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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - SEVERN BANCORP INCex32.htm
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                           to                          .

Commission File Number 0-49731

SEVERN BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
 
52-1726127
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

200 Westgate Circle, Suite 200
 Annapolis, Maryland
 
 
21401
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

410-260-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address and formal fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 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     No 

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

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

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Common Stock, $0.01 par value – 12,245,425 shares outstanding as of November 13, 2017
 


SEVERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Table of Contents


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
1
     
 
2
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
Item 2.
26
     
Item 3.
41
     
Item 4.
42
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
42
     
Item 1A.
42
     
Item 2.
42
     
Item 3.
42
     
Item 4.
42
     
Item 5.
43
     
Item 6.
43
     
44
   
45
 
Caution Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and written or oral communications made from time to time by or on behalf of Severn Bancorp and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), may contain statements relating to future events or future results of the Company that are considered “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,”  “plan,” “estimate,” “intend,” and “potential,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “should,” “could,” or “may.”  Forward-looking statements include statements of our goals, intentions and expectations; statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth, and operating strategies; statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.
 
Forward-looking statements reflect our expectation or prediction of future conditions, events, or results based on information currently available. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks identified in Item 1A of the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s March 31, 2017 quarterly report on Form 10-Q, Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s June 30, 2017 quarterly report on Form 10-Q, Item 1A of Part II of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and the following:
 
·
general business and economic conditions nationally or in the markets that the Company serves could adversely affect, among other things, real estate prices, unemployment levels, and consumer and business confidence, which could lead to decreases in the demand for loans, deposits, and other financial services that we provide and increases in loan delinquencies and defaults;

·
changes or volatility in the capital markets and interest rates may adversely impact the value of securities, loans, deposits, and other financial instruments and the interest rate sensitivity of our balance sheet as well as our liquidity;

·
our liquidity requirements could be adversely affected by changes in our assets and liabilities;

·
our investment securities portfolio is subject to credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk as well as changes in the estimates we use to value certain of the securities in our portfolio;

·
the effect of legislative or regulatory developments including changes in laws concerning taxes, banking, securities, insurance, and other aspects of the financial services industry;

·
competitive factors among financial services companies, including product and pricing pressures, and our ability to attract, develop, and retain qualified banking professionals;

·
the effect of fiscal and governmental policies of the United States (“U.S.”) federal government;

·
the effect of any mergers, acquisitions, or other transactions to which we or our subsidiaries may from time to time be a party;

·
costs and potential disruption or interruption of operations due to cyber-security incidents;

·
the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and other regulatory agencies; and

·
geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the U.S. or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism, and/or military conflicts, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad.
 
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report.  The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by federal securities laws.
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

Severn Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
September 30,
2017
   
December 31,
2016
 
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
       
Cash and due from banks
 
$
1,654
   
$
39,396
 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other banks
   
39,981
     
27,718
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
41,635
     
67,114
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
3,129
     
-
 
Securities held to maturity (fair value of $58,959 at September 30, 2017 and $62,827 at December 31, 2016)
   
58,764
     
62,757
 
Loans held for sale, at fair value at September 30, 2017
   
4,871
     
10,307
 
Loans receivable
   
650,964
     
610,278
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(7,936
)
   
(8,969
)
Loans, net
   
643,028
     
601,309
 
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
   
1,104
     
973
 
Restricted stock investments
   
4,699
     
5,103
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
23,398
     
24,030
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
2,503
     
2,249
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
5,023
     
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
8,002
     
10,081
 
Other assets
   
5,174
     
3,562
 
Total assets
 
$
801,330
   
$
787,485
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest bearing
 
$
71,515
   
$
58,145
 
Interest-bearing
   
521,977
     
513,801
 
Total deposits
   
593,492
     
571,946
 
Short-term borrowings
   
4,950
     
-
 
Long-term borrowings
   
88,500
     
103,500
 
Subordinated debentures
   
20,619
     
20,619
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
1,759
     
3,490
 
Total liabilities
   
709,320
     
699,555
 
                 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized:
               
Preferred stock series “A,” 437,500 shares issued and outstanding and $3,500 liquidation preference at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
   
4
     
4
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 12,245,425 and 12,123,179 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
   
122
     
121
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
65,290
     
63,960
 
Retained earnings
   
26,598
     
23,845
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(4
)
   
-
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
92,010
     
87,930
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
801,330
   
$
787,485
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
Severn Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Interest income:
 
(unaudited)
 
Loans
 
$
7,742
   
$
7,479
   
$
22,267
   
$
21,847
 
Securities
   
330
     
280
     
927
     
890
 
Other earning assets
   
167
     
83
     
498
     
251
 
Total interest income
   
8,239
     
7,842
     
23,692
     
22,988
 
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits
   
1,011
     
1,019
     
2,924
     
3,002
 
Borrowings and subordinated debentures
   
897
     
1,106
     
2,844
     
3,493
 
Total interest expense
   
1,908
     
2,125
     
5,768
     
6,495
 
Net interest income
   
6,331
     
5,717
     
17,924
     
16,493
 
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
   
-
     
50
     
(650
)
   
150
 
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) loan losses
   
6,331
     
5,667
     
18,574
     
16,343
 
Noninterest income:
                               
Mortgage-banking revenue
   
334
     
1,042
     
1,150
     
2,693
 
Real estate commissions
   
311
     
455
     
959
     
1,246
 
Real estate management fees
   
197
     
214
     
513
     
564
 
Credit report and appraisal fees
   
137
     
99
     
390
     
304
 
Deposit service charges
   
190
     
32
     
265
     
105
 
Other noninterest income
   
230
     
54
     
485
     
667
 
Total noninterest income
   
1,399
     
1,896
     
3,762
     
5,579
 
Noninterest expense:
                               
Compensation and related expenses
   
3,288
     
3,928
     
10,719
     
11,218
 
Occupancy
   
354
     
333
     
1,015
     
942
 
Legal fees
   
41
     
81
     
104
     
217
 
Write-downs, losses, and costs of real estate acquired through foreclsoure, net
   
126
     
41
     
166
     
184
 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corpation insurance premiums
   
69
     
126
     
133
     
296
 
Professional fees
   
124
     
189
     
377
     
528
 
Advertising
   
198
     
158
     
649
     
510
 
Online charges
   
237
     
117
     
661
     
617
 
Credit report and appraisal fees
   
203
     
148
     
478
     
480
 
Licensing and software
   
152
     
115
     
326
     
345
 
Mortgage leads purchased
   
48
     
205
     
234
     
559
 
Other
   
681
     
689
     
2,158
     
2,405
 
Total noninterest expense
   
5,521
     
6,130
     
17,020
     
18,301
 
Income before income tax provision (benefit)
   
2,209
     
1,433
     
5,316
     
3,621
 
Income tax provision (benefit)
   
950
     
378
     
2,150
     
(10,816
)
Net income
   
1,259
     
1,055
     
3,166
     
14,437
 
Amortization of discount on preferred stock
   
(68
)
   
(68
)
   
(203
)
   
(203
)
Dividends on preferred stock
   
(70
)
   
(448
)
   
(210
)
   
(1,370
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
1,121
   
$
539
   
$
2,753
   
$
12,864
 
Net income per common share - basic
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.04
   
$
0.23
   
$
1.14
 
Net income per common share - diluted
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.04
   
$
0.22
   
$
1.13
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
Severn Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Net income
 
$
1,259
   
$
1,055
   
$
3,166
   
$
14,437
 
Other comprehensive loss items:                                
Unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities arising during the period (net of income tax benefit of $6 and $2, respectively, in 2017)
   
(9
)
   
-
     
(3
)
   
-
 
Realized gains, net of income taxes of $1 and $1, respectively, in 2017
   
(1
)
   
-
     
(1
)
   
-
 
Total other comprehensive loss
   
(10
)
   
-
     
(4
)
   
-
 
Total comprehensive income
 
$
1,249
   
$
1,055
   
$
3,162
   
$
14,437
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
Severn Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (unaudited)
 
   
Number of
Shares of
Preferred
Stock
   
Number of
Shares of
Common
Stock
   
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2017
   
437,500
     
12,123,179
   
$
4
   
$
121
   
$
63,960
   
$
23,845
   
$
-
   
$
87,930
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,166
     
-
     
3,166
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
146
     
-
     
-
     
146
 
Stock issued in acquisition
    -       108,084       -        1        774        -        -        775  
Stock issued, net of expense
   
-
      14,162      
-
     
-
      207      
-
     
-
     
207
 
Dividend declared on Series A preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(210
)
   
-
     
(210
)
Amortization of discount on Series B preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
203
     
(203
)
   
-
     
-
 
Other comprehensive loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(4
)
   
(4
)
Balance at September 30, 2017
   
437,500
     
12,245,425
   
$
4
   
$
122
   
$
65,290
   
$
26,598
   
$
(4
)
 
$
92,010
 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (unaudited)
 
   
Number of
Shares of
Preferred
Stock
   
Number of
Shares of
Common
Stock
   
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income
   
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2016
   
460,893
     
10,088,879
   
$
4
   
$
101
   
$
76,335
   
$
10,016
   
$
-
   
$
86,456
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
14,437
     
-
     
14,437
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
143
     
-
     
-
     
143
 
Stock issued, net of expense
   
-
     
2,015,500
     
-
     
20
     
10,490
     
-
     
-
     
10,510
 
Stock redemption on Series B preferred stock
   
(23,393
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(23,393
)
   
-
     
-
     
(23,393
)
Dividend declared on Series A preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(140
)
   
-
     
(140
)
Dividend declared on Series B preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,230
)
   
-
     
(1,230
)
Amortization of discount on Series B preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
203
     
(203
)
   
-
     
-
 
Balance at September 30, 2016
   
437,500
     
12,104,379
   
$
4
   
$
121
   
$
63,778
   
$
22,880
   
$
-
   
$
86,783
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
Severn Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
(unaudited)
 
Net income
 
$
3,166
   
$
14,437
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
919
     
863
 
Amortization of deferred loan fees
   
(847
)
   
(889
)
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities
   
(202
)
   
318
 
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses
   
(650
)
   
150
 
Write-downs and losses on real estate acquired through foreclosure, net of gains
   
139
     
149
 
Gain on sale of mortgage loans
   
(1,150
)
   
(2,693
)
Gain on sale of securities
   
(2
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale
   
28,482
     
107,468
 
Originations of loans held for sale
   
(22,556
)
   
(104,533
)
Stock-based compensation
   
146
     
143
 
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
   
(23
)
   
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
2,081
     
(10,916
)
Increase in accrued interest receivable
   
(254
)
   
(44
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
   
(837
)
   
384
 
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
(1,731
)
   
(2,938
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
6,681
     
1,899
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Loan principal (disbursements), net of repayments
   
(40,265
)
   
(14,448
)
Redemption of restricted stock investments
   
404
     
396
 
Purchases of premises and equipment, net
   
(287
)
   
(740
)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
   
(5,000
)
   
-
 
Activity in securities held to maturity:
               
Purchases
   
(6,679
)
   
(3,562
)
Maturities/calls/repayments
   
10,730
     
11,700
 
Activity in available-for-sale securities:
               
Purchases
   
(7,184
)
   
-
 
Sales
   
4,011
     
-
 
Maturities/calls/repayments
   
184
     
-
 
Proceeds from sales of real estate acquired through foreclosure
   
433
     
1,622
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(43,653
)
   
(5,032
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net increase in deposits
   
21,546
     
32,839
 
Additional borrowings
   
39,950
     
10,500
 
Repayment of borrowings
   
(50,000
)
   
(18,500
)
Series A preferred stock dividends
   
(210
)
   
(140
)
Series B preferred stock dividends
   
-
     
(7,781
)
Stock redemption of Series B preferred stock
   
-
     
(23,393
)
Proceeds from common stock issuance
   
207
     
10,510
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
11,493
     
4,035
 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(25,479
)
   
902
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
67,114
     
43,591
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
41,635
   
$
44,493
 
Supplemental Information:
               
Interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds
 
$
5,828
   
$
9,104
 
Income taxes paid (recovered)
   
50
     
(852
)
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of loans
   
703
     
1,370
 
Transfers of loans held for sale to portfolio
   
660
     
-
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
Severn Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is unaudited)

Note 1 -  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The accounting and reporting policies of Severn Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”) (“GAAP”) and prevailing practices within the financial services industry for interim financial information and Rule 8-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements and prevailing practices within the banking industry.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (comprising only of those of a normal recurring nature) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods presented have been made. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 or any other interim or future period.  Events occurring after the date of the financial statements up to November 14, 2017, the date the financial statements were available to be issued, were considered in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
 
These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Severn Bancorp, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc., SBI Mortgage Company and SBI Mortgage Company’s subsidiary, Crownsville Development Corporation, and its subsidiary, Crownsville Holdings I, LLC, and Severn Savings Bank, FSB (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s subsidiaries, Louis Hyatt, Inc., Homeowners Title and Escrow Corporation, Severn Financial Services Corporation, SSB Realty Holdings, LLC, SSB Realty Holdings II, LLC, and HS West, LLC.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
Acquisition
 
On September 1, 2017, we acquired Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc. (the “Title Company”) by issuing stock in a business combination. We issued 108,084 shares in the transaction valued at $775,000.  We recorded $759,000 in goodwill in the transaction.  The acquisition continues our growth strategy and focus on being a full-service provider and complements the mortgage services, commercial banking services, and commercial real estate services we provide. The acquisition of the Title Company has not had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and affect the reported amounts of revenues earned and expenses incurred during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that could change significantly relate to the provision for loan losses and the related allowance for loan losses (“Allowance”), determination of impaired loans and the related measurement of impairment, valuation of investment securities, valuation of real estate acquired through foreclosure, valuation of share-based compensation, the assessment that a liability should be recognized with respect to any matters under litigation, and the calculation of current and deferred income taxes and the realizability of net deferred tax assets.
 
