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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPexh_322.htm
EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPexh_321.htm
EX-31 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPexh_311.htm
EX-31 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPexh_312.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

 
[X]
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011

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 0-23971

Citizens South Banking Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
54-2069979
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
   
519 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
 
(704) 868-5200
(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 website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports).  Yes [ ]    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 definitions of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

Large accelerated filer [ ]                                                             Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer   [ ]                                                             Smaller Reporting Company [x]

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

As of August 15, 2011, there were 11,506,324 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value.
 
 
 

 
Citizens South Banking Corporation
Index

 
Page
Part I.  Financial Information
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
Part II.  Other Information
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
Certifications
 

 
 
 

 
Part I.   Financial Information
Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010*
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
(unaudited)
   
 
 
             
ASSETS
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
      Cash and noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 10,868     $ 15,110  
      Interest-earning deposits
    78,469       105,789  
         Cash and cash equivalents
    89,337       120,899  
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $76,080 and $74,335 at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively) $76,080 and $74,335 at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
    76,930       74,308  
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $81,003 and $37,638 at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
    79,398       37,278  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    5,635       5,715  
Presold loans in process of settlement
    2,109       4,034  
Loans:
               
      Covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
    177,047       147,576  
      Not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
    573,603       588,934  
      Allowance for loan losses
    (12,742 )     (11,924 )
         Loans, net
    737,908       724,586  
Other real estate owned
    24,803       14,652  
Premises and equipment, net
    25,233       23,785  
FDIC loss share receivable
    43,424       24,848  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,076       3,001  
Bank-owned life insurance
    18,654       18,230  
Intangible assets
    1,636       1,690  
Other assets
    9,850       11,461  
          Total assets
  $ 1,117,993     $ 1,064,487  
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Deposits
  $ 904,578     $ 850,456  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    11,890       9,432  
Borrowed money
    96,121       101,246  
Other liabilities
    10,633       9,910  
       Total liabilities
    1,023,222       971,044  
 
               
Shareholders' Equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 1,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 20,500 shares
    20,713       20,672  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 20,000,000 shares; Issued: 11,561,464 shares; Outstanding: 11,506,324 shares at June 30, 2011, and 11,508,750 shares at December 31, 2010
    124       124  
Additional paid-in-capital
    63,125       63,000  
Retained earnings, substantially restricted
    10,287       9,663  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    522       (16 )
       Total shareholders' equity
    94,771       93,443  
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 1,117,993     $ 1,064,487  
 
* Derived from audited consolidated financial statements
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
1

 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                   
                         
Interest Income:
                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 10,329     $ 11,231     $ 19,790     $ 19,485  
Investment securities:
                               
Taxable interest income
    983       676       1,776       1,294  
Tax-exempt interest income
    69       188       137       378  
Other interest income
    38       99       103       149  
Total interest income
    11,419       12,194       21,806       21,306  
Interest Expense:
                               
Deposits
    1,981       2,904       3,982       5,169  
Repurchase agreements
    19       29       37       57  
Borrowed money
    826       1,150       1,661       2,251  
Total interest expense
    2,826       4,083       5,680       7,477  
                                 
Net interest income
    8,593       8,111       16,126       13,829  
Provision for loan losses
    1,700       3,000       4,700       6,050  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    6,893       5,111       11,426       7,779  
Noninterest Income:
                               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    1,046       971       2,004       1,761  
Mortgage banking income
    254       357       491       567  
Commissions on sales of financial products
    69       188       136       306  
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    214       243       397       432  
Gain from acquisition
    4,418       605       4,163       19,338  
Gain on sale of investments, available for sale
    1       10       1       44  
Loss on sale of other assets
    (338 )     (203 )     (326 )     (266 )
Other income
    222       244       500       418  
Total noninterest income
    5,886       2,415       7,366       22,600  
Noninterest Expense:
                               
Compensation and benefits
    3,806       3,649       7,454       6,295  
Occupancy and equipment
    873       1,039       1,701       1,722  
Loan collection and other expenses
    204       162       494       291  
Advertising and business development
    71       95       125       150  
Professional services
    249       231       502       467  
Data processing and other technology
    282       239       522       331  
Deposit insurance
    361       354       695       614  
Amortization of intangible assets
    136       154       275       218  
Other real estate owned valuation adjustments
    1,476       209       1,984       694  
Other real estate owned expenses
    596       202       597       352  
Acquisition and integration expenses
    566       94       611       882  
Other expenses
    650       851       1,985       1,619  
Total noninterest expense
    9,270       7,279       16,945       13,635  
                                 
Income before income tax expense (benefit)
    3,509       247       1,847       16,744  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,213       (108 )     442       6,093  
Net income
    2,296       355       1,405       10,651  
Dividends on preferred stock
    256       257       512       513  
                                 
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 2,040     $ 98     $ 893     $ 10,138  
                                 
Earnings per common share - basic
  $ 0.18     $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 1.20  
Earnings per common share - diluted
    0.18       0.01       0.08       1.20  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
 
                     
Retained
   
Accumulated
       
               
Additional
   
Earnings,
   
Other
   
Total
 
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Substantially
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholders'
 
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Restricted
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
                                   
                                     
 Balances, December 31, 2009
  $ 20,589     $ 91     $ 48,528     $ 3,411     $ (297 )   $ 72,322  
                                                 
 Comprehensive results:
                                               
      Net income
    -       -       -       10,651       -       10,651  
     Other comprehensive results, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       323       323  
 Issuance of 1,490,400 shares of common stock
    -       15       5,745       -       -       5,760  
 Issuance of 8,280 shares of preferred stock
    8,280       -       -       -       -       8,280  
 Conversion of of 8,280 shares of preferred stock to 1,839,999 shares of common stock
    (8,280 )     18       8,262       -       -       -  
 Accretion of discount on preferred stock
    41       -       -       (41 )     -       -  
 Allocation from shares purchased with loan to ESOP
    -       -       92       -       -       92  
 Vesting of Recognition and Retention Plan ("RRP")
    -       -       181       -       -       181  
 Stock-based compensation
    -       -       49       -       -       49  
 Cash dividends on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (513 )     -       (513 )
 Cash dividends on common stock ($0.08)
    -       -       -       (734 )     -       (734 )
                                              -  
 Balances, June 30, 2010
  $ 20,630     $ 124     $ 62,857     $ 12,774     $ 26     $ 96,411  
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
 Balances, December 31, 2010
  $ 20,672     $ 124     $ 63,000     $ 9,663     $ (16 )   $ 93,443  
                                                 
 Comprehensive results:
                                               
      Net income
    -       -       -       1,405       -       1,405  
     Other comprehensive results, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       538       538  
 Accretion of discount on preferred stock
    41       -       -       (41 )     -       -  
 Allocation from shares purchased with loan to ESOP
    -       -       22       -       -       22  
 Vesting of RRP
    -       -       50       -       -       50  
 Stock-based compensation
    -       -       53       -       -       53  
 Cash dividends on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (512 )     -       (512 )
 Cash dividends on common stock ($0.02)
    -       -       -       (228 )     -       (228 )
                                              -  
 Balances, June 30, 2011
  $ 20,713     $ 124     $ 63,125     $ 10,287     $ 522     $ 94,771  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
           
             
 Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 1,405     $ 10,651  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
 Provision for loan losses
    4,700       6,050  
 Depreciation of premises and equipment
    645       520  
 Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    (304 )     2,359  
 Gain on acquisition
    (4,163 )     (19,338 )
 Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale
    (1 )     (44 )
 Loss on sale of other assets
    326       266  
 Valuation adjustment on other real estate owned
    1,984       694  
 Net purchase accounting adjustments
    5,828       471  
 Net (increase) decrease in loans available for sale
    1,925       (2,529 )
 Deferred loan origination fees
    101       11  
 Amortization of intangible assets
    275       218  
 Allocation of shares to the ESOP
    22       92  
 Stock-based compensation expense
    53       49  
 Vesting of shares issued for the RRP
    50       181  
 Decrease in accrued interest receivable
    223       204  
 (Increase) decrease in other assets
    14,956       (5,200 )
 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    (1,178 )     1,308  
 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    26,847       (4,037 )
                 
 Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 Net decrease in loans made to customers
    14,840       13,778  
 Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
    2,351       22,057  
 Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    4,420       2,252  
 Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of investment securities available for sale
    5,607       7,800  
 Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of investment securities held to maturity
    6,594       18,995  
 Purchases of investment securities available for sale
    -       (27,790 )
 Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
    (48,714 )     (12,492 )
 Net cash received in acquisition
    7,912       95,058  
 Redemption of FHLB stock
    507       -  
 Purchases of premises and equipment
    (2,056 )     (332 )
 Net cash provided by (used in) investment activities
    (8,539 )     119,326  
                 
 Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 Net decrease in deposits
    (42,602 )     (48,039 )
 Dividends paid to common stockholders
    (228 )     (734 )
 Dividends paid to preferred stockholders
    (512 )     (513 )
 Issuance of common stock
    -       14,040  
 Net decrease in borrowed money and repurchase agreements
    (6,882 )     (23,566 )
 Increase in advances from borrowers for insurance and taxes
    354       289  
 Net cash used in financing activities
    (49,870 )     (58,523 )
                 
 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (31,562 )     56,766  
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    120,899       53,180  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 89,337     $ 109,946  
                 
 Supplemental non-cash investing activity:
               
 Foreclosed loans transferred to other real estate owned
  $ 10,469     $ 6,860  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements as of and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and have been included as required by Regulation S-X Rule 10-01. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by such accounting principles for complete financial statements, and therefore should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  The more significant estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairments on securities, and fair value of acquired loans.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Citizens South Banking Corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens South Bank, and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens South Financial Services, Inc.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain of the prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.  Such reclassifications were immaterial to the financial statements. Results for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods, including the year ending December 31, 2011.

Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A summary of the accounting policies followed by the Company may be found in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  Updates to the significant accounting policies are made as new or revised accounting pronouncements are made. The following paragraphs update that information.
 
In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) amended existing guidance for assisting a creditor in determining whether a restructuring is a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). The amendments clarify the guidance for a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. For purposes of measuring impairment on newly identified troubled debt restructurings, the amendments should be applied prospectively for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011. The Company has not determined the impact, if any, upon the adoption of the standard.
 
In May, 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. and international accounting principles. Overall, the guidance is consistent with existing U.S. accounting principles; however, there are some amendments that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has not determined the impact, if any, upon the adoption of the standard.

 
5

 
In June 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance and eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The amendment requires that comprehensive income be presented in either a single continuous statement or in a two separate consecutive statement approach. The adoption of this amendment will change the presentation of the components of comprehensive income for the Company as part of the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. This amendment is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011.

