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United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

OR

¨	Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

Commission file number: 001-35279

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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(828) 254-7411

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 such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files) Yes x  No o

 

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. (Check one)

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

 

There were 4,378,411 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding as of October 31, 2014.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

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

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

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

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

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

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

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

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

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

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) (Unaudited)

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

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These interim financial statements do not contain all necessary disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for a complete set of financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ASB Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 14, 2014.  These financial statements were prepared on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements previously referenced and include all normal and recurring adjustments that management believes are necessary in order to conform to GAAP.  The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014 or any other future period.

Organization – ASB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Parent”) was incorporated on May 12, 2011 by Asheville Savings Bank, S.S.B. (the “Bank”) to be the Bank’s holding company upon completion of the Bank’s conversion from the mutual to stock form of organization.

The Bank is headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina and provides mortgage, consumer and commercial banking services primarily in Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Transylvania, and Madison counties in North Carolina and consumer and commercial loans through a loan production office in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Bank is regulated by the Office of the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (“NCCoB”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Parent is regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”) and the NCCoB.

Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank (collectively, the “Company”). The Bank has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Appalachian Financial Services, Inc., which has on occasion managed the Bank’s real estate acquired through debt default but is currently inactive, and Wenoca, Inc., which serves as the Bank’s trustee regarding deeds of trust. Both subsidiaries are organized as North Carolina corporations. For purposes of the consolidated financial statements, all significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to GAAP.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investment Securities – Realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized at the  time of sale (“trade date”) based upon the specific identification method.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums and discounts. Realized gains and losses are derived from the amortized cost of the security sold. Declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale debt securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary because of credit risk impairment are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the intent of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value, and (iv) whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment prior to a recovery.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Loans – Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future are reported at their outstanding principal balances net of any unearned income, charge-offs, unamortized fees and costs on originated loans. The net amount of nonrefundable loan origination fees and certain direct costs associated with the lending processes are deferred and amortized to interest income over the contractual lives of the loans.

Loan Segments and Classes

The Bank’s portfolio segments and classes within those segments are subject to risks that could have an adverse impact on the credit quality of the loan portfolio. Management has identified the risks described below as significant risks that are generally similar among the loan segments and classes.

Commercial Loan Segment

The Bank’s commercial loans are centrally underwritten based primarily on the customer’s ability to generate the required cash flow to service the debt in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions of the loan agreement. The Bank’s commercial lenders and underwriters work to understand the borrower’s businesses and management experiences. The majority of the Bank’s commercial loans are secured by collateral, so collateral values are important to the transaction. In commercial loan transactions where the principals or other parties provide personal guarantees, the Bank’s commercial lenders and underwriters analyze the relative financial strength and liquidity of each guarantor. Risks that are common to the Bank’s commercial loan classes include general economic conditions, demand for the borrowers’ products and services, the personal circumstances of the principals, and reductions in collateral values.

In addition to these common risks for the Bank’s commercial loans, the various commercial loan classes also have certain risks specific to them.

Commercial Construction and Land Development loans are highly dependent on the supply and demand for commercial real estate in the Bank’s markets as well as the demand for the newly constructed residential homes and lots being developed by the Bank’s commercial loan customers. Prolonged deterioration in demand could result in significant decreases in the underlying collateral values and make repayment of the outstanding loans more difficult for the Bank’s commercial borrowers.

Commercial Mortgage and Commercial and Industrial loans are primarily dependent on the ability of the Bank’s commercial loan customers to achieve business results consistent with those projected at loan origination resulting in cash flow sufficient to service the debt. To the extent that a borrower’s actual business results significantly underperform the original projections, the ability of that borrower to service the Bank’s loan on a basis consistent with the contractual terms may be at risk. While these loans and leases are generally secured by real property, personal property, or business assets such as inventory or accounts receivable, it is possible that the liquidation of the collateral will not fully satisfy the obligation.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Non-Commercial Loan Segment

The Bank underwrites its non-commercial loans using automated credit scoring and analysis tools. These credit scoring tools take into account factors such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit currently in use, and recent credit inquiries. To the extent that the loan is secured by collateral, the value of the collateral is also evaluated. Common risks to each class of non-commercial loans include general economic conditions within the Bank’s markets, such as unemployment and potential declines in collateral values, and the personal circumstances of the borrowers.