Cash Flows
 
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and interest-earning deposits with banks.
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to conform to current period presentation.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Pronouncements Adopted
 
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09,  Stock Compensation:  Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, the purpose of which is to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability, and classification on the statement of cash flows.  ASU No. 2016-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operation, or cash flows. We have elected to account for stock option forfeitures when they occur.
 
Pronouncements Issued
 
In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as amended by ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers:  Deferral of the Effective Date, ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers:  Principal Versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers:  Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue form Contracts with Customers, that provides accounting guidance for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and affects all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The guidance also provides for a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets, such as property and equipment, including real estate. This standard may affect an entity’s financial statements, business processes and internal control over financial reporting. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard must be adopted using either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. The following revenue streams were identified to be within the scope of ASU No. 2014-09:  real estate commissions, real estate management fees, and deposit service charges.  For all affected revenue streams, we are currently planning to use a modified retrospective approach to uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption. Periods prior to the date of adoption are not retrospectively revised, but a cumulative effect of adoption is recognized for the impact of the ASU on uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption.  We are still evaluating the impact of guidance in this update, including method of implementation, and related changes to disclosures that may be required.
 
 In January 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall:  Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires entities to measure equity investments at fair value and recognize changes on fair value in net income. The guidance also provides a new measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and don’t qualify for the net asset value practical expedient. Entities will have to record changes in instrument–specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured under the fair value option in other comprehensive income, except for certain financial liabilities of consolidated collateralized financing entities. Entities will also have to reassess the realizability of a deferred tax asset related to an available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt security in combination with their other deferred tax assets. For public entities, the guidance in this ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption by public entities is permitted as of the beginning of the year of adoption for selected amendments by a cumulative effect adjustment to the balance sheet. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which requires a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The core principle requires the lessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a “right-of-use” asset. The accounting applied by the lessor is relatively unchanged. The ASU also requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and mandates a modified retrospective transition for all entities. Early application is permitted. We have determined that the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 may result in an increase in assets to recognize the present value of the lease obligations, with a corresponding increase in liabilities, however, we do not expect this to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which sets forth a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. While we are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the amended guidance on our Consolidated Financial Statements, we currently expect the Allowance to increase upon adoption given that the Allowance will be required to cover the full remaining expected life of the portfolio upon adoption, rather than the incurred loss model under current U.S. GAAP. The extent of this increase is still being evaluated and will depend on economic conditions and the composition of our loan and lease portfolio at the time of adoption.
 
In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which provides guidance regarding the presentation of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, addressing eight specific cash flow classification issues, in order to reduce existing diversity in practice. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASC No. 2016-15 to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In March 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other costs, which provides guidance that calls for the shortening of the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASC No. 2017-08 to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
Note 2 - Securities
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of our AFS securities portfolio were as follows as of September 30, 2017:

   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
U.S. government agency notes
 
$
3,135
   
$
-
   
$
6
   
$
3,129
 

We did not hold any AFS securities as of December 31, 2016.
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of our held-to-maturity (“HTM”) securities portfolio were as follows:

   
September 30, 2017
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
7,996
   
$
106
   
$
-
   
$
8,102
 
U.S. government agency notes
   
19,008
     
137
     
43
     
19,102
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
31,760
     
97
     
102
     
31,755
 
   
$
58,764
   
$
340
   
$
145
   
$
58,959
 
 
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
12,998
   
$
167
   
$
-
   
$
13,165
 
U.S. government agency notes
   
20,027
     
133
     
54
     
20,106
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
29,732
     
52
     
228
     
29,556
 
   
$
62,757
   
$
352
   
$
282
   
$
62,827
 

Three AFS securities were in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017 for less than twelve months, with the largest single unrealized loss in any one security amounting to $3,000.
 
Gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual HTM securities have been in an unrealized loss position at the dates indicated are presented in the following tables:

   
September 30, 2017
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
U.S. government agency notes
 
$
4,000
   
$
2
   
$
7,005
   
$
41
   
$
11,005
   
$
43
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
11,687
     
39
     
7,501
     
63
     
19,188
     
102
 
   
$
15,687
   
$
41
   
$
14,506
   
$
104
   
$
30,193
   
$
145
 
 
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
U.S. government agency notes
 
$
5,002
   
$
54
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
5,002
   
$
54
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
23,457
     
228
     
-
     
-
     
23,457
     
228
 
   
$
28,459
   
$
282
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
28,459
   
$
282
 

In the HTM securities portfolio, 21 securities were in a loss position as of September 30, 2017, with the largest single unrealized loss in any one security amounting to $29,000.
 
All of the securities that are currently in a gross unrealized loss position are so due to declines in fair values resulting from changes in interest rates or increased liquidity spreads since the time they were purchased.  We have the intent and ability to hold these debt securities to maturity (including the AFS securities) and do not intend to sell, nor do we believe it will be more likely than not that we will be required to sell, any impaired securities prior to a recovery of amortized cost.  We expect these securities will be repaid in full, with no losses realized. As such, management considers any impairment to be temporary.
 
Contractual maturities of debt securities at September 30, 2017 are shown below.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   
AFS Securities
   
HTM Securities
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
10,009
   
$
10,014
 
Due after one through five years
   
3,135
     
3,129
     
15,030
     
15,112
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
-
     
-
     
1,965
     
2,078
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
-
     
-
     
31,760
     
31,755
 
   
$
3,135
   
$
3,129
   
$
58,764
   
$
58,959
 

During both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized gross gains and losses on the sale of securities of $4,000 and $2,000, respectively. We did not sell any securities during 2016.
 
There were no securities pledged as collateral as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

Note 3 -  Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Loans receivable are summarized as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
292,068
   
$
260,603
 
Commercial
   
37,485
     
46,468
 
Commercial real estate
   
223,167
     
195,710
 
Construction, land acquisition, and development
   
84,164
     
90,102
 
Home equity/2nds
   
15,861
     
19,129
 
Consumer
   
1,118
     
1,210
 
Total loans receivable
   
653,863
     
613,222
 
Unearned loan fees
   
(2,899
)
   
(2,944
)
Net loans receivable
 
$
650,964
   
$
610,278
 

Certain loans in the amount of $210.4 million have been pledged under a blanket floating lien to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) as collateral against advances.

Credit Quality

An Allowance is provided through charges to income in an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience.  Management has an established methodology to determine the adequacy of the Allowance that assesses the risks and losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  The methodology takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay.  Determining the amount of the Allowance requires the use of estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.  While management uses available information to estimate losses on loans, future additions to the Allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.  In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the Allowance as an integral part of their examination process.  Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the Allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.  Management believes the Allowance is adequate as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

For purposes of determining the Allowance, we have segmented our loan portfolio by product type.  Our portfolio loan segments are residential mortgage, commercial, commercial real estate, construction, land acquisition, and development (“ADC”), Home equity/2nds, and consumer.  We have looked at all segments and have determined that no additional subcategorization is warranted based upon our credit review methodology and our portfolio classes are the same as our portfolio segments.
 
Inherent Credit Risks

The inherent credit risks within the loan portfolio vary depending upon the loan class as follows:

Residential mortgage - secured by one to four family dwelling units. The loans have limited risk as they are secured by first mortgages on the unit, which are generally the primary residence of the borrower, at a loan-to-value ratio (“LTV”) of 80% or less.

Commercial - underwritten in accordance with our policies and include evaluating historical and projected profitability and cash flow to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the obligation as agreed. Commercial loans are made primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral supporting the loan. Accordingly, the repayment of a commercial loan depends primarily on the creditworthiness of the borrower (and any guarantors), while liquidation of collateral is a secondary and often insufficient source of repayment.  Additionally, lines of credit are subject to the underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial loans, in addition to those underwriting standards for real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow dependent and, secondarily, as loans secured by real-estate and/or other assets. Repayment of these loans is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the principal business conducted on the property securing the loan. Line of credit loans may be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or the economy in general. Management monitors and evaluates line of credit loans based on collateral and risk-rating criteria.

Commercial real estate - subject to the underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those underwriting standards for real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow dependent and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Repayment of these loans is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the principal business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or the economy in general. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral and risk-rating criteria. The Bank also utilizes third-party experts to provide environmental and market valuations. The nature of commercial real estate loans makes them more difficult to monitor and evaluate.

ADC - underwritten in accordance with our underwriting policies which include a financial analysis of the developers, property owners, construction cost estimates, and independent appraisal valuations. These loans will rely on the value associated with the project upon completion. These cost and valuation estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans generally involve the disbursement of substantial funds over a short period of time with repayment substantially dependent upon the success of the completed project rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest.  Additionally, land is underwritten according to our policies which include independent appraisal valuations as well as the estimated value associated with the land upon completion of development. These cost and valuation estimates may be inaccurate. These loans are considered to be of a higher risk than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to general economic conditions, availability of long-term financing, interest rate sensitivity, and governmental regulation of real property.

The sources of repayment of these loans is typically permanent financing expected to be obtained upon completion or sales of developed property. These loans are closely monitored by onsite inspections and are considered to be of a higher risk than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to general economic conditions, availability of long-term financing, interest rate sensitivity, and governmental regulation of real property.

If the Bank is forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, there can be no assurance that the Bank will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs.  In addition, the Bank may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time.

Home equity/2nds - subject to the underwriting standards and processes similar to residential mortgages and secured by one to four family dwelling units. Home equity/2nds loans have greater risk than residential mortgages as a result of the Bank generally being in a second lien position.

Consumer - consist of loans to individuals through the Bank’s retail network and typically unsecured or secured by personal property. Consumer loans have a greater credit risk than residential loans because of the lower value of the underlying collateral, if any.

Risk Ratings

Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss.  Loans classified as special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects.  Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable.  Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the Allowance.  Loans not classified are rated pass.
 
The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due.  Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan.  In all cases, loans are placed in nonaccrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed in nonaccrual status or charged off is reversed against interest income.  The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual.  Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured, generally after nine months of consecutive current payments and completion of an updated analysis of the borrower’s ability to service the loan.

Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls may not be placed in nonaccrual status or classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

Allowance Methodology

The Allowance consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired.  The general component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard, or special mention that are not considered impaired, as well as loans that are not classified.

A loan is considered impaired if it meets any of the following three criteria:

·
Loans that are 90 days or more in arrears (nonaccrual loans);
·
Loans where, based on current information and events, it is probable that a borrower will be unable to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement; or
·
Loans that are modified and qualify as troubled debt restructured loans (“TDR” or “TDRs”).

If a loan is considered to be impaired, it is then determined to be either cash flow or collateral dependent for purposes of Allowance determination.

With respect to all loan segments, we do not charge off a loan, or a portion of a loan, until one of the following conditions have been met:

·
The loan has been foreclosed. At the time of foreclosure, a charge off is recorded for the difference between the recorded amount of the loan and the fair value of the underlying collateral.

·
An agreement to accept less than the recorded balance of the loan has been made with the borrower. Once an agreement has been finalized, a charge-off is recorded for the difference between the recorded amount of the loan and the agreed upon proceeds amount.

·
The loan is considered to be a collateral dependent impaired loan when its collateral valuation is less than the recorded balance. The loan is written down for accounting purposes by the amount of the difference between the recorded balance and collateral value.

Specific Allowance Component

Impaired loans secured by real estate - when a secured real estate loan becomes impaired, a decision is made as to whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary.  This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the LTV ratio based on the original appraisal, and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted, if appropriate, to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value.  The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.

Impaired loans secured by collateral other than real estate - for loans secured by nonreal estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging, or equipment appraisals or invoices.  Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.
 
For such loans that are classified as impaired, an Allowance is established when the current fair value of the underlying collateral less its estimated disposal costs is lower than the carrying value of the loan.  For loans that are not solely collateral dependent, an Allowance is established when the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of the loan.

