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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES INCv311594_ex31-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES INCv311594_ex32-1.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
  OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2012

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
  THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Transition Period from _________to_________

 

Commission File Number 000-49757

 

FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 

South Carolina 80-0030931
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

  

2170 West Palmetto Street

Florence, South Carolina 29501

(Address of principal executive
offices, including zip code)

  

(843) 656-5000

(Issuer’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity as of the latest practicable date:

 

4,096,774 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of April 30, 2012

 

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x No.  ¨

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer £   Smaller reporting company x

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

 
 

 

INDEX

 

  Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements  
     
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 3
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 4
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income –  Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 5
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity –  Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 6
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 7
     
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 22
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 38
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 38
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings 39
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 39
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 39
     
Item 6. Exhibits 39

 

 

 
 

 

FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
Assets          
Cash and cash equivalents:          
Cash and due from banks  $1,884,899   $2,134,864 
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks   42,613,902    41,885,966 
Total cash and cash equivalents   44,498,801    44,020,830 
           
Time deposits in other banks   100,373    100,373 
           
Securities available-for-sale   84,805,765    84,534,318 
Nonmarketable equity securities   2,431,800    2,431,800 
Total investment securities   87,237,565    86,966,118 
           
Mortgage loans held for sale   4,154,498    2,863,297 
           
Loans receivable   289,327,717    303,398,403 
Less allowance for loan losses   (5,749,117)   (7,743,470)
Loans, net   283,578,600    295,654,933 
Premises, furniture and equipment, net   25,114,170    25,205,064 
Accrued interest receivable   1,631,872    1,938,807 
Other real estate owned   23,812,698    22,135,921 
Cash surrender value life insurance   12,323,377    12,228,829 
Other assets   3,533,841    3,852,250 
           
Total assets  $485,985,795   $494,966,422 
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
Liabilities          
Deposits          
Noninterest-bearing transaction accounts  $57,394,072   $52,299,017 
Interest-bearing transaction accounts   48,049,354    42,092,193 
Savings   117,257,031    122,528,570 
Time deposits $100,000 and over   113,951,364    122,474,202 
Other time deposits   77,612,074    88,422,515 
Total deposits   414,263,895    427,816,497 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase   4,280,307    - 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   13,000,000    13,000,000 
Junior subordinated debentures   10,310,000    10,310,000 
Accrued interest payable   352,052    317,678 
Other liabilities   2,300,314    2,404,257 
Total liabilities   444,506,568    453,848,432 
           
Shareholders’ Equity          
Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares:          
Series A cumulative perpetual preferred stock 15,349 shares issued and outstanding   14,973,769    14,925,265 
Series B cumulative perpetual preferred stock 767 shares issued and outstanding   798,835    802,951 
Series C cumulative mandatory convertible preferred stock  2,293 shares issued and outstanding   2,293,000    2,293,000 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 4,096,774 and 4,084,400 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively   40,968    40,844 
Capital surplus   28,001,244    27,992,485 
Treasury stock, at cost, 13,245 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011   (173,941)   (173,650)
Nonvested restricted stock   (262,322)   (320,196)
Retained deficit   (5,970,329)   (6,304,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   1,778,003    1,861,720 
Total shareholders’ equity   41,479,227    41,117,990 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $485,985,795   $494,966,422 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

-3-
 

 

FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2012   2011 
Interest income          
Loans, including fees  $4,399,827   $5,070,274 
Investment securities          
Taxable   464,650    305,160 
Nontaxable   196,991    534,457 
Other interest income   27,880    24,063 
Total   5,089,348    5,933,954 
Interest expense          
Time deposits   1,052,558    1,511,744 
Other deposits   154,634    264,320 
Other interest expense   128,653    78,585 
Total   1,335,845    1,854,649 
           
Net interest income   3,753,503    4,079,305 
           
Provision for loan losses   600,000    241,114 
           
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   3,153,503    3,838,191 
           
Noninterest income          
Service charges on deposit accounts   404,615    445,562 
Gain on sale of mortgage loans   210,155    123,045 
Income from bank owned life insurance   94,547    100,462 
Other charges, commissions and fees   211,473    192,053 
Gain on sale of securities available-for-sale   160,777    45,275 
Other non-interest income   172,874    100,296 
Total   1,254,441    1,006,693 
           
Noninterest expenses          
Salaries and benefits   1,748,895    2,376,045 
Occupancy expense   357,767    377,196 
Furniture and equipment expense   359,659    314,670 
Other operating expenses   1,563,135    1,955,989 
Total   4,029,456    5,023,900 
           
Income (loss) before taxes   378,488    (179,016)
           
Income tax benefit   -    (293,686)
           
Net income   378,488    114,670 
           
Preferred stock dividends   249,248    249,248 
           
Deemed dividends on preferred stock resulting from net accretion of discount and amortization of premium   44,388    43,900 
           
Net Income (loss) available to common shareholders  $84,852   $(178,478)
           
Average common shares outstanding, basic   4,085,855    4,110,477 
Average common shares outstanding, diluted   4,299,572    4,110,477 
           
Income (loss) per common share:          
Basic  $0.02   $(0.04)
Diluted   0.02    (0.04)

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

-4-
 

 

FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Net income from operations  $378,488   $114,670 
           
Other Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:          
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities arising during period   22,396    187,813 
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income from operations   (106,113)   (29,881)
           
Other comprehensive income (loss)   (83,717)   157,932 
           
Comprehensive income  $294,771   $272,602 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

-5-
 

 

FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

(Unaudited)

 

                           Accumulated     
                           Other     
                   Nonvested       Comprehensive     
   Preferred   Common   Capital   Treasury   Restricted   Retained   Income     
   Stock   Stock   Surplus   Stock   Stock   Earnings   (Loss)   Total 
Balance, December 31, 2010   $17,843,176   $41,159   $28,140,094   $(168,864)  $(679,264)  $4,002,469   $(586,926)  $48,591,844 
                                         
Net income                            114,670         114,670 
                                         
Other comprehensive gain,   net of tax expense of $81,359                                 157,932    157,932 
                                         
Preferred Stock Dividend                            (249,248)        (249,248)
                                         
Accretion of Series A  Preferred stock discount   47,970                       (47,970)        - 
                                         
Amortization of Series B Preferred stock premium   (4,070)                       4,070         - 
                                         
Issuance Common Stock        3    999                        1,002 
                                         
Net Change in Restricted Stock        (180)   (64,428)        122,977              58,369 
                                         
Purchase of treasury stock                  (184)                  (184)
                                         
Balance, March 31, 2011  $17,887,076   $40,982   $28,076,665   $(169,048)  $(556,287)  $3,823,991   $(428,994)  $48,674,385 
                                         
Balance, December 31, 2011  $18,021,216   $40,844   $27,992,485   $(173,650)  $(320,196)  $(6,304,429)  $1,861,720   $41,117,990 
                                         
Net income                            378,488         378,488 
                                         
Other comprehensive loss,  net of tax benefit of $43,127                                 (83,717)   (83,717)
                                         
Accretion of Series A  Preferred stock discount   48,503                        (48,503)        - 
                                         
Amortization of Series B Preferred stock premium    (4,115)                       4,115         - 
                                         
Issuance Common Stock        8    993                        1,001 
                                         
Net Change in Restricted Stock        116    7,766         57,874              65,756 
                                         
Purchase of treasury stock                  (291)                  (291)
                                         
Balance, March 31, 2012  $18,065,604   $40,968   $28,001,244   $(173,941)  $(262,322)  $(5,970,329)  $1,778,003   $41,479,227 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

-6-
 

 

FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $378,488   $114,670 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses   600,000    241,114 
Depreciation and amortization expense   230,174    240,324 
Gain on sale of securities available-for-sale   (160,777)   (45,275)
Loss on sale of other real estate owned   83,388    43,444 
Discount accretion and premium amortization   58,536    53,914 
Disbursements for mortgage loans held for sale   (14,601,616)   (3,941,849)
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale   13,310,415    4,153,948 
Decrease in interest receivable   306,935    323,518 
Increase (decrease) in interest payable   34,374    (76,094)
Increase for cash surrender value of life insurance   (94,548)   (100,461)
Amortization of deferred compensation on restricted stock   65,756    58,369 
Decrease in other assets   332,691    212,845 
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities   (103,943)   128,714 
Net cash provided by operating activities   439,873    1,407,181 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Net decrease in loans receivable   7,634,794    8,195,744 
Purchases of securities available-for-sale   (8,067,478)   (11,148,751)
Maturities of securities available-for-sale   2,808,663    1,591,694 
Sales of securities available-for-sale   4,962,766    10,521,731 
Sales of other real estate owned   2,081,374    1,160,600 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (110,436)   (67,408)
Net cash provided by investing activities   9,309,683    10,253,610 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Net increase in demand deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts and savings accounts
   5,780,677    10,917,024 
Net decrease in certificates of deposit and other time deposits   (19,333,279)   (17,834,088)
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase   4,280,307    (79,639)
Net increase in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank   -    7,000,000 
Issuance of common stock   1,001    1,002 
Purchase of treasury stock   (291)   (184)
Payment of preferred stock dividends   -    (249,248)
Net cash used by financing activities   (9,271,585)   (245,133)
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   477,971    11,415,658 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning   44,020,830    25,670,293 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end  $44,498,801   $37,085,951 
           
Cash paid during the period for:          
Income taxes  $-   $- 
Interest   1,301,471    1,930,743 
           
Supplemental noncash investing and financing activities:          
Foreclosures on loans  $3,841,538   $4,357,723 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

 

-7-
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements for interim financial statements and, accordingly, they are condensed and omit certain disclosures, which would appear in audited annual consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and for the interim periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation. The consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and the notes included in First Reliance Bancshares, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Note 2 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements:

 

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 were effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and had no 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 were effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 and had no 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 and requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income. The amendments were applicable to the Company on January 1, 2012 and have been applied retrospectively. In December 2011, the topic was further amended to defer the effective date of presenting reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. Companies should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect prior to the amendments while FASB redeliberates future requirements.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Note 3 - Reclassifications

 

Certain captions and amounts in the financial statements in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 were reclassified to conform to the March 31, 2012 presentation.

 

Note 4 - Investment Securities

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities available-for-sale were:

 

   Amortized   Gross Unrealized   Estimated 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Fair Value 
March 31, 2012                    
U.S. Government agencies  $7,848,428   $173,629   $30,239   $7,991,818 
Mortgage-backed securities   55,144,351    1,646,916    -    56,791,267 
Municipals   19,078,616    933,064    -    20,011,680 
Other   100,000    -    89,000    11,000 
   $82,171,395   $2,753,609   $119,239   $84,805,765 

 

-8-
 

 

   Amortized   Gross Unrealized   Estimated 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Fair Value 
December 31, 2011                    
U.S. Government agencies  $2,839,706   $185,239   $-   $3,024,945 
Mortgage-backed securities   59,748,500    1,816,651    4,749    61,560,402 
Municipals   19,084,899    853,072    -    19,937,971 
Other   100,000    -    89,000    11,000 
   $81,773,105   $2,854,962   $93,749   $84,534,318 

 

The following is a summary of maturities of securities available-for-sale as of March 31, 2012. The amortized cost and estimated fair values are based on the contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalty.