In addition to these common risks for the Bank’s non-commercial loans, various non-commercial loan classes may also have certain risks specific to them.

Residential Mortgage and Non-Commercial Construction and Land Development loans are to individuals and are typically secured by one-to-four family residential property, undeveloped land, and partially developed land in anticipation of pending construction of a personal residence. Significant and rapid declines in real estate values can result in residential mortgage loan borrowers having debt levels in excess of the current market value of the collateral. Recent declines in value have led to unprecedented levels of foreclosures and losses within the banking industry. Non-commercial construction and land development loans can experience delays in completion and cost overruns that exceed the borrower’s financial ability to complete the project. Such cost overruns can result in foreclosure of partially completed and unmarketable collateral.

Revolving Mortgage loans are often secured by second liens on residential real estate, thereby making such loans particularly susceptible to declining collateral values. A substantial decline in collateral value could render the Bank’s second lien position to be effectively unsecured. Additional risks include lien perfection inaccuracies and disputes with first lien holders that may further weaken collateral positions. In addition, the open-end structure of these loans creates the risk that customers may draw on the lines in excess of the collateral value if there have been significant declines since origination.

Consumer loans include loans secured by personal property such as automobiles, marketable securities, other titled recreational vehicles including boats and motorcycles, as well as unsecured consumer debt. The value of underlying collateral within this class is especially volatile due to potential rapid depreciation in values since date of loan origination in excess of principal repayment.

Credit Quality Indicators

Loans are monitored for credit quality on a recurring basis and the composition of the loans outstanding by credit quality indicator is provided below.

Loan credit quality indicators are developed through review of individual borrowers on an ongoing basis, although certain non-commercial loans, including residential mortgage, revolving mortgage and consumer loans, are evaluated upon origination and are reevaluated upon a change in delinquency status. Most commercial loans are evaluated at least annually with more frequent evaluation of more severely criticized loans or leases. The indicators represent the rating for loans as of the date presented based on the most recent assessment performed. These credit quality indicators are defined as follows:

Pass – A pass rated asset is not adversely classified because it does not display any of the characteristics for adverse classification.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Special Mention – A special mention asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, such potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects or collateral position at some future date. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not warrant adverse classification.

Substandard – A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor and/or the realizable value of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets classified as substandard generally have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. These assets are characterized by the distinct possibility of loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful – An asset classified as doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in an asset classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values.

Loss – Assets classified loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuing to be carried as an asset is not warranted. This classification is not necessarily equivalent to no potential for recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not appropriate to defer a full write-off even though partial recovery may be effected in the future.

Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of probable credit losses that are inherent in the Bank’s loan portfolios at the balance sheet date. The allowance increases when the Bank provides for loan losses through charges to operating earnings and when the Bank recovers amounts from loans previously written down or charged off. The allowance decreases when the Bank writes down or charges off loan amounts that are deemed uncollectible.

Management determines the allowance for loan losses based on periodic evaluations that are inherently subjective and require substantial judgment because the evaluations require the use of material estimates that are susceptible to significant change. The Bank generally uses two allowance methodologies that are primarily based on management’s determination as to whether or not a loan is considered to be impaired.

Commercial loans, as well as non-commercial loans that are classified as substandard and secured by real estate, are evaluated for impairment on a loan-by-loan basis and are considered impaired when it is probable, based on current information, that the borrower will be unable to pay contractual interest or principal as required by the loan agreement. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are not necessarily considered impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment history, and the amount of the shortfall relative to the principal and interest owed. Loans that are deemed to be troubled debt restructurings, which are discussed below, are also included as impaired loans. Impaired loans are measured at their estimated fair value based on either the value of the loan’s expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or on the collateral value, net of the estimated costs of disposal, if the loan is collateral dependent. For loans considered impaired, an individual allowance for loan losses is recorded when the loan principal balance exceeds the estimated fair value.

