchased credit impaired loans. At December 31, 2015, purchased credited impaired loans comprised $7.2 million of credits rated "Pass" $3.6 million of credits rated "Watch" none rated "Special Mention" $5.3 million of credits rated "Substandard" and none rated "Doubtful". At June 30, 2015,  purchased credit impaired loans accounted for $6.4 million of credits rated "Pass" $4.0 million of credits  rated "Watch" none rated "Special Mention" $6.7 million of credits rated "Substandard" and none rated "Doubtful".

Credit Quality Indicators. The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on all loans at origination, and is updated on a quarterly basis for loans risk rated "Special Mention", "Substandard", or "Doubtful". In addition, lending relationships over $250,000 are subject to an independent loan review following origination, and lending relationships in excess of $1.0 million are subject to an independent loan review annually, in order to verify risk ratings. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Watch – Loans classified as watch exhibit weaknesses that require more than usual monitoring. Issues may include deteriorating financial condition, payments made after due date but within 30 days, adverse industry conditions or management problems.

Special Mention – Loans classified as special mention exhibit signs of further deterioration but still generally make payments within 30 days. This is a transitional rating and loans should typically not be rated Special Mention for more than 12 months

Substandard – Loans classified as substandard possess weaknesses that jeopardize the ultimate collection of the principal and interest outstanding. These loans exhibit continued financial losses, ongoing delinquency, overall poor financial condition, and insufficient collateral. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful – Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses of substandard loans, and have deteriorated to the level that there is a high probability of substantial loss.

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be Pass rated loans.

The following tables present the Company's loan portfolio aging analysis (excluding loans in process and deferred loan fees) as of December 31 and June 30, 2015.  These tables include purchased credit impaired loans, which are reported according to aging analysis after acquisition based on the Company's standards for such classification:

 
December 31, 2015
 
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
Greater Than
 
Total
   
Total Loans
 
Total Loans > 90
 
(dollars in thousands)
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
90 Days
 
Past Due
 
Current
 
Receivable
 
Days & Accruing
 
Real Estate Loans:
             
      Residential
 
$
1,877
   
$
480
   
$
1,606
   
$
3,963
   
$
388,357
   
$
392,320
   
$
28
 
      Construction
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
53,243
     
53,243
     
-
 
      Commercial
   
774
     
275
     
319
     
1,368
     
409,832
     
411,200
     
-
 
Consumer loans
   
369
     
68
     
220
     
657
     
44,857
     
45,514
     
51
 
Commercial loans
   
422
     
-
     
25
     
447
     
189,806
     
190,253
     
-
 
      Total loans
 
$
3,442
   
$
823
   
$
2,170
   
$
6,435
   
$
1,086,095
   
$
1,092,530
   
$
79
 
 
20

 

   
June 30, 2015
 
   
30-59 Days
   
60-89 Days
   
Greater Than
   
Total
       
Total Loans
   
Total Loans > 90
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
90 Days
   
Past Due
   
Current
   
Receivable
   
Days & Accruing
 
Real Estate Loans:
                           
      Residential
 
$
1,143
   
$
1,645
   
$
439
   
$
3,227
   
$
374,238
   
$
377,465
   
$
-
 
      Construction
   
113
     
-
     
132
     
245
     
44,271
     
44,516
     
-
 
      Commercial
   
350
     
246
     
34
     
630
     
404,090
     
404,720
     
-
 
Consumer loans
   
260
     
11
     
48
     
319
     
46,451
     
46,770
     
34
 
Commercial loans
   
375
     
127
     
30
     
532
     
191,354
     
191,886
     
11
 
      Total loans
 
$
2,241
   
$
2,029
   
$
683
   
$
4,953
   
$
1,060,404
   
$
1,065,357
   
$
45
 

At December 31, 2015, there were two purchased credit impaired loan totaling $1.4 million that were greater than 90 days past due, and none at June 30, 2015.

A loan is considered impaired, in accordance with the impairment accounting guidance (ASC 310-10-35-16), when based on current information and events, it is probable 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, as well as performing loans modified in troubled debt restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection.

The tables below present impaired loans (excluding loans in process and deferred loan fees) as of December 31 and June 30, 2015. These tables include purchased credit impaired loans. Purchased credit impaired loans are those for which it was deemed probable, at acquisition, that the Company would be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable. In an instance where, subsequent to the acquisition, the Company determines it is probable, for a specific loan, that cash flows received will exceed the amount previously expected, the Company will recalculate the amount of accretable yield in order to recognize the improved cash flow expectation as additional interest income over the remaining life of the loan. These loans, however, will continue to be reported as impaired loans. In an instance where, subsequent to the acquisition, the Company determines it is probable, for a specific loan, that cash flows received will be less than the amount previously expected, the Company will allocate a specific allowance under the terms of ASC 310-10-35.

   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Recorded
   
Unpaid Principal
   
Specific
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Balance
   
Allowance
 
Loans without a specific valuation allowance:
           
      Residential real estate
 
$
3,408
   
$
3,669
   
$
-
 
      Construction real estate
   
1,426
     
1,820
     
-
 
      Commercial real estate
   
11,927
     
13,665
     
-
 
      Consumer loans
   
32
     
32
     
-
 
      Commercial loans
   
1,302
     
1,387
     
-
 
Loans with a specific valuation allowance:
                       
      Residential real estate
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
      Construction real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Consumer loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial loans
   
625
     
625
     
144
 
Total:
                       
      Residential real estate
 
$
3,408
   
$
3,669
   
$
-
 
      Construction real estate
 
$
1,426
   
$
1,820
   
$
-
 
      Commercial real estate
 
$
11,927
   
$
13,665
   
$
-
 
      Consumer loans
 
$
32
   
$
32
   
$
-
 
      Commercial loans
 
$
1,927
   
$
2,012
   
$
144
 
 
21

 

   
June 30, 2015
 
   
Recorded
   
Unpaid Principal
   
Specific
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Balance
   
Allowance
 
Loans without a specific valuation allowance:
           
      Residential real estate
 
$
3,552
   
$
3,814
   
$
-
 
      Construction real estate
   
1,861
     
2,806
     
-
 
      Commercial real estate
   
12,772
     
14,602
     
-
 
      Consumer loans
   
245
     
241
     
-
 
      Commercial loans
   
1,340
     
1,437
     
-
 
Loans with a specific valuation allowance:
                       
      Residential real estate
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
      Construction real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Consumer loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial loans
   
675
     
675
     
160
 
Total:
                       
      Residential real estate
 
$
3,552
   
$
3,814
   
$
-
 
      Construction real estate
 
$
1,861
   
$
2,806
   
$
-
 
      Commercial real estate
 
$
12,772
   
$
14,602
   
$
-
 
      Consumer loans
 
$
245
   
$
241
   
$
-
 
      Commercial loans
 
$
2,015
   
$
2,112
   
$
160
 

The above amounts include purchased credit impaired loans. At December 31, 2015, purchased credit impaired loans comprised $16.1 million of impaired loans without a specific valuation allowance; none with a specific valuation allowance; and $16.1 million of total impaired loans. At June 30, 2015, purchased credit impaired loans comprised $17.1 million of impaired loans without a specific valuation allowance; none with a specific valuation allowance; and $17.1 million of total impaired loans.
The following tables present information regarding interest income recognized on impaired loans:

   
For the three-month period ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Average
     
(dollars in thousands)
 
Investment in
   
Interest Income
 
   
Impaired Loans
   
Recognized
 
 Residential Real Estate
 
$
3,115
   
$
16
 
 Construction Real Estate
   
1,629
     
25
 
 Commercial Real Estate
   
10,575
     
390
 
 Consumer Loans
   
-
     
-
 
 Commercial Loans
   
1,064
     
20
 
    Total Loans
 
$
16,383
   
$
451
 
                 
                 
   
For the three-month period ended
 
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Average
         
(dollars in thousands)
 
Investment in
   
Interest Income
 
   
Impaired Loans
   
Recognized
 
 Residential Real Estate
 
$
4,096
   
$
68
 
 Construction Real Estate
   
2,585
     
49
 
 Commercial Real Estate
   
12,248
     
181
 
 Consumer Loans
   
196
     
3
 
 Commercial Loans
   
1,113
     
14
 
    Total Loans
 
$
20,238
   
$
315
 
 
22

 

   
For the six months ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Average
     
(dollars in thousands)
 
Investment in
   
Interest Income
 
   
Impaired Loans
   
Recognized
 
 Residential Real Estate
 
$
3,170
   
$
44
 
 Construction Real Estate
   
1,706
     
62
 
 Commercial Real Estate
   
10,614
     
574
 
 Consumer Loans
   
70
     
2
 
 Commercial Loans
   
1,071
     
39
 
    Total Loans
 
$
16,631
   
$
721
 

   
For the six months ended
 
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Average
     
(dollars in thousands)
 
Investment in
   
Interest Income
 
   
Impaired Loans
   
Recognized
 
 Residential Real Estate
 
$
3,327
   
$
137
 
 Construction Real Estate
   
1,723
     
99
 
 Commercial Real Estate
   
8,588
     
370
 
 Consumer Loans
   
130
     
6
 
 Commercial Loans
   
780
     
28
 
    Total Loans
 
$
14,548
   
$
640
 

Interest income on impaired loans recognized on a cash basis in the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was immaterial.

For the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, the amount of interest income recorded for impaired loans that represented a change in the present value of cash flows attributable to the passage of time was approximately $48,000 and $97,000, respectively, as compared to $56,000 and $85,000, respectively, for the three-and six-month periods ended December 31, 2014.

The following table presents the Company's nonaccrual loans at December 31 and June 30, 2015. The table excludes performing troubled debt restructurings.

(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
Residential real estate
 
$
1,921
   
$
2,202
 
Construction real estate
   
-
     
133
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,602
     
1,271
 
Consumer loans
   
242
     
88
 
Commercial loans
   
38
     
63
 
      Total loans
 
$
3,803
   
$
3,757
 

The above amounts include purchased credit impaired loans. At December 31 and June 30, 2015, these loans comprised $2.7 million and $2.4 million of nonaccrual loans, respectively.

Included in certain loan categories in the impaired loans are troubled debt restructurings (TDRs), where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from our loss mitigation activities, and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructuring and typically are returned to performing status after considering the borrower's sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period of at least six months.

When loans and leases are modified into a TDR, the Company evaluates any possible impairment similar to other impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan or lease agreement, and uses the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, for collateral dependent loans. If the Company determines that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs, and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance. In periods subsequent to
 
23

 
 
modification, the Company evaluates all TDRs, including those that have payment defaults, for possible impairment and recognizes impairment through the allowance.

During the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, certain loans were classified as TDRs. They are shown, segregated by class, in the tables below:

   
For the three months ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Number of
   
Recorded
   
Number of
   
Recorded
 
 
modifications
   
Investment
   
modifications
   
Investment
 
      Residential real estate
   
-
   
$
-
     
-
   
$
-
 
      Construction real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial real estate
   
-
     
-
     
1
     
41
 
      Consumer loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial loans
   
-
     
-
     
1
     
250
 
            Total
   
-
   
$
-
     
2
   
$
291
 
                                 
                                 
   
For the six months ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Number of
   
Recorded
   
Number of
   
Recorded
 
 
modifications
   
Investment
   
modifications
   
Investment
 
      Residential real estate
   
2
   
$
49
     
-
   
$
-
 
      Construction real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial real estate
   
-
     
-
     
1
     
41
 
      Consumer loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial loans
   
-
     
-
     
1
     
250
 
            Total
   
2
   
$
49
     
2
   
$
291
 

Performing loans classified as TDRs outstanding at December 31 and June 30, 2015, segregated by class, are shown in the table below. Nonperforming TDRs are shown as nonaccrual loans.