Several other new accounting standards became effective during the periods presented or will be effective subsequent to June 30, 2011. None of these new standards had or is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 – FDIC-Assisted Acquisition of New Horizons Bank

On April 15, 2011, Citizens South Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of New Horizons Bank (“NHB”) in East Ellijay, Georgia, in an FDIC-assisted transaction.  The acquisition was made pursuant to the terms of a Purchase and Assumption Agreement (“the Agreement”) entered into by the Bank and the FDIC.  Under the terms of this Agreement, the Bank acquired certain assets of NHB with a fair value of approximately $105.4 million, including $11.0 million in cash paid by the FDIC in order to consummate the transaction.  The fair value of the acquired assets included $49.3 million of loans, $9.7 million of investment securities, $7.9 million of cash and cash equivalents, $6.4 million of other real estate owned (“OREO”), $19.9 million related to the FDIC’s indemnification of the Bank against certain losses described below, and $970,000 of other assets.  Liabilities with a fair value of approximately $102.5 million were also assumed, including $96.7 million of deposits, $4.2 million of borrowed money, and $1.6 million of other liabilities.  Also, as a part of the acquisition, the Bank recorded a $221,000 core deposit intangible asset and realized a pre-tax gain on acquisition of $4.4 million, or $2.9 million after-tax.
 
In connection with the acquisition, the Bank entered into loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC that covered approximately $69.3 million of the $71.2 million of loans that were acquired from the FDIC (the “covered loans”) and all of the $11.6 million of OREO that was acquired from the FDIC (collectively referred to as “covered assets”).  Pursuant to the terms of the loss-sharing agreements, the FDIC is obligated to reimburse the Bank for 80% of all eligible losses and certain collection and disposition expenses with respect to covered assets. The Bank has a corresponding obligation to reimburse the FDIC for 80% of eligible recoveries with respect to covered assets.  Any losses on the remaining $1.9 million in loans not covered by the FDIC loss-share agreements will be the sole responsibility of the Bank.
 
The Bank did not immediately acquire all the real estate, banking facilities, or furniture, fixtures and equipment as part of the Agreement. However, the Bank did acquire certain computers and computer-related equipment and safe deposit at acquisition.  The Bank will acquire the real estate and remaining furniture, fixtures and equipment from the FDIC in the third quarter for approximately $1.7 million.
 
The Bank paid the FDIC a premium of approximately 1.0% of deposits, excluding $21.6 million of market placed deposits, for the right to assume all of the customer deposits.  In addition, the FDIC transferred to the Bank all qualified financial contracts to which NHB was a party and such contracts remain in full force and effect.  Because this was an FDIC-assisted transaction of a failed bank, the stockholders of New Horizons Bankshares, Inc., the parent company of NHB, received no consideration as a result of the Bank’s acquisition of NHB’s assets.
 
The foregoing summary of the Agreement and the shared-loss agreements, is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Agreement and certain exhibits attached thereto, a copy of which was previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report filed on Form 8-K on April 19, 2011.
 
 
6

 
Note 4 – Earnings per Common Share

The Company has presented both basic and diluted earnings per common share (“EPS”).  Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without considering any dilutive items.  Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period and common stock equivalents for items that are dilutive, net of shares assumed to be repurchased using the treasury method.

The potential common stock of the Company includes stock options and unvested shares issued for the Recognition and Retention Plan (“RRP”) granted to various directors and officers of the Bank and unexercised warrants issued to the U.S. Treasury. The Company excluded 745,602 outstanding options and RRPs from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, and 770,639 outstanding options and RRPs from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010, because the exercise price exceeded the average closing price of the shares of common stock during the respective period and, accordingly would have been anti-dilutive. All of the 450,314 warrants had an exercise price of $6.83 which was in excess of the market value of the stock at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, so no warrants were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for either period since they would have also been anti-dilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:

   
Three Months
   
Six Months
 
   
Ended June 30
   
Ended June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                         
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 2,040     $ 98     $ 893     $ 10,138  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    11,455,642       9,077,042       11,451,619       8,435,494  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 1.20  
                                 
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 2,040     $ 98     $ 893     $ 10,138  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    11,455,642       9,077,042       11,451,619       8,435,494  
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options and restricted stock
    -       -       -       -  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted
    11,455,642       9,077,042       11,451,619       8,435,494  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 1.20  

 
7

 
Note 5 – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is the change in the Company’s equity during the period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. The Company’s other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income are comprised of unrealized gains and losses on certain investment securities. Information concerning the Company’s total comprehensive income for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

   
Three Months
   
Six Months
 
   
Ended June 30
   
Ended June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Net income
  $ 2,296     $ 355     $ 1,405     $ 10,651  
                                 
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Investment securities, available for sale:
                               
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
    827       317       876       570  
Tax expense
    (319 )     (122 )     (338 )     (220 )
Reclassification for realized gains included in net income
    (1 )     (10 )     (1 )     (44 )
Tax benefit
    0       4       0       17  
Other comprehensive income
    508       189       538       323  
Total comprehensive income
  $ 2,804     $ 544     $ 1,943     $ 10,974  
 
 
8

 
Note 6 – Investment Securities

The following is a summary of the investment securities portfolio by major classification:
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
 
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
                       
Available for sale:
                       
U.S. Government Agency obligations
  $ 17,226     $ 97     $ -     $ 17,323  
Municipal bonds
    11,422       102       9       11,515  
Mortgage-backed securities
    44,147       502       1       44,648  
SBA securities
    1,339       44       -       1,383  
Other securities
    1,946       203       88       2,061  
Subtotal
    76,080       948       98       76,930  
                                 
Held to maturity:
                               
U.S. Treasury obligations
    9,964       50       -       10,014  
U.S. Government Agency obligations
    6,998       27       -       7,025  
Mortgage-backed securities
    58,436       1,565       -       60,001  
Other securities
    4,000       10       47       3,963  
Subtotal
    79,398       1,652       47       81,003  
                                 
Total
  $ 155,478     $ 2,600     $ 145     $ 157,933  
                                 
                                 
           
Gross
   
Gross
         
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
         
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2010
                               
Available for sale:
                               
U.S. Government Agency obligations
  $ 19,297     $ 23     $ 122     $ 19,198  
Municipal bonds
    11,602       40       128       11,514  
Mortgage-backed securities
    40,655       293       175       40,773  
Other securities
    2,781       110       68       2,823  
Subtotal
    74,335       466       493       74,308  
                                 
Held to maturity:
                               
U.S. Treasury obligations
    9,955       -       38       9,917  
U.S. Government Agency obligations
    8,509       4       129       8,384  
Mortgage-backed securities
    14,814       641       37       15,418  
Other securities
    4,000       -       81       3,919  
Subtotal
    37,278       645       285       37,638  
                                 
Total
  $ 111,613     $ 1,111     $ 778     $ 111,946  
 
From time to time the Company will pledge investment securities as collateral to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, and other borrowings.  The amortized cost of pledged investment securities was $81.4 million at June 30, 2011, and $67.5 million at December 31, 2010.

 
9

 
The following tables set forth the amount of the unrealized losses at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and the related fair value of the investment securities by investment types segregated between those that have been in a continuous unrealized-loss position for less than twelve months and more than twelve months.

    Less than 12 months   12 months or more     Total  
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
                                   
Available for sale:
                                   
Municipals bonds
  $ 1,017     $ 9     $ -     $ -     $ 1,017     $ 9  
Mortgage-backed securities
    707       1       99       -       806       1  
Other securities
    415       18       74       70       489       88  
                                                 
   Subtotal
    2,139       28       173       70       2,312       98  
                                                 
Held to maturity:
                                               
 Other securities
  $ 2,953     $ 47     $ -     $ -     $ 2,953     $ 47  
                                                 
   Subtotal
    2,953       47       -       -       2,953       47  
                                                 
Total
  $ 5,092     $ 75     $ 173     $ 70     $ 5,265     $ 145  
                                                 
   
Less than 12 months
    12 months or more    
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2010
                                               
Available for sale:
                                               
U.S. Govt. Agency obligations
  $ 18,113     $ 122     $ -     $ -     $ 18,113     $ 122  
Municipals bonds
    8,376       128       -       -       8,376       128  
Mortgage-backed securities
    9,395       174       108       1       9,503       175  
Other securities
    -       -       104       68       104       68  
                                                 
   Subtotal
    35,884       424       212       69       36,096       493  
                                                 
Held to maturity:
                                               
U.S. Treasury obligations
  $ 9,917     $ 38     $ -     $ -     $ 9,917     $ 38  
U.S. Govt. Agency obligations
    5,881       129       -       -       5,881       129  
Mortgage-backed securities
    3,049       37       -       -       3,049       37  
Other securities
    3,919       81       -       -       3,919       81  
                                                 
   Subtotal
    22,766       285       -       -       22,766       285  
                                                 
Total
  $ 58,650     $ 709     $ 212     $ 69     $ 58,862     $ 778  

As of June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, management concluded that the unrealized losses presented above were temporary in nature since the unrealized losses were not related to a deterioration of the credit quality of the issuers.  Also, the Company has the intent and ability to hold these investment securities until maturity or until such unrealized losses are eliminated.
 
 
10

 
Note 7 - Loans

The Company makes various business and consumer loans in the normal course of business.  A brief description of these types of loans is as follows:
 
One-to-four family residential – This portfolio primarily consists of loans secured by properties in the Company’s normal lending area.  The Company originates fixed and adjustable rates for terms of 10 to 30 years, including conventional and jumbo loans.  These loans generally have an original loan-to-value ratio (“LTV”) of 80% or less.  Those loans with an initial LTV of more than 80% typically have private mortgage insurance to protect the Bank.  Multifamily residential – This portfolio is moderately seasoned and is generally secured by properties in the Bank’s normal lending area.  These loans generally have an initial LTV of 75% and an initial debt service coverage ratio of 1.2x to 1.0x.  Construction – This portfolio has decreased significantly over the past several years as fewer construction loans have been made during the economic downturn.  These loans are located in the Company’s normal lending area and had an initial LTV of 80%.  Approximately 57% of these loans are secured by residential properties and 43% are secured by commercial properties.  Commercial land and residential development – These categories include raw undeveloped land and developed residential lots held by builders and developers.  Generally, the initial LTV for raw land was 65% and the initial LTV for developed lots was 90%.  Given the significant decline in value for both developed and undeveloped land due to reduced demand, this portfolio possesses an increased level of risk compared to other loan categories.  Other commercial real estate – This portfolio consists of nonresidential improved real estate which includes churches, shopping centers, office buildings, etc.  These loans typically had an initial LTV of 75% and an initial debt service ratio of 1.2x to 1.0x.  These properties are generally located in the Company’s normal lending area.  Decreased rental income due to the economic slowdown has caused some deterioration in values.  As a result this category of loans has a higher than average level of risk.  Consumer real estate – This category includes home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”) and loans secured by residential lots purchased by consumers.  The HELOCs generally had an adjustable rate tied to prime rate and a term of 15 years.  The HELOCs initially had an LTV of up to 85%.  The residential lot loans typically had a term of five years or less and were made at an initial LTV of up to 90%.  Given the declining value of residential properties over the past several years, these loans possess a higher than average level of risk of loss to the bank.  Commercial business – These loans include loans to businesses that are not secured by real estate.  These loans are typically secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, etc.  Commercial loans are typically granted to local businesses that have a strong track record of profitability and performance.  This category of loans sustained lower than average losses in 2010.  Other consumer - These loans are either unsecured or secured by automobiles, marketable securities, etc.  They are generally granted to local customers that have a banking relationship with our Bank.  The loss history for this category of loans has been lower than average.
 