For loans not considered impaired, management determines the allowance for loan losses based on estimated loss percentages that are determined by and applied to the various classes of loans that comprise the segments of the Bank’s loan portfolio. The estimated loss percentages by loan class are based on a number of factors that include by class (i) average historical losses over the past three years, (ii) levels and trends in delinquencies, impairments, and net charge-offs, (iii) trends in the volume and direction of loan balances within that class, terms, and concentrations, (iv) trends in interest rates, (v) effects of changes in the

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Bank’s risk tolerance, underwriting standards, lending policies, procedures, and practices, and (vi) national and local business and economic conditions.

Methodology Change – In the second quarter of 2014, the Bank assessed and modified its loan loss methodology for unimpaired commercial construction and land development, unimpaired residential construction and land development, and unimpaired commercial and industrial loans. This modification resulted in further sub-segmentation of these classes of loans and the related historical charge-off rates. The purpose was to allocate the substantial historical charge-off rates created by three sub-segments of these loan classes against the significantly diminished or nonexistent current balances within these same loan sub-segments reflecting no continued credit exposure to the Bank. Specifically, additional sub-segments were identified where the Bank made (i) loans in excess of $2.5 million to construct commercial mixed-use buildings in small communities with low population growth, (ii) speculative loans to construct one-to-four family residences for the greater of 80% of the appraised value of the completed residence or 100% of the actual costs of construction, and (iii) loans secured by equity securities that do not have a readily determinable fair value.  This change in methodology resulted in a nonrecurring reduction of approximately $1.3 million in the Bank’s reserves for loans not considered impaired in the second quarter of 2014.

Future material adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary due to improving or deteriorating economic conditions, delinquencies, charge-off levels or declining collateral values. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses and may require the Bank to make adjustments to the allowance for loan losses based upon judgments that differ significantly from those of management.

Nonperforming Assets – Nonperforming assets can include loans that are past due 90 days or more and continue to accrue interest, loans on which interest is not being accrued, and foreclosed real estate.

Loans Past Due 90 Days or More, Nonaccruing, Impaired, or Restructured – The Bank’s policies related to when loans are placed on nonaccruing status conform to guidelines prescribed by bank regulatory authorities. Generally, the Bank suspends the accrual of interest on loans (i) that are maintained on a cash basis because of the deterioration of the financial condition of the borrower, (ii) for which payment in full of principal or interest is not expected, or (iii) on which principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. While a loan is on nonaccruing status, the Bank recognizes interest income only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of collection of the principal outstanding on the loan. Loans are returned to accruing status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and concern no longer exists as to the future collectability of principal and interest, which is generally confirmed when the loan demonstrates performance for six consecutive months or payment cycles.

A troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) occurs when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Bank grants a concession it would not otherwise consider to provide the borrower relief from one or more of the contractual loan conditions. Concessions that the Bank might consider include the allowance of interest-only payments on more than a temporary basis, the reduction of interest rates, the extension of the loan term, the forgiveness of principal, or a combination of these. The Bank might require additional collateral or additional guarantors as conditions to modifying loans as TDRs.

The Bank might consider modifying both accruing or nonaccruing loans as TDRs. When a modification includes a reduction of principal that resulted from a partial charge-off of the loan, the Bank typically accounts for the TDR as a nonaccruing loan.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

The Bank classifies TDRs as impaired loans and evaluates the need for an allowance for loan loss on a loan-by-loan basis consistent with its evaluation of impaired loans that have not been modified as TDRs. An allowance is based on either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price or the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less any selling costs, if the loan is deemed to be collateral dependent.

The Bank’s policy for recognition of interest income on loans considered to be impaired, including restructured loans, is the same as its interest income recognition policy for loans not considered to be impaired.