   
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Number of
   
Recorded
   
Number of
   
Recorded
 
 
modifications
   
Investment
   
modifications
   
Investment
 
      Residential real estate
   
7
   
$
487
     
7
   
$
602
 
      Construction real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial real estate
   
11
     
3,808
     
14
     
4,666
 
      Consumer loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial loans
   
3
     
1,253
     
3
     
1,280
 
            Total
   
21
   
$
5,548
     
24
   
$
6,548
 


Note 5: Accounting for Certain Loans Acquired in a Transfer

The Company acquired loans in transfers during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 and during the six months ended December 31, 2014. At acquisition, certain transferred loans evidenced deterioration of credit quality since origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected.

Loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are considered to be credit impaired. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the purchase date may include information such as past-due and nonaccrual status, borrower credit scores and recent loan to value percentages. Purchased credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality (ASC 310-30) and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Accordingly, an allowance for credit losses related to these loans is not carried over and recorded at the acquisition date. Management estimated the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition using our internal risk models, which incorporate the estimate of current key assumptions, such as default rates, severity and prepayment speeds.

The carrying amount of these loans is included in the balance sheet amounts of loans receivable at December 31 and June 30, 2015. The amount of these loans is shown below:
 
24

 

(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
Residential real estate
 
$
3,352
   
$
3,542
 
Construction real estate
   
1,820
     
2,806
 
Commercial real estate
   
12,269
     
12,523
 
Consumer loans
   
-
     
207
 
Commercial loans
   
1,142
     
1,180
 
      Outstanding balance
 
$
18,583
   
$
20,258
 
     Carrying amount, net of fair value adjustment of
     $2,477 and $3,132 at December 31, 2015
     and June 30, 2015, respectively
 
$
16,106
   
$
17,126
 

Accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, is as follows:

   
For the three months ending
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
582
   
$
317
 
      Additions
   
-
     
-
 
      Accretion
   
(255
)
   
(86
)
      Reclassification from nonaccretable difference
   
339
     
304
 
      Disposals
   
-
     
-
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
666
   
$
535
 
                 
   
For the six months ending
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
547
   
$
380
 
      Additions
   
-
     
(4
)
      Accretion
   
(304
)
   
(145
)
      Reclassification from nonaccretable difference
   
423
     
304
 
      Disposals
   
-
     
-
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
666
   
$
535
 

During the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not increase the allowance for loan losses related to these purchased credit impaired loans. During the same periods, the Company did not reverse the allowance for loan losses related to these loans.


Note 6:  Deposits

Deposits are summarized as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
Non-interest bearing accounts
 
$
127,487
   
$
117,471
 
NOW accounts
   
392,353
     
336,097
 
Money market deposit accounts
   
76,906
     
67,752
 
Savings accounts
   
116,889
     
131,884
 
Certificates
   
403,586
     
402,038
 
     Total Deposit Accounts
 
$
1,117,221
   
$
1,055,242
 
 
25


 
Note 7:  Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
         
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
               
 Net income
 
$
4,209
   
$
3,437
   
$
7,844
   
$
6,733
 
 Dividend on preferred stock
   
35
     
50
     
85
     
100
 
 Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
4,174
   
$
3,387
   
$
7,759
   
$
6,633
 
                                 
 Average Common shares – outstanding basic
   
7,425,351
     
7,404,354
     
7,423,853
     
7,259,114
 
 Stock options under treasury stock method
   
34,833
     
188,568
     
32,804
     
186,542
 
 Average Common shares – outstanding diluted
   
7,460,184
     
7,592,922
     
7,456,657
     
7,445,656
 
                                 
 Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.56
   
$
0.46
   
$
1.05
   
$
0.91
 
 Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.56
   
$
0.45
   
$
1.04
   
$
0.89
 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, no options outstanding had an exercise price exceeding the market price.


Note 8: Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiary files income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and various states. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years before 2011. The Company recognized no interest or penalties related to income taxes.

The Company's income tax provision is comprised of the following components:

   
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Income taxes
               
      Current
 
$
1,921
   
$
2,101
   
$
4,125
   
$
3,465
 
      Deferred
   
(101
)
   
(641
)
   
(640
)
   
(624
)
Total income tax provision
 
$
1,820
   
$
1,460
   
$
3,485
   
$
2,841
 

The components of net deferred tax assets are summarized as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
Deferred tax assets:
       
      Provision for losses on loans
 
$
4,449
   
$
5,037
 
      Accrued compensation and benefits
   
782
     
538
 
      Other-than-temporary impairment on
            available for sale securities
   
142
     
137
 
      NOL carry forwards acquired
   
910
     
768
 
Minimum Tax Credit
   
130
     
130
 
      Unrealized loss on other real estate
   
107
     
6
 
Other
   
637
     
319
 
Total deferred tax assets
   
7,157
     
6,935
 
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
      Purchase accounting adjustments
   
1,041
     
1,985
 
      Depreciation
   
1,202
     
992
 
      FHLB stock dividends
   
194
     
39
 
      Prepaid expenses
   
243
     
81
 
      Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
   
516
     
502
 
Total deferred tax liabilities
   
3,196
     
3,599
 
                 
      Net deferred tax asset
 
$
3,961
   
$
3,336
 

As of December 31 and June 30, 2015, the Company had approximately $1.8 and $3.9 million in federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, which were acquired in the July 2009 acquisition of Southern Bank of Commerce, the
 
26

 
 
February 2014 acquisition of Citizens State Bankshares of Bald Knob, Inc. and the August 2014 acquisition of Peoples Service Company.  The amount reported is net of the IRC Sec. 382 limitation, or state equivalent, related to utilization of net operating loss carryforwards of acquired corporations. Unless otherwise utilized, the net operating losses will begin to expire in 2027.

A reconciliation of income tax expense at the statutory rate to the Company's actual income tax is shown below:

   
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Tax at statutory rate
 
$
2,109
   
$
1,665
   
$
3,965
   
$
3,256
 
Increase (reduction) in taxes
      resulting from:
                               
            Nontaxable municipal income
   
(145
)
   
(134
)
   
(279
)
   
(265
)
            State tax, net of Federal benefit
   
163
     
127
     
317
     
247
 
            Cash surrender value of
                  Bank-owned life insurance
   
(163
)
   
(49
)
   
(208
)
   
(98
)
            Tax credit benefits
   
(63
)
   
(91
)
   
(125
)
   
(181
)
            Other, net
   
(82
)
   
(59
)
   
(185
)
   
(118
)
Actual provision
 
$
1,820
   
$
1,460
   
$
3,485
   
$
2,841
 

Tax credit benefits are recognized under the flow-through method of accounting for investments in tax credits.


Note 9:  401(k) Retirement Plan

The Southern Bank 401(k) Retirement Plan (the Plan) covers substantially all Southern Bank employees who are at least 21 years of age and who have completed one year of service. The Company made a safe harbor matching contribution to the Plan of up to 4% of eligible compensation, and also made additional, discretionary profit-sharing contributions for fiscal 2015; for fiscal 2016, the Company has maintained the safe harbor matching contribution of 4%, and expects to continue to make additional, discretionary profit-sharing contributions. During the three and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, retirement plan expenses recognized for the Plan were approximately $207,000, and $421,000, respectively, as compared to $166,000 and $329,000, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year.


Note 10:  Corporate Obligated Floating Rate Trust Preferred Securities

Southern Missouri Statutory Trust I issued $7.0 million of Floating Rate Capital Securities (the "Trust Preferred Securities") with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share in March 2004. The securities bear interest at a floating rate based on LIBOR, are now redeemable at par, and mature in 2034. The securities represent undivided beneficial interests in the trust, which was established by the Company for the purpose of issuing the securities. The Trust Preferred Securities were sold in a private transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") and have not been registered under the Act.  The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

Southern Missouri Statutory Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities to purchase Junior Subordinated Debentures of the Company. The Company used its net proceeds for working capital and investment in its subsidiaries.

In connection with its October 2013 acquisition of Ozarks Legacy Community Financial, Inc. (OLCF), the Company assumed $3.1 million in floating rate junior subordinated debt securities. The debt securities had been issued in June 2005 by OLCF in connection with the sale of trust preferred securities, bear interest at a floating rate based on LIBOR, are now redeemable at par, and mature in 2035. The carrying value of the debt securities was approximately $2.5 million at December 31, and June 30, 2015.

In connection with its August 2014 acquisition of Peoples Service Company, Inc. (PSC), the Company assumed $6.5 million in floating rate junior subordinated debt securities. The debt securities had been issued in 2005 by PSC's subsidiary bank holding company, Peoples Banking Company, in connection with the sale of trust preferred securities, bear interest at a floating rate based on LIBOR, are now redeemable at par, and mature in 2035. The carrying value of the debt securities was approximately $4.9 million at December 31, and June 30, 2015.
 
27



Note 11: Small Business Lending Fund

On July 21, 2011, as part of the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) of the United States Department of the Treasury (Treasury), the Company entered into a Small Business Lending Fund-Securities Purchase Agreement (Purchase Agreement) with the Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to which the Company (i) sold 20,000 shares of the Company's Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (SBLF Preferred Stock) to the Secretary of the Treasury for a purchase price of $20,000,000.  The SBLF Preferred Stock was issued pursuant to the SBLF program, a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 that was created to encourage lending to small business by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion.

The SBLF Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital.  The SBLF Preferred Stock is entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends, payable quarterly, on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 2011.  The dividend rate, as a percentage of the liquidation amount, can fluctuate on a quarterly basis during the first 10 quarters during which the SBLF Preferred Stock is outstanding, based upon changes in the Bank's level of Qualified Small Business Lending (QBSL), as defined in the Purchase Agreement.  Based upon the increase in the Bank's level of QBSL over the baseline level calculated under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the dividend rate for the initial dividend period was set at 2.8155%.  For the second through ninth calendar quarters, the dividend rate was adjusted to between one percent (1%) and five percent (5%) per annum, to reflect the amount of change in the Bank's level of QBSL.  For the tenth calendar quarter through four and one half years after issuance, the dividend rate was fixed at between one percent (1%) and seven percent (7%) based upon the increase in QBSL as compared to the baseline. The dividend rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, was 1%.  After four and one half years from issuance, the dividend rate would increase to 9% (including a quarterly lending incentive fee of 0.5%).

The SBLF Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances.  In the event that the Company misses five dividend payments, the holder of the SBLF Preferred Stock will have the right to appoint a representative as an observer on the Company's Board of Directors.  In the event that the Company misses six dividend payments, the holder of the SBLF Preferred Stock has the right to designate two directors to the Board of Directors of the Company.

