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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[ X ]     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 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 000-51950


CORNERSTONE BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             South Carolina                                                                                                            57-1077978
                 (State or other jurisdiction of                                                                                               (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
                  incorporation or organization)

1670 East Main Street, Easley, South Carolina 29640
(Address of principal executive offices)

(864) 306-1444
(Registrant's telephone number, including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. [X] Yes  [ ] No

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

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

Large accelerated filer [ ]                                                                                           Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ](Do not check if a smaller reporting company)             Smaller reporting company [X]

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date:
Common Stock - No Par Value, 2,210,769 shares outstanding on November 1, 2011

 
 

 

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
CORNERSTONE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Assets
 
(Unaudited)
       
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 8,378,374     $ 7,043,911  
Federal funds sold
    12,120,000       5,110,000  
       Cash and cash equivalents
    20,498,374       12,153,911  
                 
Investment securities
               
Available for sale
    26,090,418       23,592,336  
Other investments
    936,350       1,063,350  
                 
Loans, net
    96,298,205       117,210,770  
Property and equipment, net
    5,080,925       5,230,835  
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    1,958,462       1,908,112  
Real estate acquired in foreclosure
    14,323,423       10,278,599  
Other assets
    1,143,660       2,530,552  
              Total assets
  $ 166,329,817     $ 173,968,465  
                 
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
                 
Liabilities
               
Deposits
               
Noninterest bearing
  $ 14,324,439     $ 10,382,882  
Interest bearing
    124,332,179       130,263,510  
Total deposits
    138,656,618       140,646,392  
   Retail repurchase agreements and sweeps
    1,746,583       2,945,937  
   Borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
    2,479,213       6,592,338  
   Broker repurchase agreements
    5,000,000       5,000,000  
   Other liabilities
    678,454       425,086  
                 
Total liabilities
    148,560,868       155,609,753  
                 
                 
Shareholders’ equity
               
    Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 1,038 shares issued
    998,538       998,538  
Common stock, no par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 2,210,769  shares issued
    18,897,953       18,859,924  
Retained deficit
    (2,628,558 )     (1,418,781 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    501,016       (80,969 )
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    17,768,949       18,358,712  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 166,329,817     $ 173,968,465  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 


CORNERSTONE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
   
For the three months ended
   
For the nine months ended
 
     September 30,      September 30,  
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest and Dividend Income
                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 1,396,052     $ 1,720,881     $ 4,487,986     $ 5,265,757  
Investment securities
    222,070       231,689       635,821       732,351  
Federal funds sold and interest bearing
  balances
    4,885       5,165       11,546       12,227  
Total interest  income
    1,623,007       1,957,735       5,135,353       6,010,335  
                                 
Interest Expense
                               
Deposits
    334,728       563,851       1,155,692       1,813,410  
Borrowings
    69,975       113,181       222,601       323,662  
Total interest expense
    404,703       677,032       1,378,293       2,137,072  
                                 
Net Interest Income
    1,218,304       1,280,703       3,757,060       3,873,263  
Provision for Loan Losses
    135,000       180,000       395,000       1,080,000  
                                 
Net interest income after provision
  for loan losses
    1,083,304       1,100,703       3,362,060       2,793,263  
                                 
Noninterest Income
                               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    142,000       133,580       384,566       398,132  
Other
    47,872       57,930       147,986       153,324  
Total noninterest income
    189,872       191,510       532,552       551,456  
                                 
Noninterest Expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    547,108       559,087       1,651,236       1,687,572  
Premises and equipment
    133,845       135,145       401,586       420,127  
Loss on sale of foreclosed property
    96,306       39,506       146,705       138,649  
Foreclosed property expenses
    195,846       482,850       738,608       703,989  
Professional and regulatory fees
    136,598       168,296       439,334       422,145  
Data processing
    60,671       58,779       178,379       172,921  
Supplies
    16,287       16,294       61,402       50,393  
Advertising
    5,787       6,314       21,206       16,867  
Other
    181,424       198,626       557,492       578,369  
Total noninterest expense
    1,373,872       1,664,897       4,195,948       4,191,032  
Net loss before taxes
    (100,696 )     (372,684 )     (301,336 )     (846,313 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    908,441       (125,219 )     908,441       (335,973 )
Net loss
  $ (1,009,137 )   $ (247,465 )   $ (1,209,777 )   $ (510,340 )
Preferred stock dividend accumulated
  $ (22,408 )   $ (9,356 )   $ (65,217 )   $ (9,356 )
Loss available to common shareholders
  $ (1,031,545 )   $ (256,821 )   $ (1,274,994 )   $ (519,696 )
                                 
Loss Per Common Share
                               
Basic
  $ (.47 )   $ (.12 )   $ (.58 )   $ (.24 )
Diluted
  $ (.47 )   $ (.12 )   $ (.58 )   $ (.24 )
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
                               
Basic
    2,210,769       2,210,769       2,210,769       2,210,769  
Diluted
    2,210,769       2,210,769       2,210,769       2,210,769  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

CORNERSTONE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
 
(Unaudited)
 
                       Accumulated        
                     
other
     Total  
    Preferred Stock    
Common stock
   
Retained
   
comprehensive
    shareholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     deficit     income (loss)     equity  
                                           
Balance, December 31, 2009
    -     $ -       2,105,738     $ 18,799,728     $ (921,014 )   $ 160,691     $ 18,039,405  
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       (510,340 )     -       (510,340 )
Other comprehensive income, net of income
    taxes
                                                       
Unrealized gain on investment securities, net
    -       -       -       -       -       408,874       408,874  
Comprehensive loss
                                                    (101,466 )
Stock based compensation
    -       -       -       45,915       -       -       45,915  
Issuance of 8% cumulative perpetual
   preferred stock, net of expenses of $39,462
    1,038       998,538       -       -       -       -       998,538  
Stock dividend declared (5%), recorded as a
   stock split
    -       -       105,031       (1,024 )     -       -       (1,024 )
                                                         
Balance, September 30, 2010
    1,038     $ 998,538       2,210,769     $ 18,844,619     $ (1,431,354 )   $ 569,565     $ 18,981,368  
                                                         
                                                         
Balance, December 31, 2010
    1,038     $ 998,538       2,210,769     $ 18,859,924     $ (1,418,781 )   $ (80,969 )   $ 18,358,712  
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       (1,209,777 )     -       (1,209,777 )
Other comprehensive income, net of income
   taxes
                                                       
Unrealized gain on investment securities, net
    -       -       -       -       -       581,985       581,985  
Comprehensive loss
                                                    (627,792 )
Stock based compensation
    -       -       -       38,029       -       -       38,029  
                                                         
Balance, September 30, 2011
    1,038     $ 998,538       2,210,769     $ 18,897,953     $ (2,628,558 )   $ 501,016     $ 17,768,949  
                                                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 
CORNERSTONE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
   
2011
      2010  
 
Operating Activities
         
Net loss
  $ (1,209,777 )   $ (510,340 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating
          activities
                 
Depreciation and amortization
    377,959       344,610  
Provision for loan losses
    395,000       1,080,000  
Write-down of other real estate owned
    358,965       425,506  
Non-cash option expense
    38,029       45,915  
Loss on sale of foreclosed property
    146,705       138,649  
Loss on retirement of fixed assets
    3,539       -  
Valuation allowance on deferred tax asset
    908,441       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
                 
Change in interest receivable
    89,451       94,102  
Change in other assets
    338,650       1,185,039  
Change in other liabilities
    (46,443 )     (119,785 )
                   
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,400,519       2,683,696  
                   
Investing Activities
                 
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of available for sale securities
    5,457,785       7,046,916  
Purchase of investment securities available for sale
    (7,274,933 )     (3,126,338 )
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed property
    3,533,327       3,439,925  
Purchase of Federal Reserve Bank stock
    (17,900 )     -  
Redemption of FHLB stock
    144,900       52,900  
Purchase of property and equipment
    (31,151 )     (126,532 )
Capitalization of improvements to foreclosed property
    (171,976 )     (275,489 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    425       -  
Net decrease in loans to customers
    12,605,720       6,726,947  
                   
Net cash provided by investing activities
    14,246,197       13,738,329  
                   
Financing Activities
                 
Net decrease in demand, savings and time deposits
    (1,989,774 )     (4,900,902 )
Net decrease in customer repurchase agreements
    (1,199,354 )     (477,945 )
Repayment of FHLB advances
    (4,113,125 )     (3,113,125 )
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares related to stock dividend
    -       (1,024 )
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock, net
    -       998,538  
                   
Net cash used by financing activities
    (7,302,253 )     (7,494,458 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    8,344,463       8,927,567  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
    12,153,911       6,039,596  
                   
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
  $ 20,498,374     $ 14,967,163  
                   
Supplemental Information
                 
Cash paid for interest
  $ 1,419,617     $ 2,159,100  
Refund received for income taxes
  $ (208,897 )   $ (784,877 )
Non-cash Supplemental Information
                 
Loans transferred to other real estate owned
  $ 7,911,845     $ 5,356,004  
Loans charged-off, net
  $ 946,745     $ 857,452  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
5

 

CORNERSTONE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 1.  Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

Summary of Significant Accounting Principles
A summary of significant accounting policies is included in the Cornerstone Bancorp (the “Company”) 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders, which also contains the Company's audited financial statements for 2010 and is also included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cornerstone Bancorp, the parent company, and Cornerstone National Bank (the “Bank”), its wholly owned subsidiary, and Crescent Financial Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. All significant intercompany items have been eliminated in the consolidated statements. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Management Opinion
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Accordingly they do not contain all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. The financial statements in this report are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present a fair statement of the results for the interim period have been made. Such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes thereto contained in the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of interest and noninterest income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The primary significant estimate in the accompanying consolidated financial statements is the allowance for loan losses. A discussion of the significant factors involved in estimating the allowance for loan losses is included in this Form 10-Q in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the section titled “Results of Operations” and in the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K. The provision for income taxes and the valuation of other real estate owned are also considered significant estimates.

Formal Agreement with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
On May 12, 2010, the Bank entered into a formal agreement with the OCC for the Bank to take various actions with respect to the operation of the Bank. The actions include creation of a committee of the Bank's board of directors to monitor compliance with the agreement and make quarterly reports to the board of directors and the OCC; assessment and evaluation of management and members of the board; development, implementation and adherence to a written program to improve the Bank's loan portfolio management; protection of the Bank’s interest in its criticized assets; implementation of a program that identifies and manages concentrations of credit risk (see Note 4); extension of the Bank’s strategic plan; extension of the Bank’s capital program and profit plan; additional plans for ensuring that the level of liquidity at the Bank is sufficient to sustain the current operations and withstand any anticipated or extraordinary demand; and a requirement for obtaining a determination of no supervisory objection from the OCC before accepting brokered deposits. The substantive actions called for by the agreement should strengthen the Bank and make it more efficient in the long-term. The Bank believes it has taken appropriate actions at September 30, 2011 to comply with the requirements included in the formal agreement.


 
6

 


Subsequent Events
In accordance with the accounting standard regarding subsequent events, management performed an evaluation to determine whether or not there have been any subsequent events since the balance sheet date that would be required to be included in these financial statements and concluded that there were none.

Accounting Developments
The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that may affect accounting, reporting, and disclosure of financial information by the Company:

In July 2010, the Receivables topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) was amended by Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-20 to require expanded disclosures related to a company’s allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of its financing receivables. The amendments require the allowance disclosures to be provided on a disaggregated basis.  The Company is required to include these disclosures in its interim and annual financial statements.  See Note 3.

In April 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-02 to assist creditors with their determination of when a restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”).   The determination is based on both whether the restructuring constitutes a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. Disclosures related to TDRs under ASU 2010-20 were effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2011.  Adoption of the standard did not  have a material effect on the financial statements.  Disclosures related to TDRs under ASU 2010-20 have been presented in Note 3.