 

   Amortized   Estimated 
   Cost   Fair Value 
Due within one year  $840,676   $851,038 
Due after one year but within five years   3,574,886    3,686,933 
Due after five years but within ten years   6,903,306    7,270,492 
Due after ten years   15,608,176    16,195,035 
    26,927,044    28,003,498 
Mortgage-backed securities   55,144,351    56,791,267 
Other   100,000    11,000 
Total  $82,171,395   $84,805,765 

  

The following table shows gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category, and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

  

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
Less Than 12 Months                    
U.S. Government agencies  $5,006,100   $30,239   $5,085,963   $4,749 
                     
12 Months or More                    
Other   11,000    89,000    11,000    89,000 
Total securities available-for-sale  $5,017,100   $119,239   $5,096,963   $93,749 

 

At March 31, 2012, securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair market value. At March 31, 2012, unrealized losses consisted of two securities, one of which had been in a continuous loss position for twelve months or more. The Company believes that the deterioration in value is attributable to changes in market interest rates and not in credit quality and considers this loss temporary. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of its amortized cost. Management evaluates investment securities in a loss position based on length of impairment, severity of impairment and other factors.

 

During the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, gross proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $4,962,766 and $10,521,731, respectively. Gains on available-for-sale securities totaled $160,777 and $45,275 for the first quarter 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

-9-
 

 

Note 5 – Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Major classifications of loans receivable are summarized as follows:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
Real estate loans:          
Construction  $38,583,316   $43,320,482 
Residential:          
Residential 1-4 family   40,123,117    42,837,510 
Multifamily   9,009,622    8,630,232 
Second mortgages   4,442,286    4,503,752 
Equity lines of credit   23,941,983    24,998,277 
Total residential   77,517,008    80,969,771 
Nonresidential   129,408,451    133,603,482 
Total real estate loans   245,508,775    257,893,735 
Commercial and industrial   35,043,742    36,465,095 
Consumer   8,443,754    8,649,649 
Other   331,446    389,924 
Total loans  $289,327,717   $303,398,403 

 

The Company has pledged certain loans as collateral to secure its borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank. The total of loans pledged was $38,263,093 and $35,976,783 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

A summary of the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and year ended December 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
Beginning balance  $7,743,470   $6,271,045 
Provision charged to operations   600,000    5,403,416 
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off   57,427    639,211 
Loans charged-off   (2,651,780)   (4,570,202)
Ending balance  $5,749,117   $7,743,470 

 

The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses by class of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

March 31, 2012

 

                   Total         
       Real Estate Loans   Real         
(Dollars in Thousands)              Non-   Estate       Consumer 
   Total   Construction   Residential   Residential   Loans   Commercial   and Other 
Beginning balance  $7,743   $3,291   $2,757   $1,081   $7,129   $575   $39 
Provisions   600    110    (678)   535    (33)   634   (1)
Recoveries   57    4    24    1    29    28    - 
Charge-offs   (2,651)   (1,476)   (223)   (412)   (2,111)   (539)   (1)
Ending balance  $5,749   $1,929   $1,880   $1,205   $5,014   $698   $37 

 

-10-
 

 

December 31, 2011

 

                   Total         
       Real Estate Loans   Real         
(Dollars in Thousands)              Non-   Estate       Consumer 
   Total   Construction   Residential   Residential   Loans   Commercial   and Other 
Beginning balance  $6,271   $2,548   $1,730   $947   $5,225   $998   $48 
Provisions   5,403    2,212    2,580    602    5,394    (9)   18 
Recoveries   639    356    88    70    514    113    12 
Charge-offs   (4,570)   (1,825)   (1,641)   (538)   (4,004)   (527)   (39)
Ending balance  $7,743   $3,291   $2,757   $1,081   $7,129   $575   $39 

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

March 31, 2012

 

                   Total         
       Real Estate Loans   Real         
(Dollars in Thousands)              Non-   Estate       Consumer 
   Total   Construction   Residential   Residential   Loans   Commercial   and Other 
Allowance                                   
Evaluated for impairment                                   
Individually  $1,319   $389   $19   $566   $974   $332   $13 
Collectively   4,430    1,540    1,861    639    4,040    366    24 
Allowance  for loan losses  $5,749   $1,929   $1,880   $1,205   $5,104   $698   $37 
                                    
Total Loans                                   
Evaluated for impairment                                   
Individually  $26,638   $7,644   $5,105   $12,305   $25,054   $1,561   $23 
Collectively   262,690    30,939    72,412    117,104    220,455    33,483    8,752 
Loans receivable  $289,328   $38,583   $77,517   $129,409   $245,509   $35,044   $8,775 

 

December 31, 2011

 

                   Total         
       Real Estate Loans   Real         
(Dollars in Thousands)              Non-   Estate       Consumer 
   Total   Construction   Residential   Residential   Loans   Commercial   and Other 
Allowance                                   
Evaluated for impairment                                   
Individually  $2,665   $1,782   $344   $471   $2,597   $55   $13 
Collectively   5,078    1,509    2,413    610    4,532    520    26 
Allowance for loan losses  $7,743   $3,291   $2,757   $1,081   $7,129   $575   $39 
                                    
Total Loans                                   
Evaluated for impairment                                   
Individually  $26,503   $8,618   $4,644   $11,895   $25,157   $1,299   $47 
Collectively   276,895    34,702    76,326    121,708    232,736    35,166    8,993 
Loans receivable  $303,398   $43,320   $80,970   $133,603   $257,893   $36,465   $9,040 

 

-11-
 

 

The Company identifies impaired loans through its normal internal loan review process. Loans on the Company’s problem loan watch list are considered potentially impaired loans. These loans are evaluated in determining whether all outstanding principal and interest are expected to be collected. Loans are not considered impaired if a minimal delay occurs and all amounts due including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay are expected to be collected.

 

The following summarizes the Company’s impaired loans as of March 31, 2012.

 

       Unpaid       Average 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment 
With no related allowance recorded:                    
Real estate                    
Construction  $5,592   $6,099   $-   $4,450 
Residential   4,531    4,760    -    3,899 
Nonresidential   8,718    9,387    -    9,497 
Total real estate loans   18,841    20,246    -    17,846 
Commercial   944    944    -    1,008 
Consumer and other   -    -    -    13 
    19,785    21,190    -    18,867 
                     
With an allowance recorded:                    
Real estate                    
Construction   2,052    2,052    389    3,681 
Residential   574    855    19    976 
Nonresidential   3,587    3,793    566    2,603 
Total real estate loans   6,213    6,700    974    7,260 
Commercial   617    747    332    422 
Consumer and other   23    23    13    23 
    6,853    7,470    1,319    7,705 
                     
Total                    
Real estate                    
Construction   7,644    8,151    389    8,131 
Residential   5,105    5,615    19    4,875 
Nonresidential   12,305    13,180    566    12,100 
Total real estate loans   25,054    26,946    974    25,106 
Commercial   1,561    1,691    332    1,430 
Consumer and other   23    23    13    36 
Total  $26,638   $28,660   $1,319   $26,572 

 

The following summarizes the Company’s impaired loans as of December 31, 2011.

 

       Unpaid       Average 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment 
With no related allowance recorded:                    
Real estate                    
Construction  $3,308   $3,372   $-   $6,914 
Residential   3,266    3,266    -    3,170 
Nonresidential   10,276    10,642    -    6,892 
Total real estate loans   16,850    17,280    -    16,976 
Commercial   1,072    1,202    -    919 
Consumer and other   24    24    -    23 
    17,946    18,506    -    17,918 

 

-12-
 

 

       Unpaid       Average 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment 
With an allowance recorded:                    
Real estate                    
Construction   5,310    6,370    1,782    6,039 
Residential   1,378    1,659    344    705 
Nonresidential   1,619    1,715    471    744 
Total real estate loans   8,307    9,744    2,597    7,488 
Commercial   227    227    55    178 
Consumer and other   23    23    13    5 
    8,557    9,994    2,665    7,671 
                     
Total                    
Real estate                    
Construction   8,618    9,742    1,782    12,953 
Residential   4,644    4,925    344    3,875 
Nonresidential   11,895    12,357    471    7,636 
Total real estate loans   25,157    27,024    2,597    24,464 
Commercial   1,299    1,429    55    1,097 
Consumer and other   47    47    13    28 
Total  $26,503   $28,500   $2,665   $25,589 

 

Interest income on impaired loans other than nonaccrual loans is recognized on an accrual basis. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized only as collected. For the first quarter of 2012, interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans was $97,949. If the nonaccrual loans had been accruing interest at their original contracted rates, related income would have been $246,643 for quarter ended March 31, 2012.

 

A summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans as of March 31, 2012 was as follows:

 

   Past Due   Past Due Over 90 days             
(Dollars in Thousands)  30-89   and   Non-   Total      Total  
   Days   Accruing   Accruing   Past Due   Current   Loans 
Real estate                              
Construction  $353   $-   $7,639   $7,992   $30,591   $38,583 
Residential   1,535    -    4,068    5,603    71,914    77,517 
Nonresidential   710    -    9,610    10,320    119,089    129,409 
Total real estate loans   2,598    -    21,317    23,915    221,594    245,509 
Commercial   36    -    1,452    1,488    33,556    35,044 
Consumer and other   22    -    23    45    8,730    8,775 
Totals  $2,656   $-   $22,792   $25,448   $263,880   $289,328 

 

A summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2011 was as follows:

 

   Past Due   Past Due Over 90 days             
(Dollars in Thousands)  30-89   and   Non-   Total      Total 
   Days   Accruing   Accruing   Past Due   Current   Loans 
Real estate                              
Construction  $420   $-   $8,194   $8,614   $34,706   $43,320 
Residential   816    -    3,852    4,668    76,302    80,970 
Nonresidential   5,640    328    9,437    15,405    118,198    133,603 
Total real estate loans   6,876    328    21,483    28,687    229,206    257,893 
Commercial   542    -    1,300    1,842    34,623    36,465 
Consumer and other   38    -    2    40    9,000    9,040 
Totals  $7,456   $328   $22,785   $30,569   $272,829   $303,398 

 

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest totaled $0 and $327,899, respectively.

 

-13-
 

 

Included in the loan portfolio are particular loans that have been modified in order to maximize the collection of loan balances. If, for economic or legal reasons related to the customer’s financial difficulties, the Company grants a concession compared to the original terms and conditions on the loan, the modified loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”).

 

At March 31, 2012 there were 42 loans classified as TDR totaling $8,859,571. Of the 42 loans, 11 loans totaling $2,434,618 were performing while 31 loans totaling $6,424,953 were not performing. As of December 31, 2011 there were 37 loans classified as TDR totaling $7,258,698. Of the 37 loans, 15 loans totaling $3,163,205 were performing while 22 loans totaling $4,095,493 were not performing. All restructured loans resulted in either extended maturity or lowered rates and were included in the impaired loan balance.

 

The following table provides, by class, the number of loans modified in troubled debt restructurings during the first quarter of 2012.