Loan Charge-Offs – The Bank charges off loan balances, in whole or in part, when available, verifiable, and documentable information confirms that specific loans, or portions of specific loans, are uncollectible or unrecoverable. For unsecured loans, losses are confirmed when it can be determined that the borrower, or any guarantor, is unwilling or unable to pay the amounts as agreed. When the borrower, or any guarantors, are unwilling or unable to pay the amounts as agreed on a loan secured by collateral and any recovery is dependent upon the sale of the collateral, the loan is deemed to be collateral dependent. Repayments or recoveries for collateral dependent loans are directly affected by the value of the collateral at liquidation.  As such, loan repayment can be affected by factors that influence the amount recoverable, the timing of the recovery, or a combination of the two. Such factors include economic conditions that affect the markets in which the loan or its collateral is sold, bankruptcy, repossession and foreclosure laws, and consumer banking regulations. Losses are also confirmed when the loan, or a portion of the loan, is classified as loss resulting from loan reviews conducted by the Bank.

Charge-offs of loans in the commercial loan segment are recognized when the uncollectibility of the loan balance and the inability to recover sufficient value from the sale of any collateral securing the loan is confirmed. The uncollectibility of the loan balance is evidenced by the inability of the commercial borrower to generate cash flows sufficient to repay the loan as agreed causing the loan to become delinquent. For collateral dependent commercial loans, the Bank determines the fair value of the collateral based on appraisals, current market conditions, and estimated costs to sell the collateral. For collateral dependent commercial loans where the loan balance, including any accrued interest, net deferred fees or costs, and unamortized premiums or discounts, exceeds the fair value of the collateral securing the loan, the deficiency is identified as unrecoverable, is deemed to be a confirmed loss, and is charged off.

Charge-offs of loans in the non-commercial loan segment are generally confirmed and recognized in a manner similar to loans in the commercial loan segment. Secured non-commercial loans that are identified as uncollectible and are deemed to be collateral dependent are confirmed as loss to the extent the fair value of the collateral is insufficient to recover the loan balance. Closed-end consumer loans that become 120 cumulative days past due and open-end consumer loans that become 180 cumulative days past due are charged off to the extent that the fair value of any collateral, less estimated costs to sell the collateral, is insufficient to recover the loan balance. Closed-end and open-end loans secured by residential real estate that become 180 days past due are charged off to the extent that the fair value of the residential real estate securing the loan, less estimated costs to sell the collateral, is insufficient to recover the loan balance. Loans determined to be fraudulent are charged off within 90 days of discovery. Loans to borrowers in bankruptcy are subject to modification by the bankruptcy court and are charged off to the extent that the fair value of any collateral securing the loan, less estimated costs to sell the collateral, is insufficient to recover the loan balance, unless the Bank expects repayment is likely to occur. Such loans are charged off within 60 days of the receipt of notification from a bankruptcy court or when the loans become 120 days past due, whichever is shorter.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Foreclosed Real Estate – Foreclosed real estate consists of real estate and other assets acquired as a result of customers’ loan defaults. Foreclosed real estate is stated at the lower of the related loan balance or the fair value of the property net of the estimated costs of disposal with a charge to the allowance for loan losses upon foreclosure. Any write-downs subsequent to foreclosure are charged against operating earnings. To the extent recoverable, costs relating to the development and improvement of property are capitalized, whereas those costs relating to holding the property are charged to expense.

Comprehensive Income – Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of an enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources and, accordingly, includes both net income and amounts referred to as other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The items of other comprehensive income are included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The accumulated balance of other comprehensive income is included in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s components of accumulated other comprehensive income include unrealized gains and/or losses on investment securities classified as available for sale and certain changes in the Company’s benefit obligations under its retirement plans. The Company adjusts the level of accumulated comprehensive income related to its retirement plans on an annual basis, consistent with the receipt of its annual actuarial studies.