In April 2011, the criteria used to determine effective control of transferred assets in the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC was amended by ASU 2011-03.  The requirement for the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms and the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion were removed from the assessment of effective control.  The other criteria to assess effective control were not changed.  The amendments are effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 but are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

ASU 2011-04 was issued in May 2011 to amend the Fair Value Measurement topic of the ASC by clarifying the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and by changing particular principles or requirements for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements.  The amendments will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 but are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

The Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC was amended in June 2011.  The amendment eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income as a part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  The amendment requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income and requires an entity to present reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements.  The amendments will be applicable to the Company on January 1, 2012 and will be applied retrospectively.  They are not expected to have an effect on the financial statements.

Accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Note 2. Investment Securities

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available-for-sale are as follows:

 
7

 
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
value
 
Government sponsored enterprise bonds
  $ 2,000,000     $ 898     $ -     $ 2,000,898  
Mortgage-backed securities
    15,019,877       363,045       1,559       15,381,363  
Municipal bonds
    8,311,547       400,977       4,367       8,708,157  
Total investment securities available-
for-sale
  $ 25,331,424     $ 764,920     $ 5,926     $ 26,090,418  

       
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
value
 
Government sponsored enterprise bonds
  $ 4,486,806     $ 21,597     $ 131,752     $ 4,376,651  
Mortgage-backed securities
    10,909,120       132,800       48,842       10,993,078  
Municipal bonds
    8,319,212       123,001       219,606       8,222,607  
Total investment securities available-
for-sale
  $ 23,715,138     $ 277,398     $ 400,200     $ 23,592,336  
                                 

In 2011 there have been no realized gains or losses on sales of investment securities, and no other than temporary losses recognized. Securities with a book value of $13.5 million and a market value of $14.0 million are pledged against FHLB advances or public deposits as of September 30, 2011.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at September 30, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following chart. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
           
Due after one through five years
  $ 1,008,402     $ 1,058,684  
Due after five through ten years
    3,316,449       3,428,880  
After ten years
    21,006,573       21,602,854  
                 
Total investment securities
  $ 25,331,424     $ 26,090,418  

Other investments include stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta  (“FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”). FHLB stock and FRB stock are recorded at cost which approximates fair value. Amounts of FRB stock and FHLB stock held as of September 30, 2011 were $423,350 and $513,000, respectively.

Note 3. Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses

Loan Portfolio Composition
One of the primary components of the Bank’s loan portfolio is loans secured by first or second mortgages on residential and commercial real estate. These loans generally consist of short to mid-term commercial real estate loans, construction and development loans and residential real estate loans (including home equity and second mortgage loans).  Interest rates may be fixed or adjustable and the Bank frequently charges an origination fee. The Bank seeks to manage credit risk in the commercial real estate portfolio by emphasizing loans on owner-occupied office and retail buildings where the loan-to-value ratio at origination, established by independent appraisals, does not exceed 80%. In addition, the Bank generally requires personal guarantees of the principal owners of the property. The loan-to-value ratio at origination for first and second mortgage loans generally does not exceed 80%, and for construction loans, generally does not exceed 75% of cost. The Bank employs a reappraisal policy to routinely monitor real estate collateral values on real estate loans where the repayment is dependent on sale of the collateral. In addition, in an effort to control interest rate risk, long term residential mortgages are not originated for the Bank’s portfolio.

 
8

 
The Bank does not make long term (more than 15 years) mortgage loans to be held in its portfolio, and does not offer loans with negative amortization features or long-term interest only features, or loans with loan to collateral value ratios in excess of 100% at the time the loan is made. The Bank does offer loan products with features that can increase credit risk during periods of declining economic conditions, such as adjustable rate loans, short-term interest-only loans, and loans with amortization periods that differ from the maturity date (i.e., balloon payment loans). However, the Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness based on the customer’s individual circumstances, and current and expected economic conditions, and underwrites and monitors each loan for associated risks. Loans made with exceptions to internal loan guidelines and those with loan-to-value ratios in excess of regulatory loan-to-value guidelines are monitored and reported to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis. The regulatory loan-to-value guidelines permit exceptions to the guidelines up to a maximum of 30% of total capital for commercial loans and exceptions for all types of real estate loans up to a maximum of 100% of total capital. As of September 30, 2011, the Bank had $3.0 million of loans which exceeded the regulatory loan to value guidelines. This amount is within the maximum allowable exceptions to the guidelines. Of the $3.0 million of loans with exceptions to the regulatory loan to value guidelines, $2.5 million, or approximately 80%, were not exceptions at the time the loans were made, but became exceptions upon reappraisal. Management routinely reappraises real estate collateral based on specific criteria and circumstances. If additional collateral is available, the Bank may require the borrower to commit additional collateral to the loan or take other actions to mitigate the Bank’s risk.

The following table summarizes the composition of our loan portfolio by portfolio segment.
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
       
   
Amount
   
% of
Loans
   
Amount
   
% of
Loans
 
                                 
Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 31,041,233       31.5 %   $ 41,855,338       34.9 %
Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    15,048,907       15.3       19,604,943       16.3  
Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    39,927,435       40.6       43,080,225       36.0  
Loans secured by real estate –Multifamily
    1,744,755       1.8       1,793,400       1.5  
Commercial and industrial
    9,965,881       10.1       12,580,841       10.5  
Consumer loans
    721,679       .7       999,453       .8  
Total Loans
    98,449,890       100.0 %     119,914,200       100.0 %
        Less allowance for loan losses
    (2,151,685 )             (2,703,430 )        
           Net Loans
  $ 96,298,205             $ 117,210,770          
(1)  
Includes HELOC loans.

Portfolio Segment Methodology
The Bank segments its loan portfolio into groups of loans that mirror the regulatory reporting segments for loans, which are based on specific definitions in the Code of Federal Regulations. Those categories are presented in the table above and are the same categories used by management to analyze credit quality and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  The Bank has been, and will continue to be, reliant on loans with real estate collateral. Under the regulatory guidelines loans with real estate collateral are reported based on various additional sub-categories, such as construction loans, loans collateralized by single family homes, including home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”), and non-residential properties.

Allowance for loan losses
The provision for loan losses charged to operating expenses reflects the amount deemed appropriate by management to establish an adequate reserve to meet the probable loan losses incurred in the current loan portfolio. Management’s judgment is based on periodic and regular evaluation of individual loans, the overall risk characteristics of the various portfolio segments, past experience with losses, delinquency trends, and prevailing economic conditions. To estimate the amount of allowance necessary the Company separates the portfolio into segments. The portfolio is first separated into groups according to the internal loan rating assigned by management. Loans rated “Special Mention”, “Substandard” “Doubtful” or “Loss,” as defined in the Bank’s loan policy, are evaluated individually for impairment. The Company uses regulatory call report codes to stratify the remaining portfolio and tracks the Bank’s own charge-offs and those of peer banks using FDIC Call Report data. The Bank’s own charge-off ratios by call report code are used to project potential loan losses in the future on loans that are rated “Satisfactory” or better. Charge-off ratios may be increased or decreased based on other environmental factors which may need to be considered, such as unemployment rates and volatility of real estate values. While management uses the best information available to it to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. The allowance for loan losses is also subject to periodic evaluation by various regulatory authorities and may be subject to adjustment upon their examination. See also “Balance Sheet Review-Loans” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
 
 
9

 
 
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans on the Bank’s watch list (including loans rated Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful or Loss as defined below and in the Bank’s loan policy) are evaluated individually for impairment and are shown in the table below. Loans rated doubtful or loss are generally charged-off, unless specific circumstances warrant the loan’s remaining in the portfolio, even with a grade of doubtful or loss. Loans rated Satisfactory are also summarized in the table below.

   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful/ Loss
   
Satisfactory
 
                         
  Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 2,202,813     $ 9,889,263     $ -     $ 18,949,157  
  Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    724,752       1,171,801       -       13,152,354  
  Loans secured by real estate – multi-family
    -       696,138               1,048,617  
  Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    3,963,450       3,212,210       -       32,751,775  
  Commercial and industrial loans
    393,758       149,256       -       9,422,867  
  Consumer loans
    -       279       -       721,400  
          Total
  $ 7,284,773     $ 15,118,947     $ -     $ 76,046,170  
       
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful/Loss
   
Satisfactory
 
                                 
  Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 2,217,173     $ 10,608,496     $ -     $ 29,029,669  
  Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    1,389,483       2,894,266       -       15,321,194  
  Loans secured by real estate – multi-family
    -       -       -       1,793,400  
  Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    1,439,121       661,532       -       40,979,572  
  Commercial and industrial loans (2)
    79,744       86,379       992,027       11,422,691  
  Consumer loans
    1,796       1,869       -       995,788  
          Total
  $ 5,127,317     $ 14,252,542     $ 992,027     $ 99,542,314  
                                 
(1)  
Includes HELOC loans.
(2)  
The total loans classified as doubtful as of December 31, 2010 were repaid in full in 2011 (with no loss to the principal balance for the Company). They were classified as doubtful as of December 31, 2010 because of the possibility that legal proceedings would lengthen the collection time significantly.

A loan classified as Special Mention has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may affect the likelihood of repayment for the loan or result in deterioration of the bank’s credit position at some future date.  The Substandard rating is applicable to loans having a well-defined weakness in the liquidity or net worth of the borrower or the collateral that could jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Well-defined weaknesses could include deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition or cash flows, significant changes in the value of underlying collateral, or other indicators of weakness.  A loan classified as Doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified 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 classified Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this asset even though partial recovery may be affected in the future.

Loans in all of the above categories (special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss) are reviewed individually for impairment (see table below) and to determine which category they will be placed in for purposes of the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. Additional assets may also be individually evaluated for impairment.
 
 
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Delinquent loans and loans on non-accrual are presented by portfolio segment in the table below.

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Past due
30-89 Days
   
Nonaccrual or
Past due over 90 Days
   
Past due
30-89 Days
   
Nonaccrual or
Past due over 90 Days
 
                         
  Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 2,513,408     $ 3,670,699     $ 891,035     $ 7,218,012  
  Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    305,900       404,087       1,977,519       1,522,290  
  Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    457,784       2,463,076       -       -  
  Commercial and industrial loans
    18,258       -       -       992,027  
  Consumer loans
    -       -       -       -  
          Total
  $ 3,295,350     $ 6,537,862     $ 2,868,554     $ 9,732,329  
                                 
(1)  
Includes HELOC loans.

Management closely monitors delinquent loans. Construction loans past due 30 to 89 days as of September 30, 2011 increased  from December 31, 2010 primarily due to one relationship. As of September 30, 2011 management has evaluated the relationship and believes that a plan is in place to resolve the issues involved. However, management has also evaluated the collateral supporting the loan and believes that sufficient collateral exists to cover the Company’s investment in the related loans if foreclosure is ultimately required. The decrease in loans on nonaccrual since December 31, 2010 is primarily due to completion of the foreclosure process for various relationships, net of new loans entering foreclosure.

The table below details amounts of loans collectively or individually evaluated for impairment by portfolio segment.

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Collectively reviewed for impairment
   
Individually
reviewed for impairment
   
Collectively reviewed for impairment
   
Individually
reviewed for impairment
 
                         
  Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 18,949,157     $ 12,092,076     $ 29,029,669     $ 12,825,669  
  Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    13,152,354       1,896,553       15,321,194       4,283,749  
  Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    32,604,147       7,323,288       40,979,572       2,100,653  
  Loans secured by real estate – multifamily
    1,048,617       696,138       1,793,400       -  
  Commercial and industrial loans
    9,422,867       543,014       11,422,691       1,158,150  
  Consumer loans
    721,400       279       995,788       3,665  
          Total
  $ 75,898,542     $ 22,551,348     $ 99,542,314     $ 20,371,886  
                                 
(1)  
Includes HELOC loans.