 

           Unpaid 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Number   Recorded   Principal 
   of Loans   Investment   Balance 
Extended maturity               
Real estate –               
Construction   2   $1,067   $1,067 
Nonresidential   1    18    18 
Commercial   1    110    110 
Consumer and other   2    238    238 
Total   6    1,433    1,433 
Lower Rate               
Real estate               
Nonresidential   2    446    567 
Totals   8   $1,879   $2,000 

 

The following table provides the number of loans and leases modified in troubled debt restructurings during the previous 12 months which subsequently defaulted during the first quarter of 2012, as well as the recorded investments and unpaid principal balances as of March 31, 2012.

 

 

           Unpaid 
 (Dollars in Thousands)  Number   Recorded   Principal 
  of Loans   Investment   Balance 
Extended maturity               
Real estate –               
Construction   3   $1,473   $1,473 
Residential   1    18    18 
Nonresidential   1    110    110 
Commercial   1    222    222 
Consumer and other   1    23    23 
Total   7    1,846    1,846 
Lower Rate               
Real estate               
Residential   2    471    591 
Nonresidential   1    16    16 
Commercial   1    237    237 
Total   4    724    844 
Totals   11   $2,570   $2,690 

 

All loans modified in troubled debt restructurings are evaluated for impairment. The nature and extent of impairment of TDRs, including those which have experienced a subsequent default, are considered in determining an appropriate level of allowance for credit losses.

 

Credit Indicators

 

Loans are categorized into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The following definitions are utilized for risk ratings, which are consistent with the definitions used in supervisory guidance:

 

-14-
 

 

Special Mention - Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution's credit position at some future date.

 

Substandard - Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

Doubtful - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

 

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

 

As of March 31, 2012, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:

 

                   Total         
       Real Estate Loans   Real         
(Dollars in Thousands)              Non-   Estate       Consumer 
   Total   Construction   Residential   Residential   Loans   Commercial   and Other 
Pass  $226,400   $24,249   $62,523   $100,434   $187,206   $30,576   $8,618 
Special mention   31,271    6,234    8,422    15,244    29,900    1,277    94 
Substandard   31,657    8,100    6,572    13,731    28,403    3,191    63 
Doubtful   -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Totals  $289,328   $38,583   $77,517   $129,409   $245,509   $35,044   $8,775 

 

As of December 31, 2011, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:

 

                   Total         
       Real Estate Loans   Real         
(Dollars in Thousands)              Non-   Estate       Consumer 
   Total   Construction   Residential   Residential   Loans   Commercial   and Other 
Pass  $237,537   $26,767   $66,961   $103,120   $196,848   $31,811   $8,878 
Special mention   32,444    6,719    6,623    17,655    30,997    1,356    91 
Substandard   33,417    9,834    7,386    12,828    30,048    3,298    71 
Doubtful   -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Totals  $303,398   $43,320   $80,970   $133,603   $257,893   $36,465   $9,040 

 

The Company enters into financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. A commitment involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other parties to the instrument is represented by the contractual notional amount of the instrument. Since certain commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments to extend credit as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee a customer’s performance to a third party and have essentially the same credit risk as other lending facilities.

 

Collateral held for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

 

-15-
 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
Commitments to extend credit  $33,109,237   $34,523,727 
Standby letters of credit   108,638    1,595,656 

 

Note 6 – Other Real Estate Owned

 

Transactions in other real estate owned for the three months and year ended March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized below:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
Beginning balance  $22,135,921   $14,669,051 
Additions   3,841,538    14,049,177 
Improvements made to properties   -    6,987 
Sales   (2,164,761)   (5,485,039)
Write downs   -    (1,104,255)
Ending balance  $23,812,698   $22,135,921 

 

The Company recognized a net loss of $83,388 and a net loss of $43,444 on the sale of other real estate owned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Other real estate owned expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $349,475 and $476,224, respectively, which includes gains and losses on sales.

 

Note 7 – Shareholders’ Equity

 

Common StockThe following is a summary of the changes in common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Common shares outstanding at beginning of the period   4,084,400    4,115,903 
Issuance of common stock   770    334 
Issuance of non-vested restricted shares   13,627    - 
Forfeiture of restricted shares   (2,023)   (17,981)
Common shares outstanding at end of the period   4,096,774    4,098,256 

 

Note 8 – Income Taxes

 

The income tax expense related to the Company’s pretax income for the first quarter of 2012 was offset by a reversal of an equal amount of the Company’s valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets. Therefore no income tax provision was recorded for the first quarter of 2012.

 

Note 9 – Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders represents net income adjusted for preferred dividends including dividends declared, accretions of discounts and amortization of premiums on preferred stock issuances and cumulative dividends related to the current dividend period that have not been declared as of period end.

 

The following is a summary of the net income (loss) per common share calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

-16-
 

 

   2012   2011 
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders          
Net income  $378,488   $114,670 
Preferred stock dividends   249,248    249,248 
Deemed dividends on preferred stock resulting from net accretion of discount and amortization of premium   44,388    43,900 
           
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders  $84,852   $(178,478)
           
Basic net income (loss) per common share:          
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders  $84,852   $(178,478)
           
Average common shares outstanding – basic   4,085,855    4,110,477 
           
Basic income (loss) per common share  $0.02   $(0.04)
           
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:          
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders  $84,852   $(178,478)
           
Average common shares outstanding – basic   4,085,855    4,110,477 
           
Dilutive potential common shares   213,717    - 
           
Average common shares outstanding – diluted   4,299,572    4,110,477 
           
Diluted net income (loss) per common share  $0.02   $(0.04)

 

For the first quarter of 2011, due to the net loss, common shares equivalents were not included in loss per share calculations as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

Note 10 - Equity Incentive Plan

 

On January 19, 2006, the Company adopted the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, which provides for the granting of dividend equivalent rights options, performance unit awards, phantom shares, stock appreciation rights and stock awards, each of which are subject to such conditions based upon continued employment, passage of time or satisfaction of performance criteria or other criteria as permitted by the plan. The plan, as amended on September 17, 2010, allows the Company to award, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, up to 950,000 shares of stock, to officers, employees, and directors, consultants and service providers of the Company or its affiliates. Awards may be granted for a term of up to ten years from the effective date of grant. Under this Plan, our Board of Directors has sole discretion as to the exercise date of any awards granted. The per-share exercise price of incentive stock awards may not be less than the market value of a share of common stock on the date the award is granted. Any awards that expire unexercised or are canceled become available for re-issuance.

 

The Company can issue the restricted shares as of the grant date either by the issuance of share certificate(s) evidencing restricted shares or by documenting the issuance in uncertificated or book entry form on the Company's stock records. Except as provided by the Plan, the employee does not have the right to make or permit to exist any transfer or hypothecation of any restricted shares. When restricted shares vest, the employee must either pay the Company within two business days the amount of all tax withholding obligations imposed on the Company or make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to pay taxes at grant date.

 

Restricted shares may be subject to one or more objective employment, performance or other forfeiture conditions established by the Plan Committee at the time of grant. The restricted shares will not vest unless the Company’s retained earnings at the end of the fiscal quarter preceding the third anniversary of the restricted share award date are greater than the award value of the restricted shares. Any shares of restricted stock that are forfeited will again become available for issuance under the Plan. An employee or director has the right to vote the shares of restricted stock after grant until they are forfeited or vested. Compensation cost for restricted stock is equal to the market value of the shares at the date of the award and is amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period. Dividends, if any, will be paid on awarded but unvested stock.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 the Company issued 13,627 and 0 shares, respectively, of restricted stock pursuant to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.  The shares issued in 2012 cliff vest in three years and are fully vested in 2015, subject to meeting the performance criteria of the Plan.  The weighted-average fair value of restricted stock issued during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $1.05 per share.  Compensation cost associated with the issuance for 2012 was $14,308 to be amortized over 3 years. During the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, 2,023 and 17,981 shares were forfeited, respectively, having a weighted average price of $3.18 and $3.59, respectively. Deferred compensation expense of $65,756 and $58,369, relating to restricted stock, was amortized to income during three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

-17-
 

 

The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan allows for the issuance of Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs"). The SARs entitle the participant to receive the excess of (1) the market value of a specified or determinable number of shares of the stock at the exercise date over the fair value at grant date or (2) a specified or determinable price which may not in any event be less than the fair market value of the stock at the time of the award. Upon exercise, the Company can elect to settle the awards using either Company stock or cash. The shares start vesting after five years and vest at 20% per year until fully vested. Compensation cost for SARs is amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period.

 

During the first quarter of 2012, the Board of Directors cancelled all 84,334 SARs that were outstanding at December 31, 2011. Holders of these SARs were given a cash settlement totaling $37,500 in exchange for the cancellation. The cancellation resulted in the removal of all accrued SARs expense and related unrecognized compensation costs. For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, net income of $337,153 was recognized as a result of the cancellation. The SARs compensation expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 was $15,853.

 

Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements

 

Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) provide a framework for measuring and disclosing fair value which requires disclosures about the fair value of assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet, whether the measurements are made on a recurring basis (for example, available-for-sale investment securities) or on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired loans).

 

Fair value is defined as the exchange in 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. GAAP 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 Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available-for-sale and loans held for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for investment and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine the fair value. These levels are:

 

Level 1 —   Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
     
Level 2 —   Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
     
Level 3 —   Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include the use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

 

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

Securities Available for Sale - Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange, Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

 

-18-
 

 

Loans - The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis, however, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan loss is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including the collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring a specific allowance represent loans for which the fair value of expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investment in such loans. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, substantially all of the impaired loans were evaluated based upon the fair value of the collateral. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

 

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale - The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated based upon binding contracts and quotes from third party investors resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

Other Real Estate Owned - Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value upon transfer of the loans to other real estate owned. Real estate acquired in settlement of loans is recorded initially at estimated fair value of the property less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure. The initial recorded value may be subsequently reduced by additional allowances, which are charges to earnings if the estimated fair value of the property less estimated selling costs declines below the initial recorded value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 3.

 

The table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the hierarchy.

 

   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
March 31, 2012                    
Available for-sale-securities:                    
U.S. Government agencies  $7,991,818   $-   $7,991,818   $- 
Mortgage-backed securities   56,791,267    -    56,791,267    - 
Municipals   20,011,680    -    20,011,680    - 
Other   11,000    -    11,000    - 
    84,805,765    -    84,805,765    - 
Mortgage loans held for sale (1)   4,154,498    -    4,154,498    - 
   $88,960,263   $-   $88,960,263   $- 
                     
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
December 31, 2011                    
Available for-sale-securities:                    
U.S. Government agencies  $3,024,945   $-   $3,024,945   $- 
Mortgage-backed securities   61,560,402    -    61,560,402    - 
Municipals   19,937,971    -    19,937,971    - 
Other   11,000    -    11,000    - 
    84,534,318    -    84,534,318    - 
Mortgage loans held for sale (1)   2,863,297    -    2,863,297    - 
   $87,397,615   $-   $87,397,615   $- 

 

(1) Carried at the lower of cost or market.

 

There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

-19-
 

 

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The following table presents the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, aggregated by level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.