General Allowance Component

The general component of the Allowance is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. Loans are pooled by portfolio class and an historical loss percentage, based upon a four-year net charge-off history, is applied to each class.  The result of that calculation for each loan class is then applied to the current loan portfolio balances to determine the required general component of the Allowance per loan class.  We then apply additional loss multipliers to the different classes of loans to reflect various qualitative factors. These qualitative factors include, but are not limited to:

·
Levels and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals;
·
Inherent risk in the loan portfolio;
·
Trends in volume and terms of the loan;
·
Effects of any change in lending policies and procedures;
·
Experience, ability, and depth of management;
·
National and local economic trends and conditions;
·
Effect of any changes in concentration of credit; and
·
Industry conditions.
 
The following tables present, by portfolio segment, the changes in the Allowance and the recorded investment in loans:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
ADC
   
Home Equity/
2nds
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
3,403
   
$
389
   
$
2,571
   
$
984
   
$
367
   
$
4
   
$
7,718
 
Charge-offs
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Recoveries
   
156
     
-
     
40
     
-
     
22
     
-
     
218
 
Net recoveries
   
156
     
-
     
40
     
-
     
22
     
-
     
218
 
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses
   
(137
)
   
53
     
(44
)
   
158
     
(28
)
   
(2
)
   
-
 
Ending Balance
 
$
3,422
   
$
442
   
$
2,567
   
$
1,142
   
$
361
   
$
2
   
$
7,936
 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
3,833
   
$
478
   
$
2,535
   
$
1,390
   
$
728
   
$
5
   
$
8,969
 
Charge-offs
   
(707
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(98
)
   
-
     
(805
)
Recoveries
   
295
     
-
     
100
     
-
     
27
     
-
     
422
 
Net (charge-offs) recoveries
   
(412
)
   
-
     
100
     
-
     
(71
)
   
-
     
(383
)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
   
1
     
(36
)
   
(68
)
   
(248
)
   
(296
)
   
(3
)
   
(650
)
Ending Balance
 
$
3,422
   
$
442
   
$
2,567
   
$
1,142
   
$
361
   
$
2
   
$
7,936
 
                                                         
Ending balance - individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,544
   
$
-
   
$
186
   
$
50
   
$
-
   
$
2
   
$
1,782
 
Ending balance - collectively evaluated for impairment
   
1,878
     
442
     
2,381
     
1,092
     
361
     
-
     
6,154
 
   
$
3,422
   
$
442
   
$
2,567
   
$
1,142
   
$
361
   
$
2
   
$
7,936
 
                                                         
Ending loan balance - individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
20,379
   
$
-
   
$
3,419
   
$
1,003
   
$
-
   
$
87
   
$
24,888
 
Ending loan balance - collectively evaluated for impairment
   
268,790
     
37,485
     
219,748
     
83,161
     
15,861
     
1,031
     
626,076
 
   
$
289,169
   
$
37,485
   
$
223,167
   
$
84,164
   
$
15,861
   
$
1,118
   
$
650,964
 

   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
ADC
   
Home Equity/
2nds
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Ending Allowance balance - individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,703
   
$
15
   
$
196
   
$
53
   
$
402
   
$
4
   
$
2,373
 
Ending Allowance balance - collectively evaluated for impairment
   
2,130
     
463
     
2,339
     
1,337
     
326
     
1
     
6,596
 
   
$
3,833
   
$
478
   
$
2,535
   
$
1,390
   
$
728
   
$
5
   
$
8,969
 
                                                         
Ending loan balance - individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
20,403
   
$
148
   
$
5,656
   
$
858
   
$
3,137
   
$
96
   
$
30,298
 
Ending loan balance - collectively evaluated for impairment
   
237,256
     
46,320
     
190,054
     
89,244
     
15,992
     
1,114
     
579,980
 
   
$
257,659
   
$
46,468
   
$
195,710
   
$
90,102
   
$
19,129
   
$
1,210
   
$
610,278
 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
ADC
   
Home Equity/
2nds
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
3,892
   
$
752
   
$
2,577
   
$
983
   
$
593
   
$
7
   
$
8,804
 
Charge-offs
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(72
)
   
-
     
-
     
(72
)
Recoveries
   
137
     
10
     
4
     
-
     
2
     
50
     
203
 
Net recoveries (charge-offs)
   
137
     
10
     
4
     
(72
)
   
2
     
50
     
131
 
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses
   
(161
)
   
(63
)
   
(189
)
   
289
     
226
     
(52
)
   
50
 
Ending Balance
 
$
3,868
   
$
699
   
$
2,392
   
$
1,200
   
$
821
   
$
5
   
$
8,985
 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
4,188
   
$
291
   
$
2,792
   
$
956
   
$
528
   
$
3
   
$
8,758
 
Charge-offs
   
(151
)
   
(17
)
   
(178
)
   
(72
)
   
(28
)
   
-
     
(446
)
Recoveries
   
322
     
43
     
4
     
100
     
4
     
50
     
523
 
Net recoveries (charge-offs)
   
171
     
26
     
(174
)
   
28
     
(24
)
   
50
     
77
 
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses
   
(491
)
   
382
     
(226
)
   
216
     
317
     
(48
)
   
150
 
Ending Balance
 
$
3,868
   
$
699
   
$
2,392
   
$
1,200
   
$
821
   
$
5
   
$
8,985
 
                                                         
Ending balance - individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,583
   
$
15
   
$
200
   
$
55
   
$
402
   
$
4
   
$
2,259
 
Ending balance - collectively evaluated for impairment
   
2,285
     
684
     
2,192
     
1,145
     
419
     
1
     
6,726
 
   
$
3,868
   
$
699
   
$
2,392
   
$
1,200
   
$
821
   
$
5
   
$
8,985
 
                                                         
Ending loan balance -  individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
22,521
   
$
495
   
$
5,696
   
$
1,446
   
$
3,519
   
$
100
   
$
33,777
 
Ending loan balance - collectively evaluated for impairment
   
246,375
     
41,864
     
193,219
     
79,894
     
16,220
     
1,109
     
578,681
 
   
$
268,896
   
$
42,359
   
$
198,915
   
$
81,340
   
$
19,739
   
$
1,209
   
$
612,458
 
 
The following tables present the credit quality breakdown of our loan portfolio by class:
 
   
September 30, 2017
 
   
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
281,954
   
$
1,397
   
$
5,818
   
$
289,169
 
Commercial
   
37,299
     
50
     
136
     
37,485
 
Commercial real estate
   
216,373
     
4,668
     
2,126
     
223,167
 
ADC
   
82,958
     
-
     
1,206
     
84,164
 
Home equity/2nds
   
14,531
     
471
     
859
     
15,861
 
Consumer
   
1,118
     
-
     
-
     
1,118
 
   
$
634,233
   
$
6,586
   
$
10,145
   
$
650,964
 
 
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
248,819
   
$
4,316
   
$
4,524
   
$
257,659
 
Commercial
   
46,011
     
204
     
253
     
46,468
 
Commercial real estate
   
184,820
     
7,420
     
3,470
     
195,710
 
ADC
   
89,324
     
-
     
778
     
90,102
 
Home equity/2nds
   
16,056
     
472
     
2,601
     
19,129
 
Consumer
   
1,210
     
-
     
-
     
1,210
 
   
$
586,240
   
$
12,412
   
$
11,626
   
$
610,278
 

Management further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due.  The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and nonaccrual loans:
 
   
September 30, 2017
 
    
30-59
Days
Past Due
   
60-89
Days
Past Due
   
90+
Days
Past Due
   
Total
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total
   
Non-
Accrual
 
    
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
1,173
   
$
1,216
   
$
2,364
   
$
4,753
   
$
284,416
   
$
289,169
   
$
4,531
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
37,485
     
37,485
     
84
 
Commercial real estate
   
-
     
478
     
-
     
478
     
222,689
     
223,167
     
160
 
ADC
   
-
     
-
     
239
     
239
     
83,925
     
84,164
     
318
 
Home equity/2nds
   
-
     
-
     
458
     
458
     
15,403
     
15,861
     
1,284
 
Consumer
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,118
     
1,118
     
-
 
    
$
1,173
   
$
1,694
   
$
3,061
   
$
5,928
   
$
645,036
   
$
650,964
   
$
6,377
 
 
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
30-59
Days
Past Due
   
60-89
Days
Past Due
   
90+
Days
Past Due
   
Total
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total
   
Non-
Accrual
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
1,472
   
$
2,074
   
$
964
   
$
4,510
   
$
253,149
   
$
257,659
   
$
3,580
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
46,468
     
46,468
     
151
 
Commercial real estate
   
-
     
171
     
515
     
686
     
195,024
     
195,710
     
2,938
 
ADC
   
106
     
-
     
6
     
112
     
89,990
     
90,102
     
269
 
Home equity/2nds
   
34
     
-
     
2,174
     
2,208
     
16,921
     
19,129
     
2,914
 
Consumer
   
4
     
-
     
-
     
4
     
1,206
     
1,210
     
-
 
   
$
1,616
   
$
2,245
   
$
3,659
   
$
7,520
   
$
602,758
   
$
610,278
   
$
9,852
 

We do not have any greater than 90 days and still accruing loans as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

The interest which would have been recorded on the above nonaccrual loans if those loans had been performing in accordance with their contractual terms was approximately $1.2 million and $338,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The actual interest income recorded on those loans was approximately $403,000 and $130,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
The following tables summarize impaired loans:

   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Related
Allowance
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Related
Allowance
 
With no related Allowance:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
12,856
   
$
11,306
   
$
-
   
$
9,854
   
$
9,338
   
$
-
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,576
     
1,527
     
-
     
3,900
     
3,698
     
-
 
ADC
   
636
     
636
     
-
     
441
     
441
     
-
 
Home equity/2nds
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,139
     
1,529
     
-
 
Consumer
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
With a related Allowance:
                                               
Residential mortgage
   
9,306
     
9,073
     
1,544
     
11,176
     
11,065
     
1,703
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
148
     
148
     
15
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,892
     
1,892
     
186
     
1,958
     
1,958
     
196
 
ADC
   
402
     
367
     
50
     
417
     
417
     
53
 
Home equity/2nds
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,608
     
1,608
     
402
 
Consumer
   
87
     
87
     
2
     
96
     
96
     
4
 
Totals:
                                               
Residential mortgage
   
22,162
     
20,379
     
1,544
     
21,030
     
20,403
     
1,703
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
148
     
148
     
15
 
Commercial real estate
   
3,468
     
3,419
     
186
     
5,858
     
5,656
     
196
 
ADC
   
1,038
     
1,003
     
50
     
858
     
858
     
53
 
Home equity/2nds
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,747
     
3,137
     
402
 
Consumer
   
87
     
87
     
2
     
96
     
96
     
4
 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related Allowance:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
10,423
   
$
138
   
$
12,734
   
$
132
   
$
9,696
   
$
353
   
$
13,774
   
$
417
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
274
     
2
     
-
     
-
     
150
     
3
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,531
     
22
     
3,730
     
57
     
2,652
     
69
     
4,655
     
134
 
ADC
   
637
     
9
     
1,031
     
9
     
487
     
21
     
1,431
     
36
 
Home equity/2nds
   
918
     
15
     
1,911
     
18
     
679
     
40
     
1,991
     
59
 
Consumer
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
23
     
-
 
With a related Allowance:
                                                               
Residential mortgage
   
8,910
     
116
     
9,831
     
106
     
9,231
     
286
     
10,684
     
356
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
149
     
2
     
37
     
-
     
182
     
7
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,896
     
23
     
1,977
     
25
     
1,919
     
73
     
2,040
     
77
 
ADC
   
369
     
6
     
426
     
6
     
385
     
16
     
513
     
20
 
Home equity/2nds
   
180
     
-
     
1,078
     
6
     
715
     
-
     
370
     
7
 
Consumer
   
88
     
1
     
102
     
1
     
91
     
2
     
73
     
2
 
Totals:
                                                               
Residential mortgage
   
19,333
     
254
     
22,565
     
238
     
18,927
     
639
     
24,458
     
773
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
423
     
4
     
37
     
-
     
332
     
10
 
Commercial real estate
   
3,427
     
45
     
5,707
     
82
     
4,571
     
142
     
6,695
     
211
 
ADC
   
1,006
     
15
     
1,457
     
15
     
872
     
37
     
1,944
     
56
 
Home equity/2nds
   
1,098
     
15
     
2,989
     
24
     
1,394
     
40
     
2,361
     
66
 
Consumer
   
88
     
1
     
102
     
1
     
91
     
2
     
96
     
2
 

Residential mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction totaled $3.1 million as of September 30, 2017. Residential mortgage loans in real estate acquired through foreclosure amounted to $287,000 and $393,000 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

TDRs

In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, management may grant a concession for other than an insignificant period of time to the borrower that would not otherwise be considered, the related loan is classified as a TDR.  Such concessions could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions.  At the time that a loan is modified, management evaluates any possible impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, except when the sole remaining source of repayment for the loan is the liquidation of the collateral.  In these cases, we use the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows.  Any impairment amount is then set up as a specific reserve in the Allowance.
 
The following table presents loans that were modified during the nine months ended September 30:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
Number of
Modifications
   
Recorded
Investment
Prior to
Modification
   
Recorded
Investment
After
Modification
   
Number of
Modifications
   
Recorded
Investment
Prior to
Modification
   
Recorded
Investment
After
Modification
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential Mortgage
                     
3
   
$
624
   
$
624
 
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
3
   
$
624
   
$
624
 

We did not modify any loans during the three months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

Interest on our portfolio of TDRs was accounted for under the following methods:
 
   
September 30, 2017
 
   
Number of
Modifications
   
Accrual
Status
   
Number of
Modifications
   
Nonaccrual
Status
   
Total
Number of
Modifications
   
Total
Balance of
Modifications
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
   
43
   
$
13,086
     
4
   
$
2,285
     
47
   
$
15,371
 
Commercial real estate
   
3
     
1,875
     
1
     
84
     
4
     
1,959
 
ADC
   
1
     
138
     
1
     
6
     
2
     
144
 
Home equity/2nds
   
1
     
230
     
-
     
-
     
1
     
230
 
Consumer
   
4
     
87
     
-
     
-
     
4
     
87
 
     
52
   
$
15,416
     
6
   
$
2,375
     
58
   
$
17,791
 
 
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Number of
Modifications
   
Accrual
Status
   
Number of
Modifications
   
Nonaccrual
Status
   
Total
Number of
Modifications
   
Total
Balance of
Modifications
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
   
48
   
$
15,886
     
4
   
$
2,137
     
52
   
$
18,023
 
Commercial real estate
   
3
     
1,914
     
2
     
249
     
5
     
2,163
 
ADC
   
2
     
170
     
1
     
6
     
3
     
176
 
Consumer
   
5
     
96
     
-
     
-
     
5
     
96
 
     
58
   
$
18,066
     
7
   
$
2,392
     
65
   
$
20,458
 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the 12 month period ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The contract amounts of these instruments express the extent of involvement we have in each class of financial instruments.

Our exposure to credit loss from nonperformance by the other party to the above mentioned financial instruments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.  We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for on-balance sheet instruments. Unless otherwise noted, we require collateral or other security to support financial instruments with off-balancesheet credit risk.
 
The following table shows the contract amounts for our off-balance sheet instruments:
 
   
September 30,
2017
   
December 31,
2016
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Standby letters of credit
 
$
3,854
   
$
4,022
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
12,425
     
7,736
 
Unadvanced construction commitments
   
72,045
     
15,728
 
Mortgage loan commitments
   
-
     
574
 
Lines of credit
   
13,092
     
34,125
 
Loans sold and serviced with limited repurchase provisions
   
19,979
     
70,773
 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank guaranteeing performance by a customer to various municipalities. These guarantees are issued primarily to support performance arrangements and are limited to real estate transactions.  The majority of these standby letters of credit expire within twelve months.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending other loan commitments.  The Bank requires collateral supporting these letters of credit as deemed necessary.  Management believes, except for certain standby letters of credit, that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of such collateral would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees.  The current amount of the liability as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 for guarantees under standby letters of credit issued was $79,000 and $94,000, respectively.

Home equity lines of credit are loan commitments to individuals as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments under home equity lines expire ten years after the date the loan closes and are secured by real estate. We evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis.

Unadvanced construction commitments are loan commitments made to borrowers for both residential and commercial projects that are either in process or are expected to begin construction shortly.

Mortgage loan commitments not reflected in the accompanying statements of financial condition at December 31, 2016 included two loans at a fixed interest rate of 4.25% totaling $574,000. There were no such commitments at September 30, 2017.

Lines of credit are loan commitments to individuals and companies as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Lines of credit have a fixed expiration date. The Bank evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis.

The Bank has entered into several agreements to sell mortgage loans to third parties. These agreements contain limited provisions that require the Bank to repurchase a loan if the loan becomes delinquent within a period ranging generally from 120 to 180 days after the sale date depending on the investor’s agreement. The credit risk involved in these financial instruments is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  We established a reserve for potential repurchases for these loans, which amounted to $59,000 at September 30, 2017 and $48,000 at December 31, 2016.  We did not repurchase any loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

Note 4 -  Regulatory Matters

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

In July 2015, federal bank regulatory agencies issued final results to revise their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act (“Basel III”).  On January 1, 2015, the Basel III rules became effective and include transition provisions which implement certain portions of the rules through January 1, 2019.  Under the final rules, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive items are not excluded, however, banking organizations like us that are not considered “advanced approaches” banking organizations may make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items.  With the submission of the Call Report for the first quarter of 2015, we made this election in order to avoid significant variations in the level of capital that can be caused by interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the Bank’s AFS securities portfolio.
 
The Basel III rules also establish a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the new regulatory minimum capital requirements, which must consist entirely of common equity Tier 1 capital.  The new capital conservation buffer requirements began to phase in effective January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increase by that amount each year until fully implemented in January 2019 (1.25% at September 30, 2017).  An institution would be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses to executive officers if its capital level falls below the buffer amount.  These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.

As of the date of the last regulatory exam, the Bank was considered “well capitalized” and as of September 30, 2017, the Bank continued to meet the requirements to be considered “well capitalized” based on applicable U.S. regulatory capital ratio requirements.

The Bank’s regulatory capital amounts and ratios were as follows:
 
   
Actual
         
Minimum
Requirements
for Capital Adequacy
Purposes
   
Minimum
Requirements
with Capital
Conservation Buffer
   
To be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
September 30, 2017
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
104,318
     
16.8
%
 
$
27,907
     
4.5
%
 
$
35,658
     
5.8
%
 
$
40,309
     
6.5
%
                                                                 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
112,086
     
18.1
%
   
49,612
     
8.0
%
   
57,363
     
9.3
%
   
62,015
     
10.0
%
                                                                 
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
104,318
     
16.8
%
   
37,209
     
6.0
%
   
44,961
     
7.3
%
   
49,612
     
8.0
%
                                                                 
Tier 1 capital (to average quarterly assets)
   
104,318
     
13.3
%
   
31,313
     
4.0
%
   
41,099
     
5.3
%
   
39,142
     
5.0
%
                                                                 
December 31, 2016
     
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
98,970
     
16.5
%
 
$
26,983
     
4.5
%
 
$
30,730
     
5.1
%
 
$
38,975
     
6.5
%
                                                                 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
106,517
     
17.8
%
   
47,969
     
8.0
%
   
51,717
     
8.6
%
   
59,962
     
10.0
%
                                                                 
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
98,970
     
16.5
%
   
35,977
     
6.0
%
   
39,725
     
6.6
%
   
47,969
     
8.0
%
                                                                 
Tier 1 capital (to average quarterly assets)
   
98,970
     
12.9
%
   
30,634
     
4.0
%
   
35,420
     
4.6
%
   
38,292
     
5.0
%
 
Note 5 -  Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued.  Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options, warrants, and convertible preferred stock, and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation for 2017 and 2016 because they were anti-dilutive, were 20,000 and 126,600 shares, respectively, of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, 437,500 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, and, in 2016, 556,976 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of a warrant were also anti-dilutive and excluded from the calculation.

Information relating to the calculations of our income per common share is summarized as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic
   
12,172,586
     
12,104,379
     
12,140,689
     
11,324,660
 
Dilution
   
150,986
     
79,360
     
107,525
     
51,193
 
Weighted-average share outstanding - diluted
   
12,323,572
     
12,183,739
     
12,248,214
     
11,375,853
 
                                 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
1,121
   
$
539
   
$
2,753
   
$
12,864
 
                                 
Net income per share - basic
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.04
   
$
0.23
   
$
1.14
 
Net income per share - diluted
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.04
   
$
0.22
   
$
1.13
 
 
Note 6 - Stock-Based Compensation

We maintain a stock-based compensation plan for directors, officers, and other key employees of the Company.  The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued with respect to the awards granted under the plan is 500,000 plus any shares forfeited under the Company’s old stock-based compensation plan.  Under the terms of the stock-based compensation plan, the Company has the ability to grant various stock compensation incentives, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock.  The stock-based compensation is granted under terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.  Under the stock-based compensation plan, stock options generally have a maximum term of ten years, and are granted with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date the options are granted.  Generally, options granted to directors, officers, and employees of the Company vest over a five-year period, although the Compensation Committee has the authority to provide for different vesting schedules.

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized as compensation expense in the statement of operations at fair value.  Additionally, we are required to recognize the expense of employee services received in share-based payment transactions and measure the expense based on the grant date fair value of the award.  The expense is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Stock-based compensation expense included in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 totaled $44,000 and $48,000, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense included in the consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 totaled $146,000 and $143,000, respectively.

The weighted average fair value of the options issued during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $2.56.  There were no options granted during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The fair value of the options was calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017:
 
Dividend yield
   
0.00
%
Expected volatility
   
36.02
%
Risk-free interest rate
   
1.76
%
Expected lives
 
5.5 years
 
 
Information regarding our stock-based compensation plan is as follows as of and for the nine months ended September 30:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
Number
of Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
   
Number
of Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
   
339,500
   
$
5.31
                 
339,800
   
$
4.83
             
Granted
   
20,000
     
7.10
                 
-
     
-
             
Exercised
   
(5,025
)
   
3.37
                 
-
     
-
             
Forfeited
   
(16,000
)
   
4.59
                 
(54,500
)
   
5.07
             
Outstanding at end of period
   
338,475
     
5.48
     
7.2
   
$
526
     
285,300
     
4.79
     
8.2
   
$
491
 
Exercisable at end of period
   
173,702
     
4.78
     
6.5
   
$
398
     
136,125
     
4.37
     
7.0
   
$
292
 

As of September 30, 2017, there was $520,000 of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over the next 59 months.
 
Note 7 - Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017:

   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
6
   
$
-
 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification
   
(9
)
   
(3
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(1
)
   
(1
)
Net other comprehensive loss during period
   
(10
)
   
(4
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(4
)
 
We did not have any accumulated other comprehensive income or loss for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Note 8 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

A fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods is used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair market hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1:
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets, or liabilities.

Level 2:
Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3:
Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported with little or no market activity).

An asset or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

We record transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period in which the change in significant inputs occurs.

Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present fair value measurements for assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

   
Carrying
Value
   
Quoted
Prices
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Changes
In Fair Values
Included In
Period Income
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
AFS Securities - U.S. government agency notes
 
$
3,129
   
$
-
   
$
3,129
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Loans held for sale (“LHFS”)
   
4,871
     
-
     
4,871
     
-
     
139
 
Mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”)
   
473
     
-
     
-
     
473
     
(84
)
Interest-rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”)
   
42
     
-
     
42
     
-
     
(120
)
Mandatory forward contracts
   
7
     
-
     
7
     
-
     
(146
)
Best efforts forward contracts
   
6
     
-
     
6
     
-
     
6
 
 
The following tables present fair value measurements for assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016:

   
Carrying
Value
   
Quoted
Prices
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Changes
In Fair Values
Included In
Period Income
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
MSRs
 
$
557
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
557
   
$
66
 
IRLCs
   
162
     
-
     
162
     
-
     
(21
)
Mandatory forward contracts
   
153
     
-
     
153
     
-
     
42
 

The following table provides additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which we have utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
 
   
Fair Value
Estimate
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted-Average)
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
         
September 30, 2017:
                 
MSRs
 
$
473
 
Market Approach
 
Weighted average prepayment speed
   
3.95
%
                       
December 31, 2016:
                     
MSRs
 
$
557
 
Market Approach
 
Weighted average prepayment speed
   
3.95
%

AFS Securities

The estimated fair values of AFS debt securities are obtained from a nationally-recognized pricing service. This pricing service develops estimated fair values by analyzing like securities and applying available market information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing, to prepare valuations. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. 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, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things, and are based on market data obtained from sources independent from the Bank. The Level 2 investments in the Bank’s portfolio are priced using those inputs that, based on the analysis prepared by the pricing service, reflect the assumptions that market participants would use to price the assets. The Bank has determined that the Level 2 designation is appropriate for these securities because, as with most fixed-income securities, those in the Bank’s portfolio are not exchange-traded, and such nonexchange-traded fixed income securities are typically priced by correlation to observed market data.

LHFS

At September 30, 2017, LHFS were carried at fair value, which is determined based on outstanding investor commitments or, in the absence of such commitments, on current investor yield requirements or third party pricing models. At December 31, 2016, LHFS were carried at the lower-of-cost or market value (“LCM”) utilizing the same method.