As required by the Purchase Agreement, $9,635,000 of the proceeds from the sale of the SBLF Preferred Stock was used to redeem the 9,550 shares of the Company's Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A issued in 2008 to the Treasury in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), plus the accrued dividends owed on those preferred shares.  As part of the 2008 TARP transaction, the Company had issued a ten-year warrant to Treasury to purchase 228,652 shares (split-adjusted) of the Company's common stock at an exercise price (split-adjusted) of $6.27 per share.  The Company repurchased the warrant on May 29, 2015, for $2.7 million. Immediately prior to repurchase, the warrant had been exercisable for the purchase of 231,891 shares (split-adjusted) at an exercise price of $6.18 per share.

The SBLF Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time at the Company's option, at a redemption price of 100% of the liquidation amount plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption for the current period, subject to the approval of its federal banking regulator.

The Company noted in a Current Report on Form 8-k filed October 16, 2015, that it redeemed all 20,000 shares of the Company's Senior Preferred Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred Stock"), which were issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury in July 2011 pursuant to Treasury's Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) program. The shares of Preferred Stock were redeemed at their liquidation amount of $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the redemption date.


Note 12:  Fair Value Measurements

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Topic 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
 
28

 
Level 1                          Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2                          Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in active markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities

Level 3                          Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities

Recurring Measurements. The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets  recognized in the accompanying balance sheets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, and June 30, 2015:

   
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015, Using:
 
(dollars in thousands)
     
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
   
Fair Value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
U.S. government sponsored enterprises (GSEs)
 
$
13,882
   
$
-
   
$
13,882
   
$
-
 
State and political subdivisions
   
45,381
     
-
     
45,381
     
-
 
Other securities
   
3,620
     
-
     
3,620
     
-
 
Mortgage-backed GSE residential
   
66,202
     
-
     
66,202
     
-
 
                                 
   
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2015, Using:
 
(dollars in thousands)
         
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
   
Fair Value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
U.S. government sponsored enterprises (GSEs)
 
$
14,814
   
$
-
   
$
14,814
   
$
-
 
State and political subdivisions
   
42,021
     
-
     
42,021
     
-
 
Other securities
   
2,704
     
-
     
2,478
     
226
 
Mortgage-backed GSE residential
   
70,054
     
-
     
70,054
     
-
 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques during the period ended December 31, 2015.

Available-for-sale Securities. When quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated using pricing models, or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. For these securities, our Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond's terms and conditions, among other things.  In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

The following table presents a reconciliation of activity for available for sale securities measured at fair value based on significant unobservable (Level 3) information for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

   
Three months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Available-for-sale securities, beginning of period
 
$
-
   
$
162
 
     Total unrealized gain (loss) included in comprehensive income
   
-
     
10
 
     Transferred from Level 3 to Level 2
   
-
     
-
 
Available-for-sale securities, end of period
 
$
-
   
$
172
 
 
29

 

   
Six months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
         
Available-for-sale securities, beginning of period
 
$
226
   
$
133
 
     Total unrealized gain (loss) included in comprehensive income
   
26
     
39
 
     Transfer from Level 3 to Level 2
   
(252
)
   
-
 
Available-for-sale securities, end of period
 
$
-
   
$
172
 

Nonrecurring Measurements. The following tables present the fair value measurement of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fell at December 31 and June 30, 2015:

   
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015, Using:
 
 
     
Quoted Prices in
         
 
     
Active Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
 
     
Identical Assets
   
Observable Inputs
   
Unobservable Inputs
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
 
               
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
 
$
481
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
481
 
Foreclosed and repossessed assets held for sale
   
3,735
     
-
     
-
     
3,735
 
                                 
                                 
   
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2015, Using:
 
 
         
Quoted Prices in
                 
 
         
Active Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
 
         
Identical Assets
   
Observable Inputs
   
Unobservable Inputs
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
 
                               
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
 
$
515
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
515
 
Foreclosed and repossessed assets held for sale
   
4,504
     
-
     
-
     
4,504
 

The following table presents gains and (losses) recognized on assets measured on a non-recurring basis for the six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

   
For the six months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Foreclosed and repossessed assets held for sale
   
(176
)
   
(7
)
      Total (losses) gains on assets measured on a non-recurring basis
 
$
(176
)
 
$
(7
)

The following is a description of valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. For assets classified within Level 3 of fair value hierarchy, the process used to develop the reported fair value process is described below.

Impaired Loans (Collateral Dependent). A collateral dependent loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that all of the principal and interest due may not be collected according to its contractual terms. Generally, when a collateral dependent loan is considered impaired, the amount of reserve required is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. The Company makes such measurements on all material collateral dependent loans deemed impaired using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. The fair value of collateral used by the Company is determined by obtaining an observable market price or by obtaining an appraised value from an independent, licensed or certified appraiser, using observable market data. This data includes information such as selling price of similar properties and capitalization rates of similar properties sold within the market, expected future cash flows or earnings of the subject property based on current market expectations, and other relevant factors. In addition, management applies selling and other discounts to the underlying collateral value to determine the fair value. If an appraised value is not available, the fair value of the collateral dependent impaired loan is determined by an adjusted appraised value including unobservable cash flows.

On a quarterly basis, loans classified as special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss are evaluated including the loan officer's review of the collateral and its current condition, the Company's knowledge of the current economic environment in the market where the collateral is located, and the Company's recent experience with real estate in
 
30

 
 
the area. The date of the appraisal is also considered in conjunction with the economic environment and any decline in the real estate market since the appraisal was obtained. For all loan types, updated appraisals are obtained if considered necessary. Of the Company's $16.1 million (carrying value) in impaired loans (collateral-dependent and purchased credit-impaired) at December 31, 2015, excluding TDR's, the Company utilized a real estate appraisal more than 12 months old to serve as the primary basis of our valuation for impaired loans with a carrying value of approximately $15.1. The remaining $1.0 million was secured by machinery, equipment and accounts receivable. In instances where the economic environment has worsened and/or the real estate market declined since the last appraisal, a higher distressed sale discount would be applied to the appraised value.

The Company records collateral dependent impaired loans based on nonrecurring Level 3 inputs. If a collateral dependent loan's fair value, as estimated by the Company, is less than its carrying value, the Company either records a charge-off of the portion of the loan that exceeds the fair value or establishes a specific reserve as part of the allowance for loan losses.

Foreclosed and Repossessed Assets Held for Sale. Foreclosed and repossessed assets held for sale are valued at the time the loan is foreclosed upon or collateral is repossessed and the asset is transferred to foreclosed or repossessed assets held for sale. The value of the asset is based on third party or internal appraisals, less estimated costs to sell and appropriate discounts, if any. The appraisals are generally discounted based on current and expected market conditions that may impact the sale or value of the asset and management's knowledge and experience with similar assets. Such discounts typically may be significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value of these assets. Foreclosed and repossessed assets held for sale are continually evaluated for additional impairment and are adjusted accordingly if impairment is identified.

Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs. The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in recurring and nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements.

(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair value at
December 31, 2015
Valuation
technique
Unobservable
inputs
Range of
inputs applied
Weighted-average
inputs applied
Nonrecurring Measurements
           
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
 
 $                      481
Internal evaluation of
   closely held stock
Discount to reflect realizable value
n/a
33.4%
Foreclosed and repossessed assets
 
                      3,735
Third party appraisal
Marketability discount
0.0% - 76.0%
36.9%
             
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair value at
June 30, 2015
Valuation
technique
Unobservable
inputs
Range of
inputs applied
Weighted-average
inputs applied
Recurring Measurements
           
Available-for-sale securities
     (pooled trust preferred security)
 
 $                      226
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
Annual prepayment rate
Projected defaults
   and deferrals
   (% of pool balance)
Anticipated recoveries
   (% of pool balance)
n/a
n/a
n/a


n/a
11.3%
1.0%
32.1%


6.1%
Nonrecurring Measurements
           
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
 
 $                      515
Internal evaluation of
   closely held stock
Discount to reflect realizable value
n/a
28.7%
Foreclosed and repossessed assets
 
                      4,504
Third party appraisal
Marketability discount
0.0% - 76.0%
33.0%

 
31


 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fell at December 31 and June 30, 2015.


   
December 31, 2015
 
       
Quoted Prices
         
       
in Active
       
Significant
 
       
Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Unobservable
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
   
Identical Assets
   
Observable Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Amount
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets
               
      Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
24,573
   
$
24,573
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
      Interest-bearing time deposits
   
1,221
     
-
     
1,221
     
-
 
      Stock in FHLB
   
3,898
     
-
     
3,898
     
-
 
      Stock in Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
   
2,340
     
-
     
2,340
     
-
 
      Loans receivable, net
   
1,079,427
     
-
     
-
     
1,082,082
 
      Accrued interest receivable
   
5,646
     
-
     
5,646
     
-
 
Financial liabilities
                               
      Deposits
   
1,117,221
     
714,258
     
-
     
403,361
 
      Securities sold under agreements to
         repurchase
   
23,066
     
-
     
23,066
     
-
 
      Advances from FHLB
   
58,929
     
18,300
     
41,671
     
-
 
      Accrued interest payable
   
700
     
-
     
700
     
-
 
      Subordinated debt
   
14,705
     
-
     
-
     
11,624
 
Unrecognized financial instruments
   (net of contract amount)
                               
      Commitments to originate loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Letters of credit
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Lines of credit
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                 
   
June 30, 2015
 
           
Quoted Prices
                 
           
in Active
           
Significant
 
           
Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Unobservable
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
   
Identical Assets
   
Observable Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Amount
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets
                               
      Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
16,775
   
$
16,775
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
      Interest-bearing time deposits
   
1,944
     
-
     
1,944
     
-
 
      Stock in FHLB
   
4,127
     
-
     
4,127
     
-
 
      Stock in Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
   
2,340
     
-
     
2,340
     
-
 
      Loans receivable, net
   
1,053,146
     
-
     
-
     
1,057,677
 
      Accrued interest receivable
   
5,168
     
-
     
5,168
     
-
 
Financial liabilities
                               
      Deposits
   
1,055,242
     
653,294
     
-
     
401,820
 
      Securities sold under agreements to
         repurchase
   
27,332
     
-
     
27,332
     
-
 
      Advances from FHLB
   
64,794
     
23,500
     
42,870
     
-
 
      Accrued interest payable
   
777
     
-
     
777
     
-
 
      Subordinated debt
   
14,658
     
-
     
-
     
12,290
 
Unrecognized financial instruments
   (net of contract amount)
                               
      Commitments to originate loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Letters of credit
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Lines of credit
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing time deposits are valued at their carrying amounts, which approximates book value. Stock in FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.
 
32

 
 
Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate their fair values.

The fair value of fixed-maturity time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Non-maturity deposits and securities sold under agreements are valued at their carrying value, which approximates fair value. Fair value of advances from the FHLB is estimated by discounting maturities using an estimate of the current market for similar instruments. The fair value of subordinated debt is estimated using rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities. The fair value of commitments to originate loans is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and committed rates. The fair value of letters of credit and lines of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.