 

   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
March 31, 2012                    
Impaired loans receivable  $25,318,909   $-   $-   $25,318,909 
Other real estate owned   23,812,698    -    23,812,698    - 
   $49,131,607   $-   $23,812,698   $25,318,909 
December 31, 2011                    
Impaired loans receivable  $23,837,812   $-   $-   $23,837,812 
Other real estate owned   22,135,921    -    22,135,921    - 
   $45,973,733   $-   $22,135,921   $23,837,812 

 

There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

Impaired loans which are measured for impairment using the fair value of collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying value of $26,637,786 at March 31, 2012 with a valuation allowance of $1,318,877. Impaired loans had a carrying value of $26,503,206 at December 31, 2011 with a valuation allowance of $2,665,394.

 

Other real estate owned, which is measured at the lower of carrying or fair value less costs to sell, had a net carrying value of $23,812,698 at March 31, 2012 and $22,135,921 at December 31, 2011.  For the quarter ended March 31, 2012 there was no write down of other real estate owned. However, the write down of other real estate owned for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1,104,255.

 

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company for estimating fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value in the balance sheet:

 

Cash and Due from Banks and Interest-bearing Deposits with Other Banks - The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Time Deposits in other Banks - The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Nonmarketable Equity Securities - The carrying amount of nonmarketable equity securities is a reasonable estimate of fair value since no ready market exists for these securities.

 

Loans Receivable – For certain categories of loans, such as variable rate loans which are repriced frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on the carrying amounts. The fair value of other types of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.

 

Deposits - The fair value of demand deposits, savings, and money market accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair values of certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current interest rates to a schedule of aggregated expected maturities.

 

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase - The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because these instruments typically have terms of one day.

 

Advances From Federal Home Loan Bank - The fair values of fixed rate borrowings are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies the Company’s current borrowing rate from the Federal Home Loan Bank. The carrying amounts of variable rate borrowings are reasonable estimates of fair value because they can be repriced frequently.

 

Junior Subordinated Debentures - The carrying value of the junior subordinated debentures approximates their fair value since they were issued at a floating rate.

 

-20-
 

 

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable - The carrying value of these instruments is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments - Fair values of off-balance sheet lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties' credit standing.

 

The table below is a summary of fair value estimates for financial instruments and the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurements are categorized, excluding financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The values assigned do not necessarily represent amounts which ultimately may be realized. In addition, these values do not give effect to discounts to fair value which may occur when financial instruments are sold in larger quantities.  The carrying amounts in the following table are recorded in the balance sheet under the indicated captions.

 

       March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Valuation   Carrying   Estimated Fair   Carrying   Estimated Fair 
   Level   Amount   Value   Amount   Value 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and due from banks   1   $1,884,899   $1,884,899   $2,134,864   $2,134,864 
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks   1    42,613,902    42,613,902    41,885,966    41,885,966 
Time deposits in other banks   1    100,373    100,373    100,373    100,373 
Nonmarketable equity securities   2    2,431,800    2,431,800    2,431,800    2,431,800 
Loans receivable   3    289,327,717    292,743,000    303,398,403    305,701,000 
Accrued interest receivable   1    23,812,698    23,812,698    1,938,807    1,938,807 
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Demand deposit, interest-bearing transaction, and savings accounts   2   $222,700,457   $222,700,457   $216,919,780   $216,919,780 
Certificates of deposit   2    191,563,438    194,862,000    210,896,717    215,293,000 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   2    4,280,307    4,280,307    -    - 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   2    13,000,000    13,112,000    13,000,000    13,050,000 
Junior subordinated debentures   2    10,310,000    10,310,000    10,310,000    10,310,000 
Accrued interest payable   1    352,052    352,052    317,678    317,678 

 

   Notional   Notional 
   Amount   Amount 
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:          
Commitments to extend credit  $33,109,237   $34,523,727 
Standby letters of credit   108,638    1,595,656 

 

Note 12 - Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements.  Unrecognized subsequent events are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date.  Management has reviewed events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and no subsequent events occurred that require accrual or disclosure.

 

-21-
 

 

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

 

The following discussion reviews our results of operations and assesses our financial condition. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The commentary should be read in conjunction with the discussion of forward-looking statements, the financial statements and the related notes and the other statistical information included in this report.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

The statements contained in this report on Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers of this report that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

 

Although we believe that our expectations of future performance are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations.

 

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to the following:

 

·deterioration in the financial condition of borrowers resulting in significant increases in loan losses and provisions for those losses;

 

·changes in loan underwriting, credit review or loss reserve policies associated with economic conditions, examination conclusions, or regulatory developments;

 

·the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for possible loan losses;

 

·changes in political and economic conditions, including the political and economic effects of the current economic downturn and other major developments, including the ongoing war on terrorism and political unrest in the Middle East;

 

·changes in financial market conditions, either internationally, nationally or locally in areas in which the Company conducts its operations, including, without limitation, reduced rates of business formation and growth, commercial and residential real estate development, and real estate prices;

 

·the Company’s ability to comply with any requirements imposed on it or the Bank by their respective regulators, and the potential negative consequences that may result;

 

·fluctuations in markets for equity, fixed-income, commercial paper and other securities, which could affect availability, market liquidity levels, and pricing;

 

·governmental monetary and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes;

 

·the Company’s participation or lack of participation in governmental programs implemented under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (the “EESA”) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the “ARRA”), including, without limitation, the CPP administered under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, and the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (the “TLGP”) and the impact of such programs and related regulations on the Company and on international, national, and local economic and financial markets and conditions;

 

·the Company’s lack of participation in a “stress test” under the Federal Reserve’s Supervisory Capital Assessment Program; the diagnostic and stress testing we conducted differs from that administered under the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program, and the results of our test may be inaccurate; and

 

·the impact of the EESA and the ARRA and related rules and regulations on the business operations and competitiveness of the Company and other participating American financial institutions, including the impact of the executive compensation limits of these acts, which may impact the ability of the Company to retain and recruit executives and other personnel necessary for their businesses and competitiveness.

 

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

-22-
 

 

Overview

 

The following discussion describes our results of operation for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and also analyzes our financial condition as of March 31, 2012 as compared to December 31, 2011.

 

Like most community bank holding companies, we derive the majority of our income from interest received on our loans and investments.  Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest.  Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.  Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, which is called our net interest spread. 

 

Due to risks inherent in all loans, we maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.  We maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings for each period.  We have included a detailed discussion of this process, as well as several tables describing our allowance for loan losses.

 

In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other charges to our customers.  We have also included a discussion of the various components of this non-interest income, as well as our non-interest expense.

 

The following discussion and analysis also identifies significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements.  We encourage you to read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with our financial statements and the other statistical information included in our filings with the SEC.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We have adopted various accounting policies, which govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in the preparation of our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2011 as filed on our annual report on Form 10-K. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions we have made, which have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. We consider these accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgments and assumptions we use are based on the historical experience and other factors, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of our judgments and assumptions, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates which could have a major impact on our carrying values of assets and liabilities and our results of operations.

 

We believe the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Refer to the portion of this discussion that addresses our allowance for loan losses for a description of our processes and methodology for determining our allowance for loan losses.

 

Regulatory Matters

 

Following an examination of the Bank by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) during the first quarter of 2010, the Bank’s Board of Directors agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “Bank MOU”) with the FDIC and South Carolina Commissioner of Banks (“SC State Board”), that became effective August 19, 2010. Among other things, the Bank MOU provides for the Bank to (i) review and formulate objectives relative to liquidity and growth, including a reduction in reliance on volatile liabilities, (ii) formulate plans for the reduction and improvement in adversely classified assets, (iii) maintain a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 8% and continue to be “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes, (iv) continue to maintain an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses, (v) not pay any dividend to the Bank’s parent holding company without the approval of the regulators, (vi) review officer performance and consider additional staffing needs, and (vii) provide progress reports and submit various other information to the regulators.

 

In addition, on the basis of the same examination by the FDIC and the SC State Board, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “Federal Reserve Bank”) requested that the Company enter into a separate Memorandum of Understanding, which the Company entered into in December 2010 (the “Company MOU”). While this agreement provides for many of the same measures suggested by the Memorandum already in place for the Bank, the Company MOU requires that the Company seek pre-approval from the Federal Reserve Bank prior to the declaration or payment of dividends or other interest payments relating to its securities. As a result, until the Company is no longer subject to the Company MOU, it will be required to seek regulatory approval prior to paying scheduled dividends on its preferred stock and trust preferred securities, including the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock issued to the Treasury as part of our participation in the TARP CPP, as well as the Series C Preferred Stock issued as part of a private offering completed in 2010. This provision will also apply to the Company’s common stock, although to date, the Company has not elected to pay a cash dividend on its shares of common stock. The Federal Reserve Bank approved the scheduled payment of dividends on the Company’s preferred stock and interest payments on the Company’s trust preferred securities for the first three quarters of 2011. The Federal Reserve did not approve the Company’s request to pay dividends and interest payments relating to its outstanding classes of preferred stock and trust preferred securities due and payable in the fourth quarter of 2011 and in the first and second quarters of 2012. As a result, no assurance can be given as to the ability of the Company to obtain approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to resume the payment of such dividends and interest in future quarters while the Company MOU remains in effect.

 

-23-
 

 

In response to these regulatory matters, the Bank and the Company have taken various actions designed to improve our lending procedures, nonperforming assets, liquidity and capital position and other conditions related to our operations, which are more fully described in turn as part of this discussion. We believe that the successful completion of these initiatives will result in full compliance with our regulatory obligations with the FDIC, the SC State Board and the Federal Reserve Bank and position us well for stability and growth over the long term.

 

Effect of Economic Trends

 

Economic conditions, competition and federal monetary and fiscal policies also affect financial institutions. Lending activities are also influenced by regional and local economic factors, such as housing supply and demand, competition among lenders, customer preferences and levels of personal income and savings in our primary market area.

 

Results of Operations

 

For the first quarter of 2012 our net income available to common shareholders was $84,852, or a basic and diluted income per share of $0.02. For the first quarter of 2011 we reported a net loss available to common shareholders of $178,478, or a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.04, representing an improvement of $263,330. Comparing the first quarter of 2012 with the first quarter of 2011, we reduced our noninterest expenses by $994,444 as a result of recently implemented cost-cutting measures. However; our income was negatively affected by the decline of $325,802 in our net interest income and the increase of $358,886 in our provision for loan losses. Additionally, our income was negatively impacted by the change in our income tax provision. For 2011 our income tax provision consisted of an income tax benefit of $293,686 compared to no income tax provision required for 2012.

 

Income Statement Review

 

Net Interest Income

 

The largest component of our net income is net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on assets and interest paid on deposits and on the borrowings used to support such assets. Net interest income is determined by the yields earned on our interest-earning assets and the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the degree of mismatch and the maturity and repricing characteristics of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The total interest-earning assets yield rate less the total interest-bearing liabilities rate represents our net interest rate spread.

 

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2012 was $3,753,503 compared to $4,079,305 for the first quarter of 2011, a decrease of $325,802, or 7.99%. This decrease is due primarily to the significant reduction in the average volume of our loans, which are our highest yielding earning assets. Compared to the first quarter of 2012, the average volume of our loans was $43,719,052 lower than they were for the first quarter of 2011.