The changes in the components of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes, are presented as follows:

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(Dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance				OCI Before Reclassification				Amount Reclassified				Net OCI				Ending Balance
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Unrealized loss on securities		$	(2,952	)		$	2,686			$	(129	)		$	2,557			$	(395	)
Benefit plan liability			(4,421	)			(269	)			269				-				(4,421	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		$	(7,373	)		$	2,417			$	140			$	2,557			$	(4,816	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities		$	1,879			$	(4,262	)		$	(542	)		$	(4,804	)		$	(2,925	)
Benefit plan liability			(4,946	)			(73	)			(1	)			(74	)			(5,020	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax		$	(3,067	)		$	(4,335	)		$	(543	)		$	(4,878	)		$	(7,945	)

 

The Company’s reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Income Taxes – The establishment of provisions for federal and state income taxes is a complex area of accounting that involves the use of significant judgments and estimates in applying relevant tax statutes. The Company is subject to audit by federal and state tax authorities, the results of which may produce tax liabilities that differ from the Company’s tax estimates and provisions. The Company continually evaluates its exposure to possible tax assessments arising from audits and it records its estimate of possible exposure based on current facts and circumstances. The Parent and the Bank have entered into a formal agreement that will allow them, if so elected, to file consolidated federal and state income tax returns, where permitted, and each to pay its respective share of income taxes due.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax effects of differing carrying values of assets and liabilities for tax and financial statement purposes that will reverse in future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. When uncertainty exists concerning the recoverability of a deferred tax asset, the carrying value of the asset may be reduced by a valuation allowance. The amount of any valuation allowance established is based upon an estimate of the deferred tax asset that is more likely than not to be recovered. Increases or decreases in the valuation allowance result in increases or decreases to the provision for income taxes.

The Bank’s loss carry forward period under applicable North Carolina income tax laws is 15 years with a remaining loss carry forward period of 12 years. The Bank includes interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities in noninterest expense. The Bank’s tax filings for the years 2011 and thereafter are currently open to audit under statutes of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Pension Plan – The Bank has two noncontributory, defined benefit pension plans. The Bank recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans as an asset or liability in its consolidated statement of financial position and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the change occurs  The funded status of a benefit plan is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation. For a pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. GAAP also requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position and to include additional disclosure in the notes to financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition asset or obligation.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) – In connection with the mutual-to-stock conversion on October 11, 2011, the Bank established an ESOP for the benefit of all of its eligible employees. Full-time employees of the Bank who have been credited with at least 1,000 hours of service during a twelve-month period and who have attained age 21 are eligible to participate in the ESOP.  Shares allocated under the ESOP vest at the rate of 20% per year of service beginning with the completion of two years of service and fully vest upon the completion of six years of service. The Bank anticipates it will make contributions to the ESOP in amounts necessary to amortize the ESOP loan payable to the Parent over a period of 15 years in accordance with the terms of the loan.

Unallocated ESOP shares are not considered outstanding (including for the calculation of net income per common share as discussed below) and are shown as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. Dividends on unallocated ESOP shares, if paid, are considered to be compensation expense. The Company recognizes compensation cost equal to the fair value of the ESOP shares during the periods in which they are committed to be released. The fair value of the annual share allocations is recorded on a monthly basis with fair value determined by calculating the average closing stock price for each day during the month. To the extent that the fair value of the Company’s ESOP shares differs from the cost of such shares, the difference is recognized in stockholders’ equity. The Company recognizes a tax deduction equal to the cost of the shares released. Because the ESOP is internally leveraged through a loan from the Company to the ESOP, the loan receivable by the Company from the ESOP is not reported as an asset nor is the debt of the ESOP shown as a liability in the consolidated financial statements.

Equity Incentive Plan – The Company issued restricted stock and stock options under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to key officers and outside directors during the first quarter of 2013 and to additional key officers and a newly appointed outside director during the first nine months of 2014.  The Company uses a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock compensation plans, whereby compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date and recognized over the vesting period.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Net Income Per Common Share – Where presented, basic net income per common share is the Company’s net income available to common stockholders, which represents net income less dividends paid or payable to preferred stock stockholders, if any, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. In calculating the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, shares held by the ESOP are not considered to be outstanding until they are committed to be released for allocation.  Also, the weighted average of unvested restricted shares are not considered outstanding until the shares vest.