 
11

 
The following is a summary of loans outstanding by category at the periods presented:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Amount
   
% of Total
Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Total
Loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Real estate:
                       
One-to-four family residential
  $ 152,111       20 %   $ 133,769       18 %
Multifamily residential
    22,093       3 %     23,435       3 %
Construction
    21,768       3 %     20,421       3 %
Commercial land
    43,253       6 %     51,432       7 %
Residential development
    30,138       4 %     31,008       4 %
Other commercial real estate
    303,345       41 %     297,117       40 %
Consumer real estate
    115,659       15 %     118,021       16 %
Total real estate
    688,367       92 %     675,203       91 %
Commercial business
    48,950       6 %     48,053       7 %
Other consumer
    13,333       2 %     13,254       2 %
Total loans
  $ 750,650       100 %   $ 736,510       100 %

The Company, through its normal lending activity, originates substantially all of its loans to borrowers that are located in the Piedmont (central) Region of North and South Carolina and the North Georgia Region. The Company also has loans in process of settlement which totaled $2.1 million at June 30, 2011, and $4.0 million at December 31, 2010.  These loans in process of settlement balances were not included in the table above.

As of June 30, 2011, the Company had $177.0 million in loans covered by FDIC loss-share agreements as a result of the acquisition of loans from Bank of Hiawassee and New Horizons Bank in separate FDIC-assisted transactions (referred to as “covered loans”).  The loans acquired in the Bank of Hiawassee transaction in March 2010 are covered by two loss-share agreements between the FDIC and the Bank, which afford the Bank significant protection against future loan losses.  Under these loss-share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of net loan losses up to $102 million and 95% of net loan losses that exceed $102 million.  The term of the loss-share agreements is ten years for losses and recoveries on residential real estate loans and five years for losses and eight years on recoveries on nonresidential loans. At acquisition, the Bank recorded an estimated receivable from the FDIC in the amount of $36.3 million, which represented the discounted value of the FDIC’s estimated portion of the expected future loan losses.  New loans made after the acquisition date are not covered by the FDIC loss-share agreements. These covered loans totaled $130.1 million at June 30, 2011.

In April 2011 the Company acquired New Horizons Bank in an FDIC-assisted transaction (see Note 3 for additional details).  As part of this transaction, the Company acquired $49.3 million in loans at fair value. Of the acquired loans, $47.4 million are covered by two loss-share agreements between the FDIC and the Bank.  Under these loss-share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of net loan losses and qualified expenses.  The term of the loss-share agreements is ten years for losses and recoveries on residential real estate loans and five years for losses and eight years on recoveries on nonresidential loans. At acquisition, the Bank recorded an estimated receivable from the FDIC in the amount of $19.9 million, which represented the discounted value of the FDIC’s estimated portion of the expected future loan losses.  The remaining $1.9 million in loans acquired in the New Horizons Bank transaction were not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements.  As such, any losses incurred on these non-covered loans will be the sole responsibility of the Bank. New loans made after the acquisition date are not covered by the FDIC loss-share agreements. These covered loans totaled $46.9 million at June 30, 2011.

 
12

 
Note 8 – Credit Quality of Loans

Loan Payment Status.  The following tables present a breakdown of the Company’s non-covered loan portfolio by payment status, covered loans by payment status and total loan portfolio by payment status at June 30, 2011.

June 30, 2011
 
Current
   
30 to 89
Days Past
Due
   
90+ Days
Past Due
(Still Accruing)
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
                               
Not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
                             
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 107,775     $ 512     $ -     $ 1,406     $ 109,693  
Multifamily residential
    18,955       -       -       -       18,955  
Construction
    20,370       -       -       -       20,370  
Commercial land
    26,800       982       -       3,167       30,949  
Residential development
    14,702       1,450       -       5,155       21,307  
Other commercial real estate
    213,220       1,932       225       10,081       225,458  
Consumer real estate
    101,243       725       -       2,400       104,368  
Total real estate
    503,065       5,601       225       22,209       531,100  
Commercial business
    36,440       7       27       174       36,648  
Other consumer
    5,736       79       -       40       5,855  
Total loans not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
  $ 545,241     $ 5,687     $ 252     $ 22,423     $ 573,603  

June 30, 2011
 
Current
   
30 to 89
Days Past Due
   
90+ Days
Past Due
(Still Accruing)
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
                               
Covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
                             
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 28,260     $ 4,483     $ -     $ 9,675     $ 42,418  
Multifamily residential
    2,922       -       -       216       3,138  
Construction
    1,399       -       -       -       1,399  
Commercial land
    4,882       964       -       6,458       12,304  
Residential development
    1,295       1,718       80       5,738       8,831  
Other commercial real estate
    62,278       4,366       148       11,095       77,887  
Consumer real estate
    10,053       757       -       481       11,291  
Total real estate
    111,089       12,288       228       33,663       157,268  
Commercial business
    10,967       296       37       1,002       12,302  
Other consumer
    6,174       403       4       896       7,477  
Total loans covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
  $ 128,230     $ 12,987     $ 269     $ 35,561     $ 177,047  

 
13

 
June 30, 2011
 
Current
   
30 to 89
Days Past
Due
   
90+ Days
Past Due
(Still Accruing)
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
                               
Total loans
                             
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 136,035     $ 4,995     $ -     $ 11,081     $ 152,111  
Multifamily residential
    21,877       -       -       216       22,093  
Construction
    21,769       -       -       -       21,769  
Commercial land
    31,682       1,946       -       9,625       43,253  
Residential development
    15,997       3,168       80       10,893       30,138  
Other commercial real estate
    275,498       6,298       373       21,176       303,345  
Consumer real estate
    111,296       1,482       -       2,881       115,659  
Total real estate
    614,154       17,889       453       55,872       688,368  
Commercial business
    47,407       303       64       1,176       48,950  
Other consumer
    11,910       482       4       936       13,332  
Total loans
  $ 673,471     $ 18,674     $ 521     $ 57,984     $ 750,650  

The following tables present a breakdown of the Company’s non-covered loan portfolio by payment status, covered loans by payment status and total loan portfolio by payment status at December 31, 2010.

December 31, 2010
 
Current
   
30 to 89
Days Past
Due
   
90+ Days
Past Due
(Still Accruing)
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
                               
Not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
                             
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 97,851     $ 1,299     $ -     $ 1,864     $ 101,014  
Multifamily residential
    20,674       -       -       -       20,674  
Construction
    19,570       630       -       14       20,214  
Land and development
    57,527       2,801       2,000       559       62,887  
Other commercial real estate
    217,423       7,899       -       9,161       234,483  
Consumer real estate
    105,634       1,047       -       2,513       109,194  
Total real estate
    518,679       13,676       2,000       14,111       548,466  
Commercial business
    34,645       61       -       287       34,993  
Other consumer
    5,409       50       -       16       5,475  
Total loans not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
  $ 558,733     $ 13,787     $ 2,000     $ 14,414     $ 588,934  
 
 
14

 
December 31, 2010
 
Current
   
30 to 89
Days Past Due
   
90+ Days
Past Due
(Still Accruing)
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
                               
Covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
                             
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 27,314     $ 1,973     $ -     $ 3,468     $ 32,755  
Multifamily residential
    2,993       -       -       -       2,993  
Construction
    158       -       -       49       207  
Land and development
    19,385       549       -       9,904       29,838  
Other commercial real estate
    40,084       2,090       472       9,471       52,117  
Consumer real estate
    8,526       51       37       213       8,827  
Total real estate
    98,460       4,663       509       23,105       126,737  
Commercial business
    11,616       376       17       1,051       13,060  
Other consumer
    6,191       728       -       860       7,779  
Total loans covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
  $ 116,267     $ 5,767     $ 526     $ 25,016     $ 147,576  

December 31, 2010
 
Current
   
30 to 89
Days Past
Due
   
90+ Days
Past Due
(Still Accruing)
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
                               
Total loans
                             
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 125,165     $ 3,272     $ -     $ 5,332     $ 133,769  
Multifamily residential
    23,667       -       -       -       23,667  
Construction
    19,728       630       -       63       20,421  
Land and development
    76,912       3,350       2,000       10,463       92,725  
Other commercial real estate
    257,507       9,989       472       18,632       286,600  
Consumer real estate
    114,160       1,098       37       2,726       118,021  
Total real estate
    617,139       18,339       2,509       37,216       675,203  
Commercial business
    46,261       437       17       1,338       48,053  
Other consumer
    11,600       778       -       876       13,254  
Total loans
  $ 675,000     $ 19,554     $ 2,526     $ 39,430     $ 736,510  
 
Restructured Loans.  In accordance with GAAP, we account for certain loan modifications or restructurings as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). In general, the modification or restructuring of a debt constitutes a TDR if we, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grant a concession to the borrowers that we would not otherwise consider. TDRs do not necessarily increase nonaccrual loans.  Generally a TDR may return to accrual status when the borrower has sustained repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms.  The number of payments needed to meet these criteria varies from loan to loan.  However, as a general rule, most TDRs should be able to return to accrual status after the payment of six consecutive regular scheduled payments.

As of December 31, 2010, we had 32 TDRs totaling $7.4 million. Of this amount, $1.8 million were covered by FDIC loss-share agreements.  Of the remaining non-covered loans, $3.7 million were on nonaccrual, $181,000 was 30 to 89 days delinquent and $1.7 million were current and accruing.  As of June 30, 2011, we had 33 TDRs totaling $7.4 million.  Of this amount, $1.7 million were covered by FDIC loss-share agreements.  Of the remaining non-covered loans, $1.1 million were on nonaccrual, $225,000 were over 90 days delinquent and accruing, $761,000 were 30 to 89 days delinquent and accruing and $3.6 million current and accruing.

 
15

 
Also, in the normal course of business, the Company will make loan restructurings or modifications to borrowers for reasons unrelated to the borrower’s financial condition.  These restructurings or modifications are made based on the prevailing interest rates and terms offered to other borrowers for similar types of loans at the time of the modification. These types of debt restructurings or loan modifications would not be considered troubled debt restructurings.

Impaired Loans.  The Company evaluates impairment of its non-covered residential mortgage and consumer loans on a collective basis, while non-covered commercial and construction loans are evaluated individually for impairment.  The Company identifies a non-covered loan as impaired when it is probable that principal and interest will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Specific allowances or principal write-downs are established for certain individual non-covered loans that management considers impaired.  The remainder of the portfolio of non-covered loans is segmented into groups of loans with similar risk characteristics for evaluation and analysis.

The following table details the Company’s impaired loans at June 30, 2011.

