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EX-31.1 - CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP INCi00409_ex31-1.htm
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EX-32.1 - CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP INCi00409_ex32-1.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

x     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2015

 

OR

 

o     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

 

 

Commission File Number: 0-13358

 

 

CCB Group logo
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Florida   59-2273542
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

217 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida   32301
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip Code)

 

(850) 402-7000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

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 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
    (Do not check if 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 o  No x

 

At October 31, 2015, 17,144,404 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – Financial Information Page
     
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
  Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition – September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 4
  Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 5
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 6
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareowners’ Equity – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 7
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 8
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9
     
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 26
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk 41
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 41
     
PART II – Other Information  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 41
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 41
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 41
     
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 42
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure 42
     
Item 5. Other Information 42
     
Item 6. Exhibits 42
     
Signatures     43

 

 2 
 

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements about our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, estimates and intentions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” “goal,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

All forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results may differ materially from those set forth in our forward-looking statements.

 

Our ability to achieve our financial objectives could be adversely affected by the factors discussed in detail in Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the following sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”): (a) “Introductory Note” in Part I, Item 1. “Business”; (b) “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, as updated in our subsequent quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q; and (c) “Introduction” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in Part II, Item 7, as well as:

§our ability to successfully manage interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and other risks inherent to our industry;
§legislative or regulatory changes, including the Dodd-Frank Act, Basel III, and the ability to repay and qualified mortgage standards;
§the effects of security breaches and computer viruses that may affect our computer systems or fraud related to debit card products;
§the accuracy of our financial statement estimates and assumptions, including the estimates used for our loan loss provision, goodwill, pension, and deferred tax asset valuation;
§the frequency and magnitude of foreclosure of our loans;
§the effects of our lack of a diversified loan portfolio, including the risks of geographic and industry concentrations;
§the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations;
§our need and our ability to incur additional debt or equity financing;
§our ability to declare and pay dividends;
§changes in the securities and real estate markets;
§changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government;
§inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;
§the effects of harsh weather conditions, including hurricanes, and man-made disasters;
§our ability to comply with the extensive laws and regulations to which we are subject;
§our ability to comply with the laws of each jurisdiction where we operate;
§the willingness of clients to accept third-party products and services rather than our products and services and vice versa;
§increased competition and its effect on pricing;
§technological changes;
§negative publicity and the impact on our reputation;
§changes in consumer spending and saving habits;
§growth and profitability of our noninterest income;
§changes in accounting principles, policies, practices or guidelines;
§the limited trading activity of our common stock;
§the concentration of ownership of our common stock;
§anti-takeover provisions under federal and state law as well as our Articles of Incorporation and our Bylaws;
§other risks described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and
§our ability to manage the risks involved in the foregoing

 

However, other factors besides those listed in Item 1A Risk Factors or discussed in this Form 10-Q also could adversely affect our results, and you should not consider any such list of factors to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

 

 3 
 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

(Dollars in Thousands)  (Unaudited)
September 30, 2015
  December 31, 2014
ASSETS          
Cash and Due From Banks  $42,917   $55,467 
Federal Funds Sold and Interest Bearing Deposits   167,787    329,589 
   Total Cash and Cash Equivalents   210,704    385,056 
           
Investment Securities, Available for Sale, at fair value   444,071    341,548 
Investment Securities, Held to Maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $194,840 and $163,412)   193,964    163,581 
Total Investment Securities   638,035    505,129 
 Loans Held For Sale   10,960    10,688 
 Loans, Net of Unearned Income   1,475,183    1,431,374 
  Allowance for Loan Losses   (14,737)   (17,539)
    Loans, Net   1,460,446    1,413,835 
           
Premises and Equipment, Net   98,218    101,899 
Goodwill   84,811    84,811 
Other Real Estate Owned   25,219    35,680 
Other Assets   86,701    90,071 
   Total Assets  $2,615,094   $2,627,169 
           
LIABILITIES          
Deposits:          
  Noninterest Bearing Deposits  $720,824   $659,115 
  Interest Bearing Deposits   1,394,159    1,487,679 
    Total Deposits   2,114,983    2,146,794 
           
Short-Term Borrowings   65,355    49,425 
Subordinated Notes Payable   62,887    62,887 
Other Long-Term Borrowings   29,042    31,097 
Other Liabilities   69,168    64,426 
    Total Liabilities   2,341,435    2,354,629 
           
SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY          
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding   —      —   
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 17,144,401 and 17,447,223 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively   171    174 
Additional Paid-In Capital   37,738    42,569 
Retained Earnings   256,265    251,306 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax   (20,515)   (21,509)
Total Shareowners’ Equity   273,659    272,540 
Total Liabilities and Shareowners' Equity  $2,615,094   $2,627,169 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

 4 
 

CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)  2015  2014  2015  2014
INTEREST INCOME                    
Loans, including Fees  $18,214   $18,528   $54,308   $54,778 
Investment Securities:                    
Taxable Securities   1,330    921    3,814    2,440 
Tax Exempt Securities   210    113    471    380 
Federal Funds Sold and Interest Bearing Deposits   123    204    463    752 
Total Interest Income   19,877    19,766    59,056    58,350 
INTEREST EXPENSE                    
Deposits   220    255    725    856 
Short-Term Borrowings   14    17    50    54 
Subordinated Notes Payable   344    333    1,014    995 
Other Long-Term Borrowings   233    263    710    823 
Total Interest Expense   811    868    2,499    2,728 
NET INTEREST INCOME   19,066    18,898    56,557    55,622 
Provision for Loan Losses   413    424    1,081    1,282 
Net Interest Income After Provision For Loan Losses   18,653    18,474    55,476    54,340 
NONINTEREST INCOME                    
Deposit Fees   5,721    6,211    16,944    18,293 
Bank Card Fees   2,826    2,707    8,412    8,234 
Wealth Management Fees   1,818    2,050    5,640    5,820 
Mortgage Banking Fees   1,306    911    3,496    2,274 
Data Processing Fees   400    336    1,137    1,265 
Other   1,157    1,136    5,241    3,597 
Total Noninterest Income   13,228    13,351    40,870    39,483 
                     
NONINTEREST EXPENSE                    
Compensation   16,653    15,378    49,581    46,365 
Occupancy, Net   4,446    4,575    13,100    13,378 
Other Real Estate Owned, Net   1,302    1,783    3,730    5,458 
Other   6,763    6,871    20,582    20,848 
Total Noninterest Expense   29,164    28,607    86,993    86,049 
                     
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   2,717    3,218    9,353    7,774 
Income Tax Expense   1,034    1,103    2,839    435 
                     
NET INCOME  $1,683   $2,115   $6,514   $7,339 
                     
BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE  $0.10   $0.12   $0.38   $0.42 
DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE  $0.09   $0.12   $0.37   $0.42 
                     
Average Basic Shares Outstanding   17,150    17,440    17,317    17,422 
Average Diluted Shares Outstanding   17,229    17,519    17,379    17,482 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

  

 5 
 

CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)  2015  2014  2015  2014
NET INCOME  $1,683   $2,115   $6,514   $7,339 
Other comprehensive income, before tax:                    
Change in net unrealized gain/loss on securities available for sale   533    (173)   1,562    78 
Amortization of unrealized losses on securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity   21    17    56    53 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax   554    (156)   1,618    131 
Deferred tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income   214    (54)   624    56 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   340    (102)   994    75 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  $2,023   $2,013   $7,508   $7,414 
                     

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

 6 
 

CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands, Except Share Data)

  Shares Outstanding  Common Stock 

Additional

Paid-In Capital

  Retained Earnings  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes  Total
Balance, January 1, 2014   17,360,960   $174   $41,152   $243,614   $(8,540)  $276,400 
Net Income        —      —      7,339    —      7,339 
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax        —      —      —      75    75 
Cash Dividends ($0.0600 per share)        —      —      (1,046)   —      (1,046)
Repurchase of Common Stock   (19,600)   —      (269)   —      —      (269)
Stock Based Compensation        —      635    —      —      635 
Impact of Transactions Under Compensation Plans, net   91,524    —      119    —      —      119 
Balance, September 30, 2014   17,432,884   $174   $41,637   $249,907   $(8,465)  $283,253 

 

Balance, January 1, 2015

   17,447,223   $174   $42,569   $251,306   $(21,509)  $272,540 
Net Income        —      —      6,514    —      6,514 
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax        —      —      —      994    994 
Cash Dividends ($0.0900 per share)        —      —      (1,555)   —      (1,555)
Repurchase of Common Stock   (405,228)   (4)   (5,978)   —      —      (5,982)
Stock Based Compensation        —      783    —      —      783 
Impact of Transactions Under Compensation Plans, net   102,406    1    364    —      —      365 
Balance, September 30, 2015   17,144,401   $171   $37,738   $256,265   $(20,515)  $273,659 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

 7 
 

CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)  2015  2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net Income  $6,514   $7,339 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by Operating Activities:          
       Provision for Loan Losses   1,081    1,282 
Depreciation   4,908    4,869 
       Amortization of Premiums, Discounts, and Fees (net)   3,677    3,619 
Amortization of Intangible Assets   —      32 
       Impairment Loss on Security   90    —   
       Net (Increase) Decrease in Loans Held-for-Sale   (272)   2,365 
       Stock Based Compensation   783    635 
       Deferred Income Taxes   2,882    1,280 
       Loss on Sales and Write-Downs of Other Real Estate Owned   2,138    3,423 
       Loss on Disposal of Equipment   20    12 
       Net Decrease in Other Assets   1,347    1,144 
       Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Liabilities   4,792    (2,248)
       Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities   27,960    23,752 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Securities Held to Maturity:          
       Purchases   (65,190)   (56,249)
    Payments, Maturities, and Calls   33,859    30,078 
Securities Available for Sale:          
        Purchases   (167,438)   (159,741)
        Payments, Maturities, and Calls   63,278    86,149 
Net Increase in Loans   (51,385)   (42,808)
Proceeds From Sales of Other Real Estate Owned   12,122    15,043 
Purchases of Premises and Equipment   (2,400)   (4,042)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities   (177,154)   (131,570)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Net Decrease in Deposits   (31,811)   (102,670)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Borrowings   15,930    (10,263)
Repayment of Other Long-Term Borrowings   (2,055)   (4,210)
Dividends Paid   (1,555)   (1,046)
Payments to Repurchase Common Stock   (5,982)   (269)
Issuance of Common Stock Under Compensation Plans   315    371 
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities   (25,158)   (118,087)
           
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (174,352)   (225,905)
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period   385,056    529,928 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period  $210,704   $304,023 
           
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:          
  Interest Paid  $2,511   $2,678 
  Income Taxes Paid  $1,593   $2,660 
           
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:          
  Loans Transferred to Other Real Estate Owned  $4,073   $12,121 
  Transfer of Current Portion of Long-Term Borrowings  $—     $1,528 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

  

 8 
 

CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Nature of Operations. Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (“CCBG” or the “Company”) provides a full range of banking and banking-related services to individual and corporate clients through its subsidiary, Capital City Bank, with banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The Company is subject to competition from other financial institutions, is subject to regulation by certain government agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

 

Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include the accounts of CCBG and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Capital City Bank (“CCB” or the “Bank” and together with the Company). All material inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

 

The consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

NOTE 2 – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

Investment Portfolio Composition. The amortized cost and related market value of investment securities available-for-sale were as follows:

 

   September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014
   Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Gains
  Unrealized
Losses
  Market
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Gain
  Unrealized
Losses
  Market
Value
Available for Sale                                        
U.S. Government Treasury  $242,659   $1,330   $—     $243,989   $185,830   $220   $19   $186,031 
U.S. Government Agency   104,763    428    115    105,076    95,950    289    142    96,097 
States and Political Subdivisions   83,971    283    14    84,240    48,405    65    82    48,388 
Mortgage-Backed Securities   1,897    174    —      2,071    2,094    193    —      2,287 
Equity Securities(1)   8,695    —      —      8,695    8,745    —      —      8,745 
Total  $441,985   $2,215   $129   $444,071   $341,024   $767   $243   $341,548 
                                         
Held to Maturity                                        
U.S. Government Treasury  $134,670   $757   $—     $135,427   $76,179   $144   $6   $76,317 
U.S. Government Agency   10,060    35    —      10,095    19,807    29    19    19,817 
States and Political Subdivisions   18,676    57    1    18,732    26,717    36    6    26,747 
Mortgage-Backed Securities   30,558    96    68    30,586    40,878    33    380    40,531 
Total  $193,964   $945   $69   $194,840   $163,581   $242   $411   $163,412 
                                         
Total Investment Securities  $635,949   $3,160   $198   $638,911   $504,605   $1,009   $654   $504,960 
                                         
(1)Includes Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Reserve Bank, and FNBB, Inc. stock recorded at cost of $3.7 million, $4.8 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2015 and Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Reserve Bank, and Bankers Bancorporation of Florida, Inc. stock recorded at cost of $3.9 million, $4.8 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.

 

Securities with a carrying value of $243.8 million and $337.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes.

 

The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”), is required to own capital stock in the FHLB based generally upon the balances of residential and commercial real estate loans, and FHLB advances.  FHLB stock which is included in other securities is pledged to secure FHLB advances.  No ready market exists for this stock, and it has no quoted market value; however, redemption of this stock has historically been at par value.

 

 9 
 

Maturity Distribution. As of September 30, 2015, the Company's investment securities had the following maturity distribution based on contractual maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Mortgage-backed securities and certain amortizing U.S. government agency securities are shown separately because they are not due at a certain maturity date.

 

   Available for Sale  Held to Maturity
(Dollars in Thousands)  Amortized
Cost
  Market
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Market
Value
Due in one year or less  $59,038   $59,115   $29,291   $29,385 
Due after one through five years   299,404    300,992    134,115    134,869 
Mortgage-Backed Securities   1,897    2,071    30,558    30,586 
U.S. Government Agency   72,951    73,198    —      —   
Equity Securities   8,695    8,695    —      —   
Total  $441,985   $444,071   $193,964   $194,840 

 

Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. The following table summarizes the investment securities with unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 

   Less Than
12 Months
  Greater Than
12 Months
  Total
(Dollars in Thousands)  Market
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
  Market
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
  Market
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
September 30, 2015                  
    Available for Sale                              
    U.S. Government Agency  $11,909   $50   $11,409   $65   $23,318   $115 
    States and Political Subdivisions   12,690    13    604    1    13,294    14 
    Total  $24,599   $63   $12,013   $66   $36,612   $129 

 

Held to Maturity

                              
    States and Political Subdivisions  $926   $1   $—     $—     $926   $1 
    Mortgage-Backed Securities   2,691    19    13,235    49    15,926    68 
    Total  $3,617   $20   $13,235   $49   $16,852   $69 
                               
    December 31, 2014                              
Available for Sale                              
    U.S. Government Treasury  $35,838   $19   $—     $—     $35,838   $19 
    U.S. Government Agency   18,160    54    18,468    88    36,628    142 
    States and Political Subdivisions   16,497    77    505    5    17,002    82 
    Total  $70,495   $150   $18,973   $93   $89,468   $243 

 

Held to Maturity

                              
    U.S. Government Treasury  $15,046   $6   $—     $—     $15,046   $6 
    U.S. Government Agency   10,002    19    —      —      10,002    19 
    States and Political Subdivisions   3,788    6    —      —      3,788    6 
    Mortgage-Backed Securities   15,066    149    18,155    231    33,221    380 
    Total  $43,902   $180   $18,155   $231   $62,057   $411 
                               

Management evaluates securities for other than temporary impairment at least quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to: 1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, 2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and 3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in cost. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by rating agencies have occurred, regulatory issues, and analysts’ reports.

 

 10 
 

Approximately $12.0 million of investment securities, with an unrealized loss of approximately $66,000, have been in a loss position for greater than 12 months. These debt securities are in a loss position because they were acquired when the general level of interest rates was lower than that on September 30, 2015. The Company believes that the unrealized losses in these debt securities are temporary in nature and that the full principal will be collected as anticipated. Because the declines in the market value of these investments are attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality and because the Company does not intend to sell the investments and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2015.

 

NOTE 3 – LOANS, NET

 

Loan Portfolio Composition. The composition of the loan portfolio was as follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)  September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $169,588   $136,925 
Real Estate – Construction   49,475    41,596 
Real Estate – Commercial Mortgage   491,734    510,120 
Real Estate – Residential(1)    290,784    295,969 
Real Estate – Home Equity   232,254    229,572 
Consumer(2)   241,348    217,192 
Loans, Net of Unearned Income  $1,475,183   $1,431,374 

 

(1)Includes loans in process with outstanding balances of $10.4 million and $7.4 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

(2)Includes overdraft balances of $2.5 million and $2.4 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

  

Net deferred fees included in loans were $0.9 million and $1.5 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

 

The Company has pledged a blanket floating lien on all 1-4 family residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate mortgage loans, and home equity loans to support available borrowing capacity at the FHLB of Atlanta and has pledged a blanket floating lien on all consumer loans, commercial loans, and construction loans to support available borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

 

Nonaccrual Loans. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status if principal or interest payments become 90 days past due and/or management deems the collectability of the principal and/or interest to be doubtful. Loans are returned to accrual status when the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current or when future payments are reasonably assured.

 

The following table presents the recorded investment in nonaccrual loans and loans past due over 90 days and still on accrual by class of loans.

 

   September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014
(Dollars in Thousands)  Nonaccrual  90 + Days  Nonaccrual  90 + Days
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $60   $—     $507   $—   
Real Estate – Construction   491    —      424    —   
Real Estate – Commercial Mortgage   5,844    —      5,806    —   
Real Estate – Residential   4,973    —      6,737    —   
Real Estate – Home Equity   1,679    —      2,544    —   
Consumer   91    —      751    —   
Total  $13,138   $—     $16,769   $—   
                     

 

 11 
 

Loan Portfolio Aging. A loan is defined as a past due loan when one full payment is past due or a contractual maturity is over 30 days past due (“DPD”).

 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans by class of loans.

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

30-59

DPD

 

60-89

DPD

 

90 +

DPD

 

Total

Past Due

 

Total

Current

 

Total

Loans

September 30, 2015                              
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $281   $3   $—     $284   $169,244   $169,588 
Real Estate – Construction   —      545    —      545    48,439    49,475 
Real Estate – Commercial Mortgage   123    113    —      236    485,654    491,734 
Real Estate – Residential   682    1,022    —      1,704    284,107    290,784 
Real Estate – Home Equity   397    56    —      453    230,122    232,254 
Consumer   883    230    —      1,113    240,144    241,348 
Total  $2,366   $1,969   $—     $4,335   $1,457,710   $1,475,183 
                               
December 31, 2014                              
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $352   $155   $—     $507   $135,911   $136,925 
Real Estate – Construction   690    —      —      690    40,482    41,596 
Real Estate – Commercial Mortgage   1,701    569    —      2,270    502,044    510,120 
Real Estate – Residential   682    1,147    —      1,829    287,403    295,969 
Real Estate – Home Equity   689    85    —      774    226,254    229,572 
Consumer   625    97    —      722    215,719    217,192 
Total  $4,739   $2,053   $—     $6,792   $1,407,813   $1,431,374 
                               

 

 12 
 

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses within the existing portfolio of loans.  Loans are charged-off to the allowance when losses are deemed to be probable and reasonably quantifiable.

 

The following table details the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio class. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

  Commercial,
Financial,
Agricultural
 

Real Estate
Construction

 

Real Estate
Commercial
Mortgage

  Real Estate
Residential
  Real Estate
Home Equity
 

Consumer

 

Total

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015                                   
Beginning Balance  $917   $360   $4,275   $5,654   $2,536   $1,494   $15,236 
Provision for Loan Losses   183    (64)   333    (545)   273    233    413 
Charge-Offs   (365)   —      26    (476)   (370)   (318)   (1,503)
Recoveries   45    —      86    193    42    225    591 
Net Charge-Offs   (320)   —      112    (283)   (328)   (93)   (912)
Ending Balance  $780   $296   $4,720   $4,826   $2,481   $1,634   $14,737 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

                                   
Beginning Balance  $784   $843   $5,287   $6,520   $2,882   $1,223   $17,539 
Provision for Loan Losses   708    (547)   426    (870)   506    858    1,081 
Charge-Offs   (894)   —      (1,163)   (1,265)   (1,006)   (1,245)   (5,573)
Recoveries   182    —      170    441    99    798    1,690 
Net Charge-Offs   (712)   —      (993)   (824)   (907)   (447)   (3,883)
Ending Balance  $780   $296   $4,720   $4,826   $2,481   $1,634   $14,737 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014                                   
Beginning Balance  $706   $1,267   $6,147   $8,214   $3,066   $1,143   $20,543 
Provision for Loan Losses   387    (280)   386    (505)   331    105    424 
Charge-Offs   (86)   —      (1,208)   (212)   (621)   (386)   (2,513)
Recoveries   28    2    213    93    37    266    639 
Net Charge-Offs   (58)   2    (995)   (119)   (584)   (120)   (1,874)
Ending Balance  $1,035   $989   $5,538   $7,590   $2,813   $1,128   $19,093 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

                                   
Beginning Balance  $699   $1,580   $7,710   $9,073   $3,051   $982   $23,095 
Provision for Loan Losses   371    (598)   267    (385)   1,048    579    1,282 
Charge-Offs   (183)   —      (2,831)   (1,638)   (1,399)   (1,212)   (7,263)
Recoveries   148    7    392    540    113    779    1,979 
Net Charge-Offs   (35)   7    (2,439)   (1,098)   (1,286)   (433)   (5,284)
Ending Balance  $1,035   $989   $5,538   $7,590   $2,813   $1,128   $19,093 

 

 13 
 

The following table details the amount of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio class disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology.

 

(Dollars in Thousands)  Commercial,
Financial,
Agricultural
  Real Estate
Construction
  Real Estate
Commercial
Mortgage
  Real Estate
Residential
  Real Estate
Home Equity
  Consumer  Total
September 30, 2015                                   
Period-end amount Allocated to:                                   
Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment  $81   $—     $2,001   $2,004   $365   $4   $4,455 
Loans Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   699    296    2,719    2,822    2,116    1,630    10,282 
Ending Balance  $780   $296   $4,720   $4,826   $2,481   $1,634   $14,737 
December 31, 2014                                   
Period-end amount Allocated to:                                   
Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment  $293   $—     $2,733   $2,113   $638   $5   $5,782 
Loans Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   491    843    2,554    4,407    2,244    1,218    11,757 
Ending Balance  $784   $843   $5,287   $6,520   $2,882   $1,223   $17,539 
September 30, 2014                                   
Period-end amount Allocated to:                                   
Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment  $576   $94   $3,359   $2,526   $471   $12   $7,038 
Loans Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   459    895    2,179    5,064    2,342    1,116    12,055 
Ending Balance  $1,035   $989   $5,538   $7,590   $2,813   $1,128   $19,093 

 

The Company’s recorded investment in loans related to each balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio class and disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology was as follows:

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

  Commercial,
Financial,
Agricultural
 

 

Real Estate
Construction

  Real Estate
Commercial
Mortgage
  Real Estate
Residential
  Real Estate
Home Equity
 

 

 

Consumer

 

 

 

Total

September 30, 2015                                   
Individually Evaluated for Impairment  $813   $468   $24,170   $18,079   $2,702   $161   $46,393 
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   168,775    49,007    467,564    272,705    229,552    241,187    1,428,790 
Total  $169,588   $49,475   $491,734   $290,784   $232,254   $241,348   $1,475,183 
December 31, 2014                                   
Individually Evaluated for Impairment  $1,040   $401   $32,242   $20,120   $3,074   $216   $57,093 
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   135,885    41,195    477,878    275,849    226,498    216,976    1,374,281 
Total  $136,925   $41,596   $510,120   $295,969   $229,572   $217,192   $1,431,374 
September 30, 2014                                   
Individually Evaluated for Impairment  $1,489   $835   $37,524   $22,087   $2,796   $271   $65,002 
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   132,267    37,286    464,339    286,208    226,172    203,101    1,349,373 
Total  $133,756   $38,121   $501,863   $308,295   $228,968   $203,372   $1,414,375 

 

Impaired Loans. Loans are deemed to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due (principal and interest payments), according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans, for which the terms have been modified, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired.

 

 14 
 

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans.

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

  Unpaid Principal
Balance
 

Recorded Investment
With No Allowance

 

Recorded Investment
With Allowance

 

Related
Allowance

September 30, 2015                    
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $813   $286   $527   $81 
Real Estate – Construction   468    311    157    —   
Real Estate – Commercial Mortgage   24,170    5,727    18,443    2,001 
Real Estate – Residential   18,079    2,933    15,146    2,004 
Real Estate – Home Equity   2,702    733    1,969    365 
Consumer   161    61    100    4 
Total  $46,393   $10,051   $36,342   $4,455 
                     
December 31, 2014                    
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $1,040   $189   $851   $293 
Real Estate – Construction   401    401    —      —   
Real Estate – Commercial Mortgage   32,242    11,984    20,258    2,733 
Real Estate – Residential   20,120    5,492    14,628    2,113 
Real Estate – Home Equity   3,074    758    2,316    638 
Consumer   216    3    213    5 
Total  $57,093   $18,827   $38,266   $5,782 

 

The following table summarizes the average recorded investment and interest income recognized by class of impaired loans.

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2015  2014  2015  2014 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Average Recorded Investment  Total Interest Income  Average Recorded Investment  Total Interest Income  Average Recorded Investment  Total Interest Income  Average Recorded Investment  Total Interest Income
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $942   $12   $1,433   $15   $1,044   $34   $1,482   $50 
Real Estate - Construction   389    —      828    1    395    —      738    4 
Real Estate - Commercial Mortgage   26,959    250    39,020    381    29,343    821    42,671    1,298 
Real Estate - Residential   18,499    215    22,180    284    19,239    626    21,610    800 
Real Estate - Home Equity   2,831    20    2,680    18    2,965    64    2,906    52 
Consumer   166    2    293    2    186    6    314    7 
Total  $49,786   $499   $66,434   $701   $53,172   $1,551   $69,721   $2,211 

 

Credit Risk Management. The Company has adopted comprehensive lending policies, underwriting standards and loan review procedures designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management and the Board of Directors review and approve these policies and procedures on a regular basis (at least annually).

 

Reporting systems have been implemented to monitor loan originations, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and nonperforming loans and potential problem loans. Management and the Credit Risk Oversight Committee periodically review our lines of business to monitor asset quality trends and the appropriateness of credit policies. In addition, total borrower exposure limits are established and concentration risk is monitored. As part of this process, the overall composition of the loan portfolio is reviewed to gauge diversification of risk, client concentrations, industry group, loan type, geographic area, or other relevant classifications of loans. Specific segments of the loan portfolio are monitored and reported to the Board on a quarterly basis and have strategic plans in place to supplement Board approved credit policies governing exposure limits and underwriting standards. Detailed below are the types of loans within the Company’s loan portfolio and risk characteristics unique to each.

  

 15 
 

Commercial, Financial, and Agricultural – Loans in this category are primarily made based on identified cash flows of the borrower with consideration given to underlying collateral and personal or other guarantees. Lending policy establishes debt service coverage ratio limits that require a borrower’s cash flow to be sufficient to cover principal and interest payments on all new and existing debt. The majority of these loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, or equipment. Collateral values are determined based upon third party appraisals and evaluations. Loan to value ratios at origination are governed by established policy guidelines.

 

Real Estate Construction – Loans in this category consist of short-term construction loans, revolving and non-revolving credit lines and construction/permanent loans made to individuals and investors to finance the acquisition, development, construction or rehabilitation of real property. These loans are primarily made based on identified cash flows of the borrower or project and generally secured by the property being financed, including 1-4 family residential properties and commercial properties that are either owner-occupied or investment in nature. These properties may include either vacant or improved property. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the completed project. Collateral values are determined based upon third party appraisals and evaluations. Loan to value ratios at origination are governed by established policy guidelines. The disbursement of funds for construction loans is made in relation to the progress of the project and as such these loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections.

 

Real Estate Commercial Mortgage – Loans in this category consists of commercial mortgage loans secured by property that is either owner-occupied or investment in nature. These loans are primarily made based on identified cash flows of the borrower or project with consideration given to underlying real estate collateral and personal guarantees. Lending policy establishes debt service coverage ratios and loan to value ratios specific to the property type. Collateral values are determined based upon third party appraisals and evaluations.

 

Real Estate Residential – Residential mortgage loans held in the Company’s loan portfolio are made to borrowers that demonstrate the ability to make scheduled payments with full consideration to underwriting factors such as current income, employment status, current assets, and other financial resources, credit history, and the value of the collateral. Collateral consists of mortgage liens on 1-4 family residential properties. Collateral values are determined based upon third party appraisals and evaluations. The Company does not originate sub-prime loans.

 

Real Estate Home Equity – Home equity loans and lines are made to qualified individuals and are generally secured by senior or junior mortgage liens on owner-occupied 1-4 family homes or vacation homes. Borrower qualifications include favorable credit history combined with supportive income and debt ratio requirements and combined loan to value ratios within established policy guidelines. Collateral values are determined based upon third party appraisals and evaluations.

 

Consumer Loans – This loan portfolio includes personal installment loans, direct and indirect automobile financing, and overdraft lines of credit. The majority of the consumer loan portfolio consists of indirect and direct automobile loans. Lending policy establishes maximum debt to income ratios, minimum credit scores, and includes guidelines for verification of applicants’ income and receipt of credit reports.

 

Credit Quality Indicators. As part of the ongoing monitoring of the Company’s loan portfolio quality, management categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment performance, credit documentation, and current economic/market trends, among other factors.  Risk ratings are assigned to each loan and revised as needed through established monitoring procedures for individual loan relationships over a predetermined amount and review of smaller balance homogenous loan pools.  The Company uses the definitions noted below for categorizing and managing its criticized loans.  Loans categorized as “Pass” do not meet the criteria set forth for the Special Mention, Substandard, or Doubtful categories and are not considered criticized.

 

Special Mention – Loans in this category are presently protected from loss, but weaknesses are apparent which, if not corrected, could cause future problems.  Loans in this category may not meet required underwriting criteria and have no mitigating factors.  More than the ordinary amount of attention is warranted for these loans.

 

Substandard – Loans in this category exhibit well-defined weaknesses that would typically bring normal repayment into jeopardy. These loans are no longer adequately protected due to well-defined weaknesses that affect the repayment capacity of the borrower.  The possibility of loss is much more evident and above average supervision is required for these loans.

 

Doubtful – Loans in this category have all the weaknesses inherent in a loan categorized as Substandard, with the characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

 

 16 
 

The following table presents the risk category of loans by segment.

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

  Commercial, Financial, Agriculture 

Real Estate

 

Consumer

 

Total Criticized Loans

September 30, 2015                    
Special Mention  $8,121   $36,078   $159   $44,358 
Substandard   1,200    59,659    552    61,411 
Doubtful   —      —      —      —   
Total Criticized Loans  $9,321   $95,737   $711   $105,769 
                     
December 31, 2014                    
Special Mention  $8,059   $51,060   $114   $59,233 
Substandard   2,817    79,167    1,153    83,137 
Doubtful   —      —      —      —   
Total Criticized Loans  $10,876   $130,227   $1,267   $142,370 

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”). TDRs are loans in which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company has granted an economic concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. In these instances, as part of a work-out alternative, the Company will make concessions including the extension of the loan term, a principal moratorium, a reduction in the interest rate, or a combination thereof. The impact of the TDR modifications and defaults are factored into the allowance for loan losses on a loan-by-loan basis as all TDRs are, by definition, impaired loans.  Thus, specific reserves are established based upon the results of either a discounted cash flow analysis or the underlying collateral value, if the loan is deemed to be collateral dependent. In the limited circumstances that a loan is removed from TDR classification it is the Company's policy to also remove it from the impaired loan category, but to continue to individually evaluate loan impairment based on the contractual terms specified by the loan agreement.

The following table presents loans classified as TDRs.

 

   September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014
(Dollars in Thousands)  Accruing  Nonaccruing  Accruing  Nonaccruing
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $876   $—     $838   $266 
Real Estate – Construction   —      —      —      —   
Real Estate – Commercial Mortgage   18,526    737    26,565    1,591 
Real Estate – Residential   14,400    1,682    14,940    2,532 
Real Estate – Home Equity   2,000    8    1,856    356 
Consumer   159    —      211    —   
Total TDRs  $35,961   $2,427   $44,410   $4,745 

 

 17 
 

Loans classified as TDRs during the periods indicated are presented in the table below. The modifications made during the reporting period involved either an extension of the loan term, an interest rate adjustment, or a principal moratorium, and the financial impact of these modifications was not material.

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2015  2015
(Dollars in Thousands)  Number of Contracts  Pre-Modified
Recorded
Investment
  Post-Modified
Recorded
Investment
  Number of Contracts  Pre-Modified
Recorded
Investment
  Post-Modified
Recorded
Investment
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural   —     $—     $—      —     $—     $—   
Real Estate - Construction   —      —      —      —      —      —   
Real Estate - Commercial Mortgage   —      —      —      2    515    515 
Real Estate - Residential   1    49    49    6    717    690 
Real Estate - Home Equity   1    50    50    1    50    49 
Consumer   —      —      —      —      —      —   
Total TDRs   2   $99   $99    9   $1,282   $1,254 

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2014  2014
(Dollars in Thousands)  Number of Contracts  Pre-Modified
Recorded
Investment
  Post-Modified
Recorded
Investment
  Number of Contracts  Pre-Modified
Recorded
Investment
  Post-Modified
Recorded
Investment
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural   —     $—     $—      1   $51   $54 
Real Estate – Construction   —      —      —      —      —      —   
Real Estate - Commercial Mortgage   1    303    1,125    3    947    1,769 
Real Estate – Residential   2    201    182    8    1,308    1,390 
Real Estate - Home Equity   5    453    438    8    701    686 
Consumer   —      —      —      1    34    33 
Total TDRs   8   $957   $1,745    21   $3,041   $3,932 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, there were no defaults for TDR loans that had been modified within the previous 12 months. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months that have subsequently defaulted during the periods indicated are presented in the table below.

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2014  2014
(Dollars in Thousands)  Number of
Contracts
 

Post-Modified

Recorded

Investment(1)

  Number of
Contracts
 

Post-Modified

Recorded

Investment(1)

Commercial, Financial and Agricultural   —     $—      —     $—   
Real Estate – Construction   —      —      —      —   
Real Estate - Commercial Mortgage   —      —      —      —   
Real Estate – Residential   3    334    4    451 
Real Estate - Home Equity   —      —      1    153 
Consumer   —      —      —      —   
Total TDRs   3   $334    5   $604 

 

(1)Recorded investment reflects charge-offs and additional funds advanced at time of restructure, if applicable.

  

 18 
 

The following table provides information on how TDRs were modified during the periods indicated.

 

  

 Three Months Ended September 30,

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2015  2015
(Dollars in Thousands)  Number of Contracts  Recorded Investment(1)  Number of Contracts  Recorded Investment(1)
Extended amortization   1   $49    2   $167 
Interest rate adjustment   —      —      1    156 
Extended amortization and interest rate adjustment   1    50    6    931 
Total TDRs   2   $99    9   $1,254 

 

  

 Three Months Ended September 30,

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2014  2014
(Dollars in Thousands)  Number of Contracts  Recorded Investment(1)  Number of Contracts  Recorded Investment(1)
Extended amortization   2   $158    8   $1,736 
Interest rate adjustment   —      —      1    156 
Extended amortization and interest rate adjustment   2    231    5    488 
Other   4    1,356    7    1,552 
Total TDRs   8   $1,745    21   $3,932 

 

(1) Recorded investment reflects charge-offs and additional funds advanced at time of restructure, if applicable.

 

NOTE 4 – OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

 

The following table presents other real estate owned activity for the periods indicated.

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)  2015  2014  2015  2014
Beginning Balance  $30,167   $42,579   $35,680   $48,071 
Additions   1,242    2,854    4,072    12,121 
Valuation Write-downs   (269)   (664)   (1,575)   (2,216)
Sales   (5,921)   (2,693)   (12,684)   (15,900)
Other   —      (350)   (274)   (350)
Ending Balance  $25,219   $41,726   $25,219   $41,726 

 

Net expenses applicable to other real estate owned include the following:

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)  2015  2014  2015  2014
Gains from the Sale of Properties  $(31)  $(107)  $(686)  $(441)
Losses from the Sale of Properties   591    483    1,249    1,648 
Rental Income from Properties   (13)   (81)   (244)   (356)
Property Carrying Costs   486    824    1,836    2,391 
Valuation Adjustments   269    664    1,575    2,216 
Total  $1,302   $1,783   $3,730   $5,458 

 

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had $2.1 million of loans secured by residential real estate in the process of foreclosure.

 

 19 
 

NOTE 5 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all full-time and eligible part-time associates and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) covering its executive officers.

 

The components of the net periodic benefit costs for the Company's qualified benefit pension plan were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)  2015  2014  2015  2014
Service Cost  $1,715   $1,500   $5,145   $4,500 
Interest Cost   1,438    1,400    4,313    4,200 
Expected Return on Plan Assets   (1,955)   (1,875)   (5,865)   (5,625)
Prior Service Cost Amortization   77    75    232    225 
Net Loss Amortization   891    325    2,673    975 
Net Periodic Cost  $2,166   $1,425   $6,498   $4,275 
                     
Discount Rate   4.15%   5.00%   4.15%   5.00%
Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets   7.50%   7.50%   7.50%   7.50%

 

The components of the net periodic benefit costs for the Company's SERP were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)  2015  2014  2015  2014
Interest Cost  $34   $28   $101   $84 
Prior Service Cost Amortization   2    40    5    120 
Net Gain Amortization   44    (183)   134    (549)
Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost  $80   $(115)  $240   $(345)
                     
Discount Rate   4.15%   5.00%   4.15%   5.00%

 

NOTE 6 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Lending Commitments.  The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its clients.  These financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.

 

The Company’s maximum exposure to credit loss under standby letters of credit and commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.  The Company uses the same credit policies in establishing commitments and issuing letters of credit as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.  The amounts associated with the Company’s off-balance sheet obligations were as follows:

 

   September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014
(Dollars in Thousands)  Fixed  Variable  Total  Fixed  Variable  Total
Commitments to Extend Credit (1)  $55,147   $303,795   $358,942   $33,633   $278,438   $312,071 
Standby Letters of Credit   6,299    —      6,299    8,307    —      8,307 
  Total  $61,446   $303,795   $365,241   $41,940   $278,438   $320,378 

 

(1)Commitments include unfunded loans, revolving lines of credit, and other unused commitments.

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client so long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities. In general, management does not anticipate any material losses as a result of participating in these types of transactions.  However, any potential losses arising from such transactions are reserved for in the same manner as management reserves for its other credit facilities.

 

 20 
 

For both on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments, the Company requires collateral to support such instruments when it is deemed necessary.  The Company evaluates each client’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty.  Collateral held varies, but may include deposits held in financial institutions; U.S. Treasury securities; other marketable securities; real estate; accounts receivable; property, plant and equipment; and inventory.

 

Contingencies.  The Company is a party to lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal course of business.  In management's opinion, there are no known pending claims or litigation, the outcome of which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows of the Company.

 

Indemnification Obligation. The Company is a member of the Visa U.S.A. network. Visa U.S.A believes that its member banks are required to indemnify it for potential future settlement of certain litigation (the “Covered Litigation”) that relates to several antitrust lawsuits challenging the practices of Visa and MasterCard International. In 2008, the Company, as a member of the Visa U.S.A. network, obtained Class B shares of Visa, Inc. upon its initial public offering. Since its initial public offering, Visa, Inc. has funded a litigation reserve for the Covered Litigation resulting in a reduction in the Class B shares held by the Company. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company sold its remaining Class B shares resulting in a $3.2 million pre-tax gain. Associated with this sale, the Company entered into a swap contract with the purchaser of the shares that requires a payment to the counterparty in the event that Visa, Inc. makes subsequent revisions to the conversion ratio for its Class B shares.

 

In December 2013, a settlement agreement was approved by the court in resolution of the aforementioned Covered Litigation matter. Visa’s share of the settlement is to be paid from the litigation reserve account, which was further funded during the third quarter of 2014 resulting in a payment of $161,000 to the counterparty. Fixed charges included in the liability are payable quarterly until the litigation reserve is fully liquidated and at which time the aforementioned swap contract will be terminated. Quarterly fixed payments approximate $63,000. Conversion ratio payments and ongoing fixed quarterly charges are reflected in earnings in the period incurred.

 

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. In estimating fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. Such valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques include the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

 

§Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

§Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from, or corroborated, by market data by correlation or other means.