MSRs

The fair value of MSRs is determined using a valuation model administered by a third party that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.  The model incorporates assumptions that market participants use in estimating future net servicing income, including estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rate, default rates, cost to service (including delinquency and foreclosure costs), escrow account earnings, contractual servicing fee income, and other ancillary income such as late fees.  Management reviews all significant assumptions on a monthly basis.  Mortgage loan prepayment speed, a key assumption in the model, is the annual rate at which borrowers are forecasted to repay their mortgage loan principal.  The discount rate used to determine the present value of estimated future net servicing income, another key assumption in the model, is an estimate of the required rate of return investors in the market would require for an asset with similar risk.  Both assumptions can, and generally will, change as market conditions and interest rates change.
 
IRLCs

We utilize a third party specialist model to estimate the fair value of our IRLCs, which are valued based upon mandatory pricing quotes from correspondent lenders less estimated costs to process and settle the loan.  Fair value is adjusted for the estimated probability of the loan closing with the borrower.

Forward Contracts

To avoid interest rate risk, we enter into best efforts forward sales commitments with investors at the time we make an IRLC to a borrower. Once a loan has been closed and funded, the best efforts commitments convert to mandatory forward sales commitments. The mandatory commitments are derivatives, and the bank measures and reports them at fair value. Fair value is based on the gain or loss that would occur if we were to pair-off the transaction with the investor at the measurement date.  This is a level 2 input. We have elected to measure and report best efforts commitments at fair value using a valuation methodology similar to that used for our mandatory commitments.

Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

We may be required, from time to time, to measure certain other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of LCM accounting or write-downs of individual assets.  For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the following tables provide the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of assets:
 
   
September 30, 2017
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Quoted
Prices
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Range of
Discount
   
Weighted
Average
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
             
Impaired loans
 
$
1,597
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
1,597
     
0% - 33
%
   
25.5
%
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
   
691
     
-
     
-
     
691
     
0% - 26
%
   
20.9
%
 
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Quoted
Prices
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Range of
Discount
   
Weighted
Average
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
             
Impaired loans
 
$
2,136
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,136
     
0% - 2
%
   
2.0
%
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
   
767
     
-
     
-
     
767
     
0% - 10
%
   
10.0
%

Impaired Loans

Impaired loans are those for which we have measured impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows or on the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third-party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds.  If it is determined that the repayment of the loan will be provided solely by the underlying collateral, and there are no other available and reliable sources of repayment, the loan is considered collateral dependent.  Impaired loans that are considered collateral dependent are carried at the LCM.  Collateral may be in the form of real estate or business assets including equipment, inventory, and/or accounts receivable.  The use of independent appraisals and management’s best judgment are significant inputs in arriving at the fair value measure of the underlying collateral and impaired loans are therefore classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

For such loans that are classified as impaired, an Allowance is established when the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  For such impaired loans that are classified as collateral dependent, an Allowance is established when the current market value of the underlying collateral less its estimated disposal costs has not been finalized, but management determines that it is likely that the value is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  Once the net collateral value has been determined, a charge-off is taken for the difference between the net collateral value and the carrying value of the loan.
 
Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure

We record foreclosed real estate assets at the fair value less estimated selling costs on their acquisition dates and at the lower of such initial amount or estimated fair value less estimated selling costs thereafter.  We generally obtain certified external appraisals of real estate acquired through foreclosure and estimate fair value using those appraisals. Other valuation sources may be used, including broker price opinions, letters of intent, and executed sale agreements.

Fair Value of All Financial Instruments

The carrying value and estimated fair value of all financial instruments are summarized in the following tables.  The descriptions of the fair value calculations for AFS securities, LHFS, MSRs, IRLCs, best efforts forward contracts, mandatory forward contracts, impaired loans, and real estate acquired through foreclosure are included in the discussions above.
 
   
September 30, 2017
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair Value
 
   
Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
41,635
   
$
41,635
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
41,635
 
AFS securities
   
3,129
     
-
     
3,129
     
-
     
3,129
 
HTM securities
   
58,764
     
8,102
     
50,857
     
-
     
58,959
 
LHFS
   
4,871
     
-
     
4,871
     
-
     
4,871
 
Loans receivable
   
643,028
     
-
     
-
     
653,381
     
653,381
 
Restricted stock investments
   
4,699
     
-
     
4,699
     
-
     
4,699
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
2,503
     
-
     
2,503
     
-
     
2,503
 
MSRs
   
473
     
-
     
-
     
473
     
473
 
IRLCs
   
42
     
-
     
42
     
-
     
42
 
Mandatory forward contracts
   
7
     
-
     
7
     
-
     
7
 
Best effort forward contracts
   
6
     
-
     
6
     
-
     
6
 
Liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
   
593,492
     
-
     
586,594
     
-
     
586,594
 
Borrowings
   
93,450
     
-
     
87,909
     
-
     
87,909
 
Subordinated debentures
   
20,619
     
-
     
-
     
20,619
     
20,619
 
Accrued interest payable
   
478
     
-
     
478
     
-
     
478
 

   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair Value
 
   
Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
67,114
   
$
67,114
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
67,114
 
HTM securities
   
62,757
     
13,165
     
49,662
     
-
     
62,827
 
LHFS
   
10,307
     
-
     
10,313
     
-
     
10,313
 
Loans receivable
   
601,309
     
-
     
-
     
602,953
     
602,953
 
Restricted stock investments
   
5,103
     
-
     
5,103
     
-
     
5,103
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
2,249
     
-
     
2,249
     
-
     
2,249
 
MSRs
   
557
     
-
     
-
     
557
     
557
 
IRLCs
   
162
     
-
     
162
     
-
     
162
 
Mandatory forward contracts
   
153
     
-
     
153
     
-
     
153
 
Liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
   
571,946
     
-
     
572,556
     
-
     
572,556
 
Borrowings
   
103,500
     
-
     
97,961
     
-
     
97,961
 
Subordinated debentures
   
20,619
     
-
     
-
     
20,619
     
20,619
 
Accrued interest payable
   
538
     
-
     
538
     
-
     
538
 
 
At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Bank had loan funding commitments of $97.6 million and $58.2 million, respectively, and standby letters of credit outstanding of $3.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively.  The fair value of these commitments is nominal.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amount reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values.

HTM securities

The Company utilizes a third party source to determine the fair value of its securities.  The methodology consists of pricing models based on asset class and includes available trade, bid, other market information, broker quotes, proprietary models, various databases, and trading desk quotes.  U.S Treasury Securities are considered Level 1 and all of our other securities are considered Level 2.

Loans Receivable

The fair values of loans receivable were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. These rates were used for each aggregated category of loans.

Restricted Stock Investments

The carrying value of restricted stock investments is a reasonable estimate of fair value as these investments do not have a readily available market.

Deposits

The fair values disclosed for demand deposit accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Borrowings

Long-term and short-term borrowings were segmented into categories with similar financial characteristics. Carrying values were discounted using a cash flow approach based on market rates.

Subordinated debentures

Current economic conditions have rendered the market for this liability inactive.  As such, the Company is unable to determine a good estimate of fair value.  Since the rate paid on the debentures held is lower than what would be required to secure an interest in the same debt at year end and we are unable to obtain a current fair value, the Company has disclosed that the carrying value approximates the fair value.

Limitations

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from a one-time sale of our total holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of our financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect estimates.  The above information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of our assets and liabilities.  Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between our disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.

There were no transfers between any of Levels 1, 2, and 3 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016 or for the year ended December 31, 2016.
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

When used in this report, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Severn Bancorp and, unless the context requires otherwise, its consolidated subsidiaries.  The following discussion should be read and reviewed in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in Severn Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The Company

The Company is a savings and loan holding company chartered as a corporation in the state of Maryland in 1990.  It conducts business primarily through three subsidiaries, Severn Savings Bank, FSB (the “Bank”), Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc. (the “Title Company”), and SBI Mortgage Company (“SBI”).  SBI holds mortgages that do not meet the underwriting criteria of the Bank, and is the parent company of Crownsville Development Corporation (“Crownsville”), which is doing business as Annapolis Equity Group, and acquires real estate for syndication and investment purposes.  The Title Company is a real estate settlement company that handles commercial and residential real estate settlements in Maryland. The Bank’s principal subsidiary Louis Hyatt, Inc. (“Hyatt Commercial”), conducts business as Hyatt Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage and property management company.  The Bank has five branches in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, which offer a full range of deposit products, and originate mortgages in its primary market of Anne Arundel County, Maryland and, to a lesser extent, in other parts of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.  As of September 30, 2017, we had 132 full-time equivalent employees.

Overview

The Company provides a wide range of personal and commercial banking services. Personal services include mortgage lending and various other lending services as well as deposit products such as personal Internet banking and online bill pay, checking accounts, individual retirement accounts, money market accounts, and savings and time deposit accounts. Commercial services include commercial secured and unsecured lending services as well as business Internet banking, corporate cash management services, and deposit services.  The Company also provides ATMs, credit cards, debit cards, safe deposit boxes, and telephone banking, among other products and services.

We have experienced a slightly improved level of profitability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the payoff of high costing Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) advances and reversals of the provision for loan losses. Management believes that, while conditions continue to improve and real estate values in the Company’s market area continue to stabilize, certain detrimental factors still exist in the market. The interest rate spread between our cost of funds and what we earn on loans has grown somewhat from 2016 levels due primarily to the aforementioned payoff of FHLB advances and a change in the mix from higher costing time deposits to lower costing transaction accounts. During the second quarter of 2016, we reversed the valuation allowance maintained on the net deferred tax asset, which resulted in an $11.2 million tax benefit. With the reversal of the valuation allowance, we are now recording a provision for income taxes.

The Company expects to experience similar market conditions during the remainder of 2017, as the national and local economies continue to improve and as the employment environment in our market improves. If interest rates increase, demand for loans may decrease and our interest rate spread could decrease. Interest rates are outside of our control, so we must attempt to balance the pricing and duration of the loan portfolio against the risks of rising costs of our deposits and borrowings. The continued success and attraction of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and vicinity, will also be important to our ability to originate and grow mortgage loans and deposits, as will our continued focus on maintaining a low overhead. If the volatility in the market and the economy continues or worsens, our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to funds, and the price of our stock could be materially and adversely impacted.
 
Acquisition
 
On September 1, 2017, we acquired the Title Company by issuing stock in a business combination. We issued 108,084 shares in the transaction valued at $775,000.  We recorded $759,000 in goodwill in the transaction.  The acquisition continues our growth strategy and focus on being a full-service provider and complements the mortgage services, commercial banking services, and commercial real estate services we provide. The acquisition of the Title Company has not had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are set forth in Note 1 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 which were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Of these significant accounting policies, we consider our policies regarding the valuation of  investment securities, the Allowance for loan losses (“Allowance”), the valuation of real estate acquired through foreclosure, and the valuation of the net deferred tax asset to be our most critical accounting policies, due to the fact that these policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions, and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried in the consolidated financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment write-down or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility.  When applying accounting policies in such areas that are subjective in nature, management must use its best judgment to arrive at the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities.  Below is a discussion of our critical accounting policies.
 
Securities

We designate securities into one of three categories at the time of purchase. Debt securities that we have the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity (“HTM”) and recorded at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities are classified as trading if bought and held principally for the purpose of sale in the near term. Trading securities are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Debt securities not classified as HTM and debt and equity securities not classified as trading securities are considered available for sale (“AFS”) and are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax effects, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

AFS and HTM securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their value is other than temporary. The term “other than temporary” is not intended to indicate a permanent decline in value. Rather, it means that the prospects for near-term recovery of value are not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support fair values equal to, or greater than, the carrying value of the security.

The initial indications of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) for both debt and equity securities are a decline in the market value below the amount recorded for a security and the severity and duration of the decline. In determining whether an impairment is other than temporary, we consider the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below cost, recent events specific to the issuer, including investment downgrades by rating agencies and economic conditions of its industry, our intent to sell the security, and if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. We also consider the cause of the price decline (general level of interest rates and industry- and issuer-specific factors), the issuer’s financial condition, near-term prospects and current ability to make future payments in a timely manner, the issuer’s ability to service debt, and any change in agencies’ ratings at evaluation date from acquisition date and any likely imminent action. Once a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, the security is segmented into credit- and noncredit-related components.  Any impairment adjustment due to identified credit-related components is recorded as an adjustment to current period earnings, while noncredit-related fair value adjustments are recorded through accumulated other comprehensive loss.  In situations where we intend to sell or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security, the entire OTTI loss is recognized in earnings.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Allowance is maintained at an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience.  The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay.  Determining the amount of the Allowance requires the use of estimates and assumptions.  Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Future additions or reductions in the Allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, particularly in Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland.  In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s Allowance.  Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the Allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

The Allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired.  When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made as to whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary.  This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property.  Appraised values are discounted, if appropriate, to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value.  The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.  For loans secured by collateral other than real estate, such as accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging, or equipment appraisals or invoices.  Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.