 

For the first quarter of 2012, average-earning assets totaled $429,875,140 with an annualized average yield of 4.76% compared to $463,245,072 and 5.19%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2011. Average interest-bearing liabilities totaled $388,206,350 with an annualized average cost of 1.38% for first quarter of 2012 compared to $430,491,297 and 1.75%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2011.

 

Our net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.51% and 3.38%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2012 compared to 3.57% and 3.44%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2011.

 

Because loans often provide a higher yield than other types of earning assets, one of our goals is to maintain our loan portfolio as the largest component of total earning assets. Loans comprised 70.68% and 75.03% of average earning assets at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Loan interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $4,399,827 and $5,070,274, respectively. The annualized average yield on loans was 5.82% and 5.92% for the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively. Average balances of loans decreased to $303,831,074 during the first quarter of 2012, a decrease of $43,719,052 from the average of $347,550,126 during first quarter of 2011. Our loan income for the first quarter of 2012 was negatively affected by the significant decrease in average volume of our loans and the continuation of the downturn in our local real estate markets.

 

-24-
 

 

Available-for-sale investment securities averaged $86,312,355, or 20.08% of average earning assets, for the first quarter of 2012 compared to $82,795,452, or 17.87% of average earning assets for the first quarter of 2011. Interest earned on investment securities amounted to $661,641 for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, compared to $839,617 for the same period last year. As our loan demand declined over the past year, we shifted investable funds to investment securities. The annualized average yield on available-for-sale investment securities was 3.08% and 4.11% for the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Our average interest-bearing deposits were $364,424,280 and $401,283,399 for the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively. This represented a decrease of $36,859,119, or 9.19%. Total interest paid on deposits for first quarter of 2012 and 2011 was $1,207,192 and $1,776,064, respectively. The annualized average cost of deposits was 1.33% and 1.80% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As our loan demand declined, we concurrently lowered our rates paid for deposits, especially for time deposits, which is the primary reason why our average time deposits declined by $51,004,403, or 20.22%, from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012.

 

The average balance of other interest-bearing liabilities was $23,782,070 and $29,207,898 for the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively. This represented a decrease of $5,425,828, or 18.58%. The decrease is partially attributable to the decrease of $5,521,811, in our average borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank. With the weakness in loan demand we experienced during the past year, we became less reliant on borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank to meet our funding needs.

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our average balance sheet and our average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. Average balances have been derived from the daily balances throughout the periods indicated.

 

   Average Balances, Income and Expenses, and Rates 
Three Months Ended March 31,  2012   2011   2010 
   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield / 
(Dollars in thousands)  Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate 
Assets                                             
Earning assets:                                             
Loans (1)  $303,831   $4,400    5.82%  $347,550   $5,070    5.92%  $403,234   $6,213    6.25%
Securities, taxable   66,157    465    2.82    34,822    305    3.55    61,135    610    4.05 
Securities, nontaxable   20,155    197    3.93    47,973    534    4.51    60,526    653    4.38 
Other earning assets   39,732    27    0.28    32,900    24    0.30    41,077    29    0.29 
Total earning assets   429,875    5,089    4.76    463,245    5,933    5.19    565,972    7,505    5.38 
Non-earning assets   58,599              63,166              54,180           
                                              
Total assets  $488,474             $526,411             $620,152           
                                              
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                             
Interest-bearing deposits:                                             
Transaction accounts  $42,449   $32    0.31%  $38,350   $52    0.55%  $41,354   $44    0.43%
Savings and money market accounts   120,732    122    0.41    110,685    213    0.78    101,138    337    1.35 
Time deposits   201,244    1,052    2.10    252,248    1,512    2.43    346,391    2,493    2.92 
Total interest-bearing deposits   364,425    1,206    1.33    401,283    1,777    1.80    488,883    2,874    2.38 

 

-25-
 

 

   Average Balances, Income and Expenses, and Rates 
Three Months Ended March 31,  2012   2011   2010 
   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield / 
(Dollars in thousands)  Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate 
                                     
Other interest-bearing liabilities:                                             
Federal Home Loan                                             
Bank borrowing   13,000    66    2.04%   18,522    68    1.49%   27,780    235    3.43%
Junior subordinated debentures   10,310    63    0.61    10,310    11    0.11    10,310    153    6.02 
Other   470    -    0.10    376    -        772    -    - 
Total other interest-bearing Liabilities   23,780    129    2.18    29,208    79    1.10    38,862    388    4.05 
                                              
Total interest-bearing liabilities   388,205    1,335    1.38    430,491    1,856    1.75    527,745    3,262    2.51 
Noninterest-bearing deposits   55,929              45,109              43,367           
Other liabilities   2,695              2,473              3,412           
Shareholders' equity   41,645              48,338              45,628           
                                              
Total liabilities and equity  $488,474             $526,411             $620,152           
                                              
Net interest income/interest spread       $3,754    3.38%       $4,077    3.44%       $4,243    2.87%
                                              
Net yield on earning assets           3.51%             3.57             3.04%

 

(1)Includes mortgage loans held for sale and nonaccruing loans

 

Net interest income can be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates and changing volume.  The following tables set forth the effect which the varying levels of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the applicable rates have had on changes in net interest income for the periods presented.

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,  2012 Compared to 2011   2011 Compared to 2010 
   Due to increase (decrease) in   Due to increase (decrease) in 
(Dollars in thousands)  Volume   Rate   Total   Volume   Rate   Total 
Interest income:                              
Loans  $(584)  $(86)  $(670)  $(827)  $(316)  $(1,143)
Securities, taxable   233    (73)   160    (237)   (68)   (305)
Securities, tax exempt   (275)   (63)   (338)   (141)   22    (119)
Other earning assets   5    (2)   3    (5)   1    (4)
Total interest income   (621)   (224)   (845)   (1,210)   (361)   (1,571)
                               
Interest expense:                              
Interest-bearing deposits                              
Interest-bearing transaction accounts   6    (26)   (20)   (3)   11    8 
Savings and money market accounts   19    (110)   (91)   29    (153)   (124)
Time deposits   (274)   (185)   (459)   (606)   (374)   (980)
Total interest-bearing deposits   (249)   (321)   (570)   (580)   (516)   (1,096)
                               
Other interest-bearing liabilities                              
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   (24)   22    (2)   (63)   (106)   (169)
Junior subordinated debentures   52    52    -    (142)   (142)     
Other   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Total other interest-bearing liabilities   (24)   74    50    (63)   (248)   (311)
                               
Total interest expense   (273)   (247)   (520)   (643)   (764)   (1,407)
                               
Net interest income  $(348)  $23   $(325)  $(567)  $403   $(164)

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

We have developed policies and procedures for evaluating the overall quality of our credit portfolio and the timely identification of potential problem credits. On a quarterly basis, our Board of Directors reviews and approves the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses based upon management’s recommendations, the results of our internal monitoring and reporting system, and an analysis of economic conditions in our market. The objective of management has been to fund the allowance for loan losses at a level greater than or equal to our internal risk measurement system for loan risk.

 

-26-
 

 

Additions to the allowance for loan losses, which are expensed as the provision for loan losses on our statement of operations, are made periodically to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level based on management’s analysis of the potential risk in the loan portfolio. Loan losses and recoveries are charged or credited directly to the allowance. The amount of the provision is a function of the level of loans outstanding, the level of nonperforming loans, historical loan loss experience, the amount of loan losses actually charged against the reserve during a given period, and current and anticipated economic conditions.

 

The allowance represents an amount which management believes will be adequate to absorb inherent losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Our judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on a number of assumptions about future events, which we believe to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. Our determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on regular evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans, the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio, economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans, our historical loan loss experience, and a review of specific problem loans. We also consider subjective issues such as changes in our lending policies and procedures, changes in the local and national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in the volume or severity of problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight, concentrations of credit, and peer group comparisons.

 

More specifically, in determining our allowance for loan losses, we regularly review loans for specific and impaired reserves based on the appropriate impairment assessment methodology. Pooled reserves are determined using historical loss trends measured over a four-quarter average applied to risk rated loans grouped by Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (“FFIEC”) call code and segmented by impairment status. The pooled reserves are calculated by applying the appropriate historical loss ratio to the loan categories. Impaired loans greater than a minimum threshold established by management are excluded from this analysis. The sum of all such amounts determines our pooled reserves. We calculate a loss factor for each geographic region, then weight the overall loss factor by the geographic weight remaining in the overall portfolio.  Over time, we expect these changes to our loan loss allowance methodology to have a material positive impact on our required allowance level as we continue to reduce our exposure to certain markets. We have shortened the period over which we review historical losses from eight quarters to four in response to industry trends and conditions; the shorter loss history window is more in line with our peer group and tracks more closely the unusual market volatility of the past several years, making the provision estimate more responsive to current economic conditions. The historical loss factors utilized in our model have been updated as of the end of the first quarter 2012 to reflect losses realized through the end of the fourth quarter 2011.

 

As we mentioned above, we track our portfolio and analyze loans grouped by FFIEC call code categories. The first step in this process is to risk grade each loan in the portfolio based on one common set of parameters. These parameters include items like debt-to-worth ratio, liquidity of the borrower, net worth, experience in a particular field and other factors such as underwriting exceptions. Weight is also given to the relative strength of any guarantors on the loan.

 

After risk grading each loan, we then segment the portfolio by FFIEC call code groupings, separating out substandard and impaired loans.  The remaining loans are grouped into “performing loan pools.”  The loss history for each performing loan pool is measured over a specific period of time to create a loss factor for each geographic region.  The overall loss factor is then calculated by weighting each geographic region within the overall portfolio.  The relevant look back period is determined by management, regulatory guidance, and current market events.  The loss factor is then applied to the pool balance and the reserve per pool calculated.  Loans deemed to be substandard but not impaired are segregated and a loss factor is applied to this pool as well.  Loans are segmented based upon sizes as smaller impaired loans are pooled and a loss factor applied, while larger impaired loans are assessed individually using the appropriate impairment measuring methodology.  Finally, five qualitative factors are utilized to assess economic and other trends not currently reflected in the loss history. These factors include concentration of credit across the portfolio, the experience level of management and staff, effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting practice, industry conditions and the current economic and business environment.  A quantitative value is assigned to each of the five factors, which is then applied to the performing loan pools. Negative trends in the loan portfolio increase the quantitative values assigned to each of the qualitative factors and, therefore, increase the reserve.  For example, as general economic and business conditions decline, this qualitative factor’s quantitative value will increase, which will increase the reserve requirement for this factor.  Similarly, positive trends in the loan portfolio, such as improvement in general economic and business conditions, will decrease the quantitative value assigned to this qualitative factor, thereby decreasing the reserve requirement for this factor.  These factors are reviewed and updated by our management committee on a regular basis to arrive at a consensus for our qualitative adjustments.