For diluted income per common share, net income available to common stockholders is divided by the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding for each period plus amounts representing the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. The effects of restricted stock and stock options are excluded from the computation of diluted income per common share in periods in which the effect would be antidilutive. Potential common shares that might be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options and restricted stock and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Net income per common share has been computed based on the following:

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, options to purchase 37,500 and 201,960 shares of common stock, respectively, and 3,600 restricted shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were excluded from the computation of net income per common share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, options to purchase 459,000 and 451,000 shares of common stock, respectively, and 223,382 restricted shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were excluded from the computation of net income per common share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to the financial statements of the prior periods presented to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net income, net income per share, or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update ASU 2013-11 – In July, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which amends the disclosures for entities with unrecognized tax benefits for which a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists as of the reporting date.  ASU 2013-11 is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.  Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update ASU 2014-04 – In January, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure, amendments to Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40).  The amendments address the reclassification of consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate upon foreclosure and clarify the criteria for concluding that an in substance repossession or foreclosure has occurred, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan.  The amendments also outline interim and annual disclosure requirements.  ASU 2014-04 is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014.  A modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method when adopting this update are allowed.  Early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update ASU 2014-09 – In May, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which creates FASB Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) Topic 606, Revenue Recognition Standard and FASB ASC Topic 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Decrecognition of Nonfinancial Assets. The standards updates affect all entities that have contracts with customers, except for certain items, which include leases accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 840, Leases; insurance contracts accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 944, Financial Services – Insurance; and most financial instruments, and guarantees (other than product warranties). The new revenue recognition standard eliminates the transaction- and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaces it with a principle-based approach for determining revenue recognition.  Public entities are required to adopt ASU 2014-09 for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim and annual reporting periods thereafter.  All entities will be required to apply the standard retrospectively, either using a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach.  Early adoption is not permitted for public entities. The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements; however, if the Company chooses a full retrospective approach, the adoption will require a restatement for 2015 and 2016 to show comparative financial statements with a cumulative adjustment as of January 1, 2015 to disclose revenue and the direct effects of change in accounting principle.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Securities Available for Sale – The maturities, amortized cost, unrealized gains, unrealized losses and fair values of securities available for sale are as follows:

 

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(1)

Residential mortgage-backed securities were issued by United States government sponsored enterprises including the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Government National Mortgage Association. The Company held no private label residential mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 or during the nine- and twelve-month periods, respectively, then ended.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

Securities Held to Maturity – The maturities, amortized cost, unrealized gains, unrealized losses and fair values of securities classified as held to maturity are as follows:

(1)

Residential mortgage-backed securities were issued by United States government sponsored enterprises including the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Government National Mortgage Association. The Company held no private label residential mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 or during the nine- and twelve-month periods, respectively, then ended.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

The following tables show investment 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The total number of securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were 63 and 116, respectively. The unrealized losses relate to debt and equity securities that have incurred fair value reductions due to higher market interest rates since the securities were purchased. The unrealized losses are not likely to reverse unless and until market interest rates decline to the levels that existed when the securities were purchased. Management has the intent to hold securities with unrealized losses until a recovery of the market value occurs. Management has determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell any of the securities with unrealized losses prior to a recovery of market value sufficient to negate the unrealized loss. Management has analyzed the creditworthiness of the underlying issuers and determined that the Company will collect all contractual cash flows and, therefore, all impairment is considered to be temporary.

 

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(1)

Residential mortgage-backed securities were issued by United States government sponsored enterprises including the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Government National Mortgage Association. The Company held no private label residential mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 or during the nine- and twelve-month periods, respectively, then ended.

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

 

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(1)

Residential mortgage-backed securities were issued by United States government sponsored enterprises including the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Government National Mortgage Association. The Company held no private label residential mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 or during the nine- and twelve-month periods, respectively, then ended.

Investment securities pledged as collateral follows:

Interest income from taxable and tax-exempt securities recognized in interest and dividend income follows:

 

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ASB BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

Proceeds and gross realized gains from sales of securities recognized in net income follow:

3. LOANS RECEIVABLE

Loans receivable by segment and class follow: