Village Bank & Trust Financial Corp. - Annual Report: 2014 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

Commission file number 0-50765

VILLAGE BANK AND TRUST FINANCIAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Issuer’s telephone number: 804-897-3900

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ Noþ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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. Yesþ  No¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yesþ No¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.¨

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

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

Yes ¨ No þ

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recent completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $5,114,000.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 20, 2015 was 350,622.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be used in conjunction with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp.

Form 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I

In addition to historical information, the following report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp.’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date of the report. For discussion of factors that may cause our actual future results to differ materially from those anticipated, please see “ITEM 7 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” herein.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp. (“Company”) was incorporated in January 2003 and was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia as a bank holding company. The Company has three active wholly owned subsidiaries: Village Bank (the “Bank”), Southern Community Financial Capital Trust I, and Village Financial Statutory Trust II. The Bank has one active wholly owned subsidiary: Village Bank Mortgage Corporation (“the mortgage company”), a full service mortgage banking company. The Company is the holding company of and successor to the Bank. Effective April 30, 2004, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of the Bank in a statutory share exchange transaction. Unless the context suggest otherwise, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer collectively to the Company, the Bank, and the Mortgage Company.

The Bank is the primary operating business of the Company. The Bank offers a wide range of banking and related financial services, including checking, savings, certificates of deposit and other depository services, and commercial, real estate and consumer loans, primarily in the Richmond, Virginia metropolitan area. The Bank was organized in 1999 as a Virginia chartered bank to engage in a general banking business to serve the communities in and around Richmond, Virginia. Deposits with the Bank are insured to the maximum amount provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services and products and specializes in providing customized financial services to small and medium sized businesses, professionals, and associated individuals. The Bank provides its customers with personal customized service utilizing the latest technology and delivery channels.

Bank revenues are derived from interest and fees received in connection with loans, deposits, and investments. Administrative and operating expenses are the major expenses, followed by interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Revenues from the mortgage company consist primarily of gains from the sale of loans and loan origination fees and its major expenses consist of personnel, advertising, and other operating expenses. In 2014, revenue (after intercompany eliminations) generated by the Bank totaled $19.4 million and $5.5 million by the mortgage company.

Business Strategy

We are implementing strategies that we believe, overtime, will help us achieve our goal of delivering long term total shareholder returns that rank in the top quartile of a nationwide peer group.  To achieve this goal, we believe that we will need to become a top performer in return on equity, produce sustainable earnings growth, achieve best quartile earnings volatility in our industry and deliver best quartile asset quality in the worst part of the economic cycle.  Our current business strategies include the following:

We strongly believe that there is a continuing need for community based banks like Village and that a well-run community based bank can generate attractive returns for shareholders over the long term.

Market Area

The Company, the Bank, and the mortgage company are headquartered in Chesterfield County and primarily serve the Central Virginia region and the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (the “Richmond MSA”. At the end of 2013, the Richmond MSA was the nation’s 44^th largest metro area. At the end of 2014, its population was 1,251,049 representing approximately 15% of the total population in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a median age of 38.1 years.

The unemployment rate for Richmond MSA was 4.7% in December 2014 compared to 4.8% for the Commonwealth of Virginia and 5.6% for the nation. At December 31, 2013 the unemployment rate for Chesterfield County was 4.9%, 5.2% for the Commonwealth of Virginia and 7.0% for the nation.

Banking Services

We currently conduct business from eleven full-service branch banking offices, three offsite ATMs and two mortgage loan production offices in Central Virginia in the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan. We also have a mortgage loan production office in Manassas, Virginia, and we opened a new mortgage loan production office in Newport News, Virginia in January of 2014.

Deposit Services. Deposits are a major source of our funding. The Bank offers a full range of deposit services that are typically available in most banks and other financial institutions including checking accounts, savings accounts and other time deposits of various types, ranging from daily money market accounts to longer term certificates of deposit and Individual Retirement Accounts. These deposit accounts are offered at rates competitive with other institutions in our market area. We service our deposit clients in our full-service branches, at drive-up windows, at our ATMs, through our customer care team and through technology such as online banking, mobile banking applications and remote deposit capture for business clients. We have not applied for permission to establish a trust department and offer trust services. The Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System. Deposits are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to the limits provided thereunder.

Lending Services. We offer a full range of short-to-medium term commercial and personal loans. We also provide a wide range of real estate finance services. Our primary focus is on making loans in the Central Virginia market where we have branch banking offices. We originate mortgage loans for sale in our Northern Virginia and Newport News mortgage loan production offices. We will periodically offer residential construction-to-permanent financing to clients of the mortgage production offices in Northern Virginia and Newport News.

We also purchase the guaranteed portion of United State Department of Agriculture Loans (“USDA”) which are guaranteed by the USDA for 100% of the principal and interest. The originating institution holds the unguaranteed portion of the loan and services the loan.

Lending Limit. As of December 31, 2014, our legal lending limit for loans to one borrower was approximately $5,450,000. However, we generally do not extend credit to any one individual or entity in excess of $4,000,000, and any amount over that must be approved by the full board of directors.

Competition

We encounter strong competition from other local commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market mutual funds and other financial institutions. A number of these competitors are well-established. Competition for loans is keen, and pricing is important. Most of our competitors have substantially greater resources and higher lending limits than ours and offer certain services, such as extensive and established branch networks and trust services, which we do not provide at the present time. Deposit competition also is strong, and we may have to pay higher interest rates to attract deposits. Nationwide banking institutions and their branches have increased competition in our markets, and federal legislation adopted in 1999 allows non-banking companies, such as insurance and investment firms, to establish or acquire banks. We believe that the Company can capitalize on recent merger activity to attract customers from the acquired institutions.

At June 30, 2014, the latest date such information is available from the FDIC, the Bank’s deposit market share in Chesterfield County was 5.86%, 4.56% in Hanover County, 7.97% in Powhatan County, 0.57% in the Richmond MSA and 0.14% in Henrico County.

Regulation

We are subject to extensive regulation by certain federal and state agencies and receive periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities. As a consequence, our business is affected by state and federal legislation and regulations.

General. The discussion below is only a summary of the principal laws and regulations that comprise the regulatory framework applicable to us. The descriptions of these laws and regulations, as well as descriptions of laws and regulations contained elsewhere herein, do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to applicable laws and regulations. In recent years, regulatory compliance by financial institutions such as ours has placed a significant burden on us both in costs and employee time commitment.

Bank Holding Company. The Company is a bank holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) and Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions (the “BFI”). As a bank holding company, the Company is required to furnish to the Federal Reserve annual and quarterly reports of its operations and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require. The Federal Reserve, FDIC and BFI also may conduct examinations of the Company and/or the Bank.

Bank Regulation. As a Virginia-chartered bank that is not a member of the Federal Reserve, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the BFI and the FDIC. Federal and state law also specify the activities in which the Bank may engage, the investments it may make and the aggregate amount of loans that may be granted to one borrower. Various consumer and compliance laws and regulations also affect the Bank’s operations. Earnings are affected by general economic conditions, management policies and the legislative and governmental actions of various regulatory authorities, including those referred to above. The BFI and the FDIC conduct regular examinations, reviewing such matters as the overall safety and soundness of the institution, the adequacy of loan loss reserves, quality of loans and investments, management practices, compliance with laws, and other aspects of the Bank’s operations. In addition to these regular examinations, the Bank must furnish the FDIC and BFI with periodic reports containing a full and accurate statement of its affairs. Supervision, regulation and examination of banks by these agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors rather than shareholders.

Agreements with Regulators. In February 2012, the Bank entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order with the FDIC and the BFI (the “Supervisory Authorities”), and the Supervisory Authorities issued the related Consent Order effective February 3, 2012. In June 2012, the Company entered into a written agreement (“Written Agreement”) with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“Reserve Bank”). A complete description of the terms and conditions of these Agreements is provided in Note 12. Commitments and contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following description summarizes some of the laws and regulations to which we are subject.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law, incorporating numerous financial institution regulatory reforms. Certain of these reforms are yet to be implemented through regulations to be adopted by various federal banking and securities regulatory agencies. The following discussion describes the material elements of the regulatory framework that currently apply. The Dodd-Frank Act implements far-reaching reforms of major elements of the financial landscape, particularly for larger financial institutions. Many of its provisions do not directly impact community-based institutions like the Bank. For instance, provisions that regulate derivative transactions and limit derivatives trading activity of federally-insured institutions, enhance supervision of “systemically significant” institutions, impose new regulatory authority over hedge funds, limit proprietary trading by banks, and phase-out the eligibility of trust preferred securities for Tier 1 capital are among the provisions that do not directly impact the Bank either because of exemptions for institutions below a certain asset size or because of the nature of  the Bank’s operations. Provisions that do impact the Bank include the following:

Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, and their impact on the Company or the financial industry is difficult to predict before such regulations are adopted. Provisions in the legislation that affect deposit insurance assessments, payment of interest on demand deposits and interchange fees could increase the costs associated with deposits as well as place limitations on certain revenues those deposits may generate.

Insurance of Accounts, Assessments and Regulation by the FDIC. Our deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the limits set forth under applicable law, currently $250,000. We are subject to the deposit insurance assessments of the DIF. The amount of the assessment is a function of the institution’s risk category, of which there are four, and its assessment base. An institution’s risk category is determined according to its supervisory ratings and capital levels and is used to determine the institution’s assessment rate. The assessment base is an institution’s average consolidated total assets less its average tangible equity.

The FDIC is authorized to prohibit any DIF-insured institution from engaging in any activity that the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious threat to the respective insurance fund. Also, the FDIC may initiate enforcement actions against banks, after first giving the institution’s primary regulatory authority an opportunity to take such action. The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any depository institution if it determines, after a hearing, that the institution has engaged or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, order or any condition imposed in writing by the FDIC. It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance if the institution has no tangible capital. If deposit insurance is terminated, the deposits at the institution at the time of termination, less subsequent withdrawals, shall continue to be insured for a period from six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC. We are aware of no existing circumstances that could result in termination of our deposit insurance.

Payment of Dividends. The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and its other subsidiaries. Virtually all of the Company’s cash revenues will result from dividends paid to it by the Bank, which is subject to laws and regulations that limit the amount of dividends that it can pay. Under Virginia law, a bank may not declare a dividend in excess of its accumulated retained earnings without BFI approval. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank did not have any accumulated retained earnings. In addition, the Bank may not declare or pay any dividend if, after making the dividend, the Bank would be "undercapitalized," as defined in FDIC regulations.

The FDIC and the state have the general authority to limit the dividends paid by insured banks if the payment is deemed an unsafe and unsound practice. Both the state and the FDIC have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a bank's capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsound and unsafe banking practice.

In addition, the Company is subject to certain regulatory requirements to maintain capital at or above regulatory minimums. These regulatory requirements regarding capital affect our dividend policies. Regulators have indicated that holding companies should generally pay dividends only if the organization's net income available to common shareholders over the past year has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends, and the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with the organization's capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Federal Reserve has issued guidelines that bank holding companies should inform and consult with the Federal Reserve in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period (e.g., quarter) for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse change to the organization’s capital structure.

The Company is currently subject to a Written Agreement with the Reserve Bank pursuant to which the Company must obtain the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank to declare or pay any dividends on its common stock or preferred stock, take dividends or any other form of payment representing a reduction in capital from the Bank or make any payments on its trust preferred securities.

The Bank is currently subject to a Consent Order with the FDIC and the BFI which also requires the Bank to obtain prior written regulatory approval to declare or pay any dividends, pay bonuses or make any other form of payment outside the ordinary course of business resulting in a reduction of capital.