   
Legal
Balance
   
Write-down
   
Book
Balance
   
Specific
Allowance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
         
                           
Real estate:                                
One-to-four family residential
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Commercial land
    2,732       1,084       1,648       -  
Residential development
    7,330       2,111       5,219       -  
Commercial real estate - office
    6,459       831       5,628       -  
Commercial real estate - retail
    2,494       2,170       324       -  
Commercial real estate - other
    2,118       888       1,230       -  
Consumer real estate
    204       169       35          
Commercial business
    128       128       -       -  
Total impaired loans
  $ 21,465     $ 7,381     $ 14,084     $ -  

The following table details the Company’s impaired loans at December 31, 2010.

   
Legal
Balance
   
Write-down
   
Book
Balance
   
Specific
Allowance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Real estate:                        
One-to-four family residential
  $ 964     $ 200     $ 764     $ -  
Commercial land
    3,403       774       2,629       -  
Residential development
    7,579       1,388       6,191       416  
Commercial real estate - office
    4,692       539       4,153       -  
Commercial real estate - retail
    4,008       2,185       1,823       -  
Commercial real estate - other
    445       298       147       -  
Consumer real estate
    692       486       206       -  
Total impaired loans
  $ 21,783     $ 5,870     $ 15,913     $ 416  
 
 
16

 
Loan Classification. We categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debts such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  We analyze loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk.  This analysis is performed on at least a quarterly basis.  We use the following definitions for risk ratings: Special Mention - Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention.  If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of our credit position at some future date. Substandard -  Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans so classified have one or more well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful -  Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly questionable and improbable.  Loans not meeting the criteria above as part of the above described process are considered to be Pass rated loans.   The Company’s portfolio of FDIC-covered loans was considered to be Pass rated loans at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, as the loans were marked to fair value at acquisition and have FDIC loss-share agreements for any potential losses.

As of June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the risk category of loans is as follows:

         
Criticized Loans
       
June 30, 2011
 
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
    Doubtful    
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                 
Real estate:
                               
One-to-four family residential
  $ 149,837     $ 548     $ 1,726     $ -     $ 152,111  
Multifamily residential
    21,825       268       -       -       22,093  
Construction
    21,768       -       -       -       21,768  
Commercial land
    34,199       4,891       4,163       -       43,253  
Residential development
    18,414       1,992       9,732       -       30,138  
Other commercial real estate
    270,118       10,652       22,575       -       303,345  
Consumer real estate
    111,980       789       2,890       -       115,659  
Total real estate
    628,141       19,140       41,086       -       688,367  
Commercial business
    48,299       288       363       -       48,950  
Other consumer
    13,243       24       66       -       13,333  
Total loans
  $ 689,683     $ 19,452     $ 41,515     $ -     $ 750,650  

         
Criticized Loans
       
December 31, 2010
 
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 131,072     $ 1,167     $ 1,530     $ -     $ 133,769  
Multifamily residential
    23,394       273       -       -       23,667  
Construction
    18,488       1,933       -       -       20,421  
Land and development
    66,104       10,533       16,012       75       92,724  
Other commercial real estate
    257,770       7,882       20,949       -       286,601  
Consumer real estate
    113,036       1,327       3,523       135       118,021  
Total real estate
    609,864       23,115       42,014       210       675,203  
Commercial business
    47,423       376       254       -       48,053  
Other consumer
    11,200       -       2,054       -       13,254  
Total loans
  $ 668,487     $ 23,491     $ 44,322     $ 210     $ 736,510  
 
 
17

 
Note 9 - Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company has established a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses.  This methodology is set forth in a formal policy and considers all non-covered loans in the portfolio.  Loans totaling $177.0 million that were covered under the FDIC loss-share agreements were not included in the Company’s evaluation of the adequacy of loan loss allowances since potential losses are covered up to at least 80% by the FDIC.  These covered loans were recorded at their estimated fair value at the time of the acquisition.  Management’s periodic evaluation of the allowance is consistently applied and based on inherent losses in the portfolio, past loan loss experience, risks inherent in the different types of loans, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, current economic conditions, the borrower’s financial position, and other relevant internal and external factors that may affect loan collectibility. The allowance for loan losses is increased by charging provisions for loan losses against income.  As of June 30, 2011, the allowance for loan losses was $12.7 million, or 2.22% of total non-covered loans.  Management believes that this amount meets the requirement for losses on loans that management considers to be impaired, for known losses, and for losses inherent in the remaining non-covered loan portfolio.  Although management believes that it uses the best information available to make such determinations, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be significantly adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations.

A reconciliation of the allowance for loan losses is as follows:

   
Three Months
   
Six Months
 
   
Ended June 30
   
Ended June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Balance - Beginning of period
  $ 12,006     $ 9,230     $ 11,924     $ 9,189  
Charge-offs:
                               
One-to-four family residential
    (312 )     -       (1,137 )     (1 )
Construction
    (5 )     (46 )     (41 )     (263 )
Commercial land
    (291 )     (118 )     (2,244 )     (526 )
Residential development
    (386 )     (1,146 )     (386 )     (1,146 )
Other commercial real estate
    (256 )     (439 )     (256 )     (2,417 )
Consumer real estate
    (35 )     (887 )     (91 )     (1,267 )
Commercial business
    (35 )     (12 )     (188 )     (60 )
Other consumer
    (5 )     (15 )     (18 )     (42 )
Total charge-offs
    (1,325 )     (2,663 )     (4,361 )     (5,722 )
Recoveries:
                               
One-to-four family residential
    4       2       7       3  
Construction
    181       33       231       48  
Residential development
    128       -       128       -  
Other commercial real estate
    30       180       14       180  
Consumer real estate
    2       -       9       30  
Commercial business
    10       1       13       1  
Other consumer
    6       13       77       17  
Total recoveries
    361       229       479       279  
Provision for loan losses
    1,700       3,000       4,700       6,050  
Balance - End of period
  $ 12,742     $ 9,796     $ 12,742     $ 9,796  

 
18

 
The following chart details the balance and recorded investment by impairment method for each non-covered loan portfolio category at June 30, 2011.

   
Allowance for loan losses
 
   
Individually
evaluated for
impairment
   
Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Real estate:
                 
One-to-four family residential
  $ -     $ 500     $ 500  
Multifamily residential
    -       200       200  
Construction
    -       400       400  
Commercial land
    750       600       1,350  
Residential development
    500       1,000       1,500  
Other commercial real estate
    600       3,692       4,292  
Consumer real estate
    -       1,500       1,500  
Total real estate
    1,850     $ 7,892     $ 9,742  
Commercial business
    250       2,250       2,500  
Other consumer
    -       500       500  
Total allowance for loan losses
  $ 2,100     $ 10,642     $ 12,742  
 
   
Recorded Investment
 
   
Individually
evaluated for
impairment
   
Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Real estate:
                 
One-to-four family residential
  $ -     $ 109,693     $ 109,693  
Multifamily residential
    -       18,955       18,955  
Construction
    -       20,370       20,370  
Commercial land
    2,732       28,217       30,949  
Residential development
    7,330       13,977       21,307  
Other commercial real estate
    11,071       214,387       225,458  
Consumer real estate
    204       104,164       104,368  
Total real estate
    21,337       509,763     $ 531,100  
Commercial business
    128       36,520       36,648  
Other consumer
    -       5,855       5,855  
Total loans not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
  $ 21,465     $ 552,138     $ 573,603  

 
19

 
Note 10 – Deposits

Deposit balances are detailed by category as follows for the respective periods:

   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Noninterest-bearing demand
  $ 82,304     $ 70,056  
Interest-bearing demand
    189,073       172,414  
Money market deposit
    160,068       142,538  
Savings
    19,625       17,004  
Time deposits
    453,508       448,444  
Total deposits
  $ 904,578     $ 850,456  

Note 11 – Commitments

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  These commitments represent no more than normal lending risk that the Bank commits to its borrowers and management believes that these commitments can be funded through normal operations.

Commitments to extend credit that include both fixed and variable rates at the respective periods are as follows:
 
   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Loan commitments
           
Residential mortgage loans
  $ 19,259     $ 14,530  
Non-residential mortgage loans
    11,550       2,500  
Commercial loans
    -       731  
Consumer loans
    2,991       765  
Total loan commitments
  $ 33,800     $ 18,526  
                 
Unused lines of credit
               
Commercial
  $ 15,116     $ 13,000  
Consumer
    72,882       73,655  
Total unused lines of credit
  $ 87,998     $ 86,655  
                 
Undisbursed Construction Loan Proceeds
  $ 1,088     $ 524  
 
 
20

 
Note 12 – Fair Value Measurements

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine fair value disclosures.  The Company has not elected the fair value option for liabilities.  Investment securities, available for sale, are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Additionally, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as impaired loans and other real estate owned.  These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting for these other assets.

In accordance with ASC 825-10, when measuring fair value, the Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate and consistently applied.  A fair value hierarchy is used based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine the fair value.  These levels are as follows:
 
Level 1:      Inputs to the valuation methodology are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2:      Inputs to the valuation methodology are derived from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving similar types of instruments in active markets.
 
Level 3:      Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair value measurements for assets where there exists limited or no observable market data and, therefore, are based primarily upon estimates, are often calculated based on the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset and other factors.  Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.  Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.  The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value. The determination of where an instrument falls in the hierarchy requires significant judgment.

Investment SecuritiesInvestment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on at least a monthly basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.  Level 1 fair value is used for those securities traded on an active exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by brokers or dealers in an active over-the-counter market, and money market funds.  Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises, municipal bonds, and corporate debt securities.  These Level 2 securities are valued using an independent third party.  This independent third party uses multiple pricing vendors and matrix pricing methods developed in accordance with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s industry-standard methods.  Level 3 investment securities include equity securities that are not traded on an active exchange, investments in closely held subsidiaries, and asset-backed securities traded in less liquid markets. The $258,000 of transfers into Level 3 investment securities include equity securities that were pledged as collateral on a loan that was in default. A reconciliation of the Company’s Level 3 securities as shown in the following table:

Beginning balance, January 1, 2011
  $ 3,023  
Total gains included in:
       
Other comprehensive income
    73  
Sales
    (1,093 )
Transfers in
    258  
Ending balance,June 30, 2011
  $ 2,261  
 
 
21

 
Loans - The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and a specific allowance is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as being impaired, management measures the impairment in accordance with ASC 310-10-35.  The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market price and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. In accordance with ASC 825-10, impaired loans where an allowance was established based on the fair value of collateral required classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral was based on an observable market price, the Company recorded the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an observable market price was not available or when management made assumptions that impact the fair value of the collateral, such as estimated disposition or holding costs, the Company recorded the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned - Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value upon transfer of the loans to foreclosed assets. Subsequently, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price, the Company records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 2. When an observable market price is not available, or when management makes assumptions that impact the fair value of the collateral, such as estimated disposition or holding costs, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:

   
Level 1
    Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
June 30, 2011
                       
Investment securities, available for sale
  $ -     $ 74,669     $ 2,261     $ 76,930  
Investment securities, held for sale
    9,964       69,434       -       79,398  
Investment securities, rabbi trusts
    -       285       -       285  
                                 
December 31, 2010
                               
Investment securities, available for sale
  $ -     $ 71,285     $ 3,023     $ 74,308  
Investment securities, held for sale
    9,955       27,323       -       37,278  
Investment securities, rabbi trusts
    -       731       -       731  
                                 
Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis:
                               
                                 
June 30, 2011
                               
Presold loans in process of settlement
  $ -     $ 2,109     $ -     $ 2,109  
Impaired loans
    -       -       14,084       14,084  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       24,803       24,803  
                                 
December 31, 2010
                               
Presold loans in process of settlement
  $ -     $ 4,034     $ -     $ 4,034  
Impaired loans
    -       -       15,915       15,915  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       14,652       14,652  
 
 
22

 
Note 13 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.  The estimates are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows.  These estimates may differ substantially from amounts that could be realized in an immediate sale or settlement of the instrument.