 
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Impaired loans by portfolio segment, the majority of which are included in the table above, as of the dates indicated, were as follows:
 
     September 30, 2011      December 31, 2010  
   
Impaired Loans
   
% of
Total
   
Related Specific Reserves
   
Impaired
 Loans
   
% of
Total
   
Related Specific Reserves
 
                                                 
Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 5,661,109       63.6 %   $ 64,144     $ 7,218,013       67.8 %   $ 51,280  
Loans secured by real estate – single family
    410,874       4.6       12,707       2,137,335       20.1       3,287  
Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    2,774,434       31.2       96,327       152,310       1.4       -  
Commercial and industrial
    58,107       .6       -       1,129,662       10.6       292,000  
Consumer loans
    -       -       -       1,869       .1       1,869  
                                                 
Total impaired loans (1)
  $ 8,904,524       100.0 %   $ 173,178       10,639,189       100.0 %   $ 348,436  
        Less related allowance for
             loan losses
    (173,178 )                     (348,436 )                
           Net nonperforming loans
  $ 8,731,346                     $ 10,290,753                  
(1)  
Includes loans on nonaccrual.

Reappraisals are routinely ordered when a loan is collateral dependent and showing signs of weakness. Specifically, the Company’s reappraisal policy states that collateral for single family construction loans will be reappraised if the home is complete and remains unsold for twelve months, or if the original loan has been outstanding for eighteen months. For development loans, if lot absorption varies from the original appraiser’s estimates by 25% or more, the collateral will be reappraised. Additionally, the Company’s guidelines require that real property be appraised prior to renewal, modification, or extension of the loan. Collateral will also be reappraised if there is any indication that the collateral may have decreased significantly in value. An evaluation, rather than a full, certified appraisal, may or may not be used after consideration of the risk involved with the transaction, and the need to remain within safe and sound banking practices. If the value of collateral decreases significantly upon reappraisal, the Company may take any one or a combination of steps to protect its position. Possible actions include requesting additional collateral from the borrower, requiring the borrower to make principal reductions on the loan, or charge-off of a portion of the loan balance.

The Bank accounts for impaired loans in accordance with a financial accounting standard that requires all lenders to value a loan at the loan’s fair value if it is probable that the lender will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration all the circumstances of the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, reasons for the delay, the borrower’s payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The fair value of an impaired loan may be determined based upon the present value of expected cash flows, market price of the loan, if available, or value of the underlying collateral. Expected cash flows are required to be discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The Bank’s loan portfolio is largely dependent on collateral for repayment if the borrower’s financial position deteriorates. Therefore, the most common type of valuation is to determine collateral value less disposal costs in order to determine carrying values for loans deemed impaired.

Troubled Debt Restructurings
Loans which management identifies as impaired generally will be nonperforming loans or restructured loans (also known as “troubled debt restructurings” or “TDR’s”). As a result of adopting the amendments in ASU 2011-02, the Company reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption (January 1, 2011) to determine whether they are considered troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) under the amended guidance. The Company identified no loans as TDRs for which the allowance for loan losses had previously been measured under a general allowance methodology.

 
12

 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Bank modified four loans that were considered to be troubled debt restructurings.   We extended the terms for three of these loans and the interest rate was lowered for one of these loans. The table below summarizes loans designated as TDR’s during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2011.

   
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2011
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (1)
 
Real estate- construction
    2     $ 1,993,166     $ 1,993,166  
Real estate- nonfarm, nonresidential
    2       489,248       489,248  
     Total
    4     $ 2,482,414     $ 2,482,414  
                         
                         
   
For the three months ended
September 30, 2011
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (1)
 
Real estate- construction
    1     $ 1,700,000     $ 1,700,000  
Real estate- nonfarm, nonresidential
    1       163,730       163,730  
     Total
    2     $ 1,863,730     $ 1,863,730  
                         
(1)  
Principal payments received are reflected in the Post-modification outstanding recorded investment on certain loans.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, two loans that had previously been restructured were in default, both of which went into default in the quarter.   One loan restructured in the twelve months prior to 2011 went into default during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the three months then ended. Two loans that had been restructured in 2010 and defaulted in 2010 were transferred to OREO in 2011.

     For the nine months ended September 30, 2011  
Troubled Debt Restructurings that
subsequently defaulted during the period:
 
Number of Contracts
   
Recorded Investment
 
             
Real estate-nonfarm, nonresidential
    1     $ 325,446  
Commercial and industrial
    1       72,041  
     Total
    2     $ 397,487  
   
     For the three months ended September 30, 2011  
Troubled Debt Restructurings that
subsequently defaulted during the period:
 
Number of Contracts
   
Recorded Investment
 
                 
Real estate-nonfarm, nonresidential
    1     $ 325,446  
Commercial and industrial
    1       72,041  
     Total
    2     $ 397,487  

In the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management considers troubled debt restructurings and subsequent defaults in these restructurings by adjusting quantitative and qualitative factors applied to balances in the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. Increases in the number of restructurings or defaults on previously restructured loans would increase qualitative factors used in the allowance calculation.  Restructured loans are considered impaired under the accounting standards, so management reviews them individually to determine the amount of impairment.  
 
13

 
Nonperforming Loans
Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans or loans which are 90 days or more delinquent as to principal or interest payments. As of September 30, 2011, the Bank had nonaccrual loans of $6.5 million representing 10 loans, a decrease of $3.2 million from December 31, 2010. All of these loans are secured by real estate. In addition to loans on nonaccrual, as of September 30, 2011, management considers another $2.4 million of loans impaired, all of which are TDR’s. Management routinely assesses the collateral and other circumstances associated with impaired loans in an effort to determine the amount of potential impairment. These loans are currently being carried at management’s best estimate of net realizable value, although no assurance can be given that no further losses will be incurred on these loans until the collateral has been acquired and liquidated or other arrangements can be made.  The foreclosure process is lengthy (generally a minimum of six months and often much longer), so loans may be on nonaccrual status for a significant time period prior to moving to other real estate owned.  As soon as the amount of impairment is estimable, the amount of principal impairment is generally charged against the allowance for loan losses. However, until losses and selling costs can be estimated via appraisal or other means, a portion of the allowance may be allocated to specific impaired loans. The timing of the appraisal varies from loan to loan depending on the Bank’s ability to access the property.  As of September 30, 2011 the allowance for loan losses included approximately $173,178 of reserves specifically related to impaired loans. Of that amount, a portion is related to selling costs.

Management’s estimates of net realizable value or fair value of real estate collateral are obtained (on a nonrecurring basis) using independent appraisals, less estimated selling costs. Estimates of net realizable value for equipment and other types of personal property collateral are estimated based on input from equipment dealers and other professionals. If an appraisal is not available or management determines that fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as determined by Level 3 inputs as defined by FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”

Potential Problem Loans
Management identifies and maintains a list of potential problem loans. These are loans that are not included in nonaccrual status or impaired loans. A loan is added to the potential problem list when management becomes aware of information about possible credit problems of borrowers that causes serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the current loan repayment terms. These loans are designated as such in order to be monitored more closely than other credits in the Bank’s portfolio. There were loans in the amount of $4.7 million that have been determined by management to be potential problem loans at September 30, 2011. These loans are generally secured by various types of real estate, but may also be secured with other types of collateral. Should potential problem loans become impaired, management will charge-off any impairment amount as soon as the amount of impairment can be determined.

Note 4. Concentrations of credit risk

The Bank makes loans to individuals and small businesses located primarily in upstate South Carolina for various personal and commercial purposes. The Bank monitors the portfolio for concentrations of credit on a quarterly basis using North American Industry Codes, (“NAIC”) and using definitions required by regulatory agencies. The Bank has loans in two NAIC categories of which each represents more than 10% of the portfolio. The NAIC concentrations are 13.01% in Accommodation and Food services, and 24.0% in Real Estate Rental and Leasing. The NAIC codes that make up various types of construction related companies also represent more than 10% when taken collectively. The portfolio also has loans representing 15 other NAIC categories.

The Bank has concentrations in loans collateralized by real estate according to the regulatory definition. Included in
this segment of the portfolio is the category for construction and development loans.  Construction loans in the Company’s portfolio can be further divided into the following sub categories as of September 30, 2011:

   
September 30, 2011
 
Single family residential construction loans
  $ 2,681,727  
Acquisition and development loans
    7,512,030  
Vacant land loans (not development related)
    18,334,068  
Other construction and land loans
    2,513,408  
    $ 31,041,233  

 
14

 

While the Bank does have a concentration of loans in this category, the Bank’s business is managed in a manner intended to help reduce the risks normally associated with construction lending. Management requires lending personnel to visit job sites, maintain frequent contact with borrowers and perform or commission inspections of completed work prior to issuing additional construction loan draws. Under current policy, loans are limited to 80% of cost of construction projects, and borrowers are required to meet minimum net worth requirements and debt service coverage ratios. Projects for construction of single family homes are generally limited to those projects with contracts for sale where the ultimate owner has a significant investment in the contract.  These policies may be considered stricter than policies in place when some of the Bank’s currently outstanding loans were originated. However, as loans mature or as new loans are made, the current guidelines described above would be used to underwrite construction loans.  The Company does not currently have any acquisition and development loans with interest reserves.

Reappraisals are routinely ordered when a loan is collateral dependent and showing signs of weakness. Specifically, the Company’s reappraisal policy states that collateral for single family construction loans will be reappraised if the home is complete and remains unsold for twelve months, or if the original loan has been outstanding for eighteen months. For development loans, if lot absorption varies from the original appraiser’s estimates by 25% or more, the collateral will be reappraised.

Loans with weaknesses that are collateralized with partially constructed projects are generally appraised both “as is” and “as completed.” A determination is then made as to the likely disposition of the loan, whether the borrower retains the collateral and completes the project or whether the Company will ultimately foreclose and complete the construction following foreclosure. If foreclosure and completion by the Company are deemed the most likely scenario, and the cost to complete exceeds the collateral value, then the amount of cost to complete in excess of the as completed value of the collateral will generally be charged to the allowance for loan losses. To date very few impaired loans have been returned to accrual status as the result of updated appraisals. However, depending on specific circumstances, loans could potentially return to accrual status if the repayment prospects for the loan have changed significantly. Loans returned to accrual status will generally need to perform for a period of six months prior to being returned to accrual status, unless the underlying characteristics have significantly been altered in a positive manner.

Note 5. Income taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes", a method whereby certain items of income and expense (principally provision for loan losses, depreciation, and prepaid expenses) are included in one reporting period for financial accounting purposes and another for income tax purposes. Refer to the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for more information. The accounting literature states that a deferred tax asset should be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of whether a deferred tax asset is realizable is based on weighing all available evidence, including both positive and negative evidence. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.

To date in 2011, the Company recorded no net income tax expense or benefit. The Company has chosen to effectively reserve any tax benefit that would have accrued until the economic uncertainty in our market areas has subsided or declined. During the third quarter, management evaluated the net deferred tax asset accumulated in periods before 2011 to determine if it remained more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax asset would be realized by the Company in the short term. At the time of the evaluation, management determined that risks to sustained profitability have increased for the short-term due to several factors. These factors include increased regulation, continuation of high nonperforming asset levels, and the Federal Reserve’s pledge to keep interest rates low through mid-2013, as well as projections for low growth in the economy of the company’s market areas. As a result, during the quarter ended September 30, 2011 management established a valuation allowance on the entire deferred tax asset totaling approximately $908,000. Management will continue to evaluate the deferred tax asset on a quarterly basis and adjust the valuation allowance if necessary.

 
15

 
The Company also believes that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities, and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to ASC 740, “Income Taxes”.

Note 6. Fair Value Accounting

ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standard also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1-Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasuries and money market funds.

Level 2-Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities, and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain derivative contracts.

Level 3-Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. For example, this category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained residual interests in securitizations, residential mortgage servicing rights, and highly-structured or long-term derivative contracts and impaired loans.