Capital Adequacy.

2014 Capital Requirements

Both the Company and the Bank are required to comply with the capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve, in the case of the Company, and the FDIC, in the case of the Bank. The Federal Reserve has established a risk-based and a leverage measure of capital adequacy for bank holding companies. The Bank is also subject to risk-based and leverage capital requirements adopted by the FDIC, which are substantially similar to those adopted by the Federal Reserve for bank holding companies. Under the risk-based capital requirements that were effective through December 31, 2014, the Company and the Bank were each generally required to maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets (including specific off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of credit) of 8%. At least half of the total capital must have been composed of “Tier 1” capital, which is defined as common equity, retained earnings, qualifying perpetual preferred stock and minority interests in common equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less certain intangibles. The remainder could consist of “Tier 2” capital, which is defined as specific subordinated debt, some hybrid capital instruments and other qualifying preferred stock and a limited amount of the loan loss allowance and pretax net unrealized holding gains on certain equity securities. In addition, each of the federal banking regulatory agencies established minimum leverage capital requirements for banking organizations. Under these requirements, banking organizations were required to maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average quarterly assets equal to 3% to 5%, subject to federal bank regulatory evaluation of an organization’s overall safety and soundness. In summary, the capital measures used by the federal banking regulators through December 31, 2014 were:

Under these regulations, a bank was:

In addition, the FDIC could require banks to maintain capital at levels higher than those required by general regulatory requirements.

New Capital Requirements under Basel III

In June 2012, the federal bank regulatory agencies jointly issued proposed rules to revise the risk-based and leverage capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to be consistent with the agreements reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in “Basel III: A Global Regulatory Framework for More Resilient Banks and Banking Systems” (“Basel III”) and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The proposed rules applied to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more, and top-tier savings and loan holding companies (“banking organizations”). On July 2, 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies approved certain revisions to the proposed rules and finalized new capital requirements for banking organizations.

 Among other things, the final rules establish a revised definition of regulatory capital, a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (“CET1”), a higher minimum Tier 1 capital requirement, and a supplementary leverage ratio that incorporates a broader set of exposures in the denominator.  The final rules also establish limits on a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a specified amount of CET1 capital in addition to the necessary amount to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.

Effective January 1, 2015, the final rules require the Company and the Bank to comply with the following new minimum capital ratios: (i) a new ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of 4.5%; (ii) a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0% (increased from the prior requirement of 4.0%); (iii) a ratio of total (that is, Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0% (unchanged from the prior requirement); and (iv) a leverage ratio of 4.0% (unchanged from the prior requirement), calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to balance sheet exposures plus certain off-balance sheet exposures (computed as the average for each quarter of the month-end ratios for the quarter). These are the initial capital requirements, which will be phased in over a four-year period that began on January 1, 2015. When fully phased in, Basel III will require the Company and the Bank to maintain (i) a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a 2.5% "capital conservation buffer" (which is added to the 4.5% CET1 ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7% upon full implementation), (ii) a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 6.0% Tier 1 capital ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% upon full implementation), (iii) a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 8.0% total capital ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum total capital ratio of 10.5% upon full implementation) and (iv) a minimum leverage ratio of 4%.

Basel III will also provide for a "countercyclical capital buffer," generally designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress and to be imposed when national regulators determine that excess aggregate credit growth becomes associated with a buildup of systemic risk. The buffer would be a CET1 add-on to the capital conservation buffer in the range of 0% to 2.5% when fully implemented (potentially resulting in total buffers of between 2.5% and 5%).

The Basel III capital framework is also expected to provide for a number of new deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets dependent upon future taxable income and significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1. Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to CET1 are to be phased-in over a three-year period which will begin on January 1, 2016.

Additionally, the bank regulatory agencies’ final rules revised the “prompt corrective action” regulations pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (the “FDIC Act”) by (i) introducing a CET1 capital ratio requirement at each level (other than critically undercapitalized), with the required ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category, with the minimum ratio for well-capitalized status being 8.0% (as compared to the prior ratio of 6.0%); and (iii) eliminating the provision that provides that a bank with a composite supervisory rating of 1 may have a 3.0% Tier 1 leverage ratio and still be well-capitalized. These new thresholds were effective for the Bank as of January 1, 2015. The minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio (10.0%) and minimum leverage ratio (5.0%) for well-capitalized status were unchanged by the final rules. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank would have met the new minimum ratios to be classified as a well capitalized financial institution. However, as a result of the Order, the Bank currently is classified as adequately capitalized.

Federal banking regulators are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to banks in the three “undercapitalized” categories. The severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the institution is placed. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, the banking regulator must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized. The federal banking agencies have specified by regulation the relevant capital level for each category. An institution that is categorized as undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized is required to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan to its appropriate federal banking agency. A bank holding company must guarantee that a subsidiary depository institution meets its capital restoration plan, subject to various limitations. The controlling holding company’s obligation to fund a capital restoration plan is limited to the lesser of 5% of an undercapitalized subsidiary’s assets or the amount required to meet regulatory capital requirements. An undercapitalized institution is also generally prohibited from increasing its average total assets, making acquisitions, establishing any branches or engaging in any new line of business, except under an accepted capital restoration plan or with FDIC approval. The regulations also establish procedures for downgrading an institution and a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital.

In February 2012, the Bank entered into the Consent Order with the Supervisory Authorities which provided that, within 90 days from the date of the order and during the life of the order, the Bank must have a leverage ratio equal to or greater than 8% of its total assets, and total risk-based capital equal to or greater than 11% of the Bank’s total risk-weighted assets. At December 31, 2014, the Bank’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.82%, its total risk-based capital ratio was 12.08% and its leverage ratio was 7.18%, compared to 9.64%, 10.90% and 6.92% at December 31, 2013, respectively.  The Bank has submitted a Capital Plan to the Supervisory Authorities as required by the Consent Order. More information concerning our regulatory ratios at December 31, 2014 is included in Note 13 to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates. Both the Company and the Bank are subject to the provisions of Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act. Section 23A places limits on the amount of:

The total amount of the above transactions is limited in amount, as to any one affiliate, to 10% of a bank’s capital and surplus and, as to all affiliates combined, to 20% of a bank’s capital and surplus. In addition to the limitation on the amount of these transactions, each of the above transactions must also meet specified collateral requirements. The Bank must also comply with other provisions designed to avoid acquiring low-quality assets from its affiliates.

The Company and the Bank are also subject to the provisions of Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act which, among other things, prohibits an institution from engaging in the above transactions with affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.

On September 30, 2010, the Company sold its headquarters building at the Watkins Centre to the Bank. This transaction allowed us to repay the outstanding mortgage loan on the building resulting in a reduction of our interest expense and improvement in earnings on a consolidated basis. The Federal Reserve Bank has determined that the sale of the headquarters building from the Company to the Bank was not permitted under Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act as the amount of the transaction exceeded 10% of the Bank’s capital stock and surplus. As a result, the Federal Reserve Bank has directed the Company to take corrective action. The Company has taken and continues to take active steps to correct this violation including offering the building for sale. However, the Company has not been successful in these efforts and continues to update the Federal Reserve Bank on such efforts.

The Bank is also subject to restrictions on extensions of credit to its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and their related interests. These extensions of credit (1) must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties, and (2) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

The Dodd-Frank Act also provides that an insured depository institution may not purchase an asset from, or sell an asset to a bank insider (or their related interests) unless (1) the transaction is conducted on market terms between the parties, and (2) if the proposed transaction represents more than 10% of the capital stock and surplus of the insured institution, it has been approved in advance by a majority of the institution’s non-interested directors.

Support of Subsidiary Institutions. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, and previously under Federal Reserve policy, we are required to act as a source of financial strength for our bank subsidiary, Village Bank, and to commit resources to support the Bank. This support can be required at times when it would not be in the best interest of our shareholders or creditors to provide it. In the unlikely event of our bankruptcy, any commitment by us to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of the Bank would be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment. On December 31, 2012, the Company made a capital contribution of $1,500,000 to the Bank to improve its capital ratios. In addition, on December 4, 2013, the Company raised $1,684,075 through the sale of 67,907 shares of its common stock to its board of directors and executive management team at a price of $24.80 per share in a private placement. The total amount raised was contributed to the Bank as additional capital.

In February 2015, the Company distributed to holders of the Company’s common stock non-transferable subscription rights to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,051,866 shares of the Company’s common stock. Each shareholder received one subscription right for each share of common stock owned as of January 20, 2015. Each subscription right entitles the shareholder to purchase three shares of common stock at the subscription price of $13.87 per share. The Company also entered into a Standby Purchase Agreement with a standby investor to purchase, subject to certain limits, any shares of common stock leftover after shareholders exercise their subscription rights. If the offering is successful, the Company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds to infuse the Bank with additional capital to help achieve and maintain the capital ratios required by the Bank’s Consent Order.

Incentive Compensation Policies and Restrictions. In July 2010, the federal banking agencies issued guidance which applies to all banking organizations supervised by the agencies (thereby including both the Company and the Bank). Pursuant to the guidance, to be consistent with safety and soundness principles, a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should: (1) provide employees with incentives that appropriately balance risk and reward; (2) be compatible with effective controls and risk management; and (3) be supported by strong corporate governance including active and effective oversight by the banking organization’s board of directors. Monitoring methods and processes used by a banking organization should be commensurate with the size and complexity of the organization and its use of incentive compensation. At December 31, 2014, we had not been made aware of any instances of non-compliance with this guidance.

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. In response to unprecedented market turmoil during the third quarter of 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) was enacted on October 3, 2008. EESA authorized the U.S. Treasury to provide up to $700 billion to support the financial services industry. Pursuant to the EESA, the U.S. Treasury was initially authorized to use $350 billion for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”), of which the U.S. Treasury allocated $250 billion to the TARP Capital Purchase Program (the “TARP Program”).

On May 1, 2009, the Company issued preferred stock and a warrant to purchase its common stock to the U.S. Treasury pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program. The amount of capital raised in that transaction was $14.7 million. Pursuant to the terms of the preferred stock, dividends may not be paid on common stock unless dividends have been paid on the preferred stock. The preferred stock does not have voting rights other than the right to vote as a class on the issuance of any preferred stock ranking senior, any change in its terms or any merger, exchange or similar transaction that would adversely affect its rights. Holders of the preferred stock also have the right to elect two directors if dividends have not been paid for six periods.

The Company has deferred fifteen (15) dividend payments as of December 31, 2014, but holders of the preferred stock have never nominated directors to the board.

In November 2013, the Company’s preferred stock was sold by the U.S. Treasury as part of its efforts to manage and recover its investments under the TARP Program. While the sale of the preferred stock to new owners did not result in any proceeds to the Company (nor did it change the Company’s capital position or accounting for these securities including accrual of dividends), it did eliminate certain restrictions put in place by the U.S. Treasury on TARP recipients.

USA Patriot Act. The USA Patriot Act became effective on October 26, 2001 and provides for the facilitation of information sharing among governmental entities and financial institutions for the purpose of combating terrorism and money laundering. Among other provisions, the USA Patriot Act permits financial institutions, upon providing notice to the United States Treasury, to share information with one another in order to better identify and report to the federal government activities that may involve money laundering or terrorists’ activities. The USA Patriot Act is considered a significant banking law in terms of information disclosure regarding certain customer transactions. Certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act impose the obligation to establish anti-money laundering programs, including the development of a customer identification program, and the screening of all customers against any government lists of known or suspected terrorists. Although it does create a reporting obligation and compliance costs, the USA Patriot Act has not materially affected the Bank’s products, services or other business activities.