 

§Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

Securities Available for Sale. U.S. Treasury securities and certain U.S. Government Agency securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Other securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

 

In general, the Company does not purchase securities that have a complicated structure. The Company’s entire portfolio consists of traditional investments, nearly all of which are U.S. Treasury obligations, federal agency bullet or mortgage pass-through securities, or general obligation or revenue based municipal bonds. Pricing for such instruments is easily obtained. From time to time, the Company will validate, on a sample basis, prices supplied by the independent pricing service by comparison to prices obtained from third-party sources or derived using internal models.

 

 21 
 

A summary of fair values for assets and liabilities consisted of the following:

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Level 1
Inputs

  Level 2
Inputs
  Level 3
Inputs
  Total Fair
Value
September 30, 2015                    
ASSETS:                    
Securities Available for Sale:                    
   U.S. Treasury  $243,989   $—     $—     $243,989 
   U.S. Government Agency   —      105,076    —      105,076 
   States and Political Subdivisions   —      84,240    —      84,240 
   Mortgage-Backed Securities   —      2,071    —      2,071 
   Equity Securities   —      8,695    —      8,695 
LIABILITIES:                    
                     
December 31, 2014                    
ASSETS:                    
Securities Available for Sale:                    
   U.S. Treasury  $186,031   $—     $—     $186,031 
   U.S. Government Agency   —      96,097    —      96,097 
   State and Political Subdivisions   —      48,388    —      48,388 
   Mortgage-Backed Securities   —      2,287    —      2,287 
   Equity Securities   —      8,745    —      8,745 

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

 

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis (i.e., the assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances). An example would be assets exhibiting evidence of impairment. The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets measured on a non-recurring basis.

 

Impaired Loans. Impairment for collateral dependent loans is measured using the fair value of the collateral less selling costs. The fair value of collateral is determined by an independent valuation or professional appraisal in conformance with banking regulations. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs due to the volatility in the real estate market, and the judgment and estimation involved in the real estate appraisal process. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly. Valuation techniques are consistent with those techniques applied in prior periods. Impaired collateral dependent loans had a carrying value of $11.1 million with a valuation allowance of $0.8 million as of September 30, 2015 and $13.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.

 

Loans Held for Sale. These loans are carried at the lower of cost or fair value and are adjusted to fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value is based on observable markets rates for comparable loan products, which is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.

 

Other Real Estate Owned. During the first nine months of 2015, certain foreclosed assets, upon initial recognition, were measured and reported at fair value through a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses based on the fair value of the foreclosed asset less estimated cost to sell. The fair value of the foreclosed asset is determined by an independent valuation or professional appraisal in conformance with banking regulations. On an ongoing basis, we obtain updated appraisals on foreclosed assets and realize valuation adjustments as necessary. The fair value of foreclosed assets is estimated using Level 3 inputs due to the judgment and estimation involved in the real estate valuation process.

 

Assets and Liabilities Disclosed at Fair Value

 

The Company is required to disclose the estimated fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities, for which it is practical to estimate fair value and the following is a description of valuation methodologies used for those assets and liabilities.

 

Cash and Federal Funds Sold/Interest Bearing Deposits. The carrying amount of cash and federal funds sold/interest bearing deposits is used to approximate fair value, given the short time frame to maturity and as such assets do not present unanticipated credit concerns.

 

Securities Held to Maturity. Securities held to maturity are valued in accordance with the methodology previously noted in this footnote under the caption “Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis – Securities Available for Sale”.

 

 22 
 

Loans. The loan portfolio is segregated into categories and the fair value of each loan category is calculated using present value techniques based upon projected cash flows and estimated discount rates that reflect the credit, interest rate, and liquidity risks inherent in each loan category. The calculated present values are then reduced by an allocation of the allowance for loan losses against each respective loan category.

 

Deposits. The fair value of Noninterest Bearing Deposits, NOW Accounts, Money Market Accounts and Savings Accounts, are the amounts payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using present value techniques and rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

 

Subordinated Notes Payable. The fair value of each note is calculated using present value techniques, based upon projected cash flows and estimated discount rates as well as rates being offered for similar obligations.

 

Short-Term and Long-Term Borrowings. The fair value of each note is calculated using present value techniques, based upon projected cash flows and estimated discount rates as well as rates being offered for similar debt.

 

A summary of estimated fair values of significant financial instruments consisted of the following:

 

 

   September 30, 2015
(Dollars in Thousands) 

Carrying
Value

  Level 1
Inputs
  Level 2
Inputs
  Level 3
Inputs
ASSETS:                    
Cash  $42,917   $42,917   $—     $—   
Federal Funds Sold and Interest Bearing Deposits   167,787    167,787    —      —   
Investment Securities, Available for Sale   444,071    243,989    200,082    —   
Investment Securities, Held to Maturity   193,964    135,427    59,413    —   
Loans Held for Sale   10,960    —      10,960    —   
Loans, Net of Allowance for Loan Losses   1,460,446    —      —      1,473,849 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Deposits  $2,114,983   $—     $2,065,792   $—   
Short-Term Borrowings   65,355    —      65,601    —   
Subordinated Notes Payable   62,887    —      45,850    —   
Long-Term Borrowings   29,042    —      29,794    —   

 

   December 31, 2014
(Dollars in Thousands) 

Carrying
Value

  Level 1
Inputs
  Level 2
Inputs
  Level 3
Inputs
ASSETS:                    
Cash  $55,467   $55,467   $—     $—   
Federal Funds Sold and Interest Bearing Deposits   329,589    329,589    —      —   
Investment Securities, Available for Sale   341,548    186,031    155,517    —   
Investment Securities, Held to Maturity   163,581    76,317    87,095    —   
Loans Held for Sale   10,688    —      10,688      
Loans, Net of Allowance for Loan Losses   1,413,835    —      —      1,369,314 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Deposits  $2,146,794   $—     $2,146,510   $—   
Short-Term Borrowings   49,425    —      48,760    —   
Subordinated Notes Payable   62,887    —      62,887    —   
Long-Term Borrowings   31,097    —      32,313    —   

 

All non-financial instruments are excluded from the above table.  The disclosures also do not include goodwill.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

 

 23 
 

NOTE 8 – OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The amounts allocated to other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the table below. Reclassification adjustments related to securities held for sale are included in net gain (loss) on securities transactions in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. For the periods presented, reclassifications adjustments related to securities held for sale was not material.

 

 (Dollars in Thousands) 

Before

Tax Amount

 

Tax

(Expense)

Benefit

 

Net of

Tax Amount

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015               
Investment Securities:               
Change in net unrealized gain/loss on securities available for sale  $533   $(206)  $327 
      Amortization of losses on securities transferred from available for sale to held  to maturity   21    (8)   13 
      Total Other Comprehensive Income  $554   $(214)  $340 
                
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015               
Investment Securities:               
Change in net unrealized gain/ loss on securities available for sale  $1,562   $(602)  $960 
Amortization of losses on securities transferred from available for sale to held  to maturity   56    (22)   34 
                Total Other Comprehensive Income  $1,618   $(624)  $994 

 

 (Dollars in Thousands) 

Before

Tax Amount

 

Tax

(Expense)

Benefit

 

Net of

Tax Amount

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014               
Investment Securities:               
Change in net unrealized gain/loss on securities available for sale  $(173)  $61   $(112)
      Amortization of losses on securities transferred from available for sale to held  to maturity   17    (7)   10 
      Total Other Comprehensive Loss  $(156)  $54   $(102)
                
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014               
Investment Securities:               
Change in net unrealized gain/ loss on securities available for sale  $78   $(36)  $42 
Amortization of losses on securities transferred from available for sale to held  to maturity   53    (20)   33 
                Total Other Comprehensive Income  $131   $(56)  $75 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss was comprised of the following components:

  

 (Dollars in Thousands)  Securities
Available
for Sale
  Retirement
Plans
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Balance as of January 1, 2015  $59   $(21,568)  $(21,509)
Other comprehensive income during the period   994    —      994 
Balance as of September 30, 2015  $1,053   $(21,568)  $(20,515)
                
Balance as of January 1, 2014  $(132)  $(8,408)  $(8,540)
Other comprehensive income during the period   75    —      75 
Balance as of September 30, 2014  $(57)  $(8,408)  $(8,465)

 

 24 
 

NOTE 9 – ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES

 

ASU 2014-04 “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Topic 310-40) – Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Loans Upon Foreclosure.” ASU 2014-04 provides guidance regarding the reclassification of residential real estate collateralized consumer mortgage loans upon foreclosures. The guidance requires reclassification of a consumer mortgage loan to other real estate owned upon obtaining legal title to the residential property, which could occur either through foreclosure or through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. The existence of a borrower redemption right will not prevent the lender from reclassifying a loan to real estate once the lender obtains legal title to the property. In addition, entities are required to disclose the amount of foreclosed residential real estate properties and the recorded investment in residential real estate mortgage loans in the process of foreclosure on both an interim and annual basis. The guidance may be applied prospectively or on a modified retrospective basis in fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

ASU 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” ASU 2015-03 requires companies to present debt issuance costs the same way they currently present debt discounts, as a direct deduction from the carrying value of that debt liability. ASU 2015-03 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, though early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-03 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. 

 

ASU 2015-05, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) – Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” ASU 2015-05 provides guidance to evaluate accounting for fees paid by a customer in cloud computing arrangement. The new guidance clarifies that if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the license consistent with its accounting for other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. ASU 2015-05 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, though early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-05 is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.

 

ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Deferral of the Effective Date.” ASU 2015-14 updates the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. This makes ASU 2014-09 effective for the company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not believe this pronouncement will have a significant impact on its financial statements.

 

ASU 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements – Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting.” ASU 2015-15 states that given the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of credit arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowing on the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company does not believe this pronouncement will have a significant impact on its financial statements.

  

 25 
 

Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Management’s discussion and analysis ("MD&A") provides supplemental information, which sets forth the major factors that have affected our financial condition and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. The following information should provide a better understanding of the major factors and trends that affect our earnings performance and financial condition, and how our performance during 2015 compares with prior periods. Throughout this section, Capital City Bank Group, Inc., and subsidiaries, collectively, are referred to as "CCBG," "Company," "we," "us," or "our."

 

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including this MD&A section, contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements about our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, estimates and intentions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. The words "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "target," "goal," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

All forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results may differ materially from those set forth in our forward-looking statements. Please see the Introductory Note and Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2014 Report on Form 10-K, as updated in our subsequent quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings made from time to time with the SEC after the date of this report.

 

However, other factors besides those listed in our Quarterly Report or in our Annual Report also could adversely affect our results, and you should not consider any such list of factors to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 

We are a financial holding company headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, and we are the parent of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Capital City Bank (the "Bank" or "CCB"). The Bank offers a broad array of products and services through a total of 63 full-service offices located in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The Bank offers commercial and retail banking services, as well as trust and asset management, retail securities brokerage and data processing services.

 

Our profitability, like most financial institutions, is dependent to a large extent upon net interest income, which is the difference between the interest and fees received on earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, principally deposits and borrowings. Results of operations are also affected by the provision for loan losses, operating expenses such as salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and other operating expenses including income taxes, and noninterest income such as deposit fees, wealth management fees, mortgage banking fees, bank card fees, and data processing fees.

 

A detailed discussion regarding the economic conditions in our markets and our long-term strategic objectives is included as part of the MD&A section of our 2014 Form 10-K.

 

 26 
 

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

   2015  2014  2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)  Third  Second  First  Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth
Summary of Operations:                        
Interest Income  $19,877   $19,833   $19,346   $19,871   $19,766   $19,348   $19,236   $20,076 
Interest Expense   811    849    839    852    868    910    950    1,080 
Net Interest Income   19,066    18,984    18,507    19,019    18,898    18,438    18,286    18,996 
Provision for Loan Losses   413    375    293    623    424    499    359    397 
Net Interest Income After
Provision for Loan Losses
   18,653    18,609    18,214    18,396    18,474    17,939    17,927    18,599 
Noninterest Income   13,228    14,794    12,848    13,053    13,351    13,347    12,785    13,825 
Noninterest Expense   29,164    28,439    29,390    28,309    28,607    29,076    28,366    29,647 
Income  Before  Income Taxes   2,717    4,964    1,672    3,140    3,218    2,210    2,346    2,777 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   1,034    1,119    686    1,219    1,103    737    (1,405)   5 
Net Income   1,683    3,845    986    1,921    2,115    1,473    3,751    2,772 
Net Interest Income (FTE)  $19,253   $19,119   $18,611   $19,124   $19,020   $18,567   $18,424   $19,141 
                                         
Per Common Share:                                        
Net Income  Basic  $0.10   $0.22   $0.06   $0.11   $0.12   $0.08   $0.22   $0.16 
Net Income  Diluted   0.09    0.22    0.06    0.11    0.12    0.08    0.22    0.16 
Dividends Declared   0.03    0.03    0.03    0.03    0.02    0.02    0.02    0.00 
Diluted Book Value   15.91    15.80    15.59    15.53    16.18    16.08    16.02    15.85 
Market Price:                                        
High   15.75    16.32    16.33    16.00    14.98    14.71    14.59    12.69 
Low   14.39    13.94    13.16    13.00    13.26    12.60    11.56    11.33 
Close   14.92    15.27    16.25    15.54    13.54    14.53    13.28    11.77 
                                         