Fair value approximates carrying value for the following financial instruments due to their short-term nature: cash and due from banks, interest-earning bank balances, FHLB stock, accrued interest receivable, bank-owned life insurance and presold loans in process of settlement.  Fair value for investment securities are based mainly on valuation methodology derived from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving similar types of instruments in active markets.  Fair value for variable rate loans that reprice frequently is based on the carrying value reduced by an estimate of credit losses inherent in the portfolio.  Fair value for all other loans is estimated by discounting their future cash flows using interest rates currently being offered for loans of comparable terms and credit quality.

Fair value for demand deposit accounts and interest-bearing deposit accounts with no fixed maturity is equal to the carrying value.  Time deposit fair values are estimated by discounting cash flows from expected maturities using interest rates currently being offered for similar instruments with comparable terms. Fair value approximates book value for short-term repurchase agreements.  For borrowed money, fair value is calculated based on discounted cash flows using current interest rates.

At June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding unfunded commitments to extend credit offered in the normal course of business.  Fair values of these commitments are based on fees currently charged for similar instruments.  At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the carrying amounts and fair values of these off-balance sheet financial instruments were immaterial.

The Company has used management’s best estimates of fair values of financial instruments based on the above assumptions.  This presentation does not include certain financial instruments, nonfinancial instruments or certain intangible assets such as customer relationships and core deposit intangibles.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
 
23

 
The estimated fair values of financial instruments at the respective dates were as follows:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 10,868     $ 10,868     $ 15,110     $ 15,110  
Interest-earning bank balances
    78,469       78,469       105,789       105,789  
Investment securities
    156,328       157,933       111,586       111,946  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    5,635       5,635       5,715       5,715  
Presold loans in process of settlement
    2,109       2,109       4,034       4,034  
Net loans receivable
    750,650       765,411       736,510       751,219  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,076       3,076       3,001       3,001  
Bank-owned life insurance
    18,654       18,654       18,230       18,230  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Demand deposits
  $ 271,377     $ 271,377     $ 242,470     $ 242,470  
Money market accounts
    160,068       160,068       142,538       142,538  
Savings
    19,625       19,625       17,004       17,004  
Time deposits
    453,508       456,336       448,444       451,853  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    11,890       11,890       9,432       9,432  
Borrowed money
    96,121       104,520       101,246       109,092  

Note 14 – Subsequent Events

Dividend Declaration.  On July 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved and declared a regular cash dividend of one cent ($0.01) per share of common stock to shareholders of record as of August 8, 2011, payable on August 22, 2011. The Company has paid cash dividends in each of the 53 quarters since the Company’s conversion to public ownership.
 
 
24

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and the Bank.  These statements are based on assumptions and estimates with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change based on changes in the economic and competitive environment in which we operate.  Such forward- looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as  “may,” “would,” “could,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” and “plan,” as well as similar expressions. Such statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control.  A number of factors could cause actual conditions, events, or results to differ significantly from those described in the forward-looking statements.   Factors that could cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, 1) the timing and amount of revenues that may be recognized by the Company, 2) changes in local or national economic trends, 3) increased competition among depository and financial institutions, 4) continuation of current revenue and expense trends (including trends affecting charge-offs and provisions for loan losses), 5) changes in interest rates and the shape of the yield curve, and 6) adverse legal, regulatory or accounting changes and other risk factors described under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company is under no duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Executive Summary

Citizens South Banking Corporation (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation that owns all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Citizens South Bank (the "Bank"). The shares of common stock of the Company trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “CSBC.”  The Company’s principal business activities are overseeing and directing the business of the Bank. The Company’s assets consist primarily of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank, deposits held at the Bank, and investment securities.  The Company became the holding company for the Bank on September 30, 2002, in connection with the mutual-to-stock conversion of Citizens South Holdings, MHC, the mutual holding company of Citizens South Banking Corporation, a federal corporation, formerly named Gaston Federal Bancorp, Inc., which was originally formed on March 18, 1998, for the purpose of acting as the holding company for the Bank.

Citizens South Bank was chartered in 1904 and currently operates as a federally chartered savings bank. The Bank is headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina, which is located approximately 20 miles west of Charlotte, North Carolina.  The Bank’s executive office is located at 519 South New Hope Road, P.O. Box 2249, Gastonia, North Carolina 28053-2249 and its telephone number is (704) 868-5200. The Company also maintains a website at www.citizenssouth.com that includes important information on our Bank, including a list of our products and services, branch locations and current financial information.  Information on our website should not be considered a part of this interim report.

The Bank provides a full range of retail products, commercial banking services, and mortgage lending services to local customers through our 21 branch offices located in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.  Our primary banking activities include the acceptance of deposits and the origination of loans.  We offer retail deposit products such as checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as time deposits and individual retirement accounts.  For business customers, the Bank offers commercial analysis deposit accounts, business checking accounts, and repurchase agreements (also called securities sold under agreement to repurchase).  The Bank is a member of the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”), which gives our customers the ability to obtain FDIC insurance on deposits of up to $50 million, while continuing to work directly with our Bank. The Bank also offers a wide variety of consumer and commercial loans including business loans, real estate loans, residential loans and consumer loans.  We offer consumer and business credit cards, debit cards, commercial letters of credit, safe deposit box rentals, and electronic funds transfer services, including automated clearing house, or ACH, and wire transfers.  In addition, the Bank offers online banking, remote deposit capture, cash management, bank-by-phone capabilities, and ATM services.   The Bank also acts as a broker in the sale of uninsured financial products.

 
25

 
The following discussion is provided to assist in understanding and evaluating the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and is designed to provide a general overview of the Company’s performance for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  Financial highlights for the comparable periods are presented in the following table.
 
 
 
 

 
 
26

 
Quarterly Financial Highlights (unaudited)
 
At and For the Quarters Ended
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
June 30
   
March 31
   
December 31
   
September 30
   
June 30
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                             
                               
Summary of Operations:
             
 
   
 
   
 
 
Interest income - taxable equivalent
  $ 11,488     $ 10,457     $ 11,055     $ 11,675     $ 12,308  
Interest expense
    2,826       2,855       3,411       3,790       4,083  
   Net interest income - taxable equivalent
    8,662       7,602       7,644       7,885       8,225  
Less: Taxable-equivalent adjustment
    69       70       70       79       114  
   Net interest income
    8,593       7,532       7,574       7,806       8,111  
Provision for loan losses
    1,700       3,000       5,000       3,000       3,000  
Net interest income after loan loss provision
    6,893       4,532       2,574       4,806       5,111  
Noninterest income
    5,886       1,478       2,274       2,290       2,415  
Noninterest expense
    9,270       7,672       7,918       7,781       7,279  
   Net income (loss) before income taxes
    3,509       (1,662 )     (3,070 )     (685 )     247  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,213       (771 )     (1,331 )     (413 )     (108 )
   Net income (loss)
    2,296       (891 )     (1,739 )     (272 )     355  
Dividends on preferred stock
    256       256       256       256       257  
   Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ 2,040     $ (1,147 )   $ (1,995 )   $ (528 )   $ 98  
                                         
Per Common Share Data:
                                       
Net income:
                                       
  Basic
  $ 0.18     $ (0.10 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.01  
  Diluted
    0.18       (0.10 )     (0.18 )     (0.05 )     0.01  
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                                       
  Basic
    11,455,642       11,491,734       11,173,174       10,844,386       9,077,042  
  Diluted
    11,455,642       11,491,734       11,173,174       10,844,386       9,077,042  
End of period shares outstanding
    11,506,324       11,508,750       11,508,750       10,964,146       10,965,941  
Cash dividends declared
  $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.04     $ 0.04  
Book value
    6.44       6.22       6.32       6.86       6.91  
Tangible book value
    6.29       6.09       6.17       6.70       6.73  
                                         
Selected Financial Performance Ratios (annualized):
                                       
Return on average assets
    0.73 %     -0.44 %     -0.74 %     -0.20 %     0.04 %
Return on average common equity
    11.00 %     -6.39 %     -10.68 %     -2.77 %     0.56 %
Noninterest income to average total assets  (1)
    2.12 %     0.56 %     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.87 %
Noninterest expense to average total assets (2)
    3.34 %     2.91 %     2.95 %     2.88 %     2.63 %
Efficiency ratio  (1) (2)
    63.72 %     84.49 %     79.83 %     76.47 %     68.41 %
                                         
Selected End of Period Balances:
                                       
Loans, net
  $ 750,650     $ 724,655     $ 736,510     $ 754,740     $ 776,234  
Investment securities
    156,328       154,006       111,586       87,255       97,678  
Total interest-earning assets
    931,156       886,872       914,456       937,278       927,757  
Total assets
    1,117,993       1,041,444       1,064,487       1,087,558       1,077,431  
Deposits
    904,578       832,803       850,456       865,786       853,526  
Shareholders' equity
    94,771       92,276       93,443       95,682       96,410  
                                         
Selected Quarterly Average Balances:
                                       
Loans, net
  $ 753,874     $ 726,346     $ 747,054     $ 767,381     $ 780,209  
Investment securities
    157,513       135,645       100,691       91,361       100,501  
Total interest-earning assets
    918,118       902,141       928,756       915,882       949,130  
Total assets
    1,110,740       1,053,747       1,075,338       1,080,680       1,105,788  
Deposits
    896,353       841,387       853,185       853,902       859,408  
Shareholders' equity
    95,116       93,533       94,761       96,258       96,282  

 
27

 
Quarterly Financial Highlights (unaudited)
 
At and For the Quarters Ended
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
June 30
   
March 31
   
December 31
   
September 30
   
June 30
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                             
                               
Net Interest Margin (annualized):
                             
Yield on earning assets
    4.95 %     4.62 %     4.68 %     4.91 %     4.96 %
Cost of funds
    1.23 %     1.32 %     1.51 %     1.66 %     1.72 %
Net Interest spread
    3.72 %     3.30 %     3.17 %     3.25 %     3.24 %
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent)
    3.78 %     3.42 %     3.25 %     3.42 %     3.48 %
                                         
Credit Quality Information and Ratios:
                                       
Allowance for loan losses - beginning of period
  $ 12,006     $ 11,924     $ 10,752     $ 9,796     $ 9,230  
Add:  Provision for loan losses
    1,700       3,000       5,000       3,000       3,000  
Less:  Net charge-offs
    964       2,918       3,828       2,044       2,433  
Allowance for loan losses - end of period
    12,742       12,006       11,924       10,752       9,797  
                                         