Reporting Terrorist Activities. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which is a division of the Department of the Treasury, is responsible for helping to insure that United States entities do not engage in transactions with “enemies” of the United States, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC has sent, and will send, our banking regulatory agencies lists of names of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts. If the Bank finds a name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list, it must freeze such account, file a suspicious activity report and notify the FBI. The Bank has appointed an OFAC compliance officer to oversee the inspection of its accounts and the filing of any notifications. The Bank actively checks high-risk OFAC areas such as new accounts, wire transfers and customer files. The Bank performs these checks utilizing software, which is updated each time a modification is made to the lists provided by OFAC and other agencies of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

Other Safety and Soundness Regulations. There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on depository institutions by federal law and regulatory policy that are designed to reduce potential loss exposure to the depositors of such depository institutions and to the FDIC insurance funds in the event the depository institution becomes in danger of default or is in default. The Federal banking agencies also have broad powers under current Federal law to take prompt corrective action to resolve problems of insured depository institutions. The extent of these powers depends upon whether the institution in question is well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, as defined by the law. Federal regulatory authorities also have broad enforcement powers over us, including the power to impose fines and other civil and criminal penalties, and to appoint a receiver in order to conserve the assets of any such institution for the benefit of depositors and other creditors. At December 31, 2014, Village Bank met the ratio requirements to be classified as a well capitalized financial institution. However, as a result of the Order, Village Bank currently is classified as adequately capitalized.

Loans-to-One Borrower. Under applicable laws and regulations the amount of loans and extensions of credit which may be extended by a bank to any one borrower, including related entities, generally may not exceed 15% of the sum of the capital, surplus, and loan loss reserve of the institution.

Community Reinvestment. The requirements of the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) are applicable to the Company. The CRA imposes on financial institutions an affirmative and ongoing obligation to meet the credit needs of their local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those institutions. A financial institution’s efforts in meeting community credit needs currently are evaluated as part of the examination process pursuant to 12 assessment factors. These factors also are considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility.

Volcker Rule. On December 10, 2013, five U.S. financial regulators, including the FDIC, adopted final rules implementing the Volcker Rule. The final rules prohibit banking entities from (1) engaging in short-term proprietary trading for their own accounts, and (2) having certain ownership interests in and relationships with hedge funds or private equity funds. The Volcker Rule is intended to provide greater clarity with respect to both the extent of those primary prohibitions and of the related exemptions and exclusions. The final rules were effective April 1, 2014, but the conformance period has been extended from its statutory end date of July 21, 2014 until July 21, 2016. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of the Volcker Rule, but do not anticipate that it will have a material effect on our operations.

Employees

As of December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiaries had a total of 174 full-time employees and 11 part-time employees. None of the Company’s employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be good.

Code of Ethics

The Company has a Code of Ethics for directors, officers and all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, and a Code of Ethics applicable to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other principal financial officers. The Code addresses such topics as protection and proper use of Company assets, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, accuracy and preservation of records, accounting and financial reporting and conflicts of interest. A copy of the Code will be provided, without charge, to any shareholder upon written request to the Secretary of the Company, whose address is P.O. Box 330, 13319 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, Virginia 23113.

Additional Information

The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any reports, statements and other information we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operations of the Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings are also available on the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).

The Company’s common stock trades under the symbol “VBFC” on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

The Company’s Internet address is www.villagebank.com. At that address, we make available, free of charge, the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (see “Investor Relations” section of website), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

In addition, we will provide, at no cost, paper or electronic copies of our reports and other filings made with the SEC (except for exhibits). Requests should be directed to C. Harril Whitehurst, Jr., Chief Financial Officer, Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp., PO Box 330, Midlothian, VA 23113.

The information on the websites listed above is not and should not be considered to be part of this annual report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference in this document.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Not applicable

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

Our executive and administrative offices are owned by the Bank and are located at 13319 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, Virginia 23113 in Chesterfield County. In November 2014 we relocated our executive and administrative offices from an 80,000 square foot building located at 15521 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, Virginia (the Watkins Centre headquarters building) which the Company currently has classified as held-for-sale. The current location also houses the principal office of the mortgage company.

In addition to its executive offices, the Bank owns seven full service branch buildings including the land on those buildings and leases an additional four full service branch buildings. Five of our branch offices are located in Chesterfield County, with three branch offices in Hanover County, two in Henrico County and one in Powhatan County.

Our properties are maintained in good operating condition and are suitable and adequate for our operational needs.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the course of its operations, the Company may become a party to legal proceedings. There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which the property of the Company is subject.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

Part Ii

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

On August 8, 2014, we completed a reverse split of our common stock. All financial information and per share amounts are presented as if the reverse split was effective at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

Market Information

Shares of the Company’s common stock trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VBFC”. The high and low prices of shares (adjusted for reverse stock split) of the Company’s common stock for the periods indicated were as follows:

On August 8, 2014, we received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC informing us that we were no longer in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(4), which requires that we have at least 500,000 publicly held shares of common stock. The phrase “publicly held shares” is defined by Nasdaq to mean the total number of shares outstanding less any shares held by officers, directors or beneficial owners of 10% or more. According to the letter from Nasdaq, we had 227,276 publicly held shares as of August 8, 2014. On September 22, 2014, we submitted to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance with such rule. The plan was accepted by Nasdaq and we were given a deadline of February 4, 2015 to implement our plan and regain compliance. On February 5, 2015, we received a determination letter from Nasdaq indicating that because we did not regain compliance by the February 4, 2015 deadline, our common stock would be delisted effective February 17, 2015 unless we appealed the determination to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel. We have appealed the determination and plan to request that we be provided additional time to regain compliance. Our common stock will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market until the Hearings Panel issues a determination otherwise. No assurance can be given as to the decision that the Hearings Panel may make.

Dividends

The Company has not paid any dividends on its common stock. We intend to retain all of our earnings to finance the Company’s operations and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Any decision made by the board of directors to declare dividends in the future will depend on the Company’s future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the board. Banking regulations limit the amount of cash dividends that may be paid without prior approval of the Bank’s regulatory agencies. Such dividends are limited to the Bank’s accumulated retained earnings. The Federal Reserve has issued guidelines that bank holding companies should inform and consult with the Federal Reserve in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period (e.g. quarter) for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse charge to the organization’s capital structure.

We also are subject to a Written Agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond that we will not pay dividends on our capital stock, including our Series A preferred stock, trust preferred securities or common stock without the prior consent of the Federal Reserve. Supervisory guidance from the Federal Reserve indicates that Capital Purchase Program recipients that are experiencing financial difficulties generally should eliminate, reduce or defer dividends on Tier 1 capital instruments, including trust preferred, preferred stock or common stock, if the holding company needs to conserve capital for safe and sound operation and to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiaries.

In addition, we are subject to a Consent Order with the FDIC and the BFI that the Bank will not pay any dividends, pay bonuses or make any other form of payment outside the ordinary course of business resulting in a reduction of capital without regulatory approval.

In the third quarter of 2014 we determined that amounts previously accrued as interest expense representing compounding on unpaid preferred stock dividends should have been recorded as additional dividends. This had no effect on our capital (as interest expense and dividends increase retained deficit) but did result in higher interest expense. Because the amount involved was not significant, we adjusted interest expense by $144,000 in the third quarter of 2014, which represented the amount of interest expense that should have been recorded as dividends through June 30, 2014. This had the effect of increasing our third quarter income by $144,000, however did not have any effect on the income to common shareholders.

The Company has deferred interest payments on the junior subordinated debt securities of $1,061,000 as of December 31, 2014. Although we elected to defer payment of the interest due, the amount has been accrued and is included in interest expense. In addition, the Company has deferred dividend payments on the preferred stock, including interest that accrues on the unpaid balance. The total arrearage on our preferred stock as of December 31, 2014 is $3,618,000 and has been accrued and reflected as a reduction of retained earnings.

Holders

At February 16, 2015 there were approximately 1,723 active holders of common stock; including registered holders and beneficial holders of shares through banks, brokers and other nominees.

For information concerning the Company’s Equity Compensation Plans, see “Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters”.

Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company did not repurchase any of its Common Stock during the fourth quarter of 2014.

ITEM 6.  Selected Financial data

Not applicable

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of financial condition and results of operations

The following discussion is intended to assist readers in understanding and evaluating the financial condition, changes in financial condition and the results of operations of the Company, consisting of the parent company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other financial information contained elsewhere in this report.

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this report may contain forward-looking statements. For this purpose, any statement, that is not a statement of historical fact may be deemed to be a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding profitability, liquidity, allowance for loan losses, interest rate sensitivity, market risk, growth strategy and financial and other goals. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “intends” or other words of similar meaning. You can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from historical results or those anticipated by such statements.

There are many factors that could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects of the Company including, but not limited to:

These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained herein, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made.  In addition, past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of future results.

General

The Company’s primary source of earnings is net interest income, and its principal market risk exposure is interest rate risk. The Company is not able to predict market interest rate fluctuations and its asset/liability management strategy may not prevent interest rate changes from having a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. Because the Company has intentionally decreased assets over the last three years as it has been resolving problem assets and attempting to improve capital ratios, net interest income has declined from $17,702,000 in 2012 to $15,189,000 in 2013 and to $13,018,000 in 2014.

Although we endeavor to minimize the credit risk inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio, we must necessarily make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio based on our experience and evaluation of economic conditions. If such assumptions or judgments prove to be incorrect, the current allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover loan losses and additions to the allowance may be necessary, which would have a negative impact on net income. In 2014, the provision for loan losses continued to decline as we resolved nonperforming loans and real estate values have recovered somewhat.

Results of Operations

The following presents management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and results of operations for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited Financial Statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.

The following table sets forth selected financial ratios:

(1) Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income for the period by average interest earning assets.

(2) Efficiency ratio is computed by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income.

Income Statement Analysis

Summary

We recorded a net loss of $1,037,000 and a net loss available to common shareholders of $2,473,000, or $(7.39) per fully diluted share, in 2014, compared to a net loss of $4,007,000 and a net loss available to common shareholders of $4,893,000, or $(18.06) per fully diluted share, in 2013, and a net loss of $10,399,000 and a net loss available to common shareholders of $11,278,000, or $(42.40) per fully diluted share, in 2012. The most significant factor affecting earnings in 2013 and 2012 were costs associated with loan defaults – the provision for loan losses and expenses related to foreclosed real estate. The impact these costs had on our operations in 2013 and 2012 is illustrated in the following table which adjusts pretax earnings for gains and losses on sales of assets other than loan sales by the mortgage company as well as the effect of problem assets (“pretax income as adjusted”). Such adjusted earnings is not a measurement under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and is not intended to be a substitute for our income statement prepared in accordance with GAAP.

In 2014, pretax income as adjusted amounted to $517,000, a decline of $3,514,000 from pretax adjusted income of $4,031,000 for 2013. This decline is not attributable to costs associated with loan defaults as in the prior two years; those costs declined by $6,911,000 in 2014 compared to 2013. The decline in pretax income as adjusted in 2014 was primarily attributable to a decline in noninterest income resulting from lower gains on sales from decreased loan production by our mortgage banking subsidiary of $3,295,000, and a decline in net interest income of $2,171,000 which resulted from a decline in average loans outstanding of $41,214,000.

The decline of $2,411,000 in pretax income as adjusted in 2013 was primarily attributable to a decline in net interest income of $2,513,000 which resulted from a decline in average loans outstanding of $79,038,000.