Selected Average Balances:                                        
Loans, Net  $1,483,657   $1,473,954   $1,448,617   $1,426,756   $1,421,327   $1,411,988   $1,395,506   $1,414,909 
Earning Assets   2,310,823    2,328,012    2,306,485    2,212,781    2,209,429    2,260,885    2,268,320    2,206,286 
Total Assets   2,639,692    2,670,701    2,648,551    2,549,736    2,530,571    2,578,993    2,598,307    2,553,653 
Deposits   2,137,433    2,178,399    2,163,376    2,077,365    2,062,881    2,109,563    2,124,960    2,050,870 
Shareowners’ Equity   274,956    274,421    275,304    286,029    284,130    282,346    279,729    253,999 
Common Equivalent Average Shares:                                        
Basic   17,150    17,296    17,508    17,433    17,440    17,427    17,399    17,341 
Diluted   17,229    17,358    17,555    17,530    17,519    17,488    17,439    17,423 
                                         
Performance Ratios:                                        
Return on Average Assets   0.25%   0.58%   0.15%   0.30%   0.33%   0.23%   0.59%   0.43%
Return on Average Equity   2.43    5.62    1.45    2.66    2.95    2.09    5.44    4.33 
Net Interest Margin (FTE)   3.31    3.29    3.27    3.43    3.42    3.29    3.29    3.45 
Noninterest Income as % of Operating Revenue   40.96    43.80    40.98    40.70    41.40    41.99    41.15    42.12 
Efficiency Ratio   89.79    83.85    93.42    87.98    88.37    91.11    90.89    89.93 
                                         
Asset Quality:                                        
Allowance for Loan Losses  $14,737   $15,236   $16,090    17,539   $19,093   $20,543   $22,110   $23,095 
Allowance for Loan Losses to Loans   0.99%   1.03%   1.10%   1.22%   1.34%   1.45%   1.57%   1.65%
Nonperforming Assets (“NPAs”)   38,357    45,487    50,625    52,449    65,208    68,249    78,594    85,035 
NPAs to Total Assets   1.47    1.71    1.88    2.00    2.61    2.66    2.98    3.26 
NPAs to Loans + OREO   2.54    3.00    3.38    3.55    4.45    4.67    5.42    5.87 
Allowance to Non-Performing Loans   112.17    99.46    95.83    104.60    81.31    80.03    63.98    62.48 
Net Charge-Offs to Average Loans   0.24    0.33    0.49    0.61    0.52    0.59    0.39    0.65 
                                         
Capital Ratios:                                        
Tier 1 Capital Ratio   16.36%   15.83%   16.16%   16.67%   16.88%   16.85%   16.85%   16.56%
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio   17.24    16.72    17.11    17.76    18.08    18.10    18.10    17.94 
Common Equity Tier 1(1)   12.76    12.34    12.57    NA    NA    NA    NA    NA 
Tangible Capital Ratio   7.46    7.29    7.26    7.38    8.22    7.93    7.66    7.58 
Leverage Ratio   10.71    10.53    10.73    10.99    10.97    10.70    10.47    10.46 

 

(1)Not applicable prior to January 1, 2015.

 

 27 
 

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

 

A summary overview of our financial performance is provided below.

 

Results of Operations

 

  • Net income of $1.7 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2015 compared to net income of $3.8 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2015, and net income of $2.1 million, or $0.12 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, we realized net income of $6.5 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to net income of $7.3 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2014. Earnings for the second quarter of 2015 were favorably impacted by bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) proceeds of $1.7 million, or $0.10 per share. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, earnings were favorably impacted by a tax benefit of $2.2 million, or $0.13 per share, related to an adjustment to our reserve for uncertain tax positions.
  • Tax equivalent net interest income for the third quarter of 2015 was $19.3 million compared to $19.1 million for the second quarter of 2015 and $19.0 million for the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, tax equivalent net interest income totaled $57.0 million compared to $56.0 million in 2014. The increase over the second quarter of 2015 was driven by one additional calendar day and a positive shift in earning asset mix due to growth in the loan and investment portfolios. Compared to both prior year periods, the increase reflects a favorable shift in earning asset mix due to growth in the loan and investment portfolios as well as a slight reduction in interest expense.
  • Total credit costs (loan loss provision plus other real estate owned (“OREO”) expenses) were $1.7 million, $1.3 million, and $2.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2015, June 30, 2015, and September 30, 2014, respectively. Total credit costs for the nine month period of 2015 were $4.8 million compared to $6.7 million for the same period of 2014. The increase compared to the second quarter of 2015 was due to a net loss from the sale of OREO properties versus a net gain in the second quarter of 2015. Compared to the prior year periods, lower carrying costs and valuation adjustments drove the decrease reflective of lower OREO balances and improvement in property values.
  • Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2015 totaled $13.2 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 10.6%, compared to the second quarter of 2015, and a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.9%, from the third quarter of 2014. The decrease from the second quarter of 2015 was primarily due to the aforementioned BOLI proceeds of $1.7 million, partially offset by higher mortgage banking fees. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, the decrease was driven by lower deposit fees and wealth management fees, partially offset by an increase in mortgage banking fees. For the first nine months of 2015, noninterest income totaled $40.9 million, a $1.4 million, or 3.5%, increase over the same period of 2014 attributable to higher other income (BOLI proceeds) and mortgage banking fees, partially offset by lower deposit fees.
  • Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2015 totaled $27.9 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 1.3%, over the second quarter of 2015 and $1.0 million, or 3.9%, over the third quarter of 2014. Compared to the second quarter of 2015, the increase primarily reflects higher OREO expense and compensation expense reflecting a true-up of pension expense in the third quarter. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, the increase was primarily driven by higher compensation expense (primarily pension) and was partially offset by a reduction in OREO expense. For the first nine months of 2015, noninterest expense totaled $83.3 million, an increase of $2.7 million, or 3.3%, from the same period of 2014 primarily attributable to higher compensation expense (primarily pension), partially offset by declines in OREO expense, legal fees and occupancy expenses.

 

Financial Condition

 

  • Average earning assets were $2.311 billion for the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $17.2 million, or 0.7%, from the second quarter of 2015 and an increase of $98.0 million, or 4.4%, over the fourth quarter of 2014.  The change in earning assets from the second quarter of 2015 reflects a lower level of funds sold (deposits with banks plus federal funds sold) attributable to a seasonal reduction in public fund deposits. The increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 reflects a higher level of investments and loans, which was funded through a reduction in funds sold.
  • Average gross loans increased by $9.7 million, or 0.7%, over the second quarter of 2015 and have grown by $56.9 million, or 4.0%, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. Loan growth in 2015 has been broad-based, including commercial, tax-free, construction, home equity, and continued growth in auto finance.
  • Nonperforming assets totaled $38.4 million at the end of the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $7.1 million from the second quarter of 2015 and $14.1 million from the fourth quarter of 2014. Nonperforming assets represented 1.47% of total assets at September 30, 2015 compared to 1.71% at June 30, 2015 and 2.00% at December 31, 2014.
  • As of September 30, 2015, we were well-capitalized with a risk based capital ratio of 17.24% and a tangible common equity ratio of 7.46% compared to 16.72% and 7.29%, respectively, at June 30, 2015 and 17.76% and 7.38%, respectively, at December 31, 2014. All of our regulatory capital ratios significantly exceed the threshold to be well-capitalized under the Basel III capital standards.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Net Income

 

For the third quarter of 2015, we realized net income of $1.7 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3.8 million, or $0.22 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2015, and $2.1 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, we realized net income of $6.5 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to net income of $7.3 million, or $0.42 per diluted share for the same period of 2014.

 

Compared to the second quarter of 2015, performance reflects lower noninterest income of $1.6 million and higher noninterest expense of $0.7 million, partially offset by higher net interest income of $0.1 million and lower income tax expense of $0.1 million.

 

Compared to the third quarter of 2014, the decrease in earnings was due to higher noninterest expense of $0.6 million and lower net interest income of $0.1 million, partially offset by higher net interest income of $0.2 million and lower income tax expense of $0.1 million.

 

The decrease in earnings for the first nine months of 2015 versus the comparable period of 2014 was attributable to higher income tax expense of $2.4 million and higher noninterest expense of $0.9 million, partially offset by higher net interest income of $1.0 million, noninterest income of $1.3 million and a $0.2 million reduction in the loan loss provision.

 

A condensed earnings summary of each major component of our financial performance is provided below:

 

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)  Sept 30,
2015
  June 30,
2015
  Sept 30,
2014
  Sept 30,
2015
  Sept 30,
2014
Interest Income  $19,877   $19,833   $19,766   $59,056   $58,350 
Taxable Equivalent Adjustments   187    135    122    426    389 
Total Interest Income (FTE)   20,064    19,968    19,888    59,482    58,739 
Interest Expense   811    849    868    2,499    2,728 
Net Interest Income (FTE)   19,253    19,119    19,020    56,983    56,011 
Provision for Loan Losses   413    375    424    1,081    1,282 
Taxable Equivalent Adjustments   187    135    122    426    389 
Net Interest Income After provision for Loan Losses   18,653    18,609    18,474    55,476    54,340 
Noninterest Income   13,228    14,794    13,351    40,870    39,483 
Noninterest Expense   29,164    28,439    28,607    86,993    86,049 
Income Before Income Taxes   2,717    4,964    3,218    9,353    7,774 
Income Tax Expense   1,034    1,119    1,103    2,839    435 
Net Income  $1,683   $3,845   $2,115   $6,514   $7,339 
                          
Basic Net Income Per Share  $0.10   $0.22   $0.12   $0.38   $0.42 
Diluted Net Income Per Share  $0.09   $0.22   $0.12   $0.37   $0.42 

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income represents our single largest source of earnings and is equal to interest income and fees generated by earning assets less interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities.  This information is provided on a "taxable equivalent" basis to reflect the tax-exempt status of income earned on certain loans and investments, the majority of which are state and local government debt obligations. We provide an analysis of our net interest income including average yields and rates in Table I on page 40.

 

 29 
 

Tax equivalent net interest income for the third quarter of 2015 was $19.3 million compared to $19.1 million for the second quarter of 2015 and $19.0 million for the third quarter of 2014.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, tax equivalent net interest income totaled $57.0 million compared to $56.0 million for the same period of 2014. The increase in tax equivalent net interest income compared to the second quarter 2015 reflects one additional calendar day and a positive shift in earning asset mix due to growth in the investment and loan portfolios, partially offset by a decline in yields. The increase in tax equivalent net interest income compared to the prior year-to-date and third quarter of 2014 reflects a positive shift in earning asset mix, partially offset by a decline in yields.

 

Pressure on net interest income continues primarily as a result of the low rate environment.  Despite favorable volume variances in both the loan and investment portfolios, the low rate environment continues to negatively impact the loan yields and, going forward, will likely have minimal to no impact on our cost of funds. Increased competition in all markets has also unfavorably impacted the pricing for loans.

 

The net interest margin for the third quarter of 2015 was 3.31%, an increase of two basis points over the second quarter of 2015, and a decrease of 11 basis points from the third quarter of 2014. The increase in the margin compared to the second quarter of 2015 was attributable to growth in our investment portfolio and a reduction in foregone interest. The decrease in margin compared to the third quarter of 2014 is primarily driven by a higher level of earning assets relative to the increase in interest income.

 

Historically low interest rates (essentially setting a floor on deposit repricing), foregone interest, unfavorable asset repricing without the flexibility to significantly adjust deposit rates and core deposit growth (which has strengthened our liquidity position, but contributed to an unfavorable shift in our earning asset mix), have all placed downward pressure on our net interest margin.  Our current strategy, which is consistent with our historical strategy, is to not accept greater interest rate risk by reaching further out the curve for yield, particularly given the fact that short term rates are at historical lows.  We continue to maintain short duration portfolios on both sides of the balance sheet and believe we are well positioned to respond to changing market conditions.  Over time, this strategy has historically produced fairly consistent outcomes and a net interest margin that is significantly above peer comparisons.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

The provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2015 was $0.4 million comparable to both the second quarter of 2015 and the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, the loan loss provision totaled $1.1 million compared to $1.3 million for the same period of 2014. The lower provision reflects continued favorable problem loan migration and improvement in key credit metrics partially offset by growth in the loan portfolio. Net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2015 totaled $0.9 million, or 0.24% (annualized), of average loans compared to $1.2 million, or 0.33% (annualized), for the second quarter of 2015 and $1.9 million, or 0.52% (annualized), for the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, net charge-offs totaled $3.9 million, or 0.35% (annualized), of average loans compared to $5.3 million, or 0.50%, for the same period of 2014.

 

Charge-off activity for the respective periods is set forth below:

  

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)  Sept 30,
2015
  June 30,
2015
  Sept 30,
2014
 

Sept 30,
2015

 

Sept 30,
2014

CHARGE-OFFS                         
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $365   $239   $86   $894   $183 
Real Estate - Construction   —      —      —      —      —   
Real Estate - Commercial Mortgage   (26)   285    1,208    1,163    2,831 
Real Estate - Residential   476    484    212    1,265    1,638 
Real Estate - Home Equity   370    454    621    1,006    1,399 
Consumer   318    351    386    1,245    1,212 
Total Charge-offs   1,503    1,813    2,513    5,573    7,263 
                          
RECOVERIES                         
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural   45    82    28    182    148 
Real Estate - Construction   —      —      2    —      7 
Real Estate - Commercial Mortgage   86    54    213    170    392 
Real Estate - Residential   193    200    93    441    540 
Real Estate - Home Equity   42    33    37    99    113 
Consumer   225    215    266    798    779 
Total Recoveries   591    584    639    1,690    1,979 
                          
Net Charge-offs  $912   $1,229   $1,874   $3,883   $5,284 
                          
Net Charge-offs (Annualized) as a percent   0.24%   0.33%   0.52%   0.35%   0.50%
   of Average Loans Outstanding, Net of                         
   Unearned Income                         

 

 30 
 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2015 totaled $13.2 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 10.6%, from the second quarter of 2015 and a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.9%, from the third quarter of 2014. The decrease from the second quarter of 2015 reflects BOLI proceeds of $1.7 million that are reflected in other income for the second quarter. Mortgage banking fees increased $0.1 million over the second quarter of 2015. The decrease from the third quarter of 2014 was attributable to lower deposit fees of $0.5 million and wealth management fees of $0.2 million, partially offset by higher mortgage banking fees of $0.4 million and bank card fees of $0.1 million. For the first nine months of 2015, noninterest income totaled $40.9 million, a $1.4 million, or 3.5%, increase from the same period of 2014 reflective of higher other income of $1.6 million (BOLI proceeds) and mortgage banking fees of $1.2 million, partially offset by lower deposit fees of $1.3 million.