The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments were as follows:
 
    September 30, 2011       
December 31, 2010
 
     
Carrying
     
Fair
     
Carrying
     
Fair
 
     
Amount
     
Value
     
Amount
     
Value
 
Financial Assets                                
Cash and due from banks
  $ 8,378,374     $ 8,378,374     $ 7,043,911     $ 7,043,911  
Federal funds sold
    12,120,000       12,120,000       5,110,000       5,110,000  
Investment securities
    27,026,768       27,026,768       24,655,686       24,655,686  
Loans, gross
    98,449,890       99,640,527       119,914,200       120,947,231  
Cash surrender  value of life insurance policies     1,958,462        1,958,462        1,908,112        1,908,112   
Financial Liabilities
                               
Deposits
    138,656,618       137,506,701       140,646,392       139,176,006  
Customer sweep accounts
    46,583       46,583       895,937       895,937  
Customer repurchase agreements
    1,700,000       1,759,399       2,050,000       2,137,395  
Borrowings from FHLB
    2,479,213       2,656,645       6,592,338       6,731,378  
Broker repurchase agreements
    5,000,000       5,187,792       5,000,000       5,212,655  
                                 



 
16

 


The table below presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis by level within the hierarchy of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.

   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Investment securities, recurring
  $ 27,026,768     $ 17,382,261     $ 8,708,157     $ 936,350  
Other real estate owned, nonrecurring
  $ 14,323,423     $ -     $ -     $ 14,323,423  
Impaired loans, nonrecurring
  $ 8,904,524     $ -     $ -     $ 8,904,524  
   
December 31, 2010
 
Investment securities, recurring
  $ 24,655,686     $ 15,369,729     $ 8,222,607     $ 1,063,350  
Other real estate owned, nonrecurring
  $ 10,278,599     $  -     $ -     $ 10,278,599  
Impaired loans, nonrecurring
  $ 10,639,189     $ -     $ -     $ 10,639,189  
                                 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were no significant transfers of assets between categories.

The table below represents the activity in Level 3 assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the period January 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011.

   
Other Investments
 
Beginning balance
  $ 1,063,350  
Total realized and unrealized gains or losses:
       
  Included in earnings
    -  
  Included in other comprehensive income
    -  
Purchases
    17,900  
Sales (redemption by FHLB Atlanta)
    (144,900 )
Principal reductions
    -  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    -  
Ending balance
  $ 936,350  
         

Note 7. Earnings per Share

ASC 260, "Earnings per Share," requires that the Company present basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share. The assumed conversion of stock options creates the difference between basic and diluted net income per share. Income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 was 2,210,769 shares. Outstanding options were excluded from the loss per share calculation because they are anti-dilutive for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per common share for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was 2,210,769 shares. Outstanding options were excluded from the loss per share calculation because they are anti-dilutive for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. The calculations of earnings per share for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 include the effect of the 5% stock dividend declared on April 13, 2010 as if it had been declared on January 1, 2010.

Note 8. Stock Based Compensation

As described in Notes 1 and 18 to the financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company has a stock-based employee and director compensation plan, which was approved by shareholders in 2003 (the “2003 Plan”).

 
17

 
There have been no options granted in 2011 under the 2003 Plan. Refer to the notes to the financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for further information.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company expensed $12,679 and $38,029, respectively, related to options granted in previous years. The expense is included in salaries and employee benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Note 9. Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (8%)

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company offered up to $2,500,000 of 8% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (“the Preferred”) to accredited investors and up to 35 non-accredited investors. The Preferred was offered by the Company’s directors and executive officers, and no selling agents or underwriters were used. 1,038 shares of the Preferred were sold. Proceeds of the offering, net of offering expenses totaled $998,538. The Preferred is scheduled to pay a dividend quarterly. However, the Federal Reserve has declined to approve the dividends scheduled for payment to date. Dividends that have accumulated, but have not been declared or accrued since inception of the Preferred, total $95,693 as of September 30, 2011.



CAUTIONARY NOTICE WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included in this report which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as “forward looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “assume,” “indicate,” “contemplate,” “seek,” “target,” “potential,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The Company cautions readers that forward looking statements including without limitation, those relating to the Company’s future business prospects, revenues, working capital, adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, liquidity, capital needs, interest costs, and income, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward looking statements, due to several important factors identified in this report, among others, and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company’s other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's beliefs, and assumptions made by management. Such information includes, without limitation, discussions as to estimates, expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, and objectives concerning the Company’s future financial and operating performance. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, particularly in light of the fact that the Company is a relatively new company with limited operating history. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

·  
future economic and business conditions;
 
·  
the Company’s growth and ability to maintain growth;
 
·  
governmental monetary and fiscal policies;
 
·  
legislative and regulatory changes;
 
·  
actions taken by regulatory authorities;
 
·  
the effect of interest rate changes on our level, costs and composition of deposits, loan demand, and the values of our loan collateral, securities, and interest sensitive assets and liabilities;
 
·  
the effects of competition from a wide variety of local, regional, national and other providers of financial, investment and insurance services, as well as competitors that offer banking products and services by mail, telephone, computer, and/or the Internet;
 
·  
the effect of agreements with regulatory authorities, which restrict various activities and impose additional administrative requirements without commensurate benefits;
 
·  
credit risks;
 
·  
higher than anticipated levels of defaults on loans;
 
18

 
·  
perceptions by depositors about the safety of deposits;
 
·  
failure of our customers to repay loans;
 
·  
failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of the allowance for loan losses, including the value of collateral securing loans;
 
·  
the risks of opening new offices, including, without limitation, the related costs and time of building customer relationships and integrating operations, and the risk of failure to achieve expected gains, revenue growth and/or expense savings;
 
·  
changes in accounting policies, rules, and practices;
 
·  
Sustainability of income tax filing positions taken by the Company and underlying assumptions;
 
·  
cost and difficulty of implementing changes in technology or products;
 
·  
loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions resulting from terrorist activities;
 
·  
ability to continue to weather the current economic downturn;
 
·  
loss of consumer or investor confidence; and
 
·  
other factors and information described in this report and in any of the other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1934.
 
All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur.

Website References

References to the Bank’s website included in, or incorporated by reference into, this report are for information purposes only, and are not intended to incorporate the website by reference into this report.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

General

Cornerstone Bancorp, (the “Company”) is a bank holding company and has no operations other than those carried on by its wholly owned subsidiary, Cornerstone National Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank commenced business in 1999, and conducts a general banking business from three offices in the Easley area of Pickens County, in the Berea area of Greenville County, and in the Powdersville area of Anderson County, South Carolina. In 2004, the Bank established a wholly owned subsidiary, Crescent Financial Services, Inc. (“Crescent”), which is an insurance agency that has not yet engaged in any significant operations.

Effect of Economic Trends

Problems in the economy over the last three years have adversely impacted the ability of some borrowers to repay their loans. Although the Company’s market area has not experienced the negative effects of the recession and declines in real estate markets to the same extent as some other markets in the country, these factors have had a significant effect on our operations as evidenced by the increases in our potential problem loans, charge-offs, nonaccrual loans and real estate owned. The majority of problem loans in 2010 and through the first nine months of 2011 were real estate loans. These loans were often collateralized by newly constructed homes or undeveloped land and were foreclosed on after real estate sales in the Company’s market area decreased significantly beginning in the summer of 2008. Borrowers were generally builders and developers who did not have the cash flow required to support the level of inventory financed with area banks. The process of foreclosure in South Carolina is lengthy and expensive. The impact of foregone interest on nonaccruing loans in the process of foreclosure, combined with attorneys’ fees, property taxes, and costs to sell repossessed property negatively impacted the Company’s income in 2010 and 2011. The residential market for single family homes in South Carolina has a significant inventory of unsold homes. This inventory will take time for the market to absorb and the Company expects to continue through 2011 and into 2012 with elevated other real estate owned balances. The real estate and construction industries have been significant employers in the past in South Carolina, but these industries are not expected to return to pre-2008 levels in the foreseeable future. South Carolina is currently looking to other industries to provide job creation and economic prosperity in the State. The Company expects slow economic improvement in the remainder of 2011 in its market areas.
 
19

 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which significantly changes the regulation of financial institutions and the financial services industry.  The Dodd-Frank Act has had, and will continue to have, extensive effects on all financial institutions, and includes provisions that have affected, and will continue to affect, how community banks, thrifts, and small bank and thrift holding companies are regulated.  Among other things, these provisions abolished the Office of Thrift Supervision and transferred its functions to the other federal banking agencies, relaxed rules regarding interstate branching, allowed financial institutions to pay interest on business checking accounts, changed the scope of federal deposit insurance coverage, and will impose new capital requirements on bank and thrift holding companies.  The Dodd-Frank Act also establishes the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection as an independent entity within the Federal Reserve, which has been given the authority to promulgate consumer protection regulations applicable to all entities offering consumer financial services or products, including banks.  Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act includes a series of provisions covering mortgage loan origination standards affecting originator compensation, minimum repayment standards, and pre-payments.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires regulatory agencies to implement new regulations that will establish the parameters of the new regulatory framework and provide a clearer understanding of the legislation’s effect on banks.  We are in the process of evaluating this new legislation and determining the impact it will have on our current and future operations.  However, the manner and degree to which it affects our business will be significantly impacted by the implementing regulations that are ultimately adopted.  Accordingly, at the present time we cannot fully assess the impact that the act will have on us, though we are confident it will increase our cost of doing business and the time spent by management on regulatory compliance matters.

Legislative Proposals

Proposed legislation, which could significantly affect the business of banking, is introduced in Congress and the South Carolina Legislature from time to time. For example, numerous bills are pending in Congress and the South Carolina Legislature to provide various forms of relief to homeowners from foreclosure of mortgages as a result of publicity surrounding economic problems resulting from subprime mortgage lending and the economic adjustments in national real estate markets. The President of the United States has also indicated his intention to provide relief pursuant to executive order if Congress does not act soon enough or rigorously enough.  Broader problems in the financial sector of the economy, which became apparent in 2008, have led to numerous calls for, and legislative and regulatory proposals relating to, restructuring of the regulation of financial institutions.  However, several bills have been introduced in Congress to modify or lessen the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act. Management of the Company cannot predict the future course of such legislative proposals or their impact on the Company and the Bank should they be adopted.

Fiscal and Monetary Policy

Banking is a business that depends largely on interest rate differentials.  In general, the difference between the interest paid by a bank on its deposits and its other borrowings, and the interest received by a bank on its loans and securities holdings, constitutes the major portion of a bank’s earnings.  Thus, the earnings and growth of the Company and the Bank are subject to the influence of economic conditions generally, both domestic and foreign, and also to the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States and its agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve regulates the supply of money through various means, including open-market dealings in United States government securities, the discount rate at which banks may borrow from the Federal Reserve, and the reserve requirements on deposits.  The nature and timing of any changes in such policies and their impact on the Company and the Bank cannot be predicted.


 
20

 


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

Summary
The Company recorded a loss of $1,009,137 (a loss of $1,031,545 available to common shareholders or a loss of ($.47) per common share) during the third quarter of 2011 compared to a loss of $247,465 during the third quarter of 2010 or ($.12) per common share, after giving effect to the five percent stock dividend (recorded as a stock split) declared in 2010. On a before tax basis the Company recorded a loss of $100,696 for the third quarter of 2011. The primary reason for the larger net after-tax loss was a full valuation allowance recorded on the Company’s deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2011, and included in income tax expense for the third quarter of 2011.The Company recorded a full valuation allowance of $908,441 in response to events in the third quarter of 2011 such as the pledge by the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee to keep short term interest rates at historical lows through mid-2013, the continued turmoil in world financial markets, and the lack of growth projected for the local and the United States’ economy over the next few years. These conditions make it more difficult for community banks to protect the net interest margin, which is the primary driver of net income. The increased cost of significant new regulation and fewer sources of non-interest income are also contributing to a lower-earning shorter term outlook.

Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the primary driver of net income for the Company. Net interest income is equal to the difference between interest income earned on the Company’s interest earning assets and the interest paid on its interest bearing liabilities. The Company’s net interest margin increased to 3.48% in the third quarter of 2011 from 3.22% in the third quarter of 2010. The primary reason for the increase in the net interest margin was a decrease in the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. For the quarter ended September 30, 2011 the Bank paid an average of 1.19% on interest bearing liabilities, compared with an average of 1.75% on interest bearing liabilities in the 2010 quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to the replacement of maturing higher rate deposits with lower rate deposits.