Note 13: Acquisitions

On August 5, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Peoples Service Company and its subsidiary, the Peoples Bank of the Ozarks, Nixa, Missouri (herein collectively, "Peoples Bank").  Peoples was merged into the Company's bank subsidiary, Southern Bank, in early December, 2014, in connection with the conversion of Peoples' data system.   Included in noninterest expense for the three- and six-month periods ended December, 2014, was $381,000 and $508,000, respectively, in third-party acquisition related costs, with no comparable expenses in the current periods.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed financial information presents the results of operations of the Company, including the effects of the purchase accounting adjustments and acquisition expenses, had the acquisition taken place at the beginning of each period:

   
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
               
Interest income
   
14,235
     
14,357
     
28,207
     
28,765
 
Interest expense
   
2,335
     
2,195
     
4,602
     
4,385
 
Net interest income
   
11,900
     
12,162
     
23,605
     
24,380
 
Provision for loan losses
   
496
     
862
     
1,114
     
1,689
 
Noninterest income
   
2,791
     
2,187
     
4,992
     
4,164
 
Noninterest expense
   
8,166
     
8,590
     
16,154
     
17,978
 
   Income before income taxes
   
6,029
     
4,897
     
11,329
     
8,877
 
Income taxes
   
1,820
     
1,460
     
3,485
     
2,767
 
   Net income
   
4,209
     
3,437
     
7,844
     
6,110
 
Dividends on preferred shares
   
35
     
50
     
85
     
100
 
   Net income available to common stockholders
   
4,174
     
3,387
     
7,759
     
6,010
 
                                 
Earnings per share
                               
   Basic
 
$
0.56
   
$
0.46
   
$
1.05
   
$
0.81
 
   Diluted
 
$
0.56
   
$
0.45
   
$
1.04
   
$
0.79
 
                                 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding - split adjusted
   
7,425,351
     
7,404,354
     
7,423,853
     
7,390,704
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding - split adjusted
   
7,460,184
     
7,592,922
     
7,456,657
     
7,577,246
 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not reflect any anticipated cost savings and revenue enhancements. Accordingly, the pro forma results of operations of the Company as of and after the business combination may not be indicative of the results that actually would have occurred if the combination had been in effect during the periods presented or of the results that may be attained in the future.
 
33

 
 
PART I:  Item 2:  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.

General

Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc. (Southern Missouri or Company) is a Missouri corporation and owns all of the outstanding stock of Southern Bank (the Bank). The Company's earnings are primarily dependent on the operations of the Bank. As a result, the following discussion relates primarily to the operations of the Bank. The Bank's deposit accounts are generally insured up to a maximum of $250,000 by the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF), which is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). At December 31, 2015, the Bank operated from its headquarters, 31 full-service branch offices, and three limited-service branch offices.  The Bank owns the office building and related land in which its headquarters are located, and 29 of its other branch offices.  The remaining five branches are either leased or partially owned.

The significant accounting policies followed by Southern Missouri and its wholly owned subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting. All adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature and are in the opinion of management necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported, have been included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements.

The consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of June 30, 2015, has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of that date. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Company's annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The following discussion reviews the Company's condensed consolidated financial condition at December 31, 2015, and results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains statements about the Company and its subsidiaries which we believe are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to anticipated future operating and financial performance, growth opportunities, interest rates, cost savings and funding advantages expected or anticipated to be realized by management. Words such as "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward‑looking statements. Forward-looking statements by the Company and its management are based on beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions of management and are not guarantees of future performance. The important factors we discuss below, as well as other factors discussed under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and identified in this filing and in our other filings with the SEC and those presented elsewhere by our management from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this document:

·
the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations;
·
fluctuations in interest rates and in real estate values;
·
monetary and fiscal policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") and the U.S. Government and other governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry;
·
the risks of lending and investing activities, including changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses;
·
our ability to access cost-effective funding;
 
34

 
·
the timely development of and acceptance of our new products and services and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users, including the features, pricing and quality compared to competitors' products and services;
·
expected cost savings, synergies and other benefits from our merger and acquisition activities, including our acquisition of Peoples Service Company and our other recently completed acquisitions, might not be realized within the anticipated time frames or at all, and costs or difficulties relating to integration matters, including but not limited to customer and employee retention, might be greater than expected;
·
fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions;
·
demand for loans and deposits in our market area;
·
legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business;
·
results of examinations of us by our regulators, including the possibility that our regulators may, among other things, require us to increase our reserve for loan losses or to write-down assets;
·
the impact of technological changes; and
·
our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements based on the occurrence of future events, the receipt of new information, or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Disclosures

The following financial measures contain information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (commonly referred to as GAAP):

·
net income available to common shareholders excluding the accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits;
·
return on average assets excluding the accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits;
·
return on average common equity excluding the accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits;
·
net interest margin excluding the accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits;

These measures indicate what net income available to common shareholders, return on average assets, return on average common equity, and net interest margin would have been without the impact of the accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits resulting from the August 2014 acquisition of Peoples Service Company and its subsidiary, Peoples Bank of the Ozarks (the Peoples Acquisition). Management believes that showing these measures excluding these items provides useful information by which to evaluate the Company's operating performance on an ongoing basis from period to period.  Other acquisitions, with smaller acquired loan balances remaining, result in less variation between GAAP and what management believes to be core operating results, and are therefore not reflected in this disclosure, although they may have been included in prior presentations.

These non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for an analysis based on GAAP measures. Because not all companies use identical calculations, these non-GAAP financial measures might not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures as determined and disclosed by other companies. Reconciliations to GAAP of these non-GAAP financial measures presented are set forth below.

The following table presents reconciliation to GAAP of net income available to common stockholders excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition:
 
35

 

   
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
                 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
4,174
   
$
3,387
   
$
7,759
   
$
6,633
 
Less: impact of excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on acquired time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition, net of tax
   
348
     
451
     
606
     
695
 
Net income available to common shareholders - excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on acquired time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition, net of tax
 
$
3,826
   
$
2,936
   
$
7,153
   
$
5,938
 

The following table presents reconciliation to GAAP of return on average assets excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition:

   
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
                 
Return on average assets
   
1.27
%
   
1.06
%
   
1.20
%
   
1.07
%
Less: impact of excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on acquired time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition, net of tax
   
0.10
%
   
0.14
%
   
0.10
%
   
0.11
%
Return on average assets - excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on acquired time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition, net of tax
   
1.17
%
   
0.92
%
   
1.10
%
   
0.96
%

The following table presents reconciliation to GAAP of return on average common equity excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition:

   
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
                 
Return on average common equity
   
13.98
%
   
12.51
%
   
13.28
%
   
12.82
%
Less: impact of excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on acquired time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition, net of tax
   
1.16
%
   
1.67
%
   
1.03
%
   
1.34
%
Return on average common equity - excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on acquired time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition, net of tax
   
12.82
%
   
10.84
%
   
12.25
%
   
11.48
%

The following table presents reconciliation to GAAP of net interest margin excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition:
 
36

 

   
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
                 
Net interest margin
   
3.88
%
   
4.03
%
   
3.88
%
   
3.98
%
Less: impact of excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on acquired time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition
   
0.18
%
   
0.24
%
   
0.16
%
   
0.19
%
Net interest margin - excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on acquired time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition
   
3.70
%
   
3.79
%
   
3.72
%
   
3.79
%

Critical Accounting Policies

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are complex and require management to apply significant judgments to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. Management of the Company must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. For a complete discussion of the Company's significant accounting policies, see "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements" in the Company's 2015 Annual Report. Certain policies are considered critical because they are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements. Management has reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. For a discussion of applying critical accounting policies, see "Critical Accounting Policies" beginning on page 57 in the Company's 2015 Annual Report.

Executive Summary

Our results of operations depend primarily on our net interest margin, which is directly impacted by the interest rate environment. The net interest margin represents interest income earned on interest-earning assets (primarily real estate loans, commercial and agricultural loans, and the investment portfolio), less interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities (primarily certificates of deposit, interest-bearing transaction accounts, savings and money market deposit accounts, repurchase agreements, and borrowed funds), as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. Net interest margin is directly impacted by the spread between long-term interest rates and short-term interest rates, as our interest-earning assets, particularly those with initial terms to maturity or repricing greater than one year, generally price off longer term rates while our interest-bearing liabilities generally price off shorter term interest rates. This difference in longer term and shorter term interest rates is often referred to as the steepness of the yield curve. A steep yield curve – in which the difference in interest rates between short term and long term periods is relatively large – could be beneficial to our net interest income, as the interest rate spread between our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities would be larger. Conversely, a flat or flattening yield curve, in which the difference in rates between short term and long term periods is relatively small or shrinking, or an inverted yield curve, in which short term rates exceed long term rates, could have an adverse impact on our net interest income, as our interest rate spread could decrease.

Our results of operations may also be affected significantly by general and local economic and competitive conditions, particularly those with respect to changes in market interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.

During the first six months of fiscal 2016, we grew our balance sheet by $37.6 million. Balance sheet growth was primarily attributable to loan growth. Loans, net of the allowance for loan losses, increased $26.3 million. Cash equivalents and time deposits increased a combined $7.1 million, fixed assets increased $5.8 million, and available-for-sale investments decreased $508,000. Deposits increased $62.0 million, due in part to seasonal inflows of public unit deposits; securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $4.3 million; and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) decreased $5.9 million, with the decrease resulting from lower overnight borrowings. Equity decreased $13.4 million, due to the Company's redemption in October 2015 of $20.0 million in Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (SBLF Preferred Stock) which had been issued in July 2011 under the U.S. Treasury's Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF), partially offset by retention of net income.

Net income for the first six months of fiscal 2016 was $7.8 million, an increase of $1.1 million, or 16.5% as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. After accounting for dividends on preferred stock of $85,000 in the current period, net earnings available to common shareholders were $7.8 million in the six-month period ended December
 
37

 
 
31, 2015, an increase of 17.0% as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Compared to the year-ago period, the Company's increase in net income was the result of an increase in noninterest income, a decrease in provision for loan losses, an increase in net interest income, and a decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by an increase in provision for income taxes. Diluted net income available to common shareholders was $1.04 per share for the first six months of fiscal 2016, as compared to $0.89 per share for the same period of the prior fiscal year, adjusted for the two-for-one common stock split in the form of a 100% common stock dividend paid in January 2015. For the first six months of fiscal 2016, noninterest income increased $826,000, or 19.8%; provision for loan losses decreased $575,000, or 34.0%; net interest income increased $316,000, or 1.4%; noninterest expense decreased $38,000, or 0.2%; and provision for income taxes increased $644,000, or 22.7%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. For more information see "Results of Operations."

Interest rates were volatile during the first six months of fiscal 2016, moving lower in late July and August, stabilizing in September and October, then moving back higher in November as the market came to the conclusion that a rate increase by the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) was likely. The FOMC did increase the federal funds rate target in December, and short term rates most affected by FOMC policy moved higher as a result, flattening the yield curve. A flat or flattening yield curve is generally detrimental to the Company. Market sentiment regarding the likelihood the FOMC's ability to execute multiple additional rate increases which they have projected for 2016 has recently become less certain. Our average yield on earning assets decreased, as reinvestment at relatively low market rates was partially offset by a shift in the earning asset mix towards higher-yielding investment types (see "Results of Operations: Comparison of the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 – Net Interest Income"). Meanwhile, our cost of funds increased slightly.