For such loans that are classified as impaired, an Allowance is established when the current fair value of the underlying collateral less its estimated disposal costs has not been finalized, but management determines that it is likely that the value is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  Once the fair collateral value has been determined, a charge off is taken for the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the loan.  For loans that are not solely collateral dependent, an Allowance is established when the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.
 
The general component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard, or special mention that are not considered impaired, as well as nonclassified loans.  The general reserve is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.  These qualitative factors include, but are not limited to:

·
Levels and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals;
·
Inherent risk in the loan portfolio;
·
Trends in volume and terms of the loan;
·
Effects of any change in lending policies and procedures;
·
Experience, ability, and depth of management;
·
National and local economic trends and conditions;
·
Effect of any changes in concentration of credit; and
·
Industry conditions.

A loan is considered impaired if it meets any of the following three criteria:

·
Loans that are 90 days or more in arrears (nonaccrual loans);
·
Loans where, based on current information and events, it is probable that a borrower will be unable to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement; or
·
Loans that are modified and qualify as troubled debt restructured loans (“TDR” or “TDRs”).
 
Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls may not be classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
 
We assign risk ratings to the loans in our portfolio.  These credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss.  Loans classified special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention.  If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects.  Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable.  Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the Allowance.  Loans not classified are rated pass.
 
Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure

Real estate acquired through or in the process of foreclosure is recorded at fair value less estimated disposal costs.  Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of the real estate acquired through foreclosure using estimates as described under Allowance for Loan Lossesabove. In the event of a subsequent change in fair value, the carrying amount is adjusted to the lesser of the new fair value, less disposal costs, or the carrying value recorded at acquisition. The amount of the change is charged or credited to noninterest expense.  Expenses on real estate acquired through foreclosure incurred prior to the disposition of the property, such as maintenance, insurance and taxes, and physical security, are charged to expense.  Material expenses that improve the property to its best use are capitalized to the property. If a foreclosed property is sold for more or less than the carrying value, a gain or loss is recognized upon the sale of the property.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that such amount will be realized based on consideration of available evidence.

The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  To the extent that current available evidence about the future raises doubt about the likelihood of a deferred tax asset being realized, a valuation allowance is established. We recognizes a tax position as a benefit only if it “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination presumed to occur.  For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.  The judgment about the level of future taxable income is inherently subjective and is reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change.
 
Results of Operations

Net Income

Three months ended September 30

Net income increased by $204,000, or 19.3%, to $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  Basic and diluted income per share were $0.09 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $0.04 for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase in net income reflected improved net interest income, decreased noninterest expenses, and a reduced loan loss provision, partially offset by decreased noninterest income.

Nine months ended September 30

Net income decreased by $11.3 million, or 78.1%, to $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $14.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  Basic and diluted income per share were $0.23 and $0.22, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $1.14 (basic) and $1.13 (diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  During 2016, we recorded a one-time reversal of the valuation allowance held against the net deferred tax asset in the amount of $11.2 million.  Income before taxes amounted to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in pre-tax income reflected improved net interest income, a reversal of loan loss provision, and decreased noninterest expense, partially offset by decreased noninterest income.

Net Interest Income

Three months ended September 30

Net interest income, which is interest earned net of interest expense, increased by $614,000, or 10.7%, to $6.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $5.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Our net interest margin increased from 3.19% for the third quarter of 2016 to 3.38% for the third quarter of 2017.  Our net interest spread increased from 3.04% for the third quarter of 2016 to 3.16% for the third quarter of 2017.

Interest Income

Interest income increased by $397,000, or 5.1%, to $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $7.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  Average interest-earning assets increased from $713.4 million for the third quarter of 2016 to $743.9 million for the third quarter of 2017.  Average loans outstanding increased by $12.1 million due to increased originations. The average yield on loans increased from 4.80% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 to 4.92% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of a slightly increased rate environment.  Average HTM securities decreased by $11.6 million due to security maturities and repayments from mortgage-backed securities.  The proceeds were used to fund the purchase of AFS securities and, along with other available funds, the purchase of certificates of deposit from other banks, which contributed to the increase in average other interest-earning assets.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $217,000, or 10.2%, to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average rate paid on transaction accounts from 0.23% for the third quarter of 2016 to 0.12% for the third quarter of 2017, due to a change in the mix from higher costing time deposits to lower costing transaction accounts. Additionally, average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $19.0 million to $615.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $634.3 million for the same period of 2016.

Nine months ended September 30

Net interest income increased by $1.4 million, or 8.7%, to $17.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $16.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our net interest margin increased from 3.07% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 3.25% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  Our net interest spread increased from 2.94% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 3.04% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
 
Interest Income

Interest income increased by $704,000, or 3.1%, to $23.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $23.0 million for the comparable period of 2016.  Average interest-earning assets increased from $718.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $738.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  Average loans outstanding increased by $6.7 million due to increased originations. The average yield on loans increased from 4.74% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 4.81% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  Average HTM securities decreased by $9.5 million due to security maturities and repayments from mortgage-backed securities.  As mentioned above, the purchase of AFS securities and certificates of deposit from other banks contributed to the increase in average other interest-earning assets.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $727,000, or 11.2%, to $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $6.5 million for the comparable period of 2016.  The decrease was primarily due to the decreased average rate of our borrowings.  Average borrowings decreased $18.0 million and the average rate paid on borrowings decreased from 3.47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 3.26% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Additionally, average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $30.7 million to $614.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $645.4 million for the same period of 2016.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting yields on average interest-earning assets and average rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities.  Average balances are also provided for noninterest-earning assets and noninterest-bearing liabilities.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest (2)
   
Yield/
Rate (4)
   
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest (2)
   
Yield/
Rate (4)
 
ASSETS
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Loans
 
$
621,177
   
$
7,702
     
4.92
%
 
$
609,096
   
$
7,346
     
4.80
%
Loans held for sale (“LHFS”)
   
3,117
     
40
     
5.09
%
   
10,384
     
133
     
5.10
%
AFS securities
   
5,853
     
26
     
1.76
%
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
HTM securities
   
62,249
     
304
     
1.94
%
   
73,872
     
280
     
1.51
%
Other interest-earning assets (3)
   
46,825
     
106
     
0.90
%
   
14,134
     
16
     
0.45
%
Restricted stock investments, at cost
   
4,676
     
61
     
5.18
%
   
5,885
     
67
     
4.53
%
Total interest-earning assets
   
743,897
     
8,239
     
4.39
%
   
713,371
     
7,842
     
4.37
%
Allowance
   
(8,383
)
                   
(8,808
)
               
Cash and other noninterest-earning assets
   
56,589
                     
71,805
                 
Total assets
 
$
792,103
     
8,239
           
$
776,368
     
7,842
         
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                         
Interest-bearing deposits:
                                               
Checking and savings
 
$
287,299
     
89
     
0.12
%
 
$
271,003
     
154
     
0.23
%
Certificates of deposit
   
214,282
     
922
     
1.71
%
   
221,778
     
865
     
1.55
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
   
501,581
     
1,011
     
0.80
%
   
492,781
     
1,019
     
0.82
%
Borrowings
   
113,719
     
897
     
3.13
%
   
141,537
     
1,106
     
3.11
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
615,300
     
1,908
     
1.23
%
   
634,318
     
2,125
     
1.33
%
Noninterest-bearing deposits
   
86,437
                     
39,685
                 
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
   
2,665
                     
4,530
                 
Stockholders’ equity
   
87,701
                     
97,835
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
792,103
     
1,908
           
$
776,368
     
2,125
         
Net interest income/net interest spread
   
$
6,331
     
3.16
%
         
$
5,717
     
3.04
%
Net interest margin
                   
3.38
%
                   
3.19
%
 

(1)
Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans.
(2)
There are no tax equivalency adjustments.
(3)
Other interest-earning assets include interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold
(4)
Annualized
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest (2)
   
Yield/
Rate (4)
   
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest (2)
   
Yield/
Rate (4)
 
ASSETS
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Loans
 
$
613,833
   
$
22,105
     
4.81
%
 
$
607,113
   
$
21,561
     
4.74
%
LHFS
   
3,690
     
162
     
5.87
%
   
7,570
     
286
     
5.05
%
AFS securities
   
4,984
     
71
     
1.90
%
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
HTM securities
   
61,705
     
856
     
1.85
%
   
71,253
     
890
     
1.67
%
Other interest-earning assets (3)
   
49,353
     
317
     
0.86
%
   
26,479
     
50
     
0.25
%
Restricted stock investments, at cost
   
4,791
     
181
     
5.05
%
   
5,573
     
201
     
4.82
%
Total interest-earning assets
   
738,356
     
23,692
     
4.29
%
   
717,988
     
22,988
     
4.28
%
Allowance
   
(8,687
)
                   
(8,857
)
               
Cash and other noninterest-earning assets
   
61,758
                     
69,151
                 
Total assets
 
$
791,427
     
23,692
           
$
778,282
     
22,988
         
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                         
Interest-bearing deposits:
                                               
Checking and savings
 
$
282,649
     
618
     
0.29
%
 
$
290,518
     
481
     
0.22
%
Certificates of deposit
   
215,499
     
2,306
     
1.43
%
   
220,337
     
2,521
     
1.53
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
   
498,148
     
2,924
     
0.78
%
   
510,855
     
3,002
     
0.78
%
Borrowings
   
116,539
     
2,844
     
3.26
%
   
134,546
     
3,493
     
3.47
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
614,687
     
5,768
     
1.25
%
   
645,401
     
6,495
     
1.34
%
Noninterest-bearing deposits
   
85,928
                     
36,725
                 
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
   
2,624
                     
4,559
                 
Stockholders’ equity
   
88,188
                     
91,597
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
791,427
     
5,768
           
$
778,282
     
6,495
         
Net interest income/net interest spread
   
$
17,924
     
3.04
%
         
$
16,493
     
2.94
%
Net interest margin
                   
3.25
%
                   
3.07
%


(1)
Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans.
(2)
There are no tax equivalency adjustments.
(3)
Other interest-earning assets include interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold
(4)
Annualized

The “Rate/Volume Analysis” below indicates the changes in our net interest income as a result of changes in volume and rates. We maintain an asset and liability management policy designed to provide a proper balance between rate-sensitive assets and rate-sensitive liabilities to attempt to optimize interest margins while providing adequate liquidity for our anticipated needs.  Changes in interest income and interest expense that result from variances in both volume and rates have been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 vs. 2016
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 vs. 2016
 
   
Due to Variances in
   
Due to Variances in
 
   
Rate
   
Volume
   
Total
   
Rate
   
Volume
   
Total
 
Interest earned on:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Loans
 
$
169
   
$
187
   
$
356
   
$
312
   
$
232
   
$
544
 
LHFS
   
-
     
(93
)
   
(93
)
   
65
     
(189
)
   
(124
)
AFS securities
   
-
     
26
     
26
     
-
     
71
     
71
 
HTM Securities
   
240
     
(216
)
   
24
     
109
     
(143
)
   
(34
)
Other interest-earning assets
   
28
     
62
     
90
     
196
     
71
     
267
 
Restricted stock investments, at cost
   
39
     
(45
)
   
(6
)
   
14
     
(34
)
   
(20
)
Total interest income
   
476
     
(79
)
   
397
     
696
     
8
     
704
 
                                                 
Interest paid on:
                                               
Interest-bearing deposits:
                                               
Checking and savings
   
(123
)
   
58
     
(65
)
   
158
     
(21
)
   
137
 
Certificates of deposit
   
217
     
(160
)
   
57
     
(160
)
   
(55
)
   
(215
)
Total interest-bearing deposits
   
94
     
(102
)
   
(8
)
   
(2
)
   
(76
)
   
(78
)
Borrowings
   
53
     
(262
)
   
(209
)
   
(199
)
   
(450
)
   
(649
)
Total interest expense
   
147
     
(364
)
   
(217
)
   
(201
)
   
(526
)
   
(727
)
Net interest income
 
$
329
   
$
285
 
 
$
614
   
$
897
   
$
534
   
$
1,431
 
 
Provision for Loan Losses

Our loan portfolio is subject to varying degrees of credit risk and an Allowance is maintained to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio.  Credit risk includes, but is not limited to, the potential for borrower default and the failure of collateral to be worth what we determined it was worth at the time of the granting of the loan.  We monitor loan delinquencies at least monthly.  All loans that are delinquent and all loans within the various categories of our portfolio as a group are evaluated.  Management, with the advice and recommendation of the Company’s Board of Directors, estimates an Allowance to be set aside for loan losses.  Included in determining the calculation are such factors as historical losses for each loan portfolio, current market value of the loan’s underlying collateral, inherent risk contained within the portfolio after considering the state of the general economy, economic trends, consideration of particular risks inherent in different kinds of lending and consideration of known information that may affect loan collectability.  As a result of our Allowance analysis, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we determined that a provision reversal of  $650,000 was appropriate.

See additional information about the provision for loan losses under “Credit Risk Management and the Allowance” later in this Item.