The table below illustrates the average balances of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and the resulting annualized yields and costs for the three month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

   
September 30, 2011
 
September 30, 2010
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/ Cost
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/ Cost
Investments
  $ 26,586,763     $ 222,070       3.31 %   $ 27,146,989     $ 231,689       3.39 %
Federal funds sold and other
    interest-earning deposits
    16,931,296       4,885       .11 %     14,002,032       5,165       .15 %
Loans, excluding nonaccruals
    95,235,953       1,396,052       5.82 %     116,682,151       1,720,881       5.85 %
                                                 
                                                 
   Total interest earning assets
    138,754,012       1,623,007       4.64 %     157,831,172       1,957,735       4.92 %
                                                 
                                                 
Interest bearing transaction accounts
    13,532,747       13,699       .40 %     12,603,195       14,320       .45 %
Savings and money market
    50,938,255       89,599       .70 %     50,524,150       180,400       1.42 %
Time deposits
    60,895,714       231,430       1.51 %     74,324,647       369,131       1.97 %
   Total interest bearing deposits
    125,366,716       334,728       1.06 %     137,451,992       563,851       1.63 %
                                                 
Retail repurchase agreements and
     sweeps
    1,831,670       6,078       1.32 %     2,814,282       8,019       1.13 %
Borrowings from FHLB Atlanta
    2,497,545       19,379       3.08 %     7,905,243       60,645       3.04 %
Broker repurchase agreements
    5,000,000       44,518       3.53 %     5,000,000       44,517       3.53 %
   Total interest bearing liabilities
  $ 134,695,931       404,703       1.19 %   $ 153,171,517       677,032       1.75 %
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 1,218,304                     $ 1,280,703          
Interest rate spread
                    3.45 %                     3.17 %
Interest margin
                    3.48 %                     3.22 %

 
21

 

The Bank, which accounts for all of the Company’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates, measures interest sensitivity using various methods. Using a static GAP measurement, which compares the amount of interest sensitive assets repricing within a one year time period as compared to the amount of interest sensitive liabilities repricing within the same time frame, the Bank’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates can be analyzed. This method does not take into account loan prepayments and other non-contractual changes in balances and the applicable interest rates, but it does give some information as to possible changes in net interest income that could be expected simply as a result of changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2011, the Bank’s cumulative static GAP ratio was .71 through 12 months assuming all non-maturing deposits reprice immediately and that all securities reprice in the year of their maturity, without regard to calls or principal reductions on mortgage-backed securities. This indicates a liability-sensitive position as of September 30, 2011. However, this measurement is based on assumptions about the repricing of various accounts, which may not occur as they have been modeled. Assuming some non-maturing deposits reprice in periods other than the first twelve months, and accounting for principal reductions on mortgage-backed securities, the Bank’s cumulative static GAP ratio is .97 through 12 months.
 
Based on a static GAP measurement, in a period of rising interest rates, asset-sensitive balance sheets would normally be expected to experience a widening of the net interest margin, while liability-sensitive balance sheets such as the Bank’s would normally be expected to experience pressure on the net interest margin. In a period of decreasing interest rates, liability-sensitive balance sheets would normally be expected to experience a widening of the net interest margin and asset-sensitive balance sheets would normally be expected to experience the opposite effect. Various market factors can, however, affect the net interest margin and cause it to react differently to changes in interest rates than would normally be expected under the static GAP model.
 
Provision for loan losses
For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the Company expensed $135,000 to the provision for loan losses. The Bank sets the allowance for loan loss levels in response to trends in the portfolio and the level of potential problem loans. During the quarter, charge-offs totaled $488,743 and there were no recoveries. The overall outstanding balance of the portfolio declined during the third quarter, as did nonaccrual loans, and loans past due greater than 30 days.
 
Management has sought to provide the amount estimated to be necessary to maintain an allowance for loan losses that is adequate to cover the level of loss that management believes to be inherent in the portfolio as a whole, taking into account the Company’s experience, economic conditions and information about borrowers available at the time of the analysis. However, management believes further deterioration of economic conditions in the Company's market areas in the short-term is possible, especially with respect to real estate related activities and real property values.  Consequently, management expects that further increases in provisions for loan losses could be needed in the future. See “Balance Sheet Review- Loans” for additional information on the Company’s loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses.

Noninterest income
The primary recurring drivers of noninterest income for the Company and the Bank are service charges on deposit accounts. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company earned $142,000 in service charges on deposit accounts compared to $133,580 for the same period in 2010. Other noninterest income was $47,872 in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $57,930 for the third quarter of 2010.
 
Noninterest expense
Noninterest expense totaled $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. Expense related to foreclosed properties decreased to $195,846 in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $482,850 in the third quarter of 2010. The decrease is primarily due to the timing of various expenses and write downs of value based on new appraisals. The decrease in holding expenses related to foreclosed properties was partially offset by an increase in losses on sales of foreclosed property. Professional and regulatory fees decreased $31,698 in the third quarter of 2011 in comparison to the third quarter of 2010, primarily as a result of decreases in FDIC insurance premiums.

 
 
22

 
Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

Summary
The Company’s net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $1.2 million or ($.58) per common share, compared to a net loss of $510,340 or ($.24) per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (including the effect of the five percent stock dividend declared in 2010). The increase in the net loss is primarily due to the valuation allowance of $908,441 recorded in full against the Company deferred tax assets and included in income tax expense in the third quarter of 2011. On a pretax basis the company recorded a net loss of $301,336 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to a net loss of $846,313 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The primary reason for the improvement in the pre-tax amount was a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $685,000.

Net Interest Income
Net interest income was $3.8 million in the first nine months of 2011 compared to $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net interest income was down slightly for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 primarily because of decreases in earning asset volumes, which were not completely offset by decreases in the cost of interest bearing liabilities. Average balances of earning assets declined from $162.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 to $141.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. As the economy continues to improve at a very slow pace, demand for loans is very low. Loans are the Company’s highest earning asset type. The cost of interest bearing liabilities declined from 1.82% in the first nine months of 2010 to 1.33% for the first nine months of 2011, which helped offset the decrease in interest earning assets during the same time frame.

The table below illustrates the average balances of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and the resulting annualized yields and costs for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

   
September 30, 2011
 
September 30, 2010
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
   
Average
Yield/Cost
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
   
Average
Yield/Cost
Investments
  $ 26,197,652     $ 635,821       3.24 %   $ 27,574,716     $ 732,351       3.55 %
Federal Funds Sold
    12,670,467       11,546       .12 %     12,466,917       12,227       .13 %
Loans
    102,537,845       4,487,986       5.85 %     122,088,939       5,265,757       5.77 %
   Total interest earning assets
    141,405,964       5,135,353       4.86 %     162,130,572       6,010,335       4.96 %
                                                 
Interest bearing transaction accounts
    13,220,478       40,781       .41 %     12,885,171       44,663       .46 %
Savings and money market accounts
    50,899,223       327,450       .86 %     50,233,872       588,388       1.57 %
Time deposits
    64,444,744       787,461       1.63 %     77,324,499       1,180,359       2.04 %
                                                 
   Total interest bearing deposits
    128,564,445       1,155,692       1.20 %     140,443,542       1,813,410       1.73 %
Retail repurchase agreements and
    sweeps
    2,303,321       20,118       1.17 %     2,841,276       30,424       1.43 %
Advances from FHLB
    2,726,014       70,381       3.45 %     8,511,470       160,653       2.52 %
Broker repurchase agreements
    5,000,000       132,102       3.53 %     5,000,000       132,585       3.55 %
   Total interest bearing liabilities
  $ 138,593,780       1,378,293       1.33 %   $ 156,796,288       2,137,072       1.82 %
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 3,757,060                     $ 3,873,263          
Interest rate spread
                    3.53 %                     3.13 %
Interest margin
                    3.55 %                     3.19 %

Provision for loan losses
The amount of the Company’s provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $395,000 compared to $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Charge-offs totaled $971,083 during the first nine months of 2011 compared to $857,452 for the first nine months of 2010. Recoveries totaled $24,338 for the first nine months of 2011. There were no recoveries in the first nine months of 2010. See “Balance Sheet Review- Loans” for additional information on the Company’s loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses.

Noninterest income
Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $532,552 compared to $551,456 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease is primarily due to decreases in charges for insufficient funds.

 
23

 
Noninterest expense
Total noninterest expense for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $4.2 million. Salaries and benefits, occupancy expenses, and other expenses were down slightly in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010. However, increases in expenses associated with foreclosed property and professional and regulatory fees offset any decreases in other categories in 2011 compared to 2010. Expenses associated with foreclosed properties include recognition of decreases in appraised values as well as holding costs such as property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Decreases in appraised values accounted for expense of $358,113 for the first nine months of 2011 compared to $432,036 for the first nine months of 2010.  When losses on sale of OREO are factored in with holding costs and recognition of declines in appraised values, the total cost of foreclosed assets year to date in 2011 was $885,313 while total costs through the first nine months of 2010 were $842,638. The increase is due to the larger number of properties being held in 2011 in comparison to 2010 as foreclosure actions have been completed and sales have slowed. Regulations require that foreclosed property must be reappraised annually. In 2011 appraised values on certain property types have continued to decline. The Company continues to market foreclosed property for sale in an effort to decrease holding costs going forward. However, the inventory of unsold real estate in South Carolina remains high as of September 30, 2011.

Balance Sheet Review

Investments
At September 30, 2011, the Bank held available for sale securities with a fair value of $26.1 million and other investments with an amortized cost of $936,350. Available for sale securities include government sponsored enterprise bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds. The fair values of the Company’s available for sale investments, other than municipal bonds, are measured on a recurring basis using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (“Level 1 inputs” under FASB ASC 820). Due to the lower level of trading activity in municipal bonds, the fair market values of these investments are measured based on other inputs such as inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for similar assets with substantially the same terms (“Level 2 inputs” under FASB ASC 820). We obtain our fair value information via our bond accounting vendor. This vendor obtains municipal bond market pricing from Interactive Data, a provider of third-party financial market data. The Company does not adjust market pricing received from this vendor, but we do request that a qualified analyst review each municipal bond in the portfolio to determine if any other information is available that would call into question the market values used.
 
Other investments include stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and the Federal Reserve Bank. These stocks are held at amortized cost because they have no quoted market value and have historically been redeemed at par value. However, there can be no assurance that these stocks will, in fact, be redeemed at cost in the future.
 
As of September 30, 2011, investments available for sale had a net unrealized gain of $758,994. As of September 30, 2011, the Company held two investments in an unrealized loss position, but neither of the investments had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more.  Based on its other-than-temporary impairment analysis at September 30, 2011, the Company concluded that gross unrealized losses were not other-than-temporary. See Note 2 for additional information.
 
Loans
Portfolio Composition
The following table summarizes the composition of our loan portfolio. See also Note 3 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
   
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
       
   
Amount
   
% of
Loans
 
Amount
   
% of
Loans
Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 31,041,233       31.5 %   $ 41,855,338       34.9 %
Loans secured by real estate – single family,
      including HELOC
    15,048,907       15.3       19,604,943       16.3  
Loans secured by real estate – nonfarm,
      nonresidential
    39,927,435       40.6       43,080,225       36.0  
Loans secured by real estate – multifamily
    1,744,755       1.8       1,793,400       1.5  
Commercial and industrial
    9,965,881       10.1       12,580,841       10.5  
Consumer loans
    721,679       .7       999,453       .8  
Total Loans
     98,449,890       100.0 %     119,914,200       100.0 %
        Less allowance for loan losses
    (2,151,685 )             (2,703,430 )        
           Net Loans
  $ 96,298,205             $ 117,210,770          
                                 
 
 
24

 
One of the primary components of the Bank’s loan portfolio is loans secured by first or second mortgages on residential and commercial real estate. These loans generally consist of short to mid-term commercial real estate loans, construction and development loans and residential real estate loans (including home equity and second mortgage loans).  Interest rates may be fixed or adjustable and the Bank frequently charges an origination fee. The Bank seeks to manage credit risk in the commercial real estate portfolio by emphasizing loans on owner-occupied office and retail buildings where the loan-to-value ratio at origination, established by independent appraisals, does not exceed 80%. In addition, the Bank generally requires personal guarantees of the principal owners of the property. The loan-to-value ratio at origination for first and second mortgage loans generally does not exceed 80%, and for construction loans, generally does not exceed 75% of cost. The Bank employs a reappraisal policy to routinely monitor real estate collateral values on real estate loans where the repayment is dependent on sale of the collateral. In addition, in an effort to control interest rate risk, long term residential mortgages are not originated for the Bank’s portfolio.