 

Noninterest income represented 41.0% of operating revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income) in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 43.8% in the second quarter of 2015 and 41.4% in the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, noninterest income represented 42.0% of operating revenues compared to 41.5% for the same period of 2014.

 

The table below reflects the major components of noninterest income.

 

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in Thousands) 

Sept 30,
2015

 

June 30,
2015

  Sept 30,
2014
 

Sept 30,
2015

 

Sept 30,
2014

Deposit Fees  $5,721   $5,682   $6,211   $16,944   $18,293 
Bank Card Fees   2,826    2,844    2,707    8,412    8,234 
Wealth Management Fees   1,818    1,776    2,050    5,640    5,820 
Mortgage Banking Fees   1,306    1,203    911    3,496    2,274 
Data Processing Fees   400    364    336    1,137    1,265 
Other   1,157    2,925    1,136    5,241    3,597 
                          
Total Noninterest Income  $13,228   $14,794   $13,351   $40,870   $39,483 

 

Significant components of noninterest income are discussed in more detail below.

 

Deposit Fees. Deposit fees for the third quarter of 2015 totaled $5.7 million, comparable to the second quarter of 2015 and a decrease of $0.5 million, or 7.9%, from the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, deposit fees totaled $16.9 million, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 7.4%, from the comparable period of 2014. Compared to the second quarter of 2015, higher overdraft fees were offset by higher losses on charged off checking accounts. The decreases from the three and nine-month periods of 2014 were attributable to a lower level of overdraft/insufficient funds fees generally reflective of improved financial management by our clients.

 

Bank Card Fees. Bank card fees (including interchange fees and ATM/debit card fees) totaled $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2015, comparable to the second quarter of 2015, and a $0.1 million, or 4.4%, increase over the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, bank card fees totaled $8.4 million, which represented an increase of $0.2 million, or 2.2%, over the same period of 2014. Higher card spend by our clients drove the increase over the three and nine-month periods of 2014.

 

Wealth Management Fees. Wealth management fees, which include both trust fees (i.e., managed accounts, trusts/estates, and retirement plans) and retail brokerage fees (i.e., investment and insurance products) totaled $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2015, comparable to the second quarter of 2015 and a decrease of $0.2 million, or 11.3%, from the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, wealth management fees totaled $5.6 million, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3.1%, from the same period of 2014. The decreases from both the three and nine-month periods of 2014 were due to lower retail brokerage fees reflective of a reduction in assets under management. At September 30, 2015, total assets under management were approximately $1.182 billion compared to $1.278 billion at December 31, 2014 and $1.254 billion at September 30, 2014.

 

Mortgage Banking Fees. Mortgage banking fees totaled $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2015, an increase of $0.1 million, or 8.6%, over the second quarter of 2015 and $0.04 million, or 43.4%, over the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, fees totaled $3.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 53.7%, over the same period of 2014. The increase compared to all prior periods was due to higher new loan production reflective of increased home purchase activity and a higher margin on sold loans.

 

Data Processing Fees. Data processing fees increased by $36,000, or 9.9%, over the second quarter of 2015 and $64,000, or 19.0%, over the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, fees declined by $128,000, or 10.1%, compared to same period of 2014. The increase over the second quarter of 2015 and third quarter of 2014 was attributable to a one-time de-conversion fee for a client that discontinued processing in the third quarter of 2015. The decrease compared to the nine month period of 2014 was attributable to lower fees from a government processing contract that was discontinued in mid-2014.

 

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Other. Other income totaled $1.2 million for the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $1.8 million, or 60.4%, from the second quarter of 2015 and comparable to the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, other income increased $1.7 million, or 45.7%, compared to the same period of 2014. The decrease from the second quarter of 2015 and nine month period of 2014 was due to $1.7 million in tax-free BOLI proceeds received during the second quarter of 2015.

 

Noninterest Expense

 

Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2015 totaled $29.2 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 2.5%, over the second quarter of 2015 reflective of higher OREO expense of $0.4, compensation expense of $0.2 million, and occupancy expense of $0.2 million, partially offset by a decrease in other expense (excluding OREO) of $0.1 million. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, noninterest expense increased by $0.6 million, or 1.9%, attributable to higher compensation expense of $1.3 million, partially offset by lower OREO expense of $0.5 million, other expense (excluding OREO expenses) of $0.1 million, and occupancy expense of $0.1 million. For the first nine months of 2015, noninterest expense totaled $87.0 million, an increase of $0.9 million, or 1.1%, over the same period of 2014 attributable to higher compensation expense of $3.2 million, partially offset by lower OREO expense of $1.7 million, other expense (excluding OREO expenses) of $0.3 million, and occupancy expense of $0.3 million. Expense management is an important part of our culture and strategic focus and we continue to make progress on reducing core operating costs and removing problem asset resolution costs from our system. During 2015, we increased our intensity in evaluating opportunities to optimize our delivery infrastructure, including banking office operations and on-line platforms, and other process improvement initiatives.

 

The table below reflects the major components of noninterest expense.

 

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in Thousands)  Sept 30,
2015
  June 30,
2015
  Sept 30,
2014
 

Sept 30,
2015

  Sept 30,
2014
Salaries  $11,808   $12,435   $12,104   $36,758   $36,590 
Associate Benefits   4,845    3,969    3,274    12,823    9,775 
Total Compensation   16,653    16,404    15,378    49,581    46,365 
                          
Premises   2,298    2,181    2,525    6,755    6,767 
Equipment   2,148    2,077    2,050    6,345    6,611 
Total Occupancy   4,446    4,258    4,575    13,100    13,378 
                          
Legal Fees   599    691    766    1,994    2,584 
Professional Fees   849    1,022    847    2,916    2,876 
Processing Services   1,695    1,642    1,512    5,116    4,467 
Advertising   342    305    478    987    1,167 
Travel and Entertainment   237    227    228    674    670 
Printing and Supplies   223    184    216    612    712 
Telephone   471    479    474    1,485    1,421 
Postage   238    235    274    754    886 
Insurance – Other   677    702    738    2,084    2,200 
Other Real Estate   1,302    931    1,783    3,730    5,458 
Miscellaneous   1,432    1,359    1,338    3,960    3,865 
Total Other   8,065    7,777    8,654    24,312    26,306 
                          
Total Noninterest Expense  $29,164   $28,439   $28,607   $86,993   $86,049 

 

Significant components of noninterest expense are discussed in more detail below.

 

Compensation. Compensation expense totaled $16.7 million for the third quarter of 2015, an increase of $0.2 million, or 1.5%, over the second quarter of 2015. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, total compensation expense increased $1.3 million, or 8.3%. The increase over both periods is primarily due to a higher level of required 2015 pension expense upon finalization of actuarial work, partially offset by lower salary expense, primarily reflecting higher deferred loan cost which is recorded as an offset to salary expense. For the first nine months of 2015, compensation expense totaled $49.6 million, an increase of $3.2 million, or 6.9%, from the same period of 2014 driven by a $3.0 million increase in associate benefit expense and higher salary expense of $0.2 million. The increase in associate benefit expense reflects the aforementioned increase in pension costs and the increase in salary expense was attributable to higher commissions expense and base salary expense (annual merit raises) partially offset by higher deferred loan cost.

 

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Occupancy. Occupancy expense (including premises and equipment) totaled $4.4 million for the third quarter of 2015, an increase of $0.2 million, or 4.4%, over the second quarter of 2015 driven by higher utility expense reflective of a seasonal increase in usage as well as an increase in equipment related costs. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, occupancy expense decreased $0.1 million, or 2.8%, attributable to lower premises expense, primarily non-routine building maintenance costs incurred in the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, occupancy expense totaled $13.1 million, a $0.3 million, or 2.1%, decrease from the same period of 2014 driven by lower equipment maintenance costs and software related expenses.

 

Other. Other noninterest expense increased $0.3 million, or 3.7%, over the second quarter of 2015 and decreased $0.6 million, or 6.8%, from the third quarter of 2014. The increase compared to the second quarter of 2015 was driven by higher OREO expense of $0.4 million, partially offset by lower professional fees of $0.1 million. The increase in OREO expense was attributable to a higher level of net losses from the sale of properties, primarily due to gains on sale which were substantially higher in the second quarter of 2015. Lower consulting and audit fees drove the reduction in professional fees. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, the decrease was attributable to lower OREO expense of $0.5 million, legal fees of $0.2 million and advertising expense of $0.1 million, partially offset by higher processing services of $0.2 million. The decrease in OREO expense was attributable to lower carrying costs and property valuation adjustments. Strong sales have reduced the number of properties in our ORE portfolio thus reducing the cost to manage and maintain properties. The reduction in valuations adjustments reflects improving property values. Lower legal support needed for problem loan resolutions drove the reduction in legal fees. The decrease in advertising generally reflects a reduction in media advertising activity. Processing services increased due to the implementation of our new online/mobile banking platform in early 2015. For the first nine months of 2015, other expense declined $2.0 million, or 7.6%, from the same period of 2014, reflective of lower OREO expense of $1.7 million, legal fees of $0.6 million, advertising of $0.2 million, and postage of $0.1 million, partially offset by higher processing fees of $0.6 million. The year-to-date variances are attributable to the same factors as noted above for the third quarter. Additionally, postage declined due to the continued migration of clients to paperless statements as well as internal efforts to reduce paper costs.

 

Our operating efficiency ratio (expressed as noninterest expense as a percent of the sum of taxable-equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income) was 89.79% for the third quarter of 2015 compared to 83.85% for the second quarter of 2015 and 88.37% for the third quarter of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, this ratio was 88.90% compared to 90.11% for the comparable period of 2014. The aforementioned receipt of BOLI proceeds in the second quarter of 2015 was the primary reason for the change in this ratio for the three and nine-month period of 2015.

 

Income Taxes

 

We realized income tax expense of $1.0 million (38% effective rate) for the third quarter of 2015 compared to $1.1 million (23% effective rate) for the second quarter of 2015 and $1.1 million (34% effective rate) for the third quarter of 2014. Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2015 includes a $0.2 million valuation reserve for state tax credits that we expect to expire unused. For the first nine months of 2015, income tax expense totaled $2.8 million. The proceeds from the aforementioned discrete BOLI transaction realized in the second quarter of 2015 were tax-exempt, therefore income tax expense for the three and nine-months of 2015 was favorably impacted. Income taxes for the nine months of 2014 were favorably impacted by a $2.2 million state tax benefit that was recognized in the first quarter of 2014 and was attributable to an adjustment in our reserve for uncertain tax positions associated with prior year matters. Absent future discrete events, we anticipate our effective income tax rate will normalize within a range of 34%-35%.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Average assets totaled approximately $2.640 billion for the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $31.0 million, or 1.2%, from the second quarter of 2015, and an increase of $90.0 million, or 3.5%, over the fourth quarter of 2014. Average earning assets totaled approximately $2.311 billion for the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $17.2 million, or 0.7%, from the second quarter of 2015, and an increase of $98.0 million, or 4.4%, over the fourth quarter of 2014. The change in earning assets from the second quarter 2015 reflects a reduction in funds sold (driven by lower levels of public fund deposits), partially offset by higher investment and loan balances. The increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 reflects a higher level of investments and loans, which was funded through growth in deposits.

 

Investment Securities

 

In the third quarter of 2015, our average investment portfolio increased $19.3 million, or 3.1%, over the second quarter of 2015 and increased $138.8 million, or 27.9%, over the fourth quarter of 2014. As a percentage of average earning assets, the investment portfolio represented 27.5% in the third quarter of 2015, compared to 26.5% in the second quarter of 2015 and 22.5% in the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase in the average balance of the investment portfolio compared to the second quarter of 2015 was primarily attributable to an increase in high quality municipal bonds. The increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 was primarily attributable to an increase in U.S. Treasury purchases. For the remainder of 2015, we anticipate reinvesting a majority of the cash flow from the investment portfolio back into securities. We will continue to closely monitor liquidity levels and pledging requirements to assess the need to purchase additional investments, as well as look for new investment products that are prudent relative to our risk profile and the Bank’s overall investment strategy.

 

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The investment portfolio is a significant component of our operations and, as such, it functions as a key element of liquidity and asset/liability management. Two types of classifications are approved for investment securities which are Available-for-Sale (“AFS”) and Held-for-Maturity (“HTM”). During the third quarter of 2015, securities were purchased under both the AFS and HTM designations. As of September 30, 2015, $435.4 million, or 69.1%, of the investment portfolio was classified as AFS, with the remaining $194.8 million classified as HTM.

 

At acquisition, the classification of the security will be determined based on how the purchase will affect our asset/liability strategy and future business plans and opportunities. Such decisions will be weighed against multiple factors, including regulatory capital requirements, volatility in earnings or other comprehensive income, and liquidity needs. Securities in the AFS portfolio are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses associated with these securities recorded net of tax, in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of shareowners’ equity. Securities that are HTM are acquired or owned with the intent of holding them to maturity. HTM investments are measured at amortized cost. It is neither management’s current intent nor practice to participate in the trading of investment securities for the purpose of recognizing gains and therefore we do not maintain a trading portfolio.