Noninterest Income

Three months ended September 30

Total noninterest income decreased by $497,000, or 26.2%, to $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to decreased mortgage-banking revenue. Mortgage-banking revenue decreased $708,000, or 67.9%, due to a decreased volume of loans originated through our Internet mortgage platform (“E-Home Finance”) in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. In 2017, the decision was made to move away from the E-Home Finance purchased lead model and instead focus on internally generated leads.  We have experienced a temporary reduction in volume during this transition. Deposit service charges increased $158,000 due primarily to onboarding fees received on a new deposit product during the three months ended September 30, 2017.  Other noninterest income includes $48,000 in revenue generated by the Title Company after the acquisition on September 1, 2017.

Nine months ended September 30

Total noninterest income decreased by $1.8 million, or 32.6%, to $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $5.6 million for the comparable period in 2016, primarily due to decreased real estate commissions and mortgage-banking revenue. Real estate commissions by Hyatt Commercial decreased by $287,000, or 23.0%, to $959,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $1.2 million for the same period of 2016.  The decrease was due to a decreased volume of commercial sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.  Mortgage-banking revenue decreased $1.5 million, or 57.3%, to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $2.7 million for the comparable period of 2016.  This decrease in activity was the result of a decrease in the volume of loans originated through E-Home Finance in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to the transition from the E-Home Finance purchased lead model to internally generated leads. Deposit service charges increased $160,000 due primarily to onboarding fees received on a new deposit product during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  Other noninterest income includes $48,000 in revenue generated by the Title Company after the acquisition on September 1, 2017.

Noninterest Expense

Three months ended September 30

Total noninterest expenses decreased $609,000, or 9.9%, to $5.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to decreases in compensation and related expenses, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assessments, mortgage leads purchased, and professional fees. Compensation and related expenses decreased by $640,000, or 16.3%, to $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease was primarily due to staff reductions. Our FDIC insurance premiums decreased during the third quarter of 2017 as a result of the termination of the formal agreements with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) in 2016.  Professional fees decreased by $65,000, or 34.4%, to $124,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $189,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to decreased fees incurred for consulting. Mortgage leads purchased decreased $157,000 due to the transition away from the E-Home Finance purchased lead model. Partially offsetting the decreases in noninterest expense, on-line charges increased $120,000, credit reports and appraisal fees increased $55,000, and we recorded increased write-downs and incurred increased costs on real estate acquired through foreclosure during the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.

Nine months ended September 30

Total noninterest expenses decreased $1.3 million, or 7.0%, to $17.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $18.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, with decreases in the majority of expense categories.  Compensation and related expenses decreased by $499,000, or 4.4%, to $10.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to staff reductions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we reversed an over accrual of FDIC assessment expense due to a lower 2017 rate assessment that arose from the termination of the OCC and FRB agreements in 2016. Professional fees decreased by $151,000, or 28.6%, to $377,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $528,000 for the same period of 2016, primarily due to a decrease in fees incurred for consulting. Mortgage leads purchased decreased $325,000 due to the transition away from the E-Home Finance purchased lead model.
 
Income Tax Provision

We recorded $950,000 and $2.2 million in income tax provisions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to a tax provision of $378,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and a $10.8 million income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  We fully released our net deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the first half of 2016.

Financial Condition

Total assets increased $13.8 million to $801.3 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $787.5 million at December 31, 2016.  LHFS decreased $5.4 million, or 52.7%, to $4.9 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $10.3 million at December 31, 2016.  This decrease was due to a lower volume of loan originations, and to a lesser extent, the timing of loans pending sale.  Loans increased $40.7 million, or 6.7%, to $651.0 million at September 30, 2017 from $610.3 million at December 31, 2016 due to increased residential mortgage and commercial real estate originations during 2017.  Total deposits increased $21.5 million, or 3.8%, to $593.5 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $571.9 million at December 31, 2016.  Total borrowings decreased by $10.1 million, or 9.7%, to $93.5 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $103.5 million at December 31, 2016.  The borrowings held at December 31, 2016 began to mature in February of 2017.  To facilitate the funding of the loan growth and the repayment of FHLB advances, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $25.5 million, or 38.0%, to $41.6 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $67.1 million at December 31, 2016.

Securities

We utilize the securities portfolio as part of our overall asset/liability management practices to enhance interest revenue while providing necessary liquidity for the funding of loan growth or deposit withdrawals.  We continually monitor the credit risk associated with investments and diversify the risk in the securities portfolios.  We held $3.1 million in securities classified as AFS as of September 30, 2017.  We held $58.8 million and $62.8 million, respectively, in securities classified as HTM as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Changes in current market conditions, such as interest rates and the economic uncertainties in the mortgage, housing, and banking industries impact the securities market. Quarterly, we review each security in our portfolio to determine the nature of any decline in value and evaluate if any impairment should be classified as OTTI.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we determined that no OTTI charges were required.

All of the AFS and HTM securities that are impaired as of September 30, 2017 are so due to declines in fair values resulting from changes in interest rates or decreased credit/liquidity spreads compared to the time they were purchased.  We have the intent to hold these securities to maturity (including those designated as AFS) and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of value. As such, management considers the impairments to be temporary.

Our AFS securities portfolio consists of United States of America (“U.S.”) government agency notes in the amount of $3.1 million at September 30, 2017, all of which were purchased in 2017.

Our HTM securities portfolio composition is as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
7,996
   
$
12,998
 
U.S. government agency notes
   
19,008
     
20,027
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
31,760
     
29,732
 
   
$
58,764
   
$
62,757
 
 
LHFS

We originate residential mortgage loans for sale on the secondary market.  At September 30, 2017, such LHFS, which are carried at fair value, amounted to $4.9 million, the majority of which are subject to purchase commitments from investors. The LHFS balance at December 31, 2016 was $10.3 million and was recorded at lower-of-cost or market value (“LCM”).  LHFS decreased by $5.4 million, or 52.7%, compared to December 31, 2016.  This decrease was primarily due to a lower origination volume and the timing of loans pending sale on the secondary market.
 
Loans

Our loan portfolio is expected to produce higher yields than investment securities and other interest-earning assets; the absolute volume and mix of loans and the volume and mix of loans as a percentage of total interest-earning assets is an important determinant of our net interest margin.

The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio:
 
   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
of Total
   
Amount
   
Percent
of Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential Mortgage
 
$
289,169
     
44.4
%
 
$
257,659
     
42.2
%
Commercial
   
37,485
     
5.8
%
   
46,468
     
7.6
%
Commercial real estate
   
223,167
     
34.3
%
   
195,710
     
32.1
%
Construction, land acquisition, and development (“ADC”)
   
84,164
     
12.9
%
   
90,102
     
14.8
%
Home equity/2nds
   
15,861
     
2.4
%
   
19,129
     
3.1
%
Consumer
   
1,118
     
0.2
%
   
1,210
     
0.2
%
   
$
650,964
     
100.0
%
 
$
610,278
     
100.0
%
 
Loans increased by $40.7 million, or 6.7%, to $651.0 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $610.3 million at December 31, 2016.  This increase was due to increased demand and originations of residential mortgages and commercial real estate loans.

Credit Risk Management and the Allowance

Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from the inability of a borrower to meet his or her obligations and entails both general risks, which are inherent in the process of lending, and risks specific to individual borrowers.  Our credit risk is mitigated through portfolio diversification, which limits exposure to any single customer, industry, or collateral type.

We manage credit risk by evaluating the risk profile of the borrower, repayment sources, the nature of the underlying collateral, and other support given current events, conditions, and expectations.  We attempt to manage the risk characteristics of our loan portfolio through various control processes, such as credit evaluation of borrowers, establishment of lending limits, and application of lending procedures, including the holding of adequate collateral and the maintenance of compensating balances. However, we seek to rely primarily on the cash flow of our borrowers as the principal source of repayment. Although credit policies and evaluation processes are designed to minimize our risk, management recognizes that loan losses will occur and the amount of these losses will fluctuate depending on the risk characteristics of our loan portfolio, as well as general and regional economic conditions.

Management has an established methodology to determine the adequacy of the Allowance that assesses the risks and losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  Our Allowance methodology employs management’s assessment as to the level of future losses on existing loans based on our internal review of the loan portfolio, including an analysis of the borrowers’ current financial position, and the consideration of current and anticipated economic conditions and their potential effects on specific borrowers and/or lines of business. In determining our ability to collect certain loans, we also consider the fair value of any underlying collateral. In addition, we evaluate credit risk concentrations, including trends in large dollar exposures to related borrowers, industry and geographic concentrations, and economic and environmental factors.  Our risk management practices are designed to ensure timely identification of changes in loan risk profiles; however, undetected losses may inherently exist within the loan portfolio. The assessment aspects involved in analyzing the quality of individual loans and assessing collateral values can also contribute to undetected, but probable, losses. For more detailed information about our Allowance methodology and risk rating system, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
The following table summarizes the activity in our Allowance by portfolio segment:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Allowance, beginning of period
 
$
7,718
   
$
8,804
   
$
8,969
   
$
8,758
 
Charge-offs:
                               
Residential mortgage
   
-
     
-
     
(707
)
   
(151
)
Commercial
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(17
)
Commercial real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(178
)
ADC
   
-
     
(72
)
   
-
     
(72
)
Home equity/2nds
   
-
     
-
     
(98
)
   
(28
)
Consumer
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total charge-offs
   
-
     
(72
)
   
(805
)
   
(446
)
Recoveries:
                               
Residential mortgage
   
156
     
137
     
295
     
322
 
Commercial
   
-
     
10
     
-
     
43
 
Commercial real estate
   
40
     
4
     
100
     
4
 
ADC
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
100
 
Home equity/2nds
   
22
     
2
     
27
     
4
 
Consumer
   
-
     
50
     
-
     
50
 
Total recoveries
   
218
     
203
     
422
     
523
 
Net recoveries (charge offs)
   
218
     
131
     
(383
)
   
77
 
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
   
-
     
50
     
(650
)
   
150
 
Allowance, end of period
 
$
7,936
   
$
8,985
   
$
7,936
   
$
8,985
 
Loans:
                               
Period-end balance
 
$
650,964
   
$
612,458
   
$
650,964
   
$
612,458
 
Average balance during period
   
621,177
     
609,096
     
613,833
     
607,113
 
Allowance as a percentage of period-end loan balance
   
1.22
%
   
1.47
%
   
1.22
%
   
1.47
%
Percent of average loans (annualized):
                               
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
   
-
     
0.03
%
   
(0.14
)%
   
0.03
%
Net recoveries (charge offs)
   
0.14
%
   
0.09
%
   
(0.08
)%
   
0.02
%

The following table summarizes our allocation of the Allowance by loan segment:
 
   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
of Total
   
Percent
of Loans
to Total
Loans
   
Amount
   
Percent
of Total
   
Percent
of Loans
to Total
Loans
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
3,422
     
43.1
%
   
44.4
%
 
$
3,833
     
42.7
%
   
42.2
%
Commercial
   
442
     
5.6
%
   
5.8
%
   
478
     
5.3
%
   
7.6
%
Commercial real estate
   
2,567
     
32.3
%
   
34.3
%
   
2,535
     
28.3
%
   
32.1
%
ADC
   
1,142
     
14.4
%
   
12.9
%
   
1,390
     
15.5
%
   
14.8
%
Home equity/2nds
   
361
     
4.6
%
   
2.4
%
   
728
     
8.1
%
   
3.1
%
Consumer
   
2
     
-
     
0.2
%
   
5
     
0.1
%
   
0.2
%
Total
 
$
7,936
     
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
 
$
8,969
     
100.0
%
   
100.0
%

Based upon management’s evaluation, provisions are made to maintain the Allowance as a best estimate of inherent losses within the portfolio. The Allowance totaled $7.9 million at September 30, 2017 and $9.0 million at December 31, 2016.  Any changes in the Allowance from period to period reflect management’s ongoing application of its methodologies to establish the Allowance, which, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, resulted in decreased allocated Allowances for most loan segments.  The allocated Allowance for commercial real estate increased over the December 31, 2016 level. The changes in the Allowances for the respective loan segments were a function of the changes in the corresponding loan balances and asset quality.
 
As a result of our Allowance analysis, and overall improved asset quality, we released $650,000 from the Allowance during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  We did not record a provision, nor did we release any Allowance during the three months ended September 30, 2017.  We recorded $50,000 and $150,000, respectively, in provision for losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.  We recorded net recoveries of $218,000 and net charge-offs $383,000, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to net recoveries of $131,000 and $77,000, respectively, during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, annualized net (charge-offs) recoveries as compared to average loans outstanding amounted to (0.08)%, compared to 0.02% during the first nine months of 2016.  The Allowance as a percentage of outstanding loans decreased from 1.47% as of December 31, 2016 to 1.22% as of September 30, 2017, reflecting the improvement in our overall asset quality.