Assets not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements:
                                 
Past due loans (30-89 days) accruing - non-covered
  $ 5,687     $ 5,692     $ 13,787     $ 6,602     $ 10,145  
Past due loans (30-89 days) accruing - non-covered to total non-covered loans
    0.99 %     0.97 %     2.34 %     1.11 %     1.68 %
                                         
Nonperforming non-covered loans:
                                       
    One-to-four family residential
    1,406       2,373       1,864       2,068       1,646  
    Construction
    -       72       14       163       896  
    Commercial land
    3,167       4,653       4,360       5,034       3,252  
    Residential development
    5,155       4,675       2,560       340       691  
    Other commercial real estate
    10,306       9,636       4,800       9,566       4,127  
    Commercial business
    201       309       287       720       742  
    Consumer
    2,440       2,639       2,529       1,930       1,652  
Total nonperforming non-covered loans
    22,675       24,357       16,414       19,821       13,006  
Other real estate owned/repossessed assets - non-covered
    10,723       8,463       7,650       8,557       8,239  
Total nonperforming non-covered assets
    33,398       32,820       24,064       28,378       21,245  
                                         
Allowance for loan losses to total non-covered loans
    2.22 %     2.05 %     2.02 %     1.81 %     1.62 %
Net charge-offs to average non-covered loans (annualized)
    0.66 %     1.99 %     2.59 %     1.36 %     1.61 %
Nonperforming non-covered loans to non-covered loans
    3.95 %     4.15 %     2.79 %     3.33 %     2.15 %
Nonperforming non-covered assets to total assets
    2.99 %     3.15 %     2.26 %     2.61 %     1.97 %
Nonperforming non-covered assets to total non-covered loans and other non-covered real estate owned/repos
    5.72 %     5.51 %     4.03 %     4.71 %     3.46 %
                                         
Assets covered by FDIC loss-share agreements:
                                       
Past due loans (30-89 days) accruing  (3)
    12,987       7,006       5,767       8,701       5,257  
Past due loans (30-89 days) accruing to total covered loans
    7.34 %     5.09 %     3.91 %     5.43 %     3.07 %
                                         
Total covered nonperforming loans (4)
    35,830       24,791       25,542       22,416       24,924  
Other covered nonperforming assets
    14,127       8,225       7,108       3,183       2,343  
Total covered nonperforming assets
    49,957       33,016       32,650       25,599       27,267  
                                         
Capital Ratios:
                                       
Tangible common equity
    6.49 %     6.73 %     6.69 %     6.74 %     6.86 %
Total Risk-Based Capital (Bank only)
    17.29 %     16.70 %     16.80 %     16.83 %     16.78 %
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital (Bank only)
    16.03 %     15.44 %     15.54 %     15.58 %     15.52 %
Tier 1 Leverage Capital (Bank only)
    9.42 %     9.89 %     9.74 %     9.58 %     9.74 %
                                         
 
(1)
Includes subsequent adjustments to the initial 1st quarter 2010 gain on acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee in the amounts of $605,000, $193,000, $148,000 and ($255,000) for the quarters ended June 30, 2010, September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010, and March 31, 2011, respectively. Also includes the $4.4 million gain on acquisition of New Horizons Bank for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
   
(2)
Includes acquisition and integration expenses of $94,000, $141,000, $42,000, $45,000 and $566,000 for the quarters ended June 30, 2010, September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010, March 31, 2011, and June 30, 2011, respectively.
   
(3)
The contractual balance of past due loans covered by  FDIC loss-share agreements totaled $6.4 million, $14.8 million, $7.0 million, $7.7 million and $13.7 million at June 30, 2010, September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010, March 31, 2011, and June 30, 2011, respectively.
   
(4)
The contractual balance of nonperforming loans covered by  FDIC loss-share agreements totaled $35.4 million, $29.1 million, $31.2 million, $28.7 million and $39.3 million at June 30, 2010, September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010, March 31, 2011, and June 30, 2011, respectively.

 
28

 
Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and financial policies of the Company and its subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and conform to general practices in the banking industry.  We consider accounting policies that require difficult or subjective judgment and assumptions by management that have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income to be critical accounting policies.  Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on our future financial condition and results of operations.  Based on the size of the item or significance of the estimate, the following accounting policies are considered critical to our financial results.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb estimated probable loan losses inherent in the Company’s portfolio at the measurement date.  Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the loan portfolio and other relevant factors.  However, this evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires an estimate of the loss for each type of loan and for each impaired loan, an estimate of the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows, and an estimate of the value of the collateral. Management has established a systematic method for periodically evaluating the credit quality of the loan portfolio in order to establish an allowance for loan losses.  The methodology is consistently applied, set forth in a formal policy and includes a review of all loans in the portfolio on which full collectability may or may not be reasonably assured.  Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is consistently applied and is based on our past loan loss experience, particular risks inherent in the different kinds of lending that we engage in, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, current economic conditions, and other relevant internal and external factors that affect loan collectability.  Specific allowances or principal write-downs are established for certain individual loans that management considers impaired. The remainder of the portfolio is segmented into groups of loans with similar risk characteristics for evaluation and analysis.  We increase our allowance for loan losses by charging provisions for loan losses against our current period income.  Management believes this is a critical accounting policy because this evaluation involves a high degree of complexity and requires us to make subjective judgments that often require assumptions or estimates about various matters.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment (“OTTI”). The Company reviews all investment securities with significant declines in fair value for potential OTTI on at least a quarterly basis. Consideration is given to the amount of time that the impairment has existed, the financial condition of the issuer and the probability of receiving the required payments on the investments.  Also, the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value is considered.  The Company records an impairment charge when it believes an investment has experienced a decline in value that is OTTI.  Generally changes in market interest rates that result in a decline in value of an investment security are considered to be temporary, since the value of such investment can recover in the foreseeable future as market interest rates return to their original levels.  Management believes this is a critical accounting policy because this evaluation of the underlying credit or analysis of other conditions contributing to the decline in value involves a high degree of complexity and requires us to make subjective judgments that often require assumptions or estimates about various matters.

Fair Value of Acquired Loans. The initial fair value of loans acquired in FDIC-assisted acquisitions and the related FDIC loss-share receivable involved a high degree of judgment and complexity.  On March 19, 2010, the Bank acquired Bank of Hiawassee in an FDIC-assisted acquisition and on April 15, 2011, the Bank acquired New Horizons Bank in an FDIC-assisted transaction.  The carrying value of the acquired loans and the FDIC receivable reflect management’s best estimate based on information available at the time of the acquisition.  The amount that the Bank actually receives on these loans could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in the financial statements based upon the timing and collections on the acquired loans in the future.  To the extent that actual values realized for the acquired loans are different from the initial estimates, the FDIC loss-share receivable will generally be impacted in an offsetting manner due to the nature of the FDIC loss-share agreements.
 
 
29

 
Comparison of Financial Condition for the Periods Ended June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

Assets.  Total assets of the Company increased by $53.5 million, or 5.0%, to $1.1 billion at June 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank which included $105.4 million of total assets.
 
Total cash and cash equivalents, which include cash and due from banks and interest-earning bank balances, decreased by $31.6 million, or 26.1%, from $120.9 million at December 31, 2010, to $89.3 million at June 30, 2011. This decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily attributable to the purchase of $48.7 million of investment securities.  The Company’s excess liquidity was held in the Company’s account with the Federal Reserve Bank.  Management expects that a portion of these low-yielding bank deposits will be invested in higher-yielding loans and investments over the next several quarters.

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2011, loans receivable increased by $14.1 million, or 1.9%, to $750.6 million at June 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the $49.3 million of loans that were acquired in the New Horizons Bank transaction.   Excluding these acquired loans, the Company’s total loans decreased by $35.2 million during the six-month period.  This decrease was largely due to the Company’s continuing efforts to reduce exposures in its commercial land and residential development loans, coupled with reduced loan demand. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2011, the Company’s non-covered commercial land and residential development loans decreased by $10.6 million, or 16.9%, to $52.3 million.  The Company remains focused on originating owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, residential loans, and consumer loans to qualified borrowers.

A majority of the Company’s loans are to borrowers that are located in the Charlotte region.  While the economy in the Charlotte region has generally outperformed most other large metropolitan areas of the country during the ongoing economic slowdown, the economy in the Charlotte region remains sluggish.  However, the Company’s loan production has improved from $47.0 million during the first six months of 2010 to $58.5 million during the first six months of 2011.  The Company’s expansion into the North Georgia market will allow us to geographically diversify our loan portfolio.  Although the North Georgia market has sustained significant decreases in real estate values over the past two and a half years, management believes that when economic conditions normalize, this new market will be able to provide additional loan growth for the Company. While continued economic slowdowns in the local markets that we serve would have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to generate loan growth, management will seek to grow the loan portfolio in a prudent manner with an emphasis on borrowers that have a demonstrated capacity to meet their debt obligations, even in the current economic condition.

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2011, investment securities increased by $44.7 million, or 40.1%, to $156.3 million.  The increase was due to the purchase of $48.7 million in investment securities, held to maturity.  These investment securities were primarily U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities that provide for monthly cash flow that can be reinvested in higher-yielding loans when loan demand strengthens. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2011, the Company sold $2.4 million of investment securities and experienced normal maturities and principal amortization of $12.2 million. Management expects the investment portfolio to increase as a percentage of total assets over the next 12 months as the Company’s excess liquidity is invested in higher-yielding investments compared to lower-yielding cash balances.

Other real estate owned, which includes all properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure, totaled $24.8 million at June 30, 2011, compared to $14.7 million at December 31, 2010.   Of the $24.8 million in other real estate owned at June 30, 2011, $14.1 million is covered by FDIC loss-share agreements.  The remaining $10.7 million of non-covered other real estate owned is comprised of $2.4 million of one-to-four family residential dwellings, $538,000 of commercial real estate, and $6.1 million of undeveloped land and $1.7 million of developed residential lots.  All foreclosed properties are written down to their estimated fair value (market value less estimated disposition costs) at acquisition and are predominately located in the Bank’s primary lending area.  Properties may be reappraised after acquisition as market conditions change, resulting in additional valuation adjustments which are reflected in current period noninterest expenses.  Management will continue to aggressively market foreclosed properties for a timely disposition.

 
30

 
During the first six months of 2011, premises and equipment increased by $1.4 million, or 6.1%, to $25.2 million at June 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of the premises and equipment of New Horizons Bank for $1.7 million during the second quarter of 2011.  Partly offsetting this increase was normal depreciation of $645,000 on the Company’s premises and equipment during the first six months of 2011. Also, in the second quarter of 2011, the Company consolidated the operations of its supermarket store branch with its Hiawassee full-service branch office.  These two offices were located in the same area, so customer interruption was minimal.

Liabilities. Total liabilities increased by $52.2 million, or 5.4%, from $971.0 million at December 31, 2010, to $1.0 billion at June 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank which included total liabilities of $102.5 million.