 

Periodically, we adjust the amount of the allowance based on changing circumstances. We recognize loan losses to the allowance and add subsequent recoveries back to the allowance for loan losses. In addition, on a quarterly basis, we informally compare our allowance for loan losses to various peer institutions; however, we recognize that allowances will vary, as financial institutions are unique in the make-up of their loan portfolios and customers, which necessarily creates different risk profiles for the institutions. We would only consider further adjustments to our allowance for loan losses based on this peer review if our allowance was significantly different from our peer group. To date, we have not made any such adjustment. There can be no assurance that charge-offs of loans in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time or that provisions for loan losses will not be significant to a particular accounting period, especially considering the overall weakness in the economic environment in our market areas.

 

-27-
 

 

Various regulatory agencies review our allowance for loan losses through their periodic examinations, and they may require additions to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgment and assumptions about the economic condition of our market and the loan portfolio at the time of their examinations. Our losses will undoubtedly vary from our estimates, and it is possible that charge-offs in future periods will exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time.

 

As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, the allowance for loan losses was $5,749,117 and $5,697,858, respectively, a slight increase of $51,259, or 0.90%, from the 2011 allowance. However, as a percentage of total loans, the allowance for loan losses was 1.99% and 1.67% at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. See the discussion regarding the provision expense and “Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses” below for additional information regarding our asset quality and loan portfolio.

 

For the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, the provision for loan losses was $600,000 and $241,114, respectively. This represents an increase of $358,886. The increase in the provision expense for the first quarter of 2012 is due primarily to 1) an increase in historical loss ratios in our coastal markets and 2) certain large credits that deteriorated significantly during the past year. As we have noted previously, borrower performance is driven by local and regional economic conditions as well as conditions that did not develop favorably during 2011 for these borrowers.

 

We believe the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2012, is adequate to meet potential loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio and, as described earlier, to maintain the flexibility to adjust the allowance should our local economy and loan portfolio either improve or decline in the future.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Our noninterest income for the first quarter of 2012 was $1,254,441, which is $247,748 higher than our noninterest income for the first quarter of 2011. This increase is due primarily to the increase of $115,502 in gains realized on the sale of available-for-sale securities and to the increase of $87,110 in gain on sale of mortgage loans. Because of historically low mortgage rates in effect during the first quarter of 2012, we experienced an increase in the volume of homeowners refinancing their existing mortgages.

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

During the latter part of 2011 we made a vigorous review of our expense categories. Based on this review we implemented a number of operational changes that resulted in a reduction of practically all categories of our noninterest expenses for the first quarter of 2012 versus the first quarter of 2011. For the first quarter of 2012 our noninterest expenses were $4,029,456 which is $994,444, or 19.79%, lower than the first quarter of 2011. The largest reduction realized was the $627,150 reduction in our expense for salaries and benefits. Of this amount, $353,003 is attributable to the cancellation of all stock appreciation rights that were outstanding at December 31, 2011. Additional information regarding the cancellation of the stock appreciation rights is provided above in Note 10 to our financial statements.

 

Income Taxes

 

The income tax expense related to our pretax income for the first quarter of 2012 was offset by a reversal of an equal amount of our valuation allowance related to our deferred tax assets. Therefore no income tax provision was required for the first quarter of 2012.

 

Balance Sheet Review

 

General

 

At March 31, 2012, we had total assets of $486.0 million, consisting principally of $289.3 million in loans, $87.2 million in investments, and $44.5 million in cash and due from banks.  Our liabilities at March 31, 2012, totaled $444.5 million, which consisted principally of $414.3 million in deposits, $13.0 million in FHLB advances, and $14.6 million in other borrowings. At March 31, 2012, our shareholders’ equity was $41.5 million.

 

At December 31, 2011, we had total assets of $495.0 million, consisting principally of $303.4 million in loans, $87.0 million in investments, and $44.0 million in cash and due from banks.  Our liabilities at December 31, 2011 totaled $453.8 million, consisting principally of $427.8 million in deposits, $13.0 million in FHLB advances, and $10.3 million in other borrowings.  At December 31, 2011, our shareholders' equity was $41.1 million.

 

-28-
 

 

Investment Securities

 

The investment securities portfolio, which is also a component of our total earning assets, consists of securities available-for-sale and nonmarketable equity securities.

 

At March 31, 2012, our investment in available-for sale securities was $84,805,765, which is $271,477, or 0.32%, higher than our investment of $84,534,318 in available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2011.

 

The amortized costs and the fair value of our securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are shown in the following table.

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Amortized   Estimated   Amortized   Estimated 
   Cost   Fair Value   Cost   Fair Value 
Government sponsored enterprises  $7,848,428   $7,991,818   $2,839,706   $3,024,945 
Mortgage-backed securities   55,144,351    56,791,267    59,748,500    61,560,402 
Municipal securities   19,078,616    20,011,680    19,084,899    19,937,971 
Other   100,000    11,000    100,000    11,000 
Total  $82,171,395   $84,805,765   $81,773,105   $84,534,318 

 

At March 31, 2012, securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair market value. At that date, unrealized losses consisted of two securities, one of which been in a continuous loss position for twelve months or more. We believe that the deterioration in value is attributable to changes in market interest rates and not in credit quality and consider this loss temporary. We do not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of its amortized cost. We evaluate investment securities in a loss position based on length of impairment, severity of impairment and other factors.

 

Securities Available-for-sale Maturity Distribution and Yields

 

Contractual maturities and yields on our available for sale securities at March 31, 2012 are shown in the following table.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

   U.S Government                 
   Agencies and                 
   Corporations   Municipals   Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield 
Due within one year  $-    0.00%  $-    0.00%  $-    0.00%
Due after one year but within five years   -    0.00    4,519    4.00    4,519    4.00 
Due after five years but within ten years   -    0.00    7,201    4.11    7,201    4.11 
Due after ten years   3,025    4.14    8,218    4.22    11,243    4.20 
Total securities (1)  $3,025    4.14%  $19,938    4.13%  $22,963    4.13%

 

(1)Excludes mortgage-backed securities totaling $56,791,267 with a yield of 3.28% and other securities totaling $11,000.

 

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, nonmarketable equity securities totaled $2,431,800, consisting of Federal Home Loan Bank and Community Bankers Bank stock, recorded at their original cost of $2,373,700 and $58,100, respectively.

 

Loans

 

Loans, including loans held for sale, are the largest category of earning assets and typically provide higher yields than the other types of earning assets. Associated with the higher loan yields are the inherent credit and liquidity risks, which we attempt to control and counterbalance. Loans averaged $303,831,074 during the first quarter of 2012 compared to $347,550,126 during the first quarter of 2011, a decrease of $43,719,052, or 12.58%. At March 31, 2012, total loans were $293,482,215 compared to $306,261,700 at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $12,779,485, or 4.17%. Excluding loans held for sale, loans were $289,327,717 at March 31, 2012, compared to $303,398,403 at December 31, 2011, which equated to a decrease of $14,070,686, or 4.64%. During first quarter of 2012 we charged off loans totaling $2,651,780 and foreclosed on loans totaling $3,841,538, whereby the loan balances were transferred to other real estate owned. The remainder of this decrease is the result of the economic downturn in our markets and worldwide deleveraging that caused the volume of new loan customers and average loan balances carried by current customers to decrease.

 

-29-
 

 

The following table summarizes the composition of our loan portfolio at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

   March 31,   % of   December 31,   % of 
   2012   Total   2011   Total 
Mortgage loans on real estate                    
Construction  $38,583,316    13.34%  $43,320,482    14.28%
Residential 1-4 family   40,123,117    13.86    42,837,510    14.13 
Multifamily   9,009,622    3.11    8,630,232    2.84 
Second mortgages   4,442,286    1.54    4,503,752    1.48 
Equity lines of credit   23,941,983    8.28    24,998,277    8.24 
Total residential   77,517,008    26.79    80,969,771    26.69 
Nonresidential   129,408,451    44.73    133,603,482    44.03 
Total real estate loans   245,508,775    84.86    257,893,735    85.00 
Commercial and industrial   35,043,742    12.11    36,465,095    12.02 
Consumer   8,443,754    2.92    8,649,649    2.85 
Other, net   331,446    0.11    389,924    0.13 
Total loans  $289,327,717    100.00%  $303,398,403    100.00%

 

In the context of this discussion, a “real estate mortgage loan” is defined as any loan, other than a loan for construction purposes, secured by real estate, regardless of the purpose of the loan.  It is common practice for financial institutions in our market area to obtain a mortgage on the Borrower’s real estate when possible, in addition to any other available collateral.  This real estate collateral is taken as security to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan and tends to increase management’s willingness to make real estate loans and, to that extent, also tends to increase the magnitude of the real estate loan portfolio component.

 

The largest component of our loan portfolio is real estate mortgage loans. At March 31, 2012, real estate mortgage loans totaled $206,925,459 and represented 71.52% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $214,573,253, or 70.72%, at December 31, 2011. This represents a decrease of $7,647,794, or 3.56%, from the December 31, 2011 balance.

 

Residential mortgage loans totaled $77,517,008 at March 31, 2012 and represented 26.79% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $80,969,771 and 26.69%, respectively, at December 31, 2011. Residential real estate loans consist of first and second mortgages on single or multi-family residential dwellings. Nonresidential mortgage loans, which include commercial loans and other loans secured by multi-family properties and farmland, totaled $129,408,451 at March 31, 2012 compared to $133,603,482 at December 31, 2011. This represents a decrease of $4,195,031, or 3.14%, from the December 31, 2011 balance.

 

Real estate construction loans were $38,583,316 and $43,320,482 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and represented 13.34% and 14.28% of the total loan portfolio, respectively.

 

Currently, the demand for all types of real estate mortgage loans in our market area is very weak, largely because of the general economic downturn that has affected many businesses and individuals in our market area.

 

Commercial and industrial loans decreased $1,421,353, or 3.90%, to $35,043,742 at March 31, 2012, from $36,465,095 at December 31, 2011. The decrease is mainly due to the economic downturn in our markets that caused demand for these types of loans to decrease. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, commercial and industrial loans represented 12.11% and 12.02%, respectively, of the total loan portfolio.

 

Our loan portfolio is also comprised of consumer and other loans that totaled $8,775,200 and $9,039,573 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, these loans represented 3.03% and 2.98%, respectively, of the total loan portfolio.

 

Our loan portfolio reflects the diversity of our markets.  The economies of our markets contain elements of medium and light manufacturing, higher education, regional health care, and distribution facilities. We expect our local economy to remain stable; however, due to current economic challenges facing our markets, we do not expect any material growth in our loan portfolio in the near future.  We do not engage in foreign lending.

 

-30-
 

 

Maturities and Sensitivity of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

 

The information in the following tables is based on the contractual maturities of individual loans, including loans which may be subject to renewal at their contractual maturity.  Renewal of such loans is subject to review and credit approval, as well as modification of terms upon maturity.  Actual repayments of loans may differ from the maturities reflected below because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

 

The following table summarizes loan maturity distribution by type and related interest rate characteristics at March 31, 2012.