The Bank does not make long term (more than 15 years) mortgage loans to be held in its portfolio, and does not offer loans with negative amortization features or long-term interest only features, or loans with loan to collateral value ratios in excess of 100% at the time the loan is made. The Bank does offer loan products with features that can increase credit risk during periods of declining economic conditions, such as adjustable rate loans, short-term interest-only loans, and loans with amortization periods that differ from the maturity date (i.e., balloon payment loans). However, the Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness based on the customer’s individual circumstances, and current and expected economic conditions, and underwrites and monitors each loan for associated risks. Loans made with exceptions to internal loan guidelines and those with loan-to-value ratios in excess of regulatory loan-to-value guidelines are monitored and reported to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis. The regulatory loan-to-value guidelines permit exceptions to the guidelines up to a maximum of 30% of total capital for commercial loans and exceptions for all types of real estate loans up to a maximum of 100% of total capital. As of September 30, 2011, the Bank had $3.0 million of loans which exceeded the regulatory loan to value guidelines. This amount is within the maximum allowable exceptions to the guidelines. Of the $3.0 million of loans with exceptions to the regulatory loan to value guidelines, $2.5 million or approximately 80% were not exceptions at the time the loans were made, but became exceptions upon reappraisal. Management routinely reappraises real estate collateral based on specific criteria and circumstances. If additional collateral is available, the Bank may require the borrower to commit additional collateral to the loan or take other actions to mitigate the Bank’s risk.

Portfolio Segment Methodology
The Bank segments its loan portfolio into groups of loans that mirror the regulatory reporting segments for loans, which are based on specific definitions in the Code of Federal Regulations. Those categories are presented in the table above and are the same categories used by management to analyze credit quality and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  The Bank has been, and will continue to be, reliant on loans with real estate collateral. Under the regulatory guidelines loans with real estate collateral are reported based on various additional sub-categories, such as construction loans, loans collateralized by single family homes, including home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”), and non-residential properties.

Allowance for loan losses
The provision for loan losses charged to operating expenses reflects the amount deemed appropriate by management to establish an adequate reserve to meet the probable loan losses incurred in the current loan portfolio. Management’s judgment is based on periodic and regular evaluation of individual loans, the overall risk characteristics of the various portfolio segments, past experience with losses, delinquency trends, and prevailing economic conditions. To estimate the amount of allowance necessary the Company separates the portfolio into segments. The portfolio is first separated into groups according to the internal loan rating assigned by management. Loans rated “Special Mention”, “Substandard” “Doubtful” or “Loss,” as defined in the Bank’s loan policy, are evaluated individually for impairment. The Company uses regulatory call report codes to stratify the remaining portfolio and tracks the Bank’s own charge-offs and those of peer banks using FDIC Call Report data. The Bank’s own charge-off ratios by call report code are used to project potential loan losses in the future on loans that are rated “Satisfactory” or better. Charge-off ratios may be increased or decreased based on other environmental factors which may need to be considered, such as unemployment rates and volatility of real estate values. While management uses the best information available to it to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. The allowance for loan losses is also subject to periodic evaluation by various regulatory authorities and may be subject to adjustment upon their examination.
 

 
25

 


Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010 is presented below.
 
 
   
Nine months ended
September 30, 2011
   
Nine months ended
September 30, 2010
 
             
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of year
  $ 2,703,430     $ 2,695,337  
Provision for losses
    395,000       1,080,000  
Charge-offs:
               
    Consumer
    -       2,134  
    Real estate- construction
    569,055       693,316  
    Real estate- 1-4 family residential (1)
    331,987       162,002  
    Commercial and industrial
    70,041       -  
       Total charge-offs
    971,083       857,452  
Recoveries
               
    Commercial and industrial
    24,338       -  
     Total recoveries
    24,338       -  
         Net charge-offs
    946,745       857,452  
      Allowance for loan losses, end of period
  $ 2,151,685     $ 2,917,885  
                 
     Nonaccruing loans to gross loans at end of period
    6.64 %     7.63 %
     Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
    (.86 %)     (.66 %)
     Net charge-offs to loans at end of period
    (.96 %)     (.69 %)
     Allowance for loan losses to average loans
    1.98 %     2.23 %
     Allowance for loan losses to loans at end of period
    2.19 %     2.34 %
     Net charge-offs to allowance for loan losses
    (44.0 %)     (29.39 %)
     Net charge-offs to provision for loan losses
    (239.7 %)     (79.39 %)
 
    (1)  Inclues HELOC loans, if applicable.
 
The allowance for loan losses is not restricted to specific categories of loans and is available to absorb losses in all categories. However, the Company has allocated the allowance for loan losses among the various segments of the portfolio. The allowance allocations as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented in the table below.
 
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
             
Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 863,734     $ 1,093,200  
Loans secured by real estate – single family,
      including HELOC
    445,833       361,096  
Loans secured by real estate – nonfarm, nonresidential
    614,180       341,377  
Loans secured by real estate – multifamily
    18,215       4,484  
Commercial and industrial
    103,732       525,567  
Consumer installment
    12,211       15,914  
Unallocated
    93,780       361,792  
Total allowance for loan losses
  $ 2,151,685     $ 2,703,430  


 
26

 


Credit Quality Indicators
Loans on the Bank’s watch list (including loans rated Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful or Loss as defined below and in the Bank’s loan policy) are evaluated individually for impairment and are shown in the table below. Loans rated doubtful or loss are generally charged-off, unless specific circumstances warrant the loan’s remaining in the portfolio, even with a grade of doubtful or loss. Loans rated Satisfactory or better are also summarized in the table below.

   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful/ Loss
   
Satisfactory
 
                         
  Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 2,202,813     $ 9,889,263     $ -     $ 18,949,157  
  Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    724,752       1,171,801       -       13,152,354  
  Loans secured by real estate – multi-family
    -       696,138               1,048,617  
  Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    3,963,450       3,212,210       -       32,751,775  
  Commercial and industrial loans
    393,758       149,256       -       9,422,867  
  Consumer loans
    -       279       -       721,400  
          Total
  $ 7,284,773     $ 15,118,947     $ -     $ 76,046,170  
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful/Loss
   
Satisfactory
 
                         
  Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 2,217,173     $ 10,608,496     $ -     $ 29,029,669  
  Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    1,389,483       2,894,266       -       15,321,194  
  Loans secured by real estate – multi-family
    -       -       -       1,793,400  
  Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    1,439,121       661,532       -       40,979,572  
  Commercial and industrial loans (2)
    79,744       86,379       992,027       11,422,691  
  Consumer loans
    1,796       1,869       -       995,788  
          Total
  $ 5,127,317     $ 14,252,542     $ 992,027     $ 99,542,314  
 
(1)  
Includes home equity lines of credit (HELOC) loans.
(2)  
The total loans rated doubtful as of December 31, 2010 were repaid in 2011 in full (with no loss to the principal balance for the Company). They were classified as doubtful as of December 31, 2010 because of the possibility that legal proceedings would lengthen the collection time significantly.

A loan classified as Special Mention has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may affect the likelihood of repayment for the loan or result in deterioration of the bank’s credit position at some future date.  The Substandard rating is applicable to loans having a well-defined weakness in the liquidity or net worth of the borrower or the collateral that could jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Well-defined weaknesses could include deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition or cash flows, significant changes in the value of underlying collateral, or other indicators of weakness.  A loan classified as Doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified 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 classified Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this asset even though partial recovery may be affected in the future.

Loans in all of the above categories (special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss) are reviewed individually for impairment (see table below) and to determine which category they will be placed in for purposes of the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. Additional assets may also be individually evaluated for impairment.


 
27

 


Delinquent loans and loans on non-accrual are presented by call report category in the table below.

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Past due
30-89 Days
   
Nonaccrual or
Past due over 90 Days
   
Past due
30-89 Days
   
Nonaccrual or
Past due over 90 Days
 
                         
  Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 2,513,408     $ 3,670,699     $ 891,035     $ 7,218,012  
  Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    305,900       404,087       1,977,519       1,522,290  
  Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    457,784       2,463,076       -       -  
  Commercial and industrial loans
    18,258       -       -       992,027  
  Consumer loans
    -       -       -       -  
          Total
  $ 3,295,350     $ 6,537,862     $ 2,868,554     $ 9,732,329  
                                 
(1)  
Includes HELOC loans

Management closely monitors delinquent loans. Construction loans past due 30 to 89 days as of September 30, 2011 increased from December 31, 2010 primarily due to one relationship. As of September 30, 2011 management has evaluated the relationship and believes that a plan is in place to resolve the issues involved. However, management has also evaluated the collateral supporting the loan and believes that sufficient collateral exists to cover the Company’s investment in the related loans if foreclosure is ultimately required. The decrease in loans on nonaccrual since December 31, 2010 is primarily due to completion of the foreclosure process for multiple relationships, net of new loans entering foreclosure.

The table below details amounts of loans collectively or individually reviewed for impairment by portfolio segment.

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Collectively reviewed for impairment
   
Individually
reviewed for impairment
   
Collectively reviewed for impairment
   
Individually
reviewed for impairment
 
                         
  Loans secured by real estate – construction
  $ 18,949,157     $ 12,092,076     $ 29,029,669     $ 12,825,669  
  Loans secured by real estate – single family (1)
    13,152,354       1,896,553       15,321,194       4,283,749  
  Loans secured by real estate –nonfarm, nonresidential
    32,604,147       7,323,288       40,979,572       2,100,653  
  Loans secured by real estate – multifamily
    1,048,617       696,138       1,793,400       -  
  Commercial and industrial loans
    9,422,867       543,014       11,422,691       1,158,150  
  Loans to consumers
    721,400       279       995,788       3,665  
          Total
  $ 75,898,542     $ 22,551,348     $ 99,542,314     $ 20,371,886  
                                 
(1)  
Includes HELOC loans.


 
28

 



Impaired loans by portfolio segment, the majority of which are included in the table above, as of the dates indicated, were as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Impaired Loans
   
% of
Total
 
Related Specific Reserves
   
Impaired
 Loans
   
% of
Total
 
Related Specific Reserves
 
Real Estate – construction
  $ 5,661,109       63.6 %   $ 64,143     $ 7,218,013       67.8 %   $ 51,280  
Real Estate – single family (1)
    410,874       4.6       12,707       2,137,335       20.1       3,287  
Real Estate – Nonfarm, nonresidential
    2,774,434       31.2       96,327       152,310       1.4       -  
Commercial and industrial
    58,107       .6       -       1,129,662       10.6       292,000  
Consumer installment
    -       -       -       1,869       .1       1,869  
                                                 
Total impaired loans (2)
    8,904,524       100.0 %   $ 173,178       10,639,189       100.0 %   $ 348,436  
        Less related allowance for
             loan losses
    (173,178 )                     (348,436 )                
           Net nonperforming loans
  $ 8,731,346                     $ 10,290,753                  
(1)  
Includes HELOC loans, if applicable.
(2)  
Includes loans on nonaccrual.