During the first six months of 2011, total deposits increased by $54.1 million, or 6.4%, to $904.6 million at June 30, 2011. The increase in deposits was primarily due to the acquisition of $96.7 million of deposits in the New Horizons Bank transaction, which included $21.6 million of out-of-market deposits.  Substantially all of the $21.6 million of out-of-market deposits were repaid prior to June 30, 2011.  Excluding the acquired deposits, time deposits decreased by $39.6 million, or 8.8% during the six-month period.  This decrease was primarily due to the Company’s high level of liquidity and its focus on increasing deposits by building customer relationships and typically avoiding deposit growth through offering above market rates, especially for single product customers.

Total core deposits, which include all non-time deposits, increased by $27.2 million, or 6.8%, to $429.2 million at June 30, 2011, excluding acquired deposits.  This core deposit growth included a $7.1 million increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits, a $9.7 million increase in interest-bearing demand deposit accounts, a $9.0 million increase in money market accounts, and a $1.4 million increase in savings accounts.   We believe our core deposit growth was partly due to a flight to safety as funds moved from weaker financial institutions as well as a continued emphasis on increasing the Company’s retail and business customers through cross-selling opportunities and enhanced treasury service products.

During the first six months of 2011 borrowed money decreased by $5.1 million, or 5.1%, to $96.1 million at June 30, 2011.  This decrease was primarily due to the maturity of $5.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank advances during the period.  The Company plans to use excess liquidity to repay these borrowings as they mature.  From time to time additional borrowed money may be used to fund additional loan growth, or to purchase investment securities. The Company acquired $4.2 million of borrowed money in the New Horizons Bank transaction, but these borrowings were repaid in full prior to June 30, 2011.

Shareholders’ Equity.  Total shareholders’ equity increased by $1.3 million, or 1.4%, from $93.4 million at December 31, 2010, to $94.7 million at June 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the net income of $1.4 million during the six-month period and the $538,000 of other comprehensive income that was due to the increase in the fair value of investment securities, available for sale, during the six-month period ended June 30, 2011.  These increases in shareholders’ equity were partly offset by the payment of $228,000 in cash dividends on common stock and $512,000 in cash dividends on preferred stock.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

General.  Net income available to common shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2011, amounted to $2.0 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, as compared to net income available to common shareholders of $98,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  This change was largely related to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank which contributed to a $2.9 million after-tax gain on the acquisition of New Horizons Bank.
 
Net interest income.  Net interest income increased by $482,000, or 5.9%, to $8.6 million for the second quarter of 2011 as compared to $8.1million for the second quarter of 2010. The Company’s net interest margin increased by 30 basis points to 3.78% for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, compared to 3.48% for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.  This increase in the net interest margin was primarily the result of a decrease in the cost of funds.

 
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Interest income decreased by $775,000, or 6.4%, to $11.4 million for the second quarter of 2011.  This increase was primarily due to a $31.0 million, or 3.3%, decrease in average interest-earning assets during the comparable quarters to $918.1 million for the second quarter of 2011.  This decrease was largely due to a $26.3 million, or 3.4%, decrease in average loans during the respective periods resulting from decreased loan demand.  The Company’s yield on earning assets decreased by one basis point from June 30, 2010, to 4.95% at June 30, 2011.  The decrease in yield was largely due to lower market rates and higher levels of lower-yielding liquid assets, the effects of which were largely offset by the acquisition of $71.2 million of loans in the New Horizons Bank acquisition which were booked at their fair value of $49.3 million.

Interest expense decreased by $1.3 million, or 30.8%, for the comparable quarters to $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2011.  This decrease in interest expense was largely due to lower market interest rates, which resulted in a 49 basis point decrease in the average cost of funds to 1.23% for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.  In addition, to the decrease in cost of funds, average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $1.5 million to $922.6 million for the second quarter of 2011.  This change included a $22.9 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits and a $24.4 million decrease in average borrowings.  The increase in average interest-bearing deposits was largely due to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank, while the decrease in average borrowings was due to normal maturities during the period.
 
Provision for loan losses.  The Company’s provision for loan losses decreased from $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2010 to $1.7 million for the second quarter of 2011.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses was largely due to the lower level of non-covered net charge-offs which totaled $964,000, or 0.66% of average non-covered loans annualized, during the second quarter of 2011 compared to $2.4 million, or 1.61% of average non-covered loans annualized, during the second quarter of 2010.  While the Company’s credit quality continues to compare favorably with Southeast peer banks, the continued decline in local economic conditions has resulted in an upward trend in the Company’s level of nonperforming loans. The Company’s ratio of nonperforming non-covered assets to total assets increased from 1.97% at June 30, 2010, to 2.99% at June 30, 2011. Approximately 98.7% of the Company’s nonperforming non-covered loans at June 30, 2011, were secured by real estate predominately located in the Company’s primary lending market.  Management expects that the Company will continue to experience larger than normal loan loss provisions for the next several quarters.
 
Noninterest income.  Noninterest income increased by $3.5 million to $5.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, as compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The primary reason for the increase was the $4.4 million pre-tax gain from the acquisition of New Horizons Bank in the second quarter of 2011. The following table presents the detail for the three-month periods ending June 30, 2011, and June 30, 2010.

   
Three Months Ended
       
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
       
Noninterest income:
                 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 1,046     $ 971     $ 75  
Mortgage banking income
    254       357       (103 )
Commissions on sales of financial products
    69       188       (119 )
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    214       243       (29 )
Gain from acquisition
    4,418       605       3,813  
Gain on sale of investments, available for sale
    1       10       (9 )
Loss on sale of other assets
    (338 )     (203 )     (135 )
Other income
    222       244       (22 )
Total noninterest income
  $ 5,886     $ 2,415     $ 3,471  
 
 
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Service charges on deposit accounts were higher due to the increased number of demand deposit accounts, due in part to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank, which generate monthly service charges and non-sufficient funds (“NSFs”) fees on overdrafts. Legislation limiting the assessment of NSF fees from overdrafts generated from debit cards in 2010 has had an adverse impact on fee income on deposit accounts.  However, the Company has successfully worked to lessen the negative impact of this legislation by asking customers to “opt-in” to allow overdrafts on their debit cards.  Mortgage banking income was lower in the second quarter of 2011 due to decreased origination activity arising in part from the expiration of tax incentives in 2010.  Commissions on sales of financial products were lower in 2011 largely due to decreased activity and reduced staffing.  Income from bank-owned life insurance decreased slightly due to lower market rates.  The gain on acquisition in the second quarter of 2011 was the initial $4.4 million gain that was booked at acquisition. This gain may be adjusted for a period of up to one year from the acquisition date as additional information about the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is received. The gain on sale of investments was lower during the second quarter of 2011, due to the fact that there were fewer investments sold at a gain as compared to the second quarter of 2010.  During the second quarter of 2011, the Company sold $1.4 million in investment securities, available for sale, compared to the sale of $12.7 million in investment securities during the second quarter of 2010.  The loss on sale of other assets was higher due to fewer losses from sale of other real estate owned recognized during the second quarter of 2010.  Other income decreased primarily due lower merchant services income and other miscellaneous items.
 
Noninterest expense.  Noninterest expense increased by $2.0 million, or 27.4%, to $9.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.  The following table presents the detail of noninterest expense for the three-month periods ending June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010.

   
Three Months Ended
       
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Noninterest Expense:
                 
Compensation and benefits
  $ 3,806     $ 3,649     $ 157  
Occupancy and equipment
    873       1,039       (166 )
Loan collection and other expenses
    204       162       42  
Advertising and business development
    71       95       (24 )
Professional services
    249       231       18  
Data processing and other technology
    282       239       43  
Deposit insurance
    361       354       7  
Amortization of intangible assets
    136       154       (18 )
Other real estate owned valuation adjustments
    1,476       209       1,267  
Other real estate owned expenses
    596       202       394  
Acquisition and integration expenses
    566       94       472  
Other expenses
    650       851       (201 )
Total noninterest expense
  $ 9,270     $ 7,279     $ 1,991  

Compensation and benefits increased due to the increased number of employees resulting from the New Horizons Bank acquisition. These additional employees primarily included branch personnel, troubled asset officers, and other support positions.  Occupancy and equipment expense decreased due to the elimination of rent expense paid to the FDIC for the use of the Bank of Hiawassee operations center which was rented by the Company for six months after the acquisition in March 2010 to assist in the integration of the FDIC-assisted acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee.   The Company vacated the operations center in the third quarter of 2010.  Also during the period, the Company added one full-service office due to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank and consolidated the operations of one supermarket office with an existing office.  Increases in loan collection expenses, professional services, data processing and other technology, and deposit insurance were directly related to the additional office, personnel and customers that resulted from the New Horizons Bank acquisition.  Advertising and business development expenses decreased primarily due to additional expenses incurred during the second quarter of 2010 related to the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee.  Amortization of intangible assets was slightly lower due to the reduced amortization expense related to the core deposit intangible that was created as a result of previous acquisitions.  This intangible asset is being amortized over an eight-year period using the accelerated method, resulting in a progressive decreased expense over the amortization period.  Other real estate owned valuation adjustments and other real estate owned expenses increased due to an increasing amount of foreclosed properties and a continuing decline in local real estate values for commercial land and residential development properties.  Acquisition and integration expenses increased due to expenses related to the New Horizons Bank acquisition during the second quarter of 2011.  Additional acquisition and integration expenses will likely be incurred over the next several months but at much lower levels.  Other expenses decreased primarily as a result of various miscellaneous items.

 
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Income taxes.  The Company recognized an income tax expense of $1.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, compared to an income tax benefit of $108,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.  The increase in the income tax expense was due to the increase in the pre-tax income in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the pre-tax income in the second quarter of 2010.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

General.  Net income available to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2011, amounted to $893,000, or $0.08 per diluted share, as compared to net income available to common shareholders of $10.1 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  This change was largely related to the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee which contributed to a $19.3 million pre-tax gain from acquisition for the six month period ended June 30, 2010.

Net interest income.  Net interest income increased by $2.3 million, or 16.6%, to $16.1 million for the first six months of 2011 as compared to $13.8 million for the first six months of 2010. The Company’s net interest margin increased by 25 basis points to 3.62% for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to 3.37% for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  This increase in the net interest margin was primarily the result of the cost of funds falling at a faster rate than the yield on assets.

Interest income increased by $500,000, or 2.4%, to $21.8 million for the first six months of 2011.  This increase was primarily due to a $69.3 million increase in average interest-earning assets during the comparable six months to $910.0 million for the first six months of 2011.  This increase was largely due to the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee in March 2010, and the acquisition of New Horizons Bank in April 2011.  The positive effect of the increase in interest-earning assets was partly offset by a 20 basis point decrease in the average yield on earning assets during the respective periods to 4.79% for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in yield was largely due to lower market rates and higher levels of lower-yielding liquid assets held during the first six months of 2011.