Our net interest margin decreased by ten basis points when comparing the first six months of fiscal 2016 to the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The deterioration was attributable primarily to lower loan yields, partially offset by holding an increased percentage of our earning assets in loans, versus securities and cash equivalents.  Purchase accounting adjustments related to the Peoples Acquisition, in which the Company acquired loans at a material discount, were reduced, as a result of the lower average balance of those acquired loans during the current period, partially offset by a benefit resulting from the resolution of a purchased credit-impaired loan with a carrying value less than the payoff realized, and the holding of those discounted assets for a full six months in the current period, as compared to holding them for a five-month period beginning on the August 5, 2014, closing of the acquisition through the December 31, 2014, end of the comparable period. Net interest income resulting from the accretion of this discount (and a smaller premium on acquired time deposits) in the first six months of fiscal 2016 decreased to $969,000, as compared to $1.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015. This component of net interest income contributed 16 basis points to the net interest margin in the current six-month period, as compared to 20 basis points in the year-ago period. The Company expects that as the acquired loan portfolio pays down, the positive impact on net interest income of discount accretion resulting from the acquisition will be reduced. Our core net interest margin, excluding this income, decreased to 3.72% in the current six-month period, as compared to 3.78% in the prior year's six-month period.

The Company's net income is also affected by the level of its noninterest income and noninterest expenses. Non-interest income generally consists primarily of deposit account service charges, bank card interchange income, loan-related fees, increases in the cash value of bank-owned life insurance, gains on sales of loans, and other general operating income. Noninterest expenses consist primarily of compensation and employee benefits, occupancy-related expenses, deposit insurance assessments, professional fees, advertising, postage and office expenses, insurance, bank card network expenses, the amortization of intangible assets, and other general operating expenses. During the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, noninterest income increased $826,000, or 19.8%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year, attributable to nonrecurring items related to bank-owned life insurance and the Company's ownership of stock in Ozark Trust and Investment Corporation, the acquisition of which by Simmons First National corporation closed during the quarter ended December 31, 2015. For the six-month period, aside from the nonrecurring items noted, noninterest income was up, as increased deposit account service charges, bank card interchange income, and loan fees were partially offset by lower gains realized on sales of residential loans into the secondary market.  Noninterest expense for the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, decreased $38,000, or 0.2%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily attributable to inclusion in the prior period's results of charges totaling $487,000 related to merger activity, with no comparable expenses in the current period, partially offset by higher occupancy and advertising expenses in the current period.

We expect, over time, to continue to grow our assets through the origination and occasional purchase of loans, and purchases of investment securities. The primary funding for this asset growth is expected to come from retail deposits, brokered funding, and short- and long-term FHLB borrowings. We have grown and intend to continue to
 
38

 
 
grow deposits by offering desirable deposit products for our current customers and by attracting new depository relationships. We will also continue to explore strategic expansion opportunities in market areas that we believe will be attractive to our business model.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31 and June 30, 2015

The Company experienced balance sheet growth in the first six months of fiscal 2016, with total assets of $1.3 billion at December 31, 2015, reflecting an increase of $37.6 million, or 2.9%, as compared to June 30, 2015. Balance sheet growth was funded primarily through deposit growth.

Available-for-sale (AFS) securities were $129.1 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $508,000, or 0.4%, as compared to June 30, 2015. The decrease was attributable to principal payments received on mortgage-backed securities and U.S. government agency obligations, partially offset by purchases of municipal securities. Cash equivalents and time deposits were $25.8 million, an increase of $7.1 million, or 37.8%, as compared to June 30, 2015.

Loans, net of the allowance for loan losses, were $1.1 billion at December 31, 2015, an increase of $26.3 million, or 2.5%, as compared to June 30, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to growth in residential real estate loan, construction loan, and commercial real estate loan balances, partially offset by lower consumer and commercial loan balances.

Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, were $45.5 million at December 31, 2015, an increase of $5.8 million, or 14.5%, as compared to June 30, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to ongoing construction of a new corporate headquarters office in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and the finishing of leased office space in Springfield, Missouri, partially offset by an increase in accumulated depreciation.

Deposits were $1.1 billion at December 31, 2015, an increase of $62.0 million, or 5.9%, as compared to June 30, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to growth in interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing transaction accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit, partially offset by decreases in statement and passbook savings accounts.  The decline in savings account balances was attributed to larger public unit depositors shifting balances between deposit account types.  The increase in deposits during the quarter ended December 31, 2015, was due in part to seasonal inflows of public unit deposits, which were up $26.5 million from September 30, 2015, and which generally reverse somewhat in the following quarter. The average loan-to-deposit ratio for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was 99.2%, as compared to 98.9% for the same period of the prior fiscal year.

FHLB advances were $58.9 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $5.9 million, or 9.1%, as compared to June 30, 2015. The decrease was attributable to the Company's reduction in overnight borrowings due to strong deposit growth during the six months ended December 31, 2015. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $23.1 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $4.3 million, or 15.6%, as compared to June 30, 2015. At both dates, the full balance of repurchase agreements was due to local small business and government counterparties.

The Company's stockholders' equity was $119.2 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $13.4 million, or 10.1%, as compared to June 30, 2015. The decrease was attributable to the redemption of the Company's redemption in October 2015 of $20.0 million in SBLF preferred stock, combined with the payment of dividends on common and preferred stock, partially offset by retention of net income and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Average Balance Sheet, Interest, and Average Yields and Rates for the Three- and Six-Month Periods Ended
December 31, 2015 and 2014

The tables below present certain information regarding our financial condition and net interest income for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The tables present the annualized average yield on interest-earning assets and the annualized average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. We derived the yields and costs by dividing annualized income or expense by the average balance of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown. Yields on tax-exempt obligations were not computed on a tax equivalent basis.

39




   
Three months ended
   
Three months ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest and Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost (%)
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest and Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost (%)
 
 Interest earning assets:
                       
   Mortgage loans (1)
 
$
856,442
   
$
10,566
     
4.93
   
$
817,935
   
$
10,530
     
5.15
 
   Other loans (1)
   
224,084
     
2,796
     
4.99
     
212,886
     
2,831
     
5.32
 
       Total net loans
   
1,080,526
     
13,362
     
4.95
     
1,030,821
     
13,361
     
5.18
 
   Mortgage-backed securities
   
66,030
     
368
     
2.23
     
82,584
     
448
     
2.17
 
   Investment securities (2)
   
69,014
     
496
     
2.87
     
72,921
     
499
     
2.74
 
   Other interest earning assets
   
10,352
     
9
     
0.35
     
20,542
     
49
     
0.95
 
         Total interest earning assets (1)
   
1,225,922
     
14,235
     
4.64
     
1,206,868
     
14,357
     
4.76
 
 Other noninterest earning assets (3)
   
96,411
     
-
             
90,683
     
-
         
             Total assets
 
$
1,322,333
   
$
14,235
           
$
1,297,551
   
$
14,357
         
                                                 
 Interest bearing liabilities:
                                               
    Savings accounts
 
$
122,427
     
98
     
0.32
   
$
109,137
     
100
     
0.37
 
    NOW accounts
   
362,918
     
669
     
0.74
     
294,350
     
576
     
0.78
 
    Money market deposit accounts
   
77,224
     
56
     
0.29
     
96,213
     
56
     
0.23
 
    Certificates of deposit
   
400,940
     
1,024
     
1.02
     
420,866
     
971
     
0.92
 
       Total interest bearing deposits
   
963,509
     
1,847
     
0.77
     
920,566
     
1,703
     
0.74
 
 Borrowings:
                                               
    Securities sold under agreements
      to repurchase
   
24,861
     
29
     
0.47
     
23,475
     
27
     
0.46
 
    FHLB advances
   
70,108
     
320
     
1.83
     
88,642
     
333
     
1.50
 
    Subordinated debt
   
14,694
     
139
     
3.78
     
14,606
     
132
     
3.61
 
       Total interest bearing liabilities
   
1,073,172
     
2,335
     
0.87
     
1,045,289
     
2,195
     
0.84
 
 Noninterest bearing demand deposits
   
125,759
     
-
             
121,280
     
-
         
 Other noninterest bearing liabilities
   
755
     
-
             
658
     
-
         
       Total liabilities
   
1,199,686
     
2,335
             
1,167,227
     
2,195
         
 Stockholders' equity
   
122,647
     
-
             
128,324
     
-
         
             Total liabilities and
               stockholders' equity
 
$
1,322,333
   
$
2,335
           
$
1,297,551
   
$
2,195
         
                                                 
 Net interest income
         
$
11,900
                   
$
12,162
         
                                                 
 Interest rate spread (4)
                   
3.77
%
                   
3.92
%
 Net interest margin (5)
                   
3.88
%
                   
4.03
%
                                                 
Ratio of average interest-earning assets
to average interest-bearing liabilities
   
114.23
%
                   
115.46
%
               

(1)
Calculated net of deferred loan fees, loan discounts and loans-in-process. Non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2)
Includes FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis membership stock and related cash dividends.
(3)
Includes average balances for fixed assets and BOLI of $41.8 million and $19.7 million, respectively, for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $32.7 million and $19.3 million, respectively, for the same period of the prior fiscal year.
(4)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average rate on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
40


 
   
Six months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest and Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost (%)
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest and Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost (%)
 
                         
 Interest earning assets:
                       
   Mortgage loans (1)
 
$
845,110
   
$
20,773
     
4.92
   
$
785,550
   
$
20,112
     
5.12
 
   Other loans (1)
   
227,078
     
5,687
     
5.01
     
204,890
     
5,474
     
5.34
 
       Total net loans
   
1,072,188
     
26,460
     
4.94
     
990,440
     
25,586
     
5.17
 
   Mortgage-backed securities
   
66,939
     
738
     
2.20
     
79,779
     
863
     
2.16
 
   Investment securities (2)
   
68,436
     
992
     
2.90
     
76,059
     
1,045
     
2.75
 
   Other interest earning assets
   
9,920
     
17
     
0.34
     
23,934
     
82
     
0.69
 
         Total interest earning assets (1)
   
1,217,483
     
28,207
     
4.63
     
1,170,212
     
27,576
     
4.71
 
 Other noninterest earning assets (3)
   
93,924
     
-
             
83,771
     
-
         
             Total assets
 
$
1,311,407
   
$
28,207
           
$
1,253,983
   
$
27,576
         
                                                 
 Interest bearing liabilities:
                                               
    Savings accounts
 
$
126,409
     
203
     
0.32
   
$
114,344
     
199
     
0.35
 
    NOW accounts
   
351,699
     
1,319
     
0.75
     
284,843
     
1,131
     
0.79
 
    Money market deposit accounts
   
72,823
     
101
     
0.28
     
79,683
     
101
     
0.25
 
    Certificates of deposit
   
398,369
     
2,010
     
1.01
     
398,151
     
1,874
     
0.94
 
       Total interest bearing deposits
   
949,300
     
3,633
     
0.77
     
877,021
     
3,305
     
0.75
 
 Borrowings:
                                               
    Securities sold under agreements
      to repurchase
   
25,373
     
58
     
0.46
     
24,037
     
55
     
0.45
 
    FHLB advances
   
69,475
     
637
     
1.83
     
103,842
     
673
     
1.30
 
    Subordinated debt
   
14,682
     
274
     
3.73
     
13,587
     
254
     
3.74
 
       Total interest bearing liabilities
   
1,058,830
     
4,602
     
0.87
     
1,018,487
     
4,287
     
0.84
 
 Noninterest bearing demand deposits
   
123,021
     
-
             
110,579
     
-
         
 Other noninterest bearing liabilities
   
1,106
     
-
             
1,373
     
-
         
       Total liabilities
   
1,182,957
     
4,602
             
1,130,439
     
4,287
         
 Stockholders' equity
   
128,450
     
-
             
123,544
     
-
         
             Total liabilities and
               stockholders' equity
 
$
1,311,407
   
$
4,602
           
$
1,253,983
   
$
4,287
         
                                                 
 Net interest income
         
$
23,605
                   
$
23,289
         
                                                 
 Interest rate spread (4)
                   
3.76
%
                   
3.87
%
 Net interest margin (5)
                   
3.88
%
                   
3.98
%
                                                 
Ratio of average interest-earning assets
to average interest-bearing liabilities
   
114.98
%
                   
114.90
%
               

(1)
Calculated net of deferred loan fees, loan discounts and loans-in-process. Non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2)
Includes FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis membership stock and related cash dividends.
(3)
Includes average balances for fixed assets and BOLI of $40.2 million and $19.7 million, respectively, for the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $30.3 million and $19.2 million, respectively, for the same period of the prior fiscal year.
(4)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average rate on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
41


 
Rate/Volume Analysis

The following tables set forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on the Company's net interest income for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015. Information is provided with respect to (i) effects on interest income and expense attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by the prior rate), (ii) effects on interest income and expense attributable to change in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume), and (iii) changes in rate/volume (change in rate multiplied by change in volume).