 

As of September 30, 2015, the investment portfolio had a net pre-tax unrealized gain in the AFS portfolio of $2.1 million compared to an unrealized gain of $1.6 million and $0.5 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, there were 108 positions (combined AFS and HTM) with unrealized losses totaling $0.2 million. Of the 108 positions, 69 were Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities (GNMA), U.S. Treasuries, or SBA securities, all of which carry the full faith and credit guarantee of the U.S. Government. SBA securities float monthly or quarterly to the prime rate and are uncapped. Of these 69 positions, there were 22 GNMA positions and 22 SBA positions in an unrealized loss position for longer than 12 months, and have unrealized losses of $49,000 and $65,000, respectively. There were 38 municipal bonds in an unrealized loss position that were pre-refunded, or rated “AA-“or better. Two of these positions were in an unrealized loss position for longer than 12 months, and had unrealized loss of $1,000. The remaining security was a government agency bond, which has been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months, and has an immaterial unrealized loss. All positions with unrealized losses are not considered impaired, and are expected to mature at par.

 

The average maturity of the total portfolio as of September 30, 2015 was 1.97 years compared to 2.09 years and 2.17 years as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The average life of the total portfolio in the third quarter of 2015 was shorter compared to both prior periods mainly attributable to the natural aging of the existing portfolio, partially offset by new investments primarily with 2-4 year average maturities.

 

Loans

 

Average loans increased $9.7 million, or 0.7%, when compared to the second quarter of 2015, and have grown $56.9 million, or 4.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. Early on the growth in loans was driven primarily by auto loans, whereas in recent quarters the growth has been broader based, including commercial, tax-free, construction, home equity as well as consumer (auto finance).

 

The resolution of problem loans, which includes loan charge-offs and loans transferred to OREO, totaled $2.7 million for the third quarter of 2015, compared to $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2015, and $5.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The problem loan resolutions are based on “as of” balances, not averages.

 

Without compromising our credit standards or taking on inordinate interest rate risk, we continue to make minor modifications on some of our lending programs to try to mitigate the significant impact that consumer and business deleveraging is having on our portfolio. These programs, coupled with economic improvements in our anchor markets, have helped to increase overall production.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets (nonaccrual loans and OREO) totaled $38.4 million at the end of the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $7.1 million from the second quarter of 2015 and $14.1 million from the fourth quarter of 2014. Nonaccrual loans totaled $13.1 million at the end of the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $2.2 million from the second quarter of 2015 and $3.6 million from the fourth quarter of 2014. Nonaccrual loan additions totaled $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2015 and $12.1 million for the first nine months of 2014, which compares to $16.7 million for the same period of 2014. The balance of OREO totaled $25.2 million at the end of the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $4.9 million and $10.5 million, respectively, from the second quarter of 2015 and fourth quarter of 2014. For the third quarter of 2015, we added properties totaling $1.2 million, sold properties totaling $5.9 million and recorded valuation adjustments totaling $0.2 million. For the first nine months of 2015, we have added properties totaling $4.1 million, sold properties totaling $12.7 million, recorded valuation adjustments totaling $1.6 million, and realized miscellaneous adjustments of $0.3 million. Nonperforming assets represented 1.47% of total assets at September 30, 2015 compared to 1.71% at June 30, 2015 and 2.00% at December 31, 2014.

 

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(Dollars in Thousands)  September 30, 2015  June 30, 2015  December 31, 2014
Nonaccruing Loans:               
  Commercial, Financial and Agricultural  $60   $420   $507 
  Real Estate - Construction   491    333    424 
  Real Estate - Commercial Mortgage   5,844    6,395    5,806 
  Real Estate - Residential   4,973    5,978    6,737 
  Real Estate - Home Equity   1,679    2,095    2,544 
  Consumer   91    99    751 
Total Nonperforming Loans (“NPLs”)(1)  $13,138   $15,320   $16,769 
Other Real Estate Owned   25,219    30,167    35,680 
Total Nonperforming Assets (“NPAs”)  $38,357   $45,487   $52,449 
Past Due Loans 30 – 89 Days  $4,335   $5,858   $6,792 
Past Due Loans 90 Days or More (accruing)   —      —      —   
Performing Troubled Debt Restructurings  $35,961   $41,632   $44,410 
Nonperforming Loans/Loans   0.88%   1.03%   1.16%
Nonperforming Assets/Total Assets   1.47    1.71    2.00 
Nonperforming Assets/Loans Plus OREO   2.54    3.00    3.55 
Allowance/Nonperforming Loans   112.17%   99.46%   104.60%

  

(1)Nonperforming TDRs are included in the Nonaccrual/NPL totals

 

Activity within our nonperforming asset portfolio is provided in the table below.

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)  2015  2014  2015  2014
NPA Beginning Balance:  $45,487   $68,249   $52.449   $85,035 
Change in Nonaccrual Loans:                    
  Beginning Balance   15,320    25,670    16,769    36,964 
  Additions   1,882    4,814    12,146    16,667 
  Charge-Offs   (919)   (2,317)   (3,872)   (6,624)
  Transferred to OREO   (1,242)   (2,822)   (2,947)   (11,139)
  Paid Off/Payments   (563)   (672)   (4,176)   (5,721)
  Restored to Accrual   (1,340)   (1,191)   (4,782)   (6,665)
Ending Balance   13,138    23,482    13,138    23,482 
                       
Change in OREO:                    
  Beginning Balance   30,167    42,579    35,680    48,071 
  Additions   1,242    2,854    4,072    12,121 
  Valuation Write-downs   (269)   (664)   (1,575)   (2,216)
  Sales   (5,921)   (2,693)   (12,684)   (15,900)
  Other   —      (350)   (274)   (350)
Ending Balance   25,219    41,726    25,219    41,726 
                      
NPA Net Change   (7,130)   (3,041)   (14,092)   (19,827)
NPA Ending Balance  $38,357   $65,208   $38,357   $65,208 

 

Activity within our TDR portfolio is provided in the table below.

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)  2015  2014  2015  2014
TDR Beginning Balance:  $44,989   $55,872   $49,154   $58,543 
  Additions   99    1,745    1,254    3,932 
  Charge-Offs   (289)   (869)   (1,572)   (1,687)
  Paid Off/Payments   (1,707)   (1,218)   (4,027)   (3,243)
  Removal Due to Change in TDR Status   (4,704)   (50)   (4,906)   (73)
  Transfer to OREO   —      (2,117)   (1,515)   (4,109)
TDR Ending Balance  $38,388   $53,363   $38,388   $53,363 

 

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Allowance for Loan Losses

 

We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level that management believes to be sufficient to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Credit losses arise from borrowers’ inability or unwillingness to repay, and from other risks inherent in the lending process, including collateral risk, operations risk, concentration risk and economic risk. All related risks of lending are considered when assessing the adequacy of the loan loss reserve. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance when management believes collection of the principal is unlikely. The allowance for loan losses is based on management's judgment of overall loan quality. This is a significant estimate based on a detailed analysis of the loan portfolio. The balance can and will change based on changes in the assessment of the loan portfolio's overall credit quality. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $14.7 million as of September 30, 2015 compared to $15.2 million as of June 30, 2015 and $19.1 million as of December 31, 2014. The allowance for loan losses was 0.99% of outstanding loans and provided coverage of 112% of nonperforming loans as of September 30, 2015 compared to 1.03% and 99%, respectively, as of June 30, 2015 and 1.22% and 105%, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The reduction in the allowance from both prior periods was attributable to a lower level of both general reserves and impaired loan reserves. The decrease in general reserves reflects slower problem loan migration, lower loan loss experience, and continued improvement in credit metrics, partially offset by reserves for growth in the loan portfolio. The decrease in impaired loan reserves was driven by a lower level of impaired loans reflecting reduced inflow and successful resolutions as well as lower loss content. It is management’s opinion that the allowance as of September 30, 2015 is adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio at quarter-end.

 

Deposits

 

Average total deposits were $2.137 billion for the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $41.0 million, or 1.9%, from the second quarter of 2015, and an increase of $60.1 million, or 2.9%, over the fourth quarter of 2014. The decrease in deposits when compared to the second quarter of 2015 primarily reflects a lower level of public fund deposits, and to a lesser degree, certificates of deposit. The higher level of deposits when compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 is primarily attributable to increased balances of noninterest bearing, public fund NOW, and savings accounts, partially offset by a decline in money market accounts and certificates of deposit. The seasonal inflows of public funds began in the fourth quarter of 2014, peaked in the second quarter of 2015, and are expected to decline into the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

Deposit levels remain strong and our mix of deposits continues to improve as higher cost certificates of deposit are replaced with lower rate non-maturity deposits and noninterest bearing demand accounts. Prudent pricing discipline will continue to be the key to managing our mix of deposits. Therefore, we do not attempt to compete with higher rate paying competitors for deposits.

 

MARKET RISK AND INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

 

Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

Overview. Market risk management arises from changes in interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. We have risk management policies to monitor and limit exposure to market risk and do not participate in activities that give rise to significant market risk involving exchange rates, commodity prices, or equity prices. In asset and liability management activities, our policies are designed to minimize structural interest rate risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management. Our net income is largely dependent on net interest income. Net interest income is susceptible to interest rate risk to the degree that interest-bearing liabilities mature or re-price on a different basis than interest-earning assets. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or re-price more quickly than interest-earning assets in a given period, a significant increase in market rates of interest could adversely affect net interest income. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or re-price more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could result in a decrease in net interest income. Net interest income is also affected by changes in the portion of interest-earning assets that are funded by interest-bearing liabilities rather than by other sources of funds, such as noninterest-bearing deposits and shareowners’ equity.

 

We have established a comprehensive interest rate risk management policy, which is administered by management’s Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”). The policy establishes limits of risk, which are quantitative measures of the percentage change in net interest income (a measure of net interest income at risk) and the fair value of equity capital (a measure of economic value of equity (“EVE”) at risk) resulting from a hypothetical change in interest rates for maturities from one day to 30 years. We measure the potential adverse impacts that changing interest rates may have on our short-term earnings, long-term value, and liquidity by employing simulation analysis through the use of computer modeling. The simulation model captures optionality factors such as call features and interest rate caps and floors imbedded in investment and loan portfolio contracts. As with any method of gauging interest rate risk, there are certain shortcomings inherent in the interest rate modeling methodology used by us. When interest rates change, actual movements in different categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, loan prepayments, and withdrawals of time and other deposits, may deviate significantly from assumptions used in the model. Finally, the methodology does not measure or reflect the impact that higher rates may have on adjustable-rate loan clients’ ability to service their debts, or the impact of rate changes on demand for loan and deposit products.

 

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We prepare a current base case and alternative simulations, at least once per quarter, and report the analysis to ALCO. These simulations include ramps, parallel shifts, and a flattening or steepening of the yield curve. In addition, more frequent forecasts may be produced when interest rates are particularly uncertain or when other business conditions so dictate.

 

Our interest rate risk management goal is to avoid unacceptable variations in net interest income and capital levels due to fluctuations in market rates. Management attempts to achieve this goal by balancing, within policy limits, the volume of floating-rate liabilities with a similar volume of floating-rate assets, by keeping the average maturity of fixed-rate asset and liability contracts reasonably matched, by maintaining our core deposits as a significant component of our total funding sources, and by adjusting pricing rates to market conditions on a continuing basis.

 

The balance sheet is subject to testing for interest rate shock possibilities to indicate the inherent interest rate risk. Average interest rates are shocked by plus or minus 100, 200, 300, and 400 basis points (“bp”), although we may elect not to use particular scenarios that we determined are impractical in a current rate environment. This analysis is reported to the Board of Directors. It is management’s goal to structure the balance sheet so that net interest earnings at risk over a 12-month period and the economic value of equity at risk do not exceed policy guidelines at the various interest rate shock levels.

 

We augment our interest rate shock analysis with alternative external interest rate scenarios on a quarterly basis. These alternative interest rate scenarios may include non-parallel rate ramps.

 

Analysis. Measures of net interest income at risk produced by simulation analysis are indicators of an institution’s short-term performance in alternative rate environments. These measures are typically based upon a relatively brief period, usually one year. They do not necessarily indicate the long-term prospects or economic value of the institution.

 

ESTIMATED CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME (1)

 

Changes in Interest Rates  +400 bp  +300 bp  +200 bp  +100 bp  -100 bp
Policy Limit   -15.0%   -12.5%   -10.0%   -7.5%   -7.5%
September 30, 2015   4.2%   2.2%   0.7%   0.4%   -3.4%
June 30, 2015   2.4%   0.7%   -0.3%   -0.2%   -3.7%

 

The Net Interest Income at Risk position was more favorable for all rate scenarios at the end of the third quarter of 2015 when compared to the prior quarter-end. These metrics indicate that in the short-term, all rising rate environments will positively impact the net interest margin of the Company, while a declining rate environment of 100 basis points will have a slight negative impact on the net interest margin. All measures of net interest income at risk are within our prescribed policy limits.

 

The measures of equity value at risk indicate our ongoing economic value by considering the effects of changes in interest rates on all of our cash flows, and discounting the cash flows to estimate the present value of assets and liabilities. The difference between these discounted values of the assets and liabilities is the economic value of equity, which, in theory, approximates the fair value of our net assets.

 

ESTIMATED CHANGES IN ECONOMIC VALUE OF EQUITY (1)

 

Changes in Interest Rates  +400 bp  +300 bp  +200 bp  +100 bp  -100 bp
Policy Limit   -30.0%   -25.0%   -20.0%   -15.0%   -15.0%
September 30, 2015   31.1%   24.7%   17.5%   9.5%   -25.4%
June 30, 2015   25.9%   20.7%   14.6%   8.0%   -23.2%

 

As of September 30, 2015, the economic value of equity in all rate scenarios versus the base case was more favorable than it was as of June 30, 2015, with the exception of the rates down 100 bps scenario. A flattening yield curve resulted in the down 100 bp scenario becoming less favorable, as the core value of nonmaturity deposits declined further. The EVE in the rates down 100 bp scenario is outside of the desired parameters as exposure to falling rates is more extreme due to the low level of current deposit costs and limited capacity to reduce those costs relative to comparable discount benchmarks used to value them. This analysis is reported to the Board of Directors.