Interest expense decreased by $1.8 million, or 24.0%, for the comparable periods to $5.7 million for the first six months of 2011.  This decrease in interest expense was largely due to lower market interest rates, which resulted in a 60 basis point decrease in the average cost of funds to 1.27% for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  The decrease in cost of funds offset the effects of a $102.3 million increase in the average interest-bearing liabilities to $900.6 million for the first six months of 2011.  This change included a $114.4 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits and a $12.1 million increase in average borrowings. The increase in average interest-bearing deposits was largely due to the aforementioned acquisitions, while the decrease in average borrowings was due to normal maturities during the period.
 
Provision for loan losses.  The Company’s provision for loan losses decreased from $6.1 million for the first six months of 2010 to $4.7 million for the first six months of 2011.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses was largely due to lower levels of net charge-offs which totaled $3.9 million, or 1.33% of average non-covered loans annualized, during the first six months of 2011 compared to $5.4 million, or 1.79% of average non-covered loans annualized, during the first six months of 2010.  While the Company’s credit quality continues to compare favorably with Southeast peer banks, the continued decline in local economic conditions has resulted in an upward trend in the Company’s level of nonperforming loans. The Company’s ratio of nonperforming non-covered assets to total assets increased from 1.97% at June 30, 2010, to 2.99% at June 30, 2011. Approximately 98.7% of the Company’s nonperforming non-covered loans at June 30, 2011, were secured by real estate predominately located in the Company’s primary lending market.  Management expects that the Company will continue to experience larger than normal loan loss provisions for the next several quarters.
 
 
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Noninterest income.  Noninterest income decreased by $15.2 million to $7.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, as compared to $22.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The primary reason for the decrease was the $19.3 million gain from the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee in the first six months of 2010.  The following table presents the detail for the six-month periods ending June 30, 2011, and June 30, 2010.

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Noninterest income:
                 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 2,004     $ 1,761     $ 243  
Mortgage banking income
    491       567       (76 )
Commissions on sales of financial products
    136       306       (170 )
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    397       432       (35 )
Gain from acquisition
    4,163       19,338       (15,175 )
Gain on sale of investments, available for sale
    1       44       (43 )
Loss on sale of other assets
    (326 )     (266 )     (60 )
Other income
    500       418       82  
Total noninterest income
  $ 7,366     $ 22,600     $ (15,234 )

Service charges on deposit accounts were higher due to the increased number of demand deposit accounts which generate monthly service charges and non-sufficient funds (“NSFs”) fees on overdrafts. Legislation limiting the assessment of NSF fees from overdrafts generated from debit cards in 2010 has had an adverse impact on fee income on deposit accounts.  However, the Company has successfully worked to lessen the negative impact of this legislation by asking customers to “opt-in” to allow overdrafts on their debit cards.  Mortgage banking income was lower in the first six months of 2011 due to decreased origination activity arising in part from the expiration of tax incentives in 2010.  Commissions on sales of financial products were lower in 2011 largely due to decreased activity and reduced staffing.  Income from bank-owned life insurance decreased slightly due to lower market rates.  The gain on acquisition in the first six months of 2010 was related to the Bank of Hiawassee acquisition. The $4.2 million gain on acquisition for the first six months of 2011 represents the initial $4.4 million gain on acquisition of New Horizons Bank and a subsequent downward adjustment to the gain on acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee during the first quarter of 2011.   The gain on sale of investments was lower during the first six months of 2011, due to the fact that there were fewer investments sold at a gain as compared to the first six months of 2010.  During the first six months of 2011, the Company sold $2.4 million in investment securities compared to the sale of $22.1 million in investment securities during the first six months of 2010.  The loss on sale of other assets was higher due to fewer losses from sale of other real estate owned recognized during the first six months of 2010.  Other income increased primarily due an increase in rental income on other real estate owned, increased safe deposit box rental income, and other miscellaneous items.
 
Noninterest expense.  Noninterest expense increased by $3.3 million, or 24.3%, to $16.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  The following table presents the detail of noninterest expense for the six-month periods ending June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010.

 
35

 
   
Six Months Ended
       
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Noninterest Expense:
                 
Compensation and benefits
  $ 7,454     $ 6,295     $ 1,159  
Occupancy and equipment
    1,701       1,722       (21 )
Loan collection and other expenses
    494       291       203  
Advertising and business development
    125       150       (25 )
Professional services
    502       467       35  
Data processing and other technology
    522       331       191  
Deposit insurance
    695       614       81  
Amortization of intangible assets
    275       218       57  
Other real estate owned valuation adjustments
    1,984       694       1,290  
Other real estate owned expenses
    597       352       245  
Acquisition and integration expenses
    611       882       (271 )
Other expenses
    1,985       1,619       366  
Total noninterest expense
  $ 16,945     $ 13,635     $ 3,310  

Compensation and benefits increased due to the increased number of employees resulting from the acquisitions. These additional employees primarily included branch personnel, troubled asset officers, FDIC loss-share specialists and other support positions.  Occupancy and equipment expense decreased slightly due to the elimination of rent expense paid to the FDIC for the Bank of Hiawassee operations center in 2010 which was used during the integration of the Bank of Hiawassee acquisition.  The Company did not purchase the operations center which was vacated during the third quarter of 2010.  As a result of the aforementioned acquisitions, the Company added five full-service branch offices. Loan collection and other expenses increased due to a higher number of delinquent and troubled loans.  A large portion of these loans are covered by FDIC loss-share agreements, resulting in the Company paying 20% of qualified expenses on these covered loans.   Advertising and business development expenses decreased partly due to lower loan demand resulting from slower local economic activity.  Increases in professional services, data processing and other technology, and deposit insurance were directly related to the additional offices, personnel and customers that resulted from the acquisitions. Amortization of intangible assets was higher due to the amortization expense related to the $1.8 million core deposit intangible that was created as a result of the acquisitions.  This intangible asset is being amortized over an eight-year period using the accelerated method.  The increased number of foreclosed properties and the lower real estate values resulted in the increased valuation adjustment on other real estate owned and higher expenses on other real estate owned.  Acquisition and integration expenses were lower since the Bank of Hiawassee acquisition in 2010 was larger than the New Horizons Bank acquisition, which resulted in a higher level of integration expense.  Other expenses increased primarily as a result of higher office supplies and communications expense resulting from the increase in the number of branch offices during the period.
 
Income taxes.  The Company recognized income tax expense of $442,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to income tax expense of $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The decrease in the tax expense was due to the reduction of pre-tax income in the first six months of 2011 compared to the pre-tax income in the first six months of 2010.

 
36

 
Liquidity

The objectives of the Company’s liquidity management policy include providing adequate funds to meet the cash needs of both borrowers and depositors, to provide for the on-going operations of the Company, and to capitalize on opportunities for expansion.  Liquidity management addresses the Company’s ability to meet deposit withdrawals on demand or at contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature, and to fund new loans and investments as opportunities arise.  The primary sources of internally generated funds are principal and interest payments on loans receivable, increases in local deposits, cash flows generated from operations, and cash flows generated by investments.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $89.3 million.  Of this amount, $56.1 million was held in the Company’s account with the Federal Reserve Bank.  If the Company requires funds beyond its internal funding capabilities, it may rely upon external sources of funds such as brokered deposits, repurchase agreements, and advances.  The Company has $95.9 million available to draw from its line of credit with the FHLB.  The FHLB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for member financial institutions. As a member of the FHLB, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and we are authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of our mortgage loans and other assets (principally investment securities that are obligations of, or guaranteed by, U.S. Government Agencies, or Government Sponsored Enterprises) provided certain creditworthiness standards have been met. Advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs. Each credit program has its own interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based on the financial condition of the member institution and the adequacy of collateral pledged to secure the credit.  The Company also has $16.0 million available from an unsecured federal funds accommodation with Pacific Coast Bankers Bank (“PCBB”).  PCBB is the Company’s primary correspondent bank. The federal funds facility is available through June 30, 2012, and is used for the purpose of providing daily liquidity as needed by the Company.  Outstanding advances made under this facility are generally repaid on a daily basis at a rate determined by PCBB based on their marginal cost of funds.  Advances are limited to not more than 10 consecutive days at a time.  The Company also has an unsecured federal funds accommodation with CenterState Bank of Florida in the amount of $5.0 million.  The credit facility, which is used to fund short-term liquidity needs, may be terminated at any time and may not be outstanding for more than 14 consecutive days.   The Company may also solicit brokered deposits for providing funds for asset growth.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company had no outstanding brokered deposits and $2.5 million of internet deposits that were assumed from the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee and New Horizons Bank.  These internet deposits are not renewed at maturity. The Company believes that it has sufficient sources of liquidity to fund the cash needs of both borrowers and depositors, to provide for the ongoing operations of the Company, and to capitalize on opportunities for expansion.

In the normal course of business, various commitments are outstanding that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.  Commitments to extend credit and undisbursed advances on customer lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  The funding of these commitments and previously approved undisbursed lines of credit could affect the Company's liquidity position.  At June 30, 2011, the Company had loan commitments of $33.8 million, unused lines of credit of $88.0 million, and undisbursed construction loan proceeds of $1.1 million.  See Note 11 – Commitments for additional details. The Company also has various leases in place to provide office space for four full-service offices and one in-store office.  The current annualized cost of these leases was $608,000.  Management does not expect any material changes in the amount of the leases over the next five years. Short-term borrowings totaled $15.9 million at June 30, 2011.  These short-term borrowings consisted of $11.9 million of daily securities sold under repurchase agreements and $4.0 million of FHLB advances that mature over the next 12 months. The Company does not have any special purpose entities or other similar forms of off-balance-sheet financing. The Company believes that given its current level of internal and external sources of liquidity, it has adequate resources to fund loan commitments and lines of credit, repay short-term borrowings if necessary, and fund any other normal obligations that may arise in the near future.
 
 
37

 
Capital Resources

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the banking regulatory agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings, and other factors.

The Bank’s actual capital levels and regulatory capital ratios as of June 30, 2011, are presented in the following table.
 
   
Actual
   
Minimum Requirements to
be Well Capitalized
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Regulatory Capital Ratios:
                       
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
  $ 113,360       17.29 %   $ 66,024       10.00 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    105,088       16.03 %     39,615       6.00 %
Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)
    105,088       9.42 %     55,761       5.00 %
Tangible capital (to adjusted total assets)
    105,088       9.42 %     33,457       3.00 %
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes to the Company’s asset/liability management strategies or interest rate position that were described in Item 7A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  Based upon their evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the quarterly evaluation that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
38

 
Part II.  Other Information

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

There are various claims and lawsuits in which the Bank is periodically involved incidental to the Company's business.  In the opinion of management, no material loss is expected from any of such pending claims or lawsuits.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Not applicable, as the Company is a smaller reporting company.
 
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Company did not repurchase any common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2011.

Item 6.   Exhibits

31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1  Written statement of Chief Executive Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2  Written statement of Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101       Financial statements and related notes formatted in XBRL. (*)

(*)       To be filed by amendment.

 
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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.


Citizens South Banking Corporation


Date: August 15, 2011                                                                           By:    /s/ Kim S. Price
Kim S. Price
President and Chief Executive Officer


Date: August 15, 2011                                                                           By:    /s/ Gary F. Hoskins
Gary F. Hoskins
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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