 
Three months ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Compared to three months ended December 31, 2014
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
 (dollars in thousands)
         
Rate/
     
 
Rate
   
Volume
   
Volume
   
Net
 
 Interest-earnings assets:
               
   Loans receivable (1)
 
$
(614
)
 
$
644
   
$
(29
)
 
$
1
 
   Mortgage-backed securities
   
12
     
(90
)
   
(2
)
   
(80
)
   Investment securities (2)
   
25
     
(27
)
   
(1
)
   
(3
)
   Other interest-earning deposits
   
(30
)
   
(24
)
   
14
     
(40
)
 Total net change in income on
                               
   interest-earning assets
   
(607
)
   
503
     
(18
)
   
(122
)
                                 
 Interest-bearing liabilities:
                               
   Deposits
   
71
     
89
     
(16
)
   
144
 
   Securities sold under
                               
     agreements to repurchase
   
-
     
2
     
-
     
2
 
   Subordinated debt
   
5
     
1
     
1
     
7
 
   FHLB advances
   
71
     
(70
)
   
(14
)
   
(13
)
 Total net change in expense on
                               
   interest-bearing liabilities
   
147
     
22
     
(29
)
   
140
 
 Net change in net interest income
 
$
(754
)
 
$
481
   
$
11
   
$
(262
)


 
Six months ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Compared to six months ended December 31, 2014  
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to  
 
 (dollars in thousands)
         
Rate/
     
 
Rate
   
Volume
   
Volume
   
Net
 
 Interest-earnings assets:
               
   Loans receivable (1)
 
$
(1,143
)
 
$
2,112
   
$
(95
)
 
$
874
 
   Mortgage-backed securities
   
16
     
(139
)
   
(2
)
   
(125
)
   Investment securities (2)
   
56
     
(105
)
   
(4
)
   
(53
)
   Other interest-earning deposits
   
(42
)
   
(48
)
   
25
     
(65
)
 Total net change in income on
                               
   interest-earning assets
   
(1,113
)
   
1,820
     
(76
)
   
631
 
                                 
 Interest-bearing liabilities:
                               
   Deposits
   
(7
)
   
295
     
40
     
328
 
   Securities sold under
                               
     agreements to repurchase
   
1
     
3
     
(1
)
   
3
 
   Subordinated debt
   
(1
)
   
20
     
1
     
20
 
   FHLB advances
   
279
     
(223
)
   
(92
)
   
(36
)
 Total net change in expense on
                               
   interest-bearing liabilities
   
272
     
95
     
(52
)
   
315
 
 Net change in net interest income
 
$
(1,385
)
 
$
1,725
   
$
(24
)
 
$
316
 


(1)
Does not include interest on loans placed on nonaccrual status.
(2)
Does not include dividends earned on equity securities.
 
42


 
Results of Operations – Comparison of the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

General. Net income for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, was $4.2 million and $7.8 million, respectively, increases of $772,000, or 22.4%, and $1.1 million, or 16.5%, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year.  After preferred dividends of $35,000 and $85,000, respectively, paid in the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, net income available to common shareholders was $4.2 million and $7.8 million, respectively, increases of $787,000, or 23.2%, and $1.1 million, or 17.0%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, when preferred dividends of $50,000 and $100,000, respectively, were paid.

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, both basic and fully-diluted net income per share available to common shareholders was $0.56, an increase of $0.10, or 21.7%, and $.0.11, or 24.4%, respectively, as compared to basic and fully-diluted net income per share available to common shareholders in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Our annualized return on average assets for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, was 1.27%, as compared to 1.06% for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition, return on average assets for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, was 1.17%, as compared to 0.92% for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Our return on average common stockholders' equity for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, was 14.0%, as compared to 12.5% in the same period of the prior fiscal year.

For the six-month period ended December 31, 2014, basic and fully-diluted net income per share available to common shareholders was $1.05 and $1.04, respectively, increases of $0.14, or 15.4%, and $0.15, or 16.9% respectively, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Our annualized return on average assets for the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, was 1.20%, as compared to 1.07% for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition, return on average assets for the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, was 1.10%, as compared to 0.96% for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Our return on average common stockholders' equity for the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, was 13.3%, as compared to 12.8% in the same period of the prior fiscal year.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, was $11.9 million, a decrease of $262,000, or 2.1%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net interest income attributable to the accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition was $557,000, in the current three-month period, as compared to $722,000 in the same period of the prior fiscal year.

Net interest income for the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, was $23.6 million, an increase of $316,000, or 1.4%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net interest income attributable to the accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition was $1.0 million in the current six-month period, as compared to $1.1 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year.

Our net interest margin for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, determined by dividing annualized net interest income by total average interest-earning assets, was 3.88%, as compared to 4.03% and 3.98% in the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Our net interest margin excluding accretion of fair value discount on acquired loans and amortization of fair value premium on assumed time deposits related to the Peoples Acquisition was 3.70% and 3.72%, respectively, for the three-and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, as compared to 3.79% for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Our average net interest rate spread for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, was 3.77% and 3.76%, respectively, as compared to 3.92% and 3.87%, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, our average net interest rate spread was 3.77%, as compared to 3.92% in the same period of the prior fiscal year, resulting from a 12 basis point decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets, combined with a three basis point increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The average balance of our interest-earning assets increased $19.1 million, or 1.6%, when comparing the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, with the same period of the prior fiscal year.

For the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, our average net interest rate spread was 3.76%, as compared to 3.87% in the same period of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an eight basis point decrease in the average yield on interest earning assets, combined with a three basis point increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. 
 
43

 
 
The average balance of our interest-earning assets increased $47.3 million, or 4.0%, when comparing the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, with the same period of the prior fiscal year, due in part to the August 2014 completion of the Peoples Acquisition.

Interest Income. Total interest income for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, was $14.2 million, a decrease of $122,000, or 0.9%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease was attributed to a twelve basis point decline in the average yield earned on interest-earning assets in the current period compared to the year ago period, partially offset by a 1.6% increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets for the current period as compared to the year ago period. The decline in yields earned was due to the continued generally low rate environment and reinvestment in interest earning assets at current market rates, along with a reduction in the accretion of fair value discount on loans acquired in the Peoples Acquisition which closed in early August 2014, while the increase in average balances was the result of higher average loan balances, partially offset by lower average balances for other interest-earning assets, including cash equivalents and available for sale investments.

Total interest income for the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, was $28.2 million, an increase of $631,000, or 2.3%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was attributed to a 4.6% increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets for the current period as compared to the year ago period, partially offset by an eight basis point decline in the average yield earned on interest-earning assets in the current period compared to the year ago period. The increase in average balances was due to higher average loan balances, partially offset by lower average balances for other interest-earning assets, including cash equivalents and available for sale investments, while the decline in yields earned was the result of the continued generally low rate environment and reinvestment in interest earning assets at current market rates, along with a reduction in the accretion of fair value discount on loans acquired in the Peoples Acquisition which closed in early August 2014.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015 was $2.3 million and $4.6 million, increases of $140,000, or 6.3%, and $315,000, or 7.4%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increases for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year were attributed to increases of three basis points in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities, combined with increases of $25.9 million, or 2.5%, and $40.3 million, or 4.0%, respectively, in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was due to a reduced percentage of funding provided by relatively low-cost overnight funding (due to an increase in deposit growth) and an increasing cost of funds at recently-acquired facilities as those depositors shift to legacy Southern Bank products which, on average, have paid higher rates than those previously offered by acquired institutions. The increase in average balances was the result higher average interest-bearing deposit balances, partially offset by lower average balances of FHLB advances.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, was $496,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, as compared to $862,000 and $1.7 million, respectively, in the same periods of the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of average loans outstanding, provision for loan losses in the current three- and six-month periods represented an annualized charge of 0.18% and 0.21%, respectively, while the Company incurred net charge offs of 0.05% and 0.04%, respectively. During the same periods of the prior fiscal year, provision for loan losses as a percentage of average loans outstanding represented an annualized charge of 0.33% and 0.34%, respectively, while the Company incurred net charge offs in the three-month period of 0.01% (annualized), and recognized net recoveries in the six-month period of less than one basis point (annualized). The decrease was primarily attributable to slower loan growth during the current fiscal year and generally stable credit quality. (See "Critical Accounting Policies", "Allowance for Loan Loss Activity" and "Nonperforming Assets").

Noninterest Income. The Company's noninterest income for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, was $2.8 million and $5.0 million, respectively, increases of $604,000, or 27.6%, and $826,000, or 19.8%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increases included nonrecurring items recognized in the current three- and six-month periods of $323,000 related to the bank-owned life insurance and $301,000 related to the Company's ownership of stock in Ozarks Trust and Investment Corporation, the acquisition of which by Simmons First National Corporation closed during the quarter ended December 31, 2015. The bank-owned life insurance benefit is not subject to income tax. Aside from these nonrecurring items, other noninterest income categories were down slightly in total for the current three-month period, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year, as decreases in deposit account charges and gains realized on sales of residential loans into the secondary market were partially offset by increases in bank card interchange income and loan fees. For the six-month period, aside from the nonrecurring items noted, noninterest income was up, as increased deposit account service
 
44

 
 
charges, bank card interchange income, and loan fees were partially offset by lower gains realized on sales of residential loans into the secondary market.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, was $8.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively, decreases of $424,000, or 4.9%, and $38,000, or 0.2%, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The decreases were attributed to lower legal and professional fees, compensation, amortization of intangibles, and deposit insurance premiums, partially offset by higher occupancy expenses. Included in noninterest expense for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2014, was $359,000 and $487,000, respectively, in merger-related charges, with no comparable expenses in the same periods of the current fiscal year. The efficiency ratio, excluding securities gains or losses, for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, was 55.6% and 56.5%, respectively, as compared to 59.9% and 59.0%, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The improvement in the efficiency ratio for the current periods is the result of a decrease in merger-related charges, compared to the year-ago period, as well as the increase in our noninterest income, and, for the current six-month period only, an increase in our net interest income.

Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2015, was $1.8 million and $3.5 million, respectively, increases of $360,000, or 24.7%, and $644,000, or 22.7%, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increases were attributed to higher pre-tax income, as well as an increase in the effective tax rate, to 30.2% and 30.8%, respectively, in the current three- and six-month periods, as compared to 29.8% and 29.7%, respectively, in the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increase in the rate was attributed to the increase in pre-tax income, which outpaced new tax-advantaged investments by the Company.

Allowance for Loan Loss Activity

The Company regularly reviews its allowance for loan losses and makes adjustments to its balance based on management's analysis of the loan portfolio, the amount of non-performing and classified loans, as well as general economic conditions. Although the Company maintains its allowance for loan losses at a level that it considers sufficient to provide for losses, there can be no assurance that future losses will not exceed internal estimates. In addition, the amount of the allowance for loan losses is subject to review by regulatory agencies, which can order the establishment of additional loss provision. The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses over the three-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

   
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
   
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
12,812
   
$
10,110
   
$
12,298
   
$
9,259
 
Loans charged off:
                               
      Residential real estate
   
(26
)
   
-
     
(90
)
   
(11
)
      Construction
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial business
   
(88
)
   
(18
)
   
(100
)
   
(19
)
      Commercial real estate
   
(56
)
   
-
     
(77
)
   
-
 
      Consumer
   
(25
)
   
(20
)
   
(35
)
   
(38
)
      Gross charged off loans
   
(195
)
   
(38
)
   
(302
)
   
(68
)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
                               
      Residential real estate
   
2
     
1
     
3
     
9
 
      Construction
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Commercial business
   
9
     
-
     
10
     
3
 
      Commercial real estate
   
46
     
22
     
46
     
40
 
      Consumer
   
2
     
1
     
3
     
26
 
       Gross recoveries of charged off loans
   
59
     
24
     
62
     
78
 
Net (charge offs) recoveries
   
(136
)
   
(14
)
   
(240
)
   
10
 
Provision charged to expense
   
496
     
862
     
1,114
     
1,689
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
13,172
   
$
10,958
   
$
13,172
   
$
10,958
 

The allowance for loan losses has been calculated based upon an evaluation of pertinent factors underlying the various types and quality of the Company's loans. Management considers such factors as the repayment status of a loan, the estimated net fair value of the underlying collateral, the borrower's intent and ability to repay the loan, local economic conditions, and the Company's historical loss ratios. We maintain the allowance for loan losses through the provision for loan losses that we charge to income. We charge losses on loans against the allowance for loan losses when we believe the collection of loan principal is unlikely. The allowance for loan losses increased $874,000 to $13.2 million 
 
45

 
 
at December 31, 2015, from $12.3 million at June 30, 2015. The increase was deemed appropriate in order to bring the allowance for loan losses to a level that reflects management's estimate of the incurred loss in the Company's loan portfolio at December 31, 2015.

At December 31, 2015, the Company had loans of $12.6 million, or 1.15% of total  loans, adversely classified ($12.6 million classified "substandard" none classified "doubtful" or "loss"), as compared to loans of $14.8 million, or 1.39% of total loans, adversely classified ($14.8 million classified "substandard" none classified "doubtful" or "loss") at June 30, 2015, and $13.2 million, or 1.29% of total loans, adversely classified ($13.2 million classified "substandard" none classified "doubtful" or "loss") at December 31, 2014. Classified loans were generally comprised of loans secured by commercial and residential real estate loans, while a smaller amount of commercial operating loans and consumer loans were also classified. All loans were classified due to concerns as to the borrowers' ability to continue to generate sufficient cash flows to service the debt. Of our classified loans, the Company had ceased recognition of interest on loans with a carrying value of $3.7 million at December 31, 2015. As noted in Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company's total past due loans increased from $5.0 million at June 30, 2015, to $6.4 million at December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to a single purchased credit impaired loan relationship secured by multi-family residential real estate.

In its quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses, the Company employs historical data including past due percentages, charge offs, and recoveries for the previous five years for each loan category. The Company's allowance methodology considers the most recent twelve-month period's average net charge offs and uses this information as one of the primary factors for evaluation of allowance adequacy. Average net charge offs are calculated as net charge offs by portfolio type for the period as a percentage of the average balance of respective portfolio type over the same period.

The following table sets forth the Company's historical net charge offs as of December 31 and June 30, 2015:

 
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
 
Net charge offs –
   
Net charge offs –
 
Portfolio segment
 
12-month historical
   
12-month historical
 
Real estate loans:
       
   Residential
   
0.03
%
   
0.02
%
   Construction
   
0.00
%
   
0.00
%
   Commercial
   
0.01
%
   
(0.01
%)
Consumer loans
   
0.35
%
   
0.35
%
Commercial loans
   
0.07
%
   
0.03
%

Additionally, in its quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the Company evaluates changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers; changes in local, regional, and national economic conditions; the Company's historical loss experience; and changes in market conditions for property pledged to the Company as collateral. The Company has identified specific qualitative factors that address these issues and subjectively assigns a percentage to each factor. Qualitative factors are reviewed quarterly and may be adjusted as necessary to reflect improving or declining trends. At December 31, 2015, these qualitative factors included:

· Changes in lending policies
· National, regional, and local economic conditions
· Changes in mix and volume of portfolio
· Experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff
· Entry to new markets
· Levels and trends of delinquent, nonaccrual, special mention and classified loans
· Concentrations of credit
· Changes in collateral values
· Agricultural economic conditions
· Regulatory risk
 
46


 
The qualitative factors are applied to the allowance for loan losses based upon the following percentages by loan type:

Portfolio segment
 
Qualitative factor applied at interim period ended December 31, 2015
   
Qualitative factor applied at fiscal year ended June 30, 2015
 
Real estate loans:
       
   Residential
   
0.77
%
   
0.76
%
   Construction
   
1.90
%
   
1.90
%
   Commercial
   
1.33
%
   
1.33
%
Consumer loans
   
1.28
%
   
1.42
%
Commercial loans
   
1.37
%
   
1.38
%

At December 31, 2015, the amount of our allowance for loan losses attributable to these qualitative factors was approximately $11.8 million, as compared to $10.8 million at June 30, 2015. The relative stability in qualitative factors was attributed to stable credit quality, classifications, and delinquencies within the legacy portfolio.

While management believes that our asset quality remains strong, it recognizes that, due to the continued growth in the loan portfolio and potential changes in market conditions, our level of nonperforming assets and resulting charge offs may fluctuate. Higher levels of net charge offs requiring additional provision for loan losses could result. Although management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate that is subject to significant judgment and short-term change.

Nonperforming Assets

The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets and nonperforming loans to net loans receivable is another measure of asset quality. Nonperforming assets of the Company include nonaccruing loans, accruing loans delinquent/past maturity 90 days or more, and assets which have been acquired as a result of foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. The table below summarizes changes in the Company's level of nonperforming assets over selected time periods:

(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Nonaccruing loans:
           
    Residential real estate
 
$
1,921
   
$
2,202
   
$
2,554
 
    Construction
   
-
     
133
     
196
 
    Commercial real estate
   
1,602
     
1,271
     
1,688
 
    Consumer
   
242
     
88
     
109
 
    Commercial business
   
38
     
63
     
117
 
       Total
   
3,803
     
3,757
     
4,664
 
                         
Loans 90 days past due accruing interest:
                       
    Residential real estate
   
28
     
-
     
11
 
    Commercial real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
    Consumer
   
-
     
34
     
4
 
    Commercial business
   
51
     
11
     
-
 
       Total
   
79
     
45
     
15
 
                         
Total nonperforming loans
   
3,882
     
3,802
     
4,679
 
                         
Foreclosed assets held for sale:
                       
    Real estate owned
   
3,617
     
4,440
     
4,099
 
    Other nonperforming assets
   
118
     
64
     
29
 
       Total nonperforming assets
 
$
7,617
   
$
8,306
   
$
8,807
 

At December 31, 2015, troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) totaled $8.0 million, of which $2.4 million was considered nonperforming and is included in the nonaccrual loan total above. The remaining $5.6 million in TDRs have complied with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time and are therefore considered by the Company to be accrual status loans. In general, these loans were subject to classification as TDRs at December 31, 2015, on the basis of guidance under ASU No. 2011-02, which indicates that the Company may not consider the borrower's effective borrowing rate on the old debt immediately before the restructuring in determining whether a concession has been granted. At June 30, 2015, TDRs totaled $9.3 million, of which $2.8 million was considered nonperforming and is included in the nonaccrual loan total above. The remaining $6.5 million in TDRs at June 30, 2015, had complied with
 
47

 
 
the modified terms for a reasonable period of time and were therefore considered by the Company to be accrual status loans.

At December 31, 2015, nonperforming assets totaled $7.6 million, as compared to $8.3 million at June 30, 2015, and $8.8 million at December 31, 2014. The decrease in nonperforming assets from fiscal year end was attributable primarily to decreases in foreclosed real estate owned and nonaccrual residential real estate loans, partially offset by increases in nonaccrual commercial real estate loans and other nonperforming assets.

Liquidity Resources

The term "liquidity" refers to our ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to fund loan originations, loans purchases, deposit withdrawals and operating expenses. Our primary sources of funds include deposit growth, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLB advances, brokered deposits, amortization and prepayment of loan principal and interest, investment maturities and sales, and funds provided by our operations. While the scheduled loan repayments and maturing investments are relatively predictable, deposit flows, FHLB advance redemptions, and loan and security prepayment rates are significantly influenced by factors outside of the Bank's control, including interest rates, general and local economic conditions and competition in the marketplace. The Bank relies on FHLB advances and brokered deposits as additional sources for funding cash or liquidity needs.

The Company uses its liquid resources principally to satisfy its ongoing cash requirements, which include funding loan commitments, funding maturing certificates of deposit and deposit withdrawals, maintaining liquidity, funding maturing or called FHLB advances, purchasing investments, and meeting operating expenses.

At December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding commitments and approvals to extend credit of approximately $143.7 million (including $102.7 million in unused lines of credit) in mortgage and non-mortgage loans. These commitments and approvals are expected to be funded through existing cash balances, cash flow from normal operations and, if needed, advances from the FHLB or the Federal Reserve's discount window. At December 31, 2015, the Bank had pledged residential real estate loan portfolios and a significant portion of their commercial real estate loan portfolios with the FHLB for available credit of approximately $242.5 million, of which $58.3 million had been advanced. The Bank has the ability to pledge several of their other loan portfolios, including, for example, their commercial and home equity loans, which could provide additional collateral for additional borrowings; in total, FHLB borrowings are generally limited to 35% of bank assets, or $468.2 million, subject to available collateral. Also, at December 31, 2015, the Bank had pledged a total of $145.0 million in loans secured by farmland and agricultural production loans to the Federal Reserve, providing access to $97.1 million in primary credit borrowings from the Federal Reserve's discount window. Management believes its liquid resources will be sufficient to meet the Company's liquidity needs.