Reappraisals are routinely ordered when a loan is collateral dependent and showing signs of weakness. Specifically, the Company’s reappraisal policy states that collateral for single family construction loans will be reappraised if the home is complete and remains unsold for twelve months, or if the original loan has been outstanding for eighteen months. For development loans, if lot absorption varies from the original appraiser’s estimates by 25% or more, the collateral will be reappraised. Additionally, the Company’s guidelines require that real property be appraised prior to renewal, modification, or extension of the loan. Collateral will also be reappraised if there is any indication that the collateral may have decreased significantly in value. An evaluation, rather than a full, certified appraisal, may or may not be used after consideration of the risk involved with the transaction, and the need to remain within safe and sound banking practices. If the value of collateral decreases significantly upon reappraisal, the Company may take any one or a combination of steps to protect its position. Possible actions include requesting additional collateral from the borrower, requiring the borrower to make principal reductions on the loan, or charge-off of a portion of the loan balance.

Loans with weaknesses that are collateralized with partially constructed projects are generally appraised both “as is” and “as completed.” A determination is then made as to the likely disposition of the loan, whether the borrower retains the collateral and completes the project or whether the Company will ultimately foreclose and complete the construction following foreclosure. If foreclosure and completion by the Company are deemed the most likely scenario, and the cost to complete exceeds the collateral value, then the amount of cost to complete in excess of the as completed value of the collateral will generally be charged to the allowance for loan losses. To date very few impaired loans have been returned to accruing status as the result of updated appraisals. However, depending on specific circumstances, such reappraised loans could potentially return to accrual status if the repayment prospects for the loan have changed significantly. Generally, a reappraised loan would not be returned to accrual status unless: the borrower has continued to make contractually required payments on the loan so that the outstanding principal balance is less than the appraised value less selling costs; the estimate of value of the collateral was determined using an independent valuation or appraisal; the borrower’s financial condition has not deteriorated significantly,  all indications are that the borrower will continue making payments as required for the foreseeable future; and there are no known barriers to collection of payment in full. Loans returned to accrual status will generally need to have performed for a period of six months prior to being returned to accrual status, unless the underlying characteristics have significantly been altered in a positive manner.

 
29

 
The Bank accounts for impaired loans in accordance with a financial accounting standard that requires all lenders to value a loan at the loan’s fair value if it is probable that the lender will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration all the circumstances of the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, reasons for the delay, the borrower’s payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The fair value of an impaired loan may be determined based upon the present value of expected cash flows, market price of the loan, if available, or value of the underlying collateral. Expected cash flows are required to be discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The Bank’s loan portfolio is largely dependent on collateral for repayment if the borrower’s financial position deteriorates. Therefore, the most common type of valuation is to determine collateral value less disposal costs in order to determine carrying values for loans deemed impaired.

Troubled Debt Restructurings
Loans which management identifies as impaired generally will be nonperforming loans or restructured loans (also known as “troubled debt restructurings” or “TDR’s”). As a result of adopting the amendments in ASU 2011-02, the Company reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption (January 1, 2011) to determine whether they are considered troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) under the amended guidance. The Company identified no loans as TDRs for which the allowance for loan losses had previously been measured under a general allowance methodology.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Bank modified four loans that were considered to be troubled debt restructurings.   We extended the terms for three of these loans and the interest rate was lowered for one of these loans.  The table below summarizes loans designated as TDR’s during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2011.

   
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (1)
 
Real estate- construction
    2     $ 1,993,166     $ 1,993,166  
Real estate- nonfarm, nonresidential
    2       489,248       489,248  
     Total
    4     $ 2,482,414     $ 2,482,414  
                         
                         
   
For the three months ended September 30, 2011
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (1)
 
Real estate- construction
    1     $ 1,700,000     $ 1,700,000  
Real estate- nonfarm, nonresidential
    1       163,730       163,730  
     Total
    2     $ 1,863,730     $ 1,863,730  
                         
(1)  
Principal payments received are reflected in the Post-modification outstanding recorded investment on certain loans.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, two loans that had previously been restructured were in default, both of which went into default in the quarter.   One loan restructured in the twelve months prior to 2011 went into default during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the three months then ended. Two loans that had been restructured in 2010 and defaulted in 2010 were transferred to OREO in 2011.

 
30

 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings that subsequently defaulted during the period:
 
Number of Contracts
   
Recorded Investment
 
Real estate-nonfarm, nonresidential
    1     $ 325,446  
Commercial and industrial
    1       72,041  
     Total
    2     $ 397,487  
                 
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings that subsequently defaulted during the period:
 
Number of Contracts
   
Recorded Investment
 
Real estate-nonfarm, nonresidential
    1     $ 325,446  
Commercial and industrial
    1       72,041  
     Total
    2     $ 397,487  
 
In the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management considers troubled debt restructurings and subsequent defaults in these restructurings by adjusting quantitative and qualitative factors applied to balances in the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. Increases in the number of restructurings or defaults on previously restructured loans would increase qualitative factors used in the allowance calculation.  Restructured loans are considered impaired under the accounting standards, so management reviews them individually to determine the amount of impairment. 

Nonperforming Loans
Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans or loans which are 90 days or more delinquent as to principal or interest payments. As of September 30, 2011, the Bank had nonaccrual loans of $6.5 million representing 10 loans, a decrease of $3.2 million from December 31, 2010. All of these loans are secured by real estate. In addition to loans on nonaccrual, as of September 30, 2011, management considers another $2.4 million of loans impaired, all of which are TDR’s. Management routinely assesses the collateral and other circumstances associated with impaired loans in an effort to determine the amount of potential impairment. These loans are currently being carried at management’s best estimate of net realizable value, although no assurance can be given that no further losses will be incurred on these loans until the collateral has been acquired and liquidated or other arrangements can be made.  The foreclosure process is lengthy (generally a minimum of six months and often much longer), so loans may be on nonaccrual status for a significant time period prior to moving to other real estate owned. As soon as the amount of impairment is estimable, the amount of principal impairment is generally charged against the allowance for loan losses. However, until losses and selling costs can be estimated via appraisal or other means, a portion of the allowance may be allocated to specific impaired loans. The timing of the appraisal varies from loan to loan depending on the Bank’s ability to access the property.  As of September 30, 2011 the allowance for loan losses included approximately $173,178 of reserves specifically related to impaired loans. Of that amount, a portion is related to selling costs. The Company has no interest income recognized on impaired loans that represent the change in present value attributable to the passage of time.

Management’s estimates of net realizable value or fair value of real estate collateral are obtained (on a nonrecurring basis) using independent appraisals, less estimated selling costs. Estimates of net realizable value for equipment and other types of personal property collateral are estimated based on input from equipment dealers and other professionals. If an appraisal is not available or management determines that fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as determined by Level 3 inputs as defined by FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”

Potential Problem Loans
Management identifies and maintains a list of potential problem loans. These are loans that are not included in nonaccrual status or impaired loans. A loan is added to the potential problem list when management becomes aware of information about possible credit problems of borrowers that causes serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the current loan repayment terms. These loans are designated as such in order to be monitored more closely than other credits in the Bank’s portfolio. There were loans in the amount of $4.7 million that have been determined by management to be potential problem loans at September 30, 2011. These loans are generally secured by various types of real estate, but a few are secured with other types of collateral. Should potential problem loans become impaired, management will charge-off any impairment amount as soon as the amount of impairment can be determined.

Concentrations of Credit
The Bank makes loans to individuals and small businesses located primarily in upstate South Carolina for various personal and commercial purposes. The Bank monitors the portfolio for concentrations of credit on a quarterly basis using North American Industry Codes, (“NAIC”) and using definitions required by regulatory agencies. The Bank has loans in two NAIC categories of which each represents more than 10% of the portfolio. The NAIC concentrations are 13.01% in Accommodation and Food services, and 24.0% in Real Estate Rental and Leasing.  The NAIC codes that make up various types of construction related companies also represent more than 10% when taken collectively. The portfolio also has loans representing 15 other NAIC categories.
 
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The Bank has concentrations in loans collateralized by real estate according to the regulatory definition. Included in this segment of the portfolio is the category for construction and development loans.

Construction loans in the Company’s portfolio can be further divided into the following sub categories as of September 30, 2011:
 
   
September 30, 2011
 
Single family residential construction loans
  $ 2,681,727  
Acquisition and development loans
    7,512,030  
Vacant land loans (not development related)
    18,334,068  
Other construction and land loans
    2,513,408  
    $ 31,041,233  

While the Bank does have a concentration of loans in this category, the Bank’s business is managed in a manner intended to help reduce the risks normally associated with construction lending. Management requires lending personnel to visit job sites, maintain frequent contact with borrowers and perform or commission inspections of completed work prior to issuing additional construction loan draws. Under current policy, loans are limited to 80% of cost of construction projects, and borrowers are required to meet minimum net worth requirements and debt service coverage ratios. Projects for construction of single family homes are generally limited to those projects with contracts for sale where the ultimate owner has a significant investment in the contract.  These policies may be considered stricter than policies in place when some of the Bank’s currently outstanding loans were originated. However, as loans mature or as new loans are made, the current guidelines described above would be used to underwrite construction loans.  The Company does not currently have any acquisition and development loans with interest reserves.


Reappraisals are routinely ordered when a loan is collateral dependent and showing signs of weakness. Specifically, the Company’s reappraisal policy states that collateral for single family construction loans will be reappraised if the home is complete and remains unsold for twelve months, or if the original loan has been outstanding for eighteen months. For development loans, if lot absorption varies from the original appraiser’s estimates by 25% or more, the collateral will be reappraised.


Real estate acquired in foreclosure
As of September 30, 2011 the Company held other real estate owned as a result of foreclosures totaling $14.3 million, representing 51 properties. Of the total recorded amount, $8.8 million relates to collateral formerly securing construction and land development loans, $4.3 million relates to properties formerly securing single family residential loans, and $1.2 million relates to collateral securing former nonfarm-nonresidential mortgage loans. If, at the time of foreclosure, the fair value is determined to be lower than the Company’s recorded investment, a charge-off is recorded at that time. If an appraisal is available, the appraisal will be used to estimate fair value. If an appraisal is not available or management determines that fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is not an observable market price, the Company records the asset as determined by Level 3 inputs as defined by FASB ASC 820. If the property has been held for longer than one year, the Company’s policy is to arrange for an updated appraisal, unless the circumstances of the property indicate that an appraisal is not necessary. If a property is determined to be over-valued upon appraisal, the excess is charged to expense.
 
The Company has acquired a significant number of real estate properties in settlement of loans. A summary of the activity in real estate acquired in foreclosure follows:

   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Beginning balance
  $ 10,278,599       6,712,948  
Additions from foreclosures and capitalized improvements
    8,083,821       5,631,493  
Write downs of value
    (358,965 )     (425,506 )
Sales
    (3,680,032 )     (3,578,574 )
        Ending real estate acquired in foreclosure
  $ 14,323,423     $ 8,340,361  

 
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Other assets
As of September 30, 2011, other assets included accrued interest receivable on loans and investment securities available for sale totaling approximately $525,000, prepaid expenses of approximately $598,000 and several miscellaneous items. Prepaid expenses include $431,000 of FDIC premiums for the remainder of 2011 and 2012 that were required to be prepaid to the FDIC in December 2009. See Note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements above for additional information related to income taxes. The Company recorded a valuation allowance equal to 100% of its deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2011. The valuation allowance was recorded due to evidence that short term taxable income would not be sufficient to utilize the Company’s deferred tax assets. During the third quarter of 2011, the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee announced their intention to hold short term interest rates near zero though mid-2013. In addition, turmoil in world financial markets and the continuing slow pace of the United States and local economic recovery create uncertainty which affect loan growth for community banks. These factors, which could impact the Company’s ability to significantly increase net interest income over the coming few years, resulted in the establishment of the valuation allowance. The Company had no net investment in deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2011.