 

       Over         
       One Year         
   One Year or   Through   Over Five     
(Dollars in thousands)  Less   Five Years   Years   Total 
                 
Real estate  $104,162   $114,698   $26,649   $245,509 
Commercial and industrial   20,601    14,443    -    35,044 
Consumer and other   4,002    4,427    346    8,775 
   $128,765   $133,568   $26,995   $289,328 
Loans maturing after one year with:                    
Fixed interest rates                 $53,720 
Floating interest rates                  106,843 
                  $160,563 

 

Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table summarizes the activity related to our allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2012   2011 
Balance, January 1,  $7,743   $6,271 
Loans charged off:          
Real estate – Construction   1,476    261 
Real estate – Residential   223    550 
Real estate – Nonresidential   412    5 
Commercial and industrial   539    305 
Consumer and other   1    9 
Total loan losses   2,651    1,130 
Recoveries of previous loan losses:          
Real estate – Construction   4    216 
Real estate – Residential   24    63 
Real estate – Nonresidential   1    34 
Commercial and industrial   28    3 
Consumer and other   -    - 
Total recoveries   57    316 
Net charge-offs   2,594    814 
Provision for loan losses   600    241 
Balance, March 31,  $5,749   $5,698 
           
Total loans outstanding, end of period  $289,328   $340,931 
           
Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding   1.99%   1.67%

 

Risk Elements in the Loan Portfolio

 

The following table shows the nonperforming assets, percentages of net charge-offs, and the related percentage of allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

-31-
 

 

   March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2012   2011 
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing  $-   $1,569 
Loans on nonaccrual:          
Real Estate Construction   7,639    14,230 
Real Estate Residential   4,068    2,854 
Real Estate Nonresidential   9,610    5,618 
Commercial   1,452    751 
Consumer   23    5 
Total nonaccrual loans   22,792    23,458 
Total of nonperforming loans   22,792    25,027 
Other nonperforming assets   23,813    17,852 
Total nonperforming assets  $46,605   $42,879 
           
Percentage of nonperforming assets to total assets   9.59%   8.09%
Percentage of nonperforming loans to total loans   7.88%   7.34%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans   25.22%   22.77%

 

Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing – As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, we had loans totaling $0 and $1,569,049, respectively, that were past due over 90 days and still accruing interest. These loans at March 31, 2011 were secured by real estate and included in our impaired loan classification at that date.

 

Nonaccruing loans – At March 31, 2012 and 2011, loans totaling $22,792,145 and $23,457,852, respectively, were in nonaccrual status. Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status if principal or interest payments become 90 days past due and/or we deem the collectibility of the principal and/or interest to be doubtful.  Once a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest income.  Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized on a cash basis when the ultimate collectability is no longer considered doubtful.  Loans are returned to accrual status when the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.  If interest on our loans classified as nonaccrual at March 31, 2012 and 2011 had been recognized on a fully accruing basis, we would have recorded approximately $149,000 and $207,000 of additional interest income for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. All nonaccruing loans at March 31, 2012 and 2011 were included in our classification of impaired loans at those dates.

 

Restructured loans - In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, a concession to the borrower is granted that we would not otherwise consider, the related loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). The restructuring of a loan may include the transfer of real estate collateral, either through the pledge of additional properties by the borrower or through a transfer to the Bank in lieu of foreclosures.  Restructured loans may also include the borrower transferring to the Bank receivables from third parties, other assets, or an equity interest in the borrower in full or partial satisfaction of the loan, a modification of the loan terms, or a combination of the above.

 

At March 31, 2012, there were 42 loans classified as TDR totaling $8,859,571. Of the 42 loans, 11 loans totaling $2,434,618 were performing while 31 loans totaling $6,424,953 were not performing. At March 31, 2011, there were 8 loans classified as TDR totaling $2,616,977. All 8 loans were performing at that date. All restructured loans resulted in either extended maturity or lowered rates and were included in the impaired loan balance.

 

Impaired loans - At March 31, 2012, we had impaired loans totaling $26,637,786, as compared to $28,554,893 at March 31, 2011. Included in the impaired loans at March 31, 2012 were 14 borrowers that accounted for approximately 69.04% of the total amount of the impaired loans at that date. These loans were primarily commercial real estate loans located in coastal South Carolina. Impaired loans, as a percentage of total loans, were 9.21% at March 31, 2012 as compared to 8.38% at March 31, 2011.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the average investment in impaired loans was $26,570,496 as compared to $26,619,700 during the quarter ended March 31, 2011. Impaired loans with a specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses totaled $6,852,508 and $10,669,918 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The amount of the specific allocation at March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $1,318,877 and $499,144, respectively.

 

The downturn in the real estate market that began in 2008 has resulted in an increase in loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures; however, we believe these trends are stabilizing as the liquidation prices for our other real estate owned have stabilized for vertical construction, indicating some stabilization of demand for that product.  In some cases, the current economic downturn has resulted in a significant impairment to the value of our collateral and limits our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure at its appraised value. There is also risk that downward trends could continue at a higher pace.  If real estate values further decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for loan losses.

 

-32-
 

 

On a quarterly basis, we analyze each loan that is classified as impaired during the period to determine the potential for possible loan losses. This analysis is focused upon determining the then current estimated value of the collateral, local market condition, and estimated costs to foreclose, repair and resell the property. The net realizable value of the property is then computed and compared to the loan balance to determine the appropriate amount of specific reserve for each loan.

 

Other nonperforming assets – Other nonperforming assets consist of other real estate owned (“OREO”) that was acquired through foreclosure.  OREO is carried at fair market value minus estimated costs to sell. Current appraisals are obtained at time of foreclosure and write-downs, if any, charged to the allowance for loan losses as of the date of foreclosure.  On a regular basis, we reevaluate our OREO properties for impairment.  Along with gains and losses on disposal, expenses to maintain such assets and subsequent changes in the valuation allowance are included in other noninterest expense.

 

As of March 31, 2012, we had OREO properties totaling $23,812,698, geographically located in the following South Carolina areas - 81% in the Coastal area, 10% in the Columbia area and 9% in the Florence area.  The combined nature of these properties is 71% commercial and 29% residential and other.  While we are diligently trying to dispose of our OREO properties, the currently depressed real estate market in many of these market segments affects our ability to do so in a timely manner without experiencing additional losses.  Additionally, there can be no assurance that these properties can be sold for their carrying values.

 

From March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012, OREO increased significantly due to a number of large foreclosures. While OREO properties that consist of raw land continue to be difficult to sell, the majority of our OREO inventory with improvements is income producing, either through sale or interim leasing. This cash flow helps offset direct costs such as taxes and insurance, while offsetting opportunity cost during marketing. During first quarter of 2012 and 2011, income earned on OREO was $58,999 and $0, respectively.

 

Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $42,284,947, or 9.82%, to $388,206,350 for the first quarter of 2012, from $430,491,297 for the comparable 2011 period.

 

Deposits - For the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, average total deposits were $420,353,115 and $446,392,747, respectively, which is a decrease of $26,039,632, or 5.83%. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, total deposits were $414,263,895 and $427,816,497, respectively, a decrease of $13,552,602, or 3.17%.

 

Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $36,859,119, or 9.19%, to $364,424,280 for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, from $401,283,399 for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

 

The average balance of non-interest bearing deposits increased $10,819,487, or 23.99%, to $55,928,835 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $45,109,348 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

The following table shows the average balance amounts and the average rates paid on deposits held by us for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. 

 

   2012   2011 
   Average   Average   Average   Average 
   Amount   Rate   Amount   Rate 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits  $55,928,835    0.00%  $45,109,348    0.00%
Interest bearing demand deposits   42,448,843    0.31    38,349,978    0.55 
Savings accounts   120,731,757    0.41    110,685,338    0.78 
Time deposits   201,243,680    2.10    252,248,083    2.43 
Total  $420,353,115    1.15%  $446,392,747    1.61%

 

-33-
 

 

Core deposits, which exclude time deposits of $100,000 or more, provide a relatively stable funding source for our loan portfolio and other earning assets. Our core deposits were $300,312,531 and $305,342,295 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our core deposits were 72.49% and 71.37% of total deposits, respectively.

 

Included in time deposits of $100,000 and over, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, are brokered time deposits of $83,860,000 and $90,860,000, respectively, equating to a decrease of $7,000,000. In accordance with our asset/liability management strategy, we do not intend to renew or replace the brokered deposits outstanding at March 31, 2012, when they mature.

 

Deposits, and particularly core deposits, have been our primary source of funding and have enabled us to meet successfully both our short-term and long-term liquidity needs. We anticipate that such deposits will continue to be our primary source of funding in the future. Our loan-to-deposit ratio was 69.84% and 70.92% on March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

The maturity distribution of our time deposits of $100,000 or more at March 31, 2012 is set forth in the following table:

 

   March 31, 
   2012 
Three months or less  $9,672,243 
Over three through twelve months   46,122,442 
Over one year through three years   48,784,365 
Over three years   9,372,314 
Total  $113,951,364 

 

Approximately 48.96% of our time deposits of $100,000 or more had scheduled maturities within one year. Large certificate of deposit customers tend to be extremely sensitive to interest rate levels, making these deposits less reliable sources of funding for liquidity planning purposes than core deposits. We expect most certificates of deposit with maturities less than one year to be renewed upon maturity. However, there is the possibility that some certificates may not be renewed. We believe that, should these certificates of deposit not be renewed, the impact would be minimal on our operations and liquidity due to the availability of other funding sources.

 

Other Borrowings - Other borrowings at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  $4,280,307   $- 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   13,000,000    13,000,000 
Junior subordinated debentures   10,310,000    10,310,000 

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase mature on a one to seven day basis. These agreements are secured by U.S. government agency securities. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank mature at different periods, as discussed in the footnotes to the financial statements, and are secured by our one to four family residential mortgage loans and our investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank stock. The junior subordinated debentures mature on November 23, 2035 and have an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.83%.

 

Capital Resources

 

Total shareholders' equity at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $41,479,227 and $41,117,990, respectively. The $361,237 increase during the first three months of 2012 resulted mainly from our first quarter net income of $378,488.

 

The following table shows the return on average assets (net income divided by average total assets), return on average equity (net income divided by average equity), and equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by average total assets) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. While we have not paid a cash dividend on our common stock since our inception, the Company has declared and paid dividends on its outstanding shares of preferred stock, and made quarterly interest payments on its trust-preferred securities as agreed. Under the terms of the Company MOU, the terms of which are more fully described as part of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Regulatory Matters,” the Company must request prior approval from the Federal Reserve prior to declaring or paying dividends on our common stock or preferred stock, or making scheduled interest payments on our trust-preferred securities. Such approval was not granted by the Federal Reserve for payment of the Company’s dividends and interest payments due and payable in the fourth quarter of 2011 or for the first two quarters of 2012.

 

-34-
 

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2012   2011 
Return on average assets   0.31%   0.09%
Return on average equity   3.66    0.96 
Average equity to average assets ratio   8.53    9.18 

 

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Company’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.  Currently, the Bank MOU requires that the Bank maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 8%, and our other regulatory capital ratios at such levels so as to be considered well capitalized for regulatory purposes.  We continue to be in full compliance with this requirement of the Bank MOU.  Additional discussion of the Bank MOU is included above as part of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Regulatory Matters.”