Regulatory Capital

The Company and Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory—and possibly additional discretionary – actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company and the Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under U.S. GAAP, regulatory reporting requirements and regulatory capital standards.  The Company and Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.  Furthermore, the Company and Bank's regulators could require adjustments to regulatory capital not reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Quantitative measures established by regulatory capital standards to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total capital, Tier 1 capital (as defined), and common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average total assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, and June 30, 2015, that the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

In July 2013, the Federal banking agencies announced their approval of the final rule to implement the Basel III regulatory reforms, among other changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The approved rule included a new minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital of 4.5%, raised the
 
48

 
 
minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0%, and included a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0% for all banking institutions. Additionally, the rule created a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, and prohibited banking organizations from making distributions or discretionary bonus payments during any quarter if its eligible retained income is negative, if the capital conservation buffer is not maintained. This new capital conservation buffer requirement is be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented in January 2019.  The phase-in of the enhanced capital requirements for banking organizations such as the Company and the Bank began January 1, 2015. Other changes included revised risk-weighting of some assets, stricter limitations on mortgage servicing assets and deferred tax assets, and replacement of the ratings-based approach to risk weight securities.

As of December 31, 2015, the most recent notification from the Federal banking agencies categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, common equity Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank's category.

The tables below summarize the Company and Bank's actual and required regulatory capital:
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
   
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                       
Consolidated
 
$
142,384
     
12.30
%
 
$
92,586
     
8.00
%
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Southern Bank
   
137,187
     
11.79
%
   
93,060
     
8.00
%
   
116,325
     
10.00
%
Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
128,422
     
11.10
%
   
69,440
     
6.00
%
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Southern Bank
   
123,225
     
10.59
%
   
69,795
     
6.00
%
   
93,060
     
8.00
%
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
128,422
     
9.72
%
   
52,826
     
4.00
%
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Southern Bank
   
123,225
     
9.37
%
   
52,621
     
4.00
%
   
65,777
     
5.00
%
Common Equity Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
114,247
     
9.87
%
   
59,429
     
4.50
%
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Southern Bank
   
123,225
     
10.59
%
   
59,199
     
4.50
%
   
85,510
     
6.50
%
                                                 
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
   
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
As of June 30, 2015
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                       
Consolidated
 
$
154,171
     
14.22
%
 
$
86,708
     
8.00
%
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Southern Bank
   
149,744
     
13.82
%
   
86,708
     
8.00
%
   
108,384
     
10.00
%
Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
141,168
     
13.02
%
   
65,031
     
6.00
%
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Southern Bank
   
136,741
     
12.62
%
   
65,031
     
6.00
%
   
86,708
     
8.00
%
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
141,168
     
10.98
%
   
51,412
     
4.00
%
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Southern Bank
   
136,741
     
10.65
%
   
51,362
     
4.00
%
   
64,203
     
5.00
%
Common Equity Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
107,040
     
9.88
%
   
57,838
     
4.50
%
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Southern Bank
   
136,741
     
12.62
%
   
57,783
     
4.50
%
   
83,464
     
6.50
%
 
 
49

 
 
PART I:  Item 3:  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.

Asset and Liability Management and Market Risk

The goal of the Company's asset/liability management strategy is to manage the interest rate sensitivity of both interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities in order to maximize net interest income without exposing the Bank to an excessive level of interest rate risk. The Company employs various strategies intended to manage the potential effect that changing interest rates may have on future operating results. The primary asset/liability management strategy has been to focus on matching the anticipated re-pricing intervals of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. At times, however, depending on the level of general interest rates, the relationship between long- and short-term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, the Company may determine to increase its interest rate risk position somewhat in order to maintain its net interest margin.

In an effort to manage the interest rate risk resulting from fixed rate lending, the Bank has utilized longer term FHLB advances (with maturities up to ten years), subject to early redemptions and fixed terms. Other elements of the Company's current asset/liability strategy include (i) increasing originations of commercial business, commercial real estate, agricultural operating lines, and agricultural real estate loans, which typically provide higher yields and shorter repricing periods, but inherently increase credit risk; (ii) actively soliciting less rate-sensitive deposits, including aggressive use of the Company's "rewards checking" product, and (iii) offering competitively-priced money market accounts and CDs with maturities of up to five years. The degree to which each segment of the strategy is achieved will affect profitability and exposure to interest rate risk.

The Company continues to originate long-term, fixed-rate residential loans. During the first six months of fiscal year 2016, fixed rate 1- to 4-family residential loan production totaled $24.9 million, as compared to $17.7 million during the same period of the prior fiscal year. At December 31, 2015, the fixed rate residential loan portfolio was $138.7 million with a weighted average maturity of 119 months, as compared to $141.0 million at December 31, 2014, with a weighted average maturity of 126 months. The Company originated $14.4 million in adjustable-rate 1- to 4-family residential loans during the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $18.5 million during the same period of the prior fiscal year. At December 31, 2015, fixed rate loans with remaining maturities in excess of 10 years totaled $37.9 million, or 3.5% of net loans receivable, as compared to $42.6 million, or 4.2% of net loans receivable at December 31, 2014. The Company originated $83.0 million in fixed rate commercial and commercial real estate loans during the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $77.4 million during the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The Company also originated $22.9 million in adjustable rate commercial and commercial real estate loans during the six-month period ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $19.1 million during the same period of the prior fiscal year. At December 31, 2015, adjustable-rate home equity lines of credit increased to $24.1 million, as compared to $22.4 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, the Company's investment portfolio had an expected weighted-average life of 3.8 years, compared to 5.0 years at December 31, 2014. Management continues to focus on customer retention, customer satisfaction, and offering new products to customers in order to increase the Company's amount of less rate-sensitive deposit accounts.
 
50

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2015, management's estimates of the projected changes in net portfolio value ("NPV") in the event of 100, 200, and 300 basis point ("bp") instantaneous and permanent increases, and 100, 200, and 300 basis point instantaneous and permanent decreases in market interest rates. Dollar amounts are expressed in thousands.


December 31, 2015
 
       
NPV as Percentage of
 
 
Net Portfolio
 
PV of Assets
 
Change in Rates
Value
 
Change
 
% Change
 
NPV Ratio
 
Change
 
+300 bp
 
$
97,626
   
$
(24,967
)
   
-20
%
   
7.48
%
   
-1.67
%
+200 bp
   
106,264
     
(16,329
)
   
-13
%
   
8.07
%
   
-1.08
%
+100 bp
   
114,139
     
(8,454
)
   
-7
%
   
8.60
%
   
-0.56
%
0 bp
   
122,593
     
-
     
0
%
   
9.15
%
   
0.00
%
-100 bp
   
132,131
     
9,538
     
8
%
   
9.78
%
   
0.62
%
-200 bp
   
142,067
     
19,474
     
16
%
   
10.42
%
   
1.26
%
-300 bp
   
152,132
     
29,539
     
24
%
   
11.06
%
   
1.90
%

June 30, 2015
 
       
NPV as Percentage of
 
 
Net Portfolio
 
PV of Assets
 
Change in Rates
Value
 
Change
 
% Change
 
NPV Ratio
 
Change
 
+300 bp
 
$
109,800
   
$
(24,425
)
   
-18
%
   
8.67
%
   
-1.65
%
+200 bp
   
118,317
     
(15,908
)
   
-12
%
   
9.25
%
   
-1.06
%
+100 bp
   
125,745
     
(8,480
)
   
-6
%
   
9.75
%
   
-0.56
%
0 bp
   
134,226
     
-
     
0
%
   
10.32
%
   
0.00
%
-100 bp
   
143,417
     
9,192
     
7
%
   
10.92
%
   
0.61
%
-200 bp
   
153,515
     
19,289
     
14
%
   
11.58
%
   
1.27
%
-300 bp
   
163,386
     
29,160
     
22
%
   
12.22
%
   
1.90
%

Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on an internally generated model using actual maturity and repricing schedules for the Bank's loans and deposits, and are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, loan repayments and deposit run-offs, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Further, the computations do not contemplate any actions the Bank may undertake in response to changes in interest rates.

Management cannot predict future interest rates or their effect on the Bank's NPV in the future. Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the computation of NPV. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in differing degrees to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate loans, have an initial fixed rate period typically from one to seven years and over the remaining life of the asset changes in the interest rate are restricted. In addition, the proportion of adjustable-rate loans in the Bank's portfolios could decrease in future periods due to refinancing activity if market interest rates remain steady in the future. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels could deviate significantly from those assumed in the table. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their adjustable-rate debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.

The Bank's Board of Directors (the "Board") is responsible for reviewing the Bank's asset and liability policies. The Board's Asset/Liability Committees meets monthly to review interest rate risk and trends, as well as liquidity and capital ratios and requirements. The Bank's management is responsible for administering the policies and determinations of the Boards with respect to the Bank's asset and liability goals and strategies.

51


PART I:  Item 4:  Controls and Procedures
SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.


An evaluation of Southern Missouri Bancorp's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Act")) as of December 31, 2015, was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and several other members of our senior management. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to management (including the Chief Executive and Financial Officer) in a timely manner, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Act) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

The Company does not expect that its disclosures and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any control procedure also is based in part upon 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; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control procedure, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52

 
PART II: Other Information
SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.

Item 1:  Legal Proceedings

In the opinion of management, the Company is not a party to any pending claims or lawsuits that are expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition or operations. Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving the Company mainly as a defendant, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Company holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to the Bank's business. Aside from such pending claims and lawsuits, which are incident to the conduct of the Company's ordinary business, the Company is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings that would have a material effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company.

Item 1a:  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015.

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

 
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Program
10/1/2015 thru 10/31/2015
-
-
-
-
11/1/2015 thru 11/30/2015
-
-
-
-
12/1/2015 thru 12/31/2015
-
-
-
-
Total
-
-
-
-

Item 3:  Defaults upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

Item 4:  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5:  Other Information

None
 
 
53


 
Item 6:  Exhibits

(a) Exhibits
3 (a)                  Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant+
3 (b) Certificate of Designation for the Registrant's Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A++
3 (c)                  Bylaws of the Registrant+++
4                  Form of Stock Certificate of Southern Missouri Bancorp++++
10 Material Contracts
(a)            Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Plan+++++
(b)            Registrant's 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan++++++
(c) Southern Missouri Savings Bank, FSB Management Recognition and Development Plan+++++++
(d)            Employment Agreements
(i)          Greg A. Steffens*
(e)            Director's Retirement Agreements
(i) Sammy A. Schalk**
(ii) Ronnie D. Black**
(iii) L. Douglas Bagby**
(iv) Rebecca McLane Brooks***
(v) Charles R. Love***
(vi) Charles R. Moffitt***
(vii) Dennis Robison****
(viii) David Tooley*****
(ix) Todd E. Hensley******
(f)            Tax Sharing Agreement*******
31.1                Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2                Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32                                Section 1350 Certification
101 Attached as Exhibit 101 are the following financial statements from the Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, formatted in Extensive Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of income, (iii) consolidated statements of cash flows and (iv) the notes to consolidated financial statements.

+ Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended June 30, 1999.
++ Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2011.
+++ Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 6, 2007.
++++ Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-2320) as filed with the SEC on January 3, 1994.
+++++ Field as an attachment to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement filed on September 19, 2008.
++++++ Filed as an attachment to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement filed on September 17, 2003.
+++++++ Filed as an attachment to the Registrant's 1994 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement dated October 21, 1994.
* Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended June 30, 1999.
** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended December 31, 2000.
*** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended December 31, 2004.
**** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.
***** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011.
****** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015.
*******     Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.



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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.

SOUTHERN MISSOURI BANCORP, INC.
Registrant

Date:                  February 9, 2016                                            /s/ Greg A. Steffens                                               
Greg A. Steffens
President & Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date:                  February 9, 2016                                            /s/ Matthew T. Funke                                            
Matthew T. Funke
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 

 

55