 

(1)Down 200, 300, and 400 bp scenarios have been excluded due to the current historically low interest rate environment.

 

 37 
 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Liquidity

 

In general terms, liquidity is a measurement of our ability to meet our cash needs. Our objective in managing our liquidity is to maintain our ability to meet loan commitments, purchase securities or repay deposits and other liabilities in accordance with their terms, without an adverse impact on our current or future earnings. Our liquidity strategy is guided by policies that are formulated and monitored by our ALCO and senior management, and which take into account the marketability of assets, the sources and stability of funding and the level of unfunded commitments. We regularly evaluate all of our various funding sources with an emphasis on accessibility, stability, reliability and cost-effectiveness. Our principal source of funding has been our client deposits, supplemented by our short-term and long-term borrowings, primarily from securities sold under repurchase agreements, federal funds purchased and FHLB borrowings. We believe that the cash generated from operations, our borrowing capacity and our access to capital resources are sufficient to meet our future operating capital and funding requirements.

 

As of September 30, 2015, we have the ability to generate $1.14 billion in additional liquidity through all of our available resources. In addition to primary borrowing outlets mentioned above, we also have the ability to generate liquidity by borrowing from the Federal Reserve Discount Window and through brokered deposits. We recognize the importance of maintaining liquidity and have developed a Contingency Liquidity Plan, which addresses various liquidity stress levels and our response and action based on the level of severity. We periodically test our credit facilities for access to the funds, but also understand that as the severity of the liquidity level increases that certain credit facilities may no longer be available. A liquidity stress test is completed on a quarterly basis based on events that could potentially occur at the Bank with results reported to ALCO, our Market Risk and Oversight Committee, and the Board of Directors. The liquidity available to us is considered sufficient to meet our ongoing needs.

 

We view our investment portfolio primarily as a source of liquidity and have the option to pledge the portfolio as collateral for borrowings or deposits, and/or sell selected securities. The portfolio consists of debt issued by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. governmental and federal agencies, and municipal governments. The weighted average life of the portfolio is approximately 1.97 years, and as of September 30, 2015 had a net unrealized pre-tax gain of $2.1 million in the available-for-sale portfolio.

 

The Bank maintained a net funds sold position (deposits with banks plus fed funds sold less fed funds purchased) of $190.9 million during the third quarter of 2015 compared to a net funds sold position of $237.1 million in the second quarter of 2015 and $288.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.  The decrease in the funds sold position compared to the second quarter of 2015 reflects growth in both the investment and loan portfolios and lower public fund balances. The decrease relative to the fourth quarter of 2014 is primarily attributable to growth in both the loan and investment portfolios, partially offset by an increase in average deposits.

 

Capital expenditures are estimated to approximate $4.0 million over the next 12 months, which will consist primarily of office remodeling, office equipment/furniture, and technology purchases. Management believes that these capital expenditures will be funded with existing resources without impairing our ability to meet our ongoing obligations.

 

Borrowings

 

As of September 30, 2015, advances from the FHLB consisted of $29.5 million in outstanding debt which represented 30 notes. During the first nine months of 2015, the Bank made FHLB advance payments totaling approximately $3.6 million, which includes paying off three advances totaling $1.5 million. No additional FHLB advances were obtained. The FHLB notes are collateralized by a blanket floating lien on all of our 1-4 family residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate mortgage loans, and home equity mortgage loans.

 

We have issued two junior subordinated deferrable interest notes to our wholly-owned Delaware statutory trusts. The first note for $30.9 million was issued to CCBG Capital Trust I in November 2004. The second note for $32.0 million was issued to CCBG Capital Trust II in May 2005. The interest payment for the CCBG Capital Trust I borrowing is due quarterly and adjusts quarterly to a variable rate of 90-day LIBOR plus a margin of 1.90%. This note matures on December 31, 2034. The interest payment for the CCBG Capital Trust II borrowing is due quarterly and adjusts annually to a variable rate of 90-day LIBOR plus a margin of 1.80%. This note matures on June 15, 2035. The proceeds of these borrowings were used to partially fund acquisitions.

 

 38 
 

Capital

 

Equity capital was $273.7 million as of September 30, 2015, compared to $272.0 million as of June 30, 2015 and $272.5 million as of December 31, 2014. Our leverage ratio was 10.71%, 10.53%, and 10.99%, respectively, as of these dates. Further, as of September 30, 2015, our risk-adjusted capital ratio was 17.24% compared to 16.72% and 17.76% at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Our common equity tier 1 ratio was 12.76% as of September 30, 2015 compared to 12.34% as of June 30, 2015. This ratio is not available for 2014 as the first quarter of 2015 was the first reporting period this ratio was applicable under the Basel III capital standards. All of our capital ratios significantly exceed the threshold to be designated as “well-capitalized” under the Basel III capital standards. The reduction in our regulatory capital ratios in 2015 reflects the implementation of Basel III and the repurchase of common stock.

 

During the first nine months of 2015, shareowners’ equity increased $1.1 million, or 1.2%, on an annualized basis. During this same period, shareowners’ equity was positively impacted by net income of $6.5 million, stock compensation accretion of $0.8 million, a $1.0 million net increase in the unrealized gain on investment securities, and net adjustments totaling $0.4 million related to transactions under our stock compensation plans. Shareowners’ equity was reduced by common stock dividends of $1.6 million and share repurchases totaling $6.0 million.

 

As of September 30, 2015, our common stock had a book value of $15.91 per diluted share compared to $15.80 as of June 30, 2015 and $15.53 as of December 31, 2014. Book value is impacted by changes in the amount of our net unrealized gain or loss on investment securities available-for-sale and changes to the amount of our unfunded pension liability both of which are recorded through other comprehensive income. As of September 30, 2015, the net unrealized gain on investment securities available for sale was $1.1 million and the amount of our unfunded pension liability was $21.6 million.

 

In February 2014, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,500,000 shares of our outstanding common stock. Repurchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions; however, we are not obligated to repurchase any specified number of shares. During 2015, we have repurchased 405,228 shares at an average price of $14.73 per share under the plan.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

We do not currently engage in the use of derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risks. However, we are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our clients.

 

As of September 30, 2015, we had $358.9 million in commitments to extend credit and $6.3 million in standby letters of credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client so long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party. We use the same credit policies in establishing commitments and issuing letters of credit as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.

 

If commitments arising from these financial instruments continue to require funding at historical levels, management does not anticipate that such funding will adversely impact the Company’s ability to meet its ongoing obligations. In the event these commitments require funding in excess of historical levels, management believes current liquidity, advances available from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve, and investment security maturities provide a sufficient source of funds to meet these commitments.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2014 Form 10-K. The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and reporting practices applicable to the banking industry requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and to disclose contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

We have identified accounting for (i) the allowance for loan and lease losses, (ii) valuation of goodwill, and (iii) pension benefits as our most critical accounting policies and estimates in that they are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and they require our subjective and complex judgment as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. These accounting policies, including the nature of the estimates and types of assumptions used, are described throughout this Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our 2014 Form 10-K.

 

 39 
 

TABLE I

AVERAGE BALANCES & INTEREST RATES

 

    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
    2015   2014   2015   2014
     Average       Average   Average       Average   Average       Average   Average       Average
(Dollars in Thousands)   Balances   Interest   Rate   Balances   Interest    Rate   Balances   Interest   Rate   Balances   Interest   Rate
Assets:                                                                                                
Loans(1)(2)   $ 1,483,657     $ 18,290       4.89 %   $ 1,421,327     $ 18,590       5.19 %   $ 1,468,871     $ 54,484       4.96 %   $ 1,409,701     $ 54,967       5.21 %
Taxable Securities(2)     543,550       1,347       0.98       387,966       929       0.95       525,498       3,858       0.98       341,924       2,459       0.96  
Tax-Exempt Securities     92,685       304       1.31       82,583       165       0.80       77,673       677       1.16       97,068       561       0.77  
Funds Sold     190,931       123       0.26       317,553       204       0.25       243,081       463       0.26       397,302       752       0.25  
Total Earning Assets     2,310,823       20,064       3.45 %     2,209,429       19,888       3.57 %     2,315,123       59,482       3.43 %     2,245,995       58,739       3.50 %
Cash & Due From Banks     45,872                       44,139                       48,977                       45,432                  
Allowance For Loan Losses     (15,403 )                     (20,493 )                     (16,264 )                     (21,976 )                
Other Assets     298,400                       297,496                       305,113                       299,591                  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 2,639,692                     $ 2,530,571                     $ 2,652,949                     $ 2,569,042                  
                                                                                                 
Liabilities:                                                                                                
NOW Accounts   $ 709,130     $ 60       0.03 %   $ 680,154     $ 66       0.04 %   $ 754,630     $ 192       0.03 %   $ 724,700     $ 261       0.05 %
Money Market Accounts     261,749       31       0.05       270,133       46       0.07       257,525       104       0.05       274,908       144       0.07  
Savings Accounts     258,752       32       0.05       228,741       29       0.05       251,666       93       0.05       225,212       83       0.05  
Other Time Deposits     183,976       97       0.21       202,802       114       0.22       189,242       336       0.24       209,171       368       0.24  
Total Interest Bearing Deposits     1,413,607       220       0.06       1,381,830       255       0.07       1,453,063       725       0.07       1,433,991       856       0.08  
Short-Term Borrowings     61,548       14       0.09       40,782       17       0.17       55,241       50       0.12       43,846       54       0.17  
Subordinated Note Payable     62,887       344       2.14       62,887       333       2.07       62,887       1,014       2.13       62,887       995       2.09  
Other Long-Term Borrowings     29,383       233       3.15       32,792       263       3.20       30,062       710       3.16       34,473       823       3.19  
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities     1,567,425       811       0.21 %     1,518,291       868       0.23 %     1,601,253       2,499       0.21 %     1,575,197       2,728       0.23 %
Noninterest Bearing Deposits     723,826                       681,051                       706,578                       664,916                  
Other Liabilities     73,485                       47,099                       70,226                       46,844                  
TOTAL LIABILITIES     2,364,736                       2,246,441                       2,378,057                       2,286,957                  
                                                                                                 
TOTAL SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY     274.956                       284,130                       274,892                       282,085                  
                                                                                                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND                                                                                                
SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY   $ 2,639,692                     $ 2,530,571                     $ 2,652,949                     $ 2,569,042                  
                                                                                                 
Interest Rate Spread                     3.24 %                     3.34 %                     3.23 %                     3.26 %
Net Interest Income           $ 19,253                     $ 19,020                     $ 56,983                     $ 56,011          
Net Interest Margin(3)                     3.31 %                     3.42 %                     3.29 %                     3.33 %

 

(1)Average balances include nonaccrual loans.  Interest income periods in this table include loan fees of $359,000 and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $437,000 and $1.1 million for the comparable periods ended September 30, 2014.
(2)Interest income includes the effects of taxable equivalent adjustments using a 35% tax rate.
(3)Taxable equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets.

 

 40 
 

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

See “Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, above, which is incorporated herein by reference. Management has determined that no additional disclosures are necessary to assess changes in information about market risk that have occurred since December 31, 2014.

 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of September 30, 2015, the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer each concluded that as of September 30, 2015, the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, we maintained effective disclosure controls and procedures.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has reviewed our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

We are party to lawsuits arising out of the normal course of business. In management's opinion, there is no known pending litigation, the outcome of which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 2014 Form 10-K, as updated in our subsequent quarterly reports. The risks described in our 2014 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing us. 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

 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

The following table contains information about all purchases made by, or on behalf of, us and any affiliated purchaser (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) of shares or other units of any class of our equity securities that is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

  

Period 

Total number
of shares
purchased

 

Average
price paid
per share

 

Total number of
shares purchased as
part of our share
repurchase
program(1)

 

Maximum Number
of shares that
may yet be purchased
under our share
repurchase program

July 1, 2015 to July 31,2015   —     $—      —      1,087,419 
August 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015   11,747   $14.91    11,747    1,075,672 
September 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015   500   $14.75    500    1,075,172 
                     
Total   12,247   $14.73    12,247    1,075,172 
                     

(1) This balance represents the number of shares that were repurchased during the third quarter of 2015 through the Capital City Bank Group, Inc. Share Repurchase Program (the “Program”), which was approved on February 27, 2014 for a five-year period, under which we were authorized to repurchase up to 1,500,000 shares of our common stock.  The Program is flexible and shares are acquired from the public markets and other sources using free cash flow.  No shares are repurchased outside of the Program.

 

 41 
 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(A)Exhibits

 

31.1Certification of William G. Smith, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

31.2Certification of J. Kimbrough Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

32.1Certification of William G. Smith, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

32.2Certification of J. Kimbrough Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

101.INSXBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 42 
 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned Chief Financial Officer hereunto duly authorized.

 

CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.

(Registrant)

 

/s/ J. Kimbrough Davis  
J. Kimbrough Davis  
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
(Mr. Davis is the Principal Financial Officer and has been duly authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant)  
   
Date: November 5, 2015  

  

 43 
 

Exhibit Index

 

 

ExhibitDescription

 

31.1Certification of William G. Smith, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

31.2Certification of J. Kimbrough Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

32.1Certification of William G. Smith, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

32.2Certification of J. Kimbrough Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

101.INSXBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

  

 44