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum ratios of Tier 1 and total capital as a percentage of assets and off-balance-sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 100%.  Tier 1 capital of the Company consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available-for-sale, minus certain intangible assets.  The Company’s Tier 2 capital consists of the allowance for loan losses subject to certain limitations.  Total capital for purposes of computing the capital ratios consists of the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. The regulatory minimum requirements are 4% for Tier 1 capital and 8% for total risk-based capital; under the provisions of the Bank MOU, the Bank will be required to maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 8% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 10%.

 

The Company and the Bank are also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on quarterly average assets, which is known as the leverage ratio. Only the strongest banks are allowed to maintain capital at the minimum requirement of 3%. All others are subject to maintaining ratios 1% to 2% above the minimum.

 

The Company and the Bank were each considered to be “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The following table shows the regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Bank at March 31,2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Holding       Holding     
   Company   Bank   Company   Bank 
                 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)   15.41%   14.06%   14.80%   13.59%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   14.16%   12.80%   13.54%   12.33%
Leverage or Tier 1 capital (to total average assets)   10.23%   9.25%   9.85%   8.96%

 

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

The effect of relative purchasing power over time due to inflation has not been taken into account in our consolidated financial statements.  Rather, our financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Unlike most industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature.  Therefore, the effect of changes in interest rates will have a more significant impact on our performance than will the effect of changing prices and inflation in general.  In addition, interest rates may generally increase as the rate of inflation increases, although not necessarily in the same magnitude.  As discussed previously, we seek to manage the relationships between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against wide rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

 

Through our operations, we have made contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of business activities. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money to our customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time. At March 31, 2012, we had issued commitments to extend credit of $33.1 million and standby letters of credit of $0.1 million through various types of commercial lending arrangements. Approximately $28.5 million of these commitments to extend credit had variable rates.

  

-35-
 

 

The following table sets forth the length of time until maturity for unused commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit at March 31, 2012.

 

           After             
       After One   Three             
   Within   Through   Through   Within   Greater     
(Dollars in Thousands)  One   Three   Twelve   One   Than     
   Month   Months   Months   Year   One Year   Total 
Unused commitments to extend credit  $2,906   $1,733   $9,573   $14,212   $18,897   $33,109 
Standby letters of credit   75    26    101    8    109      
Totals  $2,906   $1,808   $9,599   $14,313   $18,905   $33,218 

 

Market Risk

 

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates and principally arises from interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, deposit gathering, and borrowing activities.  Other types of market risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, do not generally arise in the normal course of our business.  Our finance committee monitors and considers methods of managing exposure to interest rate risk.  We have both an internal finance committee consisting of senior management and directors that meets at various times during each quarter and a management finance committee that meets weekly as needed.  The finance committees are responsible for maintaining the level of interest rate sensitivity of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities within board-approved limits.

 

We actively monitor and manage our interest rate risk exposure principally by measuring our interest sensitivity "gap," which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time.  Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets or liabilities, selling securities available for sale, replacing an asset or liability at maturity, or adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability.  Managing the amount of assets and liabilities repricing in this same time interval helps to hedge the risk and minimize the impact on net interest income of rising or falling interest rates.  We generally would benefit from increasing market rates of interest when we have an asset-sensitive gap position and generally would benefit from decreasing market rates of interest when we are liability-sensitive.

 

We were liability sensitive during the year ended December 31, 2011 and during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  As of March 31, 2012, we expect to be liability sensitive for the next nine months because a majority of our deposits reprice over a 12-month period.  Approximately 42% of our loans were variable rate loans at March 31, 2012.  The ratio of cumulative gap to total earning assets after 12 months was a negative 25.61% because $108.0 million more liabilities will reprice in a 12-month period than assets.   However, our gap analysis is not a precise indicator of our interest sensitivity position.  The analysis presents only a static view of the timing of maturities and repricing opportunities, without taking into consideration that changes in interest rates do not affect all assets and liabilities equally.  For example, rates paid on a substantial portion of core deposits may change contractually within a relatively short time frame, but those rates are viewed by us as significantly less interest-sensitive than market-based rates such as those paid on noncore deposits.  Net interest income may be affected by other significant factors in a given interest rate environment, including changes in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

Liquidity represents the ability of a company to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and the ability to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities.  Liquidity management involves monitoring our sources and use of funds in order to meet our day-to-day cash flow requirements while maximizing profits.  Liquidity management is made more complicated because different balance sheet components are subject to varying degrees of management control.  For example, the timing of maturities of securities in our investment portfolio is fairly predictable and is subject to a high degree of control at the time investment decisions are made.  However, net deposit inflows and outflows are far less predictable and are not subject to the same degree of control.

 

At March 31, 2012, our liquid assets, consisting of cash and cash equivalents amounted to $44.5 million, or 9.16% of total assets.  Our investment securities, excluding nonmarketable securities, at March 31, 2012, amounted to $84.8 million, or 17.45% of total assets.  Investment securities traditionally provide a secondary source of liquidity since they can be converted into cash in a timely manner.  However, $17.7 million of these securities were pledged as collateral to secure public deposits and borrowings as of March 31, 2012.  At December 31, 2011, our liquid assets, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, amounted to $44.0 million, or 8.90% of total assets.  Our investment securities, excluding nonmarketable securities, at December 31, 2011 amounted to $84.5 million, or 17.08% of total assets.  Investment securities traditionally provide a secondary source of liquidity since they can be converted into cash in a timely manner.  However, $17.4 million of these securities were pledged as collateral to secure public deposits and borrowings as of December 31, 2011.

 

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Our ability to maintain and expand our deposit base and borrowing capabilities serves as our primary source of liquidity.  For the near future, it is our intention to reduce the use of wholesale funding to fund loan demand.  We plan to meet our future cash needs through the liquidation of temporary investments, the generation of deposits, and from additional borrowings.  In addition, we will receive cash upon the maturity and sale of loans and the maturity of investment securities. At March 31, 2012, we had a $6.4 million unused line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank and had sufficient unpledged securities that would have allowed us to borrow up to $66.8 million from the Federal Reserve Bank.  Also, as member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, (the “FHLB”) we can make applications for borrowings that can be made for leverage purposes.  The FHLB requires that securities, qualifying mortgage loans, and stock of the FHLB owned by the bank be pledged to secure any advances from the FHLB. We have an available line to borrow funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank up to 30% of the Bank’s total assets, which provide additional available funds of $145.8 million at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012 the bank had $13.0 million outstanding in FHLB advances.  We believe that the sources described above will be sufficient to meet our future liquidity needs.

 

The Company is largely dependent upon dividends from the Bank as a source of cash.  The Bank MOU restricts the ability of the Bank to declare and pay dividends to the Company.  The Company MOU requires the Company to obtain approval of the Federal Reserve Bank prior to declaring dividends.  The Federal Reserve did not approve the Company’s request to pay dividends and interest payments relating to its outstanding classes of preferred stock and trust preferred securities due and payable in the fourth quarter of 2011 and for the first two quarters of 2012. As a result, these payments were not paid in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 and will not be paid in the second quarter of 2012. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Regulatory Matters” for additional information relating to the Company MOU.

 

Asset/liability management is the process by which we monitor and control the mix and maturities of our assets and liabilities. The essential purposes of asset/liability management are to ensure adequate liquidity and to maintain an appropriate balance between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to minimize potentially adverse impacts on earnings from changes in market interest rates. We have both an internal finance committee consisting of senior management that meets at various times during each quarter and a management finance committee that meets weekly as needed.  The finance committees are responsible for maintaining the level of interest rate sensitivity of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities within board-approved limits.

 

Interest Sensitivity Analysis

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our rate sensitivity as of March 31, 2012, for each of the time intervals indicated. The information in the table may not be indicative of our rate sensitivity position at other points in time.  In addition, the maturity distribution indicated in the table may differ from the contractual maturities of the earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities presented due to consideration of prepayment speeds under various interest rate change scenarios in the application of the interest rate sensitivity methods described above.

 

The following table sets forth our interest rate sensitivity March 31, 2012.

 

           After       Greater     
       After One   Three       Than One     
   Within   Through   Through   Within   Year or     
(Dollars in Thousands)  One   Three   Twelve   One   Non-     
   Month   Months   Months   Year   Sensitive   Total 
Assets                              
Interest-earning assets                              
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks  $42,614   $-   $-   $42,614   $-   $42,614 
Time Deposits in other banks   -    -    100    100    -    100 
Loans (1)   51,207    25,240    60,626    137,073    156,409    293,482 
Securities, taxable   -    -    -    -    64,794    64,794 
Securities, nontaxable   -    -    851-    851-    19,161    20,012 
Nonmarketable securities   2,432    -    -    2,432    -    2,432 
Total earning assets   96,253    25,240    61,577    183,070    240,364    423,434 

 

-37-
 

 

           After       Greater     
       After One   Three       Than One     
   Within   Through   Through   Within   Year or     
(Dollars in Thousands)  One   Three   Twelve   One   Non-     
   Month   Months   Months   Year   Sensitive   Total 
Liabilities                              
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Interest-bearing deposits:                              
Demand deposits   48,049    -    -    48,049    -    48,049 
Savings deposits   117,257    -    -    117,257    -    117,257 
Time deposits   9,817    17,213    92,890    119,920    71,644    191,564 
Total interest-bearing deposits   175,123    17,213    92,890    285,226    71,644    356,870 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   -    -    2,000    2,000    11,000    13,000 
Junior subordinated debentures   -    -    -    -    10,310    10,310 
Repurchase agreements   4,280            4,280         4,280 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   179,403    17,213    94,890    291,506    92,954    384,460 
                               
Period gap  $(83,150)  $8,027   $(33,313)  $(108,436)  $147,410      
                               
Cumulative gap  $(83,150)  $(75,123)  $(108,436)  $(108,436)  $38,974      
                               
Ratio of cumulative gap to                              
total earning assets   (19.64)%   (17.74)%   (25.61)%   (25.61)%   9.20%     

 

(1) Including mortgage loans held for sale

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

See "Market Risk" and "Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity" in Item 2, Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”).  Disclosure Controls, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure Controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all errors and all fraud.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.  The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

 

Based upon their controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our Disclosure Controls are effective at a reasonable assurance level.

 

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our first fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

-38-
 

 

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

There are no material, pending legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiary is a party or of which any of their property is the subject.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

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

 

(a)Not applicable.

 

(b)The following stock repurchases were made during the period covered by this report in connection with administration of the Company’s employee stock ownership plan.

  

Period  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average Price
Paid per
Share
   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
   Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
 
January 1, 2012– January 31, 2012   -   $-    -    - 
February 1, 2012 - February 29, 2012   131   $2.08    -    - 
March 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012   9   $2.08    -    - 
    140   $2.08    -    - 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number   Exhibit
     
31.1   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101        Interactive Data Files providing financial information from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 in XBRL.  Pursuant to Regulation 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are otherwise not subject to liability.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

In accordance with 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.

 

  FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.
       
Date:  May 15, 2012 By: /s/ F.R. SAUNDERS, JR.  
    F. R. Saunders, Jr.  
    President & Chief Executive Officer  
       
Date:  May 15, 2012 By: /s/ JEFFERY A. PAOLUCCI  
    Jeffery A. Paolucci  
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  

  

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