Net interest income

Net interest income, which represents the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, is the Company’s primary source of earnings. Net interest income can be affected by changes in market interest rates as well as the level and composition of assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity. Net interest spread is the difference between the average rate earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The net yield on interest-earning assets (“net interest margin”) is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average interest-earning assets. Generally, the net interest margin will exceed the net interest spread because a portion of interest-earning assets are funded by various noninterest-bearing sources, principally noninterest-bearing deposits and shareholders’ equity.

Net interest income decreased to $13,018,000 in 2014, from $15,189,000 in 2013 and $17,702,000 in 2012. The decline in net interest income of $2,171,000 in 2014 was a result of declines in interest income and interest expense. Interest income declined by $3,036,000 in 2014 primarily as a result of a decline in average interest earning assets of $39,123,000 combined with a decline in the yield on those assets of 0.31% (31 basis points). The primary driver of the declines in average interest earning assets and their associated yields were continued reductions in problem loans and a competitive lending environment for new loans which resulted in a decrease in average portfolio loans of $41,214,000 and their yields by 0.12% (12 basis points). Interest expense declined by $865,000 in 2014 primarily as a result of a decline in average interest bearing liabilities of $39,856,000, with average interest bearing deposits declining by $31,579,000 and average Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) advances declining by $7,960,000.

The decline in net interest income of $2,513,000 in 2013 was also a result of a decline in interest income and offset by a small decline in interest expense. Interest income declined by $4,085,000 in 2013 primarily as a result of a decline in average interest-earning assets of $52,954,000. The decrease in average interest earning assets was due primarily to decreases in average portfolio loans of $79,038,000, offset by increases in average investment securities of $16,419,000 and average federal funds sold of $12,172,000. Yields on average interest-earning assets also declined from 5.06% in 2012 to 4.72% in 2013. Interest expense declined by $1,572,000 in 2013, primarily as a result of a decline in average interest-bearing liabilities of $44,673,000. The decline in average interest-bearing liabilities was a result of declines in average deposits of $1,266,000 and average FHLB advances of $8,110,000.

Additionally, nonaccrual loans have had a negative impact on asset yields as a result of lost interest on those loans. This effect on net interest income the last three years is reflected in the following schedule (dollars in thousands):

Our interest spread (average yield on interest-earning assets less average rate on interest-bearing liabilities) was reduced by 0.06% (6 basis points) in 2014, by 0.27% (27 basis points) in 2013, and by 0.34% (34 basis points) in 2012 as a result of lost interest on nonaccrual loans. Nonaccrual loans averaged $12,441,000 in 2014, $22,752,000 in 2013 and $47,544,000 in 2012.

The following table illustrates average balances of total interest-earning assets and total interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated, showing the average distribution of assets, liabilities, shareholders' equity and related income, expense and corresponding weighted-average yields and rates (dollars in thousands). The average balances used in these tables and other statistical data were calculated using daily average balances. We have no tax exempt assets for the periods presented.

Interest income and interest expense are affected by changes in both average interest rates and average volumes of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table analyzes changes in net interest income attributable to changes in the volume of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities compared to changes in interest rates. Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans outstanding. The changes in interest due to both rate and volume have been allocated to changes due to volume and changes due to rate in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the changes in each (dollars in thousands).

Note: the combined effect on interest due to changes in both volume and rate, which cannot be separately identified, has been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

Provision for loan losses

The amount of the loan loss provision is determined by an evaluation of the level of loans outstanding, the level of non-performing loans, historical loan loss experience, delinquency trends, underlying collateral values, the amount of actual losses charged to the reserve in a given period and assessment of present and anticipated economic conditions.

The level of the allowance reflects changes in the size of the portfolio or in any of its components as well as management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for any credit that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including the performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications.

The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $100,000 compared to $1,173,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decline in the provision for loan losses was primarily driven by a $33,979,000 decline in net loans (excluding purchased student loans) in 2014 as well as a decline in the amount of impairment on specific nonperforming loans. The decline in the provision for loan losses to $1,173,000 in 2013 from $9,095,000 in 2012 was driven by a $68,347,000 decline in loans outstanding from $354,910,000 in 2012 to $286,563,000 in 2013, and resolution of nonperforming loans.

While we are encouraged by the continued decline in the provision for loan losses over the last three years as well as a decline in classified assets, overall asset quality continues to be a concern as there continues to be uncertainty in the economy and the level of nonperforming assets remains significant. Although we believe that the allowance for loan losses of $5,729,000 at December 31, 2014, which represents 2.00% of loans outstanding, is adequate to absorb potential losses in the Company’s loan portfolio at that date, we can give no assurance that significant provisions for loan losses will not be necessary in the future.

Noninterest income

Noninterest income includes service charges and fees on deposit accounts, fee income related to loan origination, gains and losses on sale of mortgage loans and securities held for sale, and rental income primarily on Watkins Centre. Over the last three years the most significant noninterest income item has been gain on loan sales generated by the mortgage company, representing 56% in 2014, 63% in 2013, and 64% in 2012 of total noninterest income. Noninterest income amounted to $7,889,000 in 2014, $12,255,000 in 2013, and $13,339,000 in 2012.

The decrease in noninterest income in 2014 of $4,366,000 is primarily attributable to the decrease in the gain on sale of loans of $3,295,000, decrease in gain on sale of investments of $427,000 and the decrease in the gain on sale of assets of $595,000, offset by an increase in service charges and fees on deposit accounts of $184,000. The decreased gain on sale of loans resulted from a decrease in loan production by our mortgage company, from $262 million in 2013 to $160 million in 2014. The decrease in gain on sale of assets is result of the branch sale completed in the first quarter 2013, and the decrease in gain on sale of investments resulted from the sale of investments at a loss during 2014 as we positioned our securities portfolio for rising interest rates.

The decrease in noninterest income in 2013 of $1,084,000 is primarily attributable to a decrease in gain on sale of loans of $818,000, decrease in gain on sale of investments of $794,000, and an increase in the gain on sale of assets of $598,000. The decreased gain on sale of loans resulted from a decrease in loan production by our mortgage company, from $304 million in 2012 to $262 million in 2013. The increase in gain on sale of assets is a result of the branch sale completed in the first quarter of the year.

Noninterest expense

Noninterest expense includes all expenses of the Company with the exception of interest expense on deposits and borrowings, provision for loan losses and income taxes. Some of the primary components of noninterest expense are salaries and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs and expenses related to foreclosed real estate. Over the last three years, the most significant noninterest expense item has been salaries and benefits, representing 54%, 46% and 47% of noninterest expense in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Noninterest expense increased from $28,290,000 in 2012 to $30,278,000 in 2013 while decreasing to $21,843,000 in 2014.

The decrease in noninterest expense of $8,435,000 in 2014 resulted primarily from decreases in expenses related to foreclosed real estate of $5,838,000, salaries and benefits of $2,058,000, and occupancy expense of $374,000.

The increase in noninterest expense of $1,987,000 in 2013 resulted primarily from an increase in expenses related to foreclosed real estate of $2,381,000.

Income taxes

Certain items of income and expense are reported in different periods for financial reporting and tax return purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences are recognized currently in the deferred income tax provision or benefit. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the applicable enacted marginal tax rate.

We did not recognize any income tax in 2014 and 2013 based on our valuation allowance while applicable income tax expense on the 2012 loss amounted to $4,055,000. The income tax expense in 2012 is primarily a result of the increase in the valuation allowance related to the deferred tax asset.

The net deferred tax asset is included in other assets on the balance sheet. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes, requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. Management considers both positive and negative evidence and analyzes changes in near-term market conditions as well as other factors which may impact future operating results. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. The deferred tax assets are analyzed quarterly for changes affecting realization. Management determined that as of December 31, 2013, the objective negative evidence represented by the Company’s recent losses outweighed the more subjective positive evidence and, as a result, recognized a valuation allowance for all of the net deferred tax asset that is dependent on future earnings of the Company of approximately $11,940,000. At December 31, 2014, management continues to believe that the objective negative evidence represented by the Company’s continued losses outweighed the more subjective positive evidence and, as a result, recognized an addition to the valuation allowance on its net deferred tax asset of approximately $334,000 resulting in a total valuation allowance at December 31, 2014 of $12,274,000. The net operating losses available to offset future taxable income amounted to $23,580,000 at December 31, 2014 and begin expiring in 2028; $1,257,000 of such amount is subject to a limitation by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to $908,000 per year.

Commercial banking organizations conducting business in Virginia are not subject to Virginia income taxes. Instead, they are subject to a franchise tax based on bank capital. The Bank recorded franchise tax expense of $163,000 for 2012. Due to the Company’s adjusted capital level we were not subject to franchise tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Balance Sheet Analysis

Investment securities

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of our investment securities were classified as available for sale. Investment securities classified as available for sale may be sold in the future, prior to maturity. These securities are carried at fair value. Net aggregate unrealized gains or losses on these securities are included, net of taxes, as a component of shareholders’ equity. Given the generally high credit quality of the portfolio, management expects to realize all of its investment upon market recovery or, the maturity of such instruments, and thus believes that any impairment in value is interest rate related and therefore temporary. Available for sale securities included net unrealized losses of $976,000 and $5,685,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, management does not have the intent to sell any of the securities classified as available for sale and which have unrealized losses, and believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost.

In 2014, the Company sold approximately $21 million of investment securities available for sale at a loss of $210,000. The sale of these securities, which had fixed interest rates, allowed the Company to decrease its exposure to the anticipated upward movement in interest rates that would result in unrealized losses being recognized in shareholders’ equity. Approximately $15 million of the proceeds from the sale of these securities were used to purchase rehabilitated student loans that have variable interest rates that will increase as interest rates in general increase.

The following table presents the composition of our investment portfolio at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).

Loans

A management objective is to improve the quality of the loan portfolio. The Company seeks to achieve this objective by maintaining rigorous underwriting standards coupled with regular evaluation of the creditworthiness of and the designation of lending limits for each borrower. The portfolio strategies include seeking industry, loan type and loan size diversification in order to minimize credit concentration risk. Management also focuses on originating loans in markets with which the Company is familiar. Additionally, as a significant amount of the loan losses we have experienced over the last several years is attributable to construction and land development loans, our strategy has been to reduce this type of lending.

Approximately 80% of all loans are secured by mortgages on real property located principally in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The composition of this real estate secured exposure is very different in 2014 than it was in 2010. Specifically, construction and land development accounted for 20% of loans in 2010 vs. 10% in 2014. Sources of repayment are from the borrower’s operating profits, cash flows and liquidation of pledged collateral. Approximately 12% of the loan portfolio consists of rehabilitated student loans purchased by the Bank in 2014 (see discussion following). Commercial and industrial loans plus owner-occupied commercial real estate loans represented $81 million or 28% of the portfolio at December 31, 2014. Loans in this category are typically made to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses and range between $250,000 and $2.5 million. Based on underwriting standards, these loans may be secured in whole or in part by collateral such as liquid assets, accounts receivable, equipment, inventory, and real property. The collateral securing any loan may depend on the type of loan and may vary in value based on market conditions. The remainder of our loan portfolio is in consumer loans which represent less than 1% of the total.

The Bank purchased two portfolios of rehabilitated student loans guaranteed by the Department of Education (“DOE”) totaling approximately $19 million on July 29, 2014 and approximately $14 million on December 30, 2014. The guarantee covers approximately 98% of principal and accrued interest. The loans are serviced by a third-party servicer that specializes in handling the special needs of the DOE student loan programs. The Bank used excess liquidity to purchase the loans.

The following tables present the composition of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated and maturities of selected loans at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).