Deposits
The following table shows the average balance amounts and the average rates we paid on deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

   
Average Deposits
   
Three months ended
September 30, 2011
 
Three months ended
September 30, 2010
   
Amount
   
Rate
 
Amount
   
Rate
       
                         
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 13,421,655       - %   $ 11,432,444       - %
Interest bearing transaction accounts
    13,532,747       .40 %     12,603,195       .45 %
Savings and money market
    50,938,255       .70 %     50,524,150       1.42 %
Time deposits
    60,895,714       1.51 %     74,324,647       1.97 %
Total average deposits
  $ 138,788,371             $ 148,884,436          

Included in total deposits as of September 30, 2011 were $8.6  million of deposits considered to be brokered deposits based on regulatory definitions. These deposits come from a variety of sources, and are generally fully insured by the FDIC. The Company uses brokered deposits to fund various maturities that may not be attractive to customers in the local market area or to supplement local time deposits when interest rates offered locally are higher than interest rates on similar products in other markets. Pursuant to a formal agreement the Bank entered into with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) on May 12, 2010, the Bank is currently required to obtain a determination of no supervisory objection from the OCC prior to accepting or renewing brokered deposits.


 
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Borrowings
The Bank’s outstanding borrowings are described in the following table. The amounts listed as broker repurchase agreements are collateralized borrowings from other institutions. Retail repurchase agreements with the Bank’s customers are not included in the table below.
 
Borrowings at or for the three months ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Ending Balance
   
Period- End Rate
 
Maximum Month-end Balance
   
Average Balance
   
Weighted Average Rate Paid
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
  $ 2,479,213       3.76 %   $ 2,504,352     $ 2,497,545       3.08 %
Broker repurchase agreements
  $ 5,000,000       3.52 %   $ 5,000,000     $ 5,000,000       3.53 %

Of the $2.5 million of FHLB advances outstanding, $479,213 are principal reducing credits with final maturities in 2013 through 2015. The remaining $2.0 million is a convertible advance with a final maturity in 2018.

Of the $5.0 million of broker repurchase agreements outstanding, $2.0 million has a final maturity in January, 2013 and $3.0 million has a final maturity in January, 2015. Both are callable, quarterly, beginning on January 10, 2010 and January 15, 2012, respectively.

Liquidity
 
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future obligations through liquidation or maturity of existing assets or the acquisition of liabilities. The Company manages both assets and liabilities to achieve appropriate levels of liquidity. Cash and short-term investments are the Company’s primary sources of asset liquidity. These funds provide a cushion against short-term fluctuations in cash flow from both deposits and loans. The investment portfolio is the Company’s principal source of secondary asset liquidity. However, the availability of this source of funds is influenced by market conditions. Individual and commercial deposits and borrowings are the Company’s primary source of funding for credit activities. The Company has a line of credit with the FHLB of Atlanta. The FHLB line is based on the availability of eligible collateral, with a maximum borrowing capacity of 10% of Bank assets. The Bank currently has $2.5 million borrowed under the FHLB line. Approximately $14.1 million is available under the FHLB line, assuming adequate collateral is available for pledging. The Bank also has arrangements in place to borrow from the Federal Reserve Discount Window if necessary. The amount of collateral fluctuates with the borrowing base, which is based on a percentage of the outstanding balance of eligible loan collateral. Management believes that the Company’s liquidity sources are adequate to meet its operating needs.
 

Off Balance Sheet Risk
 
Through the operations of the Bank, the Company has contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of its business activities. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money to the Bank’s customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time. Commitments are subject to various conditions which are expected to reduce the credit risk to the Company. The Bank’s management evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by management upon extension of credit, is based on a credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and commercial or residential real estate. Management manages the credit risk on these commitments by subjecting them to normal underwriting and risk management processes.
 
At September 30, 2011, the Bank had issued commitments to extend credit of $11.1 million through various types of lending arrangements and overdraft protection arrangements. Of that amount, approximately $5.1 million was undisbursed amounts of closed-end loans, $1.1 million was related to unused overdraft protection, and approximately $4.9 million was related to lines of credit. The Bank also had standby letters of credit outstanding of approximately $954,000 at September 30, 2011. An immaterial amount of fees were collected related to these commitments and letters of credit during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011. Historically many of these commitments and letters of credit expire unused, and the total amount committed as of September 30, 2011 is not necessarily expected to be funded.
 
The Bank offers an automatic overdraft protection product to checking account customers. Each qualified account with the automatic overdraft protection feature can have up to $500 of paid overdrafts. Unused overdraft protection was $1.1 million as of September 30, 2011, the majority of which is not expected to be utilized. As of September 30, 2011, accounts in overdraft status totaled $14,768.
 
 
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Capital Resources
 
The capital base for the Company decreased by $590,000 for the first nine months of 2011. This was due to the net loss caused by the valuation allowance established on our deferred tax asset, offset by stock based compensation activity, and increases in accumulated other comprehensive income. Stock based compensation activity includes the impact of accounting requirements on unexercised options. There were no options exercised during the quarter ended September 30, 2011, and no options expired. The Company’s ending equity to asset ratio was 10.68% as of September 30, 2011.
 
The following table details return on average assets (net income/loss divided by average total assets, annualized in 2011), return on average equity (net income/loss divided by average total equity, annualized in 2011), the ratio of average equity to average assets and the Dividend Payout Ratio (dividends paid divided by net income) as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010. The annualized return on assets and return on equity for the first nine months of 2011 have declined compared to return on assets and return on equity for the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to the establishment of a valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets. The ratio of average equity to average assets has improved because average assets have declined more rapidly in the first nine months of 2011 than average equity has declined over the same time period. However, annualized results for the first nine months of 2011 will not be indicative of actual annual results for 2011 due to the significance of the valuation allowance placed on the deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2011.
 
   
Nine- month period ended
September 30, 2011
 
Year ended
December 31, 2010
   
(annualized)
     
Return on average assets
    (.94 %)     (.27 %)
Return on average equity
    (8.81 %)     (2.72 %)
Ratio of average equity to average assets
    10.71 %     9.93 %
Dividend payout ratio
    - %     - %

Capital Ratios
The FDIC has established guidelines for capital requirements for banks. As of September 30, 2011, the Bank is considered well capitalized based on the capital levels that are required to be maintained according to FDIC guidelines as shown in the following table.

Capital Ratios
 
Actual
   
Well Capitalized
Requirement Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
   
Adequately
Capitalized
Requirement
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of September 30, 2011:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                 
Total capital to risk weighted assets
  $ 18,368       14.7 %   $ 12,470       10.0 %   $ 9,976       8.0 %
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
  $ 16,793       13.5 %   $ 7,482       6.0 %   $ 4,988       4.0 %
Tier 1 capital to average assets
  $ 16,793       10.0 %   $ 8,368       5.0 %   $ 6,695       4.0 %
                                                 
As of December 31, 2010:
                                               
Total capital to risk weighted assets
  $ 19,307       13.8 %   $ 14,043       10.0 %   $ 11,234       8.0 %
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
  $ 17,531       12.5 %   $ 8,426       6.0 %   $ 5,617       4.0 %
Tier 1 capital to average assets
  $ 17,531       9.8 %   $ 8,985       5.0 %   $ 7,188       4.0 %

 
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In addition to the FDIC requirements shown above, the Bank is currently required by the OCC to maintain individual minimum capital ratios. Those required ratios are: Total capital to risk weighted assets– 12.0%; Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets – 11.0%; and Tier 1 capital to average assets– 9.0%. As of September 30, 2011 the Bank exceeded the additional capital requirements required by the OCC.

The Federal Reserve has also established guidelines for capital requirements for bank holding companies that are similar to the FDIC’s guidelines for banks. At September 30, 2011 the Company exceeded all of the minimum requirements of the Federal Reserve guidelines.

Regulatory Actions
 
The Company has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“FRB”). The memorandum of understanding requires the Company to seek permission from the FRB before it takes certain actions such as payment of cash dividends, redemption of outstanding stock, etc. The Company believes it is in compliance with the memorandum of understanding with the FRB as of September 30, 2011.

On May 12, 2010, the Bank entered into a formal agreement with the OCC for the Bank to take various actions with respect to the operation of the Bank. The actions include: creation of a committee of the Bank's board of directors to monitor compliance with the agreement and make quarterly reports to the board of directors and the OCC; assessment and evaluation of management and members of the board; development, implementation and adherence to a written program to improve the Bank's loan portfolio management; protection of the Bank’s interest in its criticized assets; implementation of a program that identifies and manages concentrations of credit risk; extension of the Bank’s strategic plan; extension of the Bank’s capital program and profit plan; additional plans for ensuring that the level of liquidity at the Bank is sufficient to sustain the current operations and withstand any anticipated or extraordinary demand; and a requirement for obtaining a determination of no supervisory objection from the OCC before accepting brokered deposits. The substantive actions called for by the agreement should strengthen the Bank and make it more efficient in the long-term. The Bank believes it has taken appropriate actions at September 30, 2011 to comply with the requirements included in the formal agreement, many of which are described above.

One of the OCC’s concerns as of the date of the formal agreement was related to a concentration in commercial real estate (“CRE”) lending. Specifically, total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land loans represented 100% or more of the Bank’s total capital as of the examination date, and total CRE loans represented 300% or more of the Bank’s total capital. Since the Bank entered into the formal agreement with the OCC, the Bank’s management has been monitoring concentrations according to the same methodology as that used by the regulatory agencies. Concentrations of credit are being controlled through modified credit underwriting standards and the immediate suspension of origination of residential speculative construction loans and residential development loans. The Bank is located in a market where real estate is a major industry. We adopted more stringent underwriting standards through loan policy changes approved by the Board of Directors in early 2010 that have strengthened credit quality. Furthermore, CRE loans are being underwritten in a manner such that repayment of the loan is not dependent solely on the sale of subject real estate. A strong secondary source of repayment must exist and must be verified during the underwriting process to increase the probability that the loan will be repaid according to the terms of the note. Additionally, management is emphasizing owner-occupied CRE loans rather than non-owner occupied loans. A CRE concentration report provides management and the Board data to ensure we are properly controlling concentrations.
 
Impact of Inflation
 
Unlike most industrial companies, the assets and liabilities of financial institutions such as the Company are primarily monetary in nature. Therefore, interest rates have a more significant impact on the Company’s performance than do the effects of changes in the general rate of inflation and changes in prices. In addition, interest rates do not necessarily move in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. As discussed previously, management seeks to manage the relationships between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against wide rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation.
 
 
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates which principally arises from liquidity risk and interest rate risk inherent in the Bank’s lending, deposit gathering, and borrowing activities. Other types of market risk such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk do not normally arise in the ordinary course of our business. The Funds Management Committee of our Board of Directors, which meets quarterly, monitors and considers methods of managing exposure to liquidity and interest rate risk. Management monitors liquidity and interest rate risk on an on-going basis. Management is responsible for maintaining the level of interest rate sensitivity of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities and managing our liquidity within board-approved limits.

Interest rate sensitivity “GAP” analysis measures the timing and magnitude of the repricing of assets compared with the repricing of liabilities and is an important part of asset/liability management. The objective of interest rate sensitivity management is to generate stable growth in net interest income, and to control the risks associated with interest rate movements. Management constantly reviews interest rate risk exposure and the expected interest rate environment so that adjustments in interest rate sensitivity can be made in a timely manner.


ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures.

Based on the evaluation required by 17 C.F.R. Section 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b) of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in 17 C.F.R. Sections 240.13a-15(e) and 240.15d-15(e)), the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that such controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, were effective.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


 
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Part II - Other Information

ITEM 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits:
   
31-1
Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a) Certifications of Chief Executive Officer
31-2
Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) Certifications of Chief Financial Officer
32
18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certifications
101
Interactive Data File


SIGNATURES

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


                   Cornerstone Bancorp
                      (Registrant)

   
By: s/J. Rodger Anthony                
Date: November 3, 2011
       J. Rodger Anthony
 
       Chief Executive Officer
 
   
   
   
By: s/Jennifer M. Champagne               
Date: November 3, 2011
       Jennifer M. Champagne
 
       Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
       (Principal Financial Officer)
 

 
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