Although management uses available information to establish the appropriate level of the Allowance, future additions or reductions to the Allowance may be necessary based on estimates that are susceptible to change as a result of changes in economic conditions, and other factors. As a result, our Allowance may not be sufficient to cover actual loan losses, and future provisions for loan losses could materially adversely affect our operating results. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our Allowance and related methodology. Such agencies may require us to recognize adjustments to the Allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.  Management believes the Allowance is adequate as of September 30, 2017 and is sufficient to address the credit losses inherent in the current loan portfolio.

Nonperforming Assets (“NPAs”)

Given the volatility of the real estate market, it is very important for us to have current appraisals on our NPAs. Generally, we obtain appraisals on NPAs annually.  In addition, as part of our asset monitoring activities, we maintain a Loss Mitigation Committee that meets monthly. During these Loss Mitigation Committee meetings, all NPAs and loan delinquencies are reviewed. We also produce an NPA report which is distributed monthly to senior management and is also discussed and reviewed at the Loss Mitigation Committee meetings. This report contains all relevant data on the NPAs, including the latest appraised value and valuation date.  Accordingly, these reports identify which assets will require an updated appraisal. As a result, we have not experienced any internal delays in identifying which loans/credits require appraisals. With respect to the ordering process of the appraisals, we have not experienced any delays in turnaround time nor has this been an issue over the past three years. Furthermore, we have not had any delays in turnaround time or variances thereof in our specific loan operating markets.

NPAs, expressed as a percentage of total assets, totaled 0.93% at September 30, 2017 and 1.37% at December 31, 2016.  The ratio of the Allowance to nonperforming loans was 124.4% at September 30, 2017 and 91.0% at December 31, 2016.  The increase in this ratio from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017 was a reflection of the decrease in nonperforming loans, as well as an increase in total assets.

The distribution of our NPAs is illustrated in the following table.  We did not have any loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
Nonaccrual Loans:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Residential mortgage
 
$
4,531
   
$
3,580
 
Commercial
   
84
     
151
 
Commercial real estate
   
160
     
2,938
 
ADC
   
318
     
269
 
Home equity/2nds
   
1,284
     
2,914
 
Consumer
   
-
     
-
 
     
6,377
     
9,852
 
                 
Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure:
               
Residential mortgage
   
287
     
393
 
Commercial
   
-
     
-
 
Commercial real estate
   
601
     
341
 
ADC
   
216
     
239
 
Home equity/2nds
   
-
     
-
 
Consumer
   
-
     
-
 
     
1,104
     
973
 
Total Nonperforming Assets
 
$
7,481
   
$
10,825
 
 
Nonaccrual loans amounted to $6.4 million, or 1.0% of total loans, at September 30, 2017 and $9.9 million, or 1.6% of total loans, at December 31, 2016.  We added six loans in the amount of $2.6 million to nonaccrual status during 2017.  Of the balance of nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2016, $2.6 million were returned to accrual status, $422,000 were charged off, $515,000 were transferred to real estate acquired through foreclosure, and $1.7 million were paid off.
 
Real estate acquired through foreclosure increased $131,000 compared to December 31, 2016. The increase in commercial real estate was primarily from one foreclosure in the amount of $515,000.

The activity in our real estate acquired through foreclosure was as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
1,015
   
$
1,112
   
$
973
   
$
1,744
 
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of loans
   
188
     
293
     
703
     
1,370
 
Write-downs and losses
   
(99
)
   
(62
)
   
(139
)
   
(149
)
Proceeds from sales
   
-
     
-
     
(433
)
   
(1,622
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
1,104
   
$
1,343
   
$
1,104
   
$
1,343
 
 
TDRs

In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, management may grant a concession for other than an insignificant period of time to the borrower that would not otherwise be considered, the related loan is classified as a TDR.

The composition of our TDRs is illustrated in the following table:
 
   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
Residential mortgage:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Nonaccrual
 
$
2,285
   
$
2,137
 
<90 days past due/current
   
13,086
     
15,886
 
Commercial real estate:
               
Nonaccrual
   
84
     
249
 
<90 days past due/current
   
1,875
     
1,914
 
ADC:
               
Nonaccrual
   
6
     
6
 
<90 days past due/current
   
138
     
170
 
Home equity/2nds:
               
Nonaccrual
   
-
     
-
 
<90 days past due/current
   
230
     
-
 
Consumer
               
Nonaccrual
   
-
     
-
 
<90 days past due/current
   
87
     
96
 
Totals
               
Nonaccrual
   
2,375
     
2,392
 
<90 days past due/current
   
15,416
     
18,066
 
   
$
17,791
   
$
20,458
 

See additional information on TDRs in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Deposits

Deposits were $593.5 million at September 30, 2017 and $571.9 million at December 31, 2016.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we obtained significant new noninterest-bearing deposits and interest-bearing checking accounts through a campaign designed to attract deposits in certain local emerging markets. The decrease in certificates of deposit (“CDs”) was due to the payoff of regularly maturing CDs.
 
The deposit breakdown is as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Balance
   
Percent
of Total
   
Balance
   
Percent
of Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Checking and savings
 
$
261,581
     
44.1
%
 
$
239,985
     
41.9
%
Certificates of deposit
   
260,396
     
43.9
%
   
273,816
     
47.9
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
   
521,977
     
88.0
%
   
513,801
     
89.8
%
Noninterest-bearing deposits
   
71,515
     
12.0
%
   
58,145
     
10.2
%
Total deposits
 
$
593,492
     
100.0
%
 
$
571,946
     
100.0
%

Borrowings

Our borrowings consist of advances from the FHLB and a term loan from a commercial bank.

The FHLB advances are available under a specific collateral pledge and security agreement, which requires that we maintain collateral for all of our borrowings equal to 30% of total assets.  Our advances from the FHLB may be in the form of short-term or long-term obligations. Short-term advances have maturities for one year or less and may contain prepayment penalties. Long-term borrowings through the FHLB have original maturities up to 15 years and generally contain prepayment penalties.

At September 30, 2017, our total credit line with the FHLB was $231.7 million. The Bank, from time to time, utilizes the line of credit when interest rates are more favorable than obtaining deposits from the public.  Our outstanding FHLB advance balance at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $90.0 million and $100.0 million, respectively.

On September 30, 2016, we entered into a loan agreement with a commercial bank whereby we borrowed $3,500,000 for a term of 8 years. The unsecured note bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% for the first 36 months then, at the option of the Company, converts to either (1) floating rate of the Wall Street Journal Prime plus 50 basis points or (2) fixed rate at two hundred seventy five (275) basis points over the five year amortizing FHLB rate for the remaining five years. Repayment terms are monthly interest only payments for the first 36 months, then quarterly principal payments of $175,000 plus interest. The loan is subject to a prepayment penalty of 1% of the principal amount prepaid during the first 36 months. If we elect the 5 year fixed rate of 275 basis points over the FHLB rate (“FHLB Rate Period”), the loan will be subject to a prepayment penalty of 2% during the first and second years of the FHLB Rate Period and 1% of the principal repaid during the third, fourth, and fifth years of the FHLB Rate Period. We may make additional principal payments from internally generated funds of up to $875,000 per year during any fixed rate period without penalty. There is no prepayment penalty during any floating rate period.
 
The following table sets forth information concerning the interest rates and maturity dates of the advances from the FHLB as of September 30, 2017:
 
Principal
Amount (in thousands)
   
Rate
   
Maturity
 
$
24,950
   
1.21% to 4.05%
   
2017
 
 
15,000
   
2.58% to 3.43%
   
2018
 
 
35,000
   
1.55% to 4.00%
   
2019
 
 
15,000
   
1.75%
 
 
2020
 
$
89,950
               

Subordinated Debentures

As of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had outstanding $20.6 million in principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities, due in 2035 (the “2035 Debentures”).  The 2035 Debentures were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of December 17, 2004 (the “2035 Indenture”) between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee.  The 2035 Debentures pay interest quarterly at a floating rate of interest of 3-month LIBOR plus 200 basis points, and mature on January 7, 2035.  Payments of principal, interest, premium and other amounts under the 2035 Debentures are subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior indebtedness of the Company, as defined in the 2035 Indenture.  The 2035 Debentures became redeemable, in whole or in part, by the Company on January 7, 2010.
 
The 2035 Debentures were issued and sold to Severn Capital Trust I (the “Trust”), of which 100% of the common equity is owned by the Company.  The Trust was formed for the purpose of issuing corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable Capital Securities (“Capital Securities”) to third-party investors and using the proceeds from the sale of such Capital Securities to purchase the 2035 Debentures.  The 2035 Debentures held by the Trust are the sole assets of the Trust.  Distributions on the Capital Securities issued by the Trust are payable quarterly at a rate per annum equal to the interest rate being earned by the Trust on the 2035 Debentures.  The Capital Securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the 2035 Debentures.   We have entered into an agreement which, taken collectively, fully and unconditionally guarantees the Capital Securities subject to the terms of the guarantee.

Under the terms of the 2035 Debenture, we are permitted to defer the payment of interest on the 2035 Debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods, provided that no event of default has occurred and is continuing.  As of December 31, 2015, we had deferred the payment of fifteen quarters of interest and the cumulative amount of interest in arrears not paid, including interest on unpaid interest, was $1,863,000.  During the third quarter of 2016, we paid all of the deferred interest and as of September 30, 2017, we were current on all interest due on the 2035 Debenture.

Capital Resources

Total stockholders’ equity increased $4.1 million to $92.0 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $87.9 million as of December 31, 2016.  The increase was principally the result of 2017 net income and stock issuance related to the purchase of the Title Company.

Series A Preferred Stock

On November 15, 2008, the Company completed a private placement offering consisting of a total of 70 units, at an offering price of $100,000 per unit, for gross proceeds of $7,000,000. Each unit consists of 6,250 shares of the Company’s Series A 8.0% Non-Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Dividends will not be paid on our common stock in any quarter until the dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock has been paid for such quarter; however, there is no requirement that our Board of Directors declare any dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and any unpaid dividends are not cumulative.

Series B Preferred Stock

On November 21, 2008, we entered into an agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which we issued and sold (i) shares of our Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) and (ii) a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 556,976 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share.  As of December 31, 2016, the Company had redeemed all outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock. At September 30, 2017 the Treasury continues to hold the Warrant.

The Warrant has a 10-year term and is immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $6.30 per share of Common Stock.  The exercise price and number of shares subject to the Warrant are both subject to anti-dilution adjustments.  Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Warrant. The warrant expires November 11, 2018.

Capital Adequacy

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary, actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings, and other factors. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject and meets the qualifications to be considered “well capitalized.”  See details of our capital ratios in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity

Liquidity describes our ability to meet financial obligations, including lending commitments and contingencies, which arise during the normal course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of our customers, to fund the operations of our mortgage-banking business, as well as to meet current and planned expenditures. These cash requirements are met on a daily basis through the inflow of deposit funds, the maintenance of short-term overnight investments, maturities and calls in our securities portfolio, and available lines of credit with the FHLB, which requires pledged collateral. Fluctuations in deposit and short-term borrowing balances may be influenced by the interest rates paid, general consumer confidence, and the overall economic environment. There can be no assurances that deposit withdrawals and loan fundings will not exceed all available sources of liquidity on a short-term basis. Such a situation would have an adverse effect on our ability to originate new loans and maintain reasonable loan and deposit interest rates, which would negatively impact earnings.
 
Our principal sources of liquidity are loan repayments, maturing investments, deposits, borrowed funds, and proceeds from loans sold on the secondary market. The levels of such sources are dependent on the Bank’s operating, financing, and investing activities at any given time.  We consider core deposits stable funding sources and include all deposits, except time deposits of $100,000 or more.  The Bank’s experience has been that a substantial portion of certificates of deposit renew at time of maturity and remain on deposit with the Bank.  Additionally, loan payments, maturities, deposit growth, and earnings contribute to our flow of funds.

In addition to our ability to generate deposits, we have external sources of funds, which may be drawn upon when desired.  The primary source of external liquidity is an available line of credit with the FHLB.  The Bank’s total credit availability under the FHLB’s credit availability program was $231.7 million at September 30, 2017, of which $90.0 million was outstanding.

The borrowing requirements of customers include commitments to extend credit and the unused portion of lines of credit (collectively “commitments”), which totaled $101.4 million at September 30, 2017. Historically, many of the commitments expire without being fully drawn; therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. As of September 30, 2017, we had $72.0 million in unadvanced construction commitments, which we expect to fund from the sources of liquidity described above.  These amounts do not include undisbursed lines of credit, home equity lines of credit, and standby letters of credit, in the aggregate amount of $29.2 million at September 30, 2017, which we anticipate we will be able to fund, if required, from these liquidity sources in the regular course of business.

Customer withdrawals are also a principal use of liquidity, but are generally mitigated by growth in customer funding sources, such as deposits and short-term borrowings.

In addition to the foregoing, the payment of dividends is a use of cash, but is not expected to have a material effect on liquidity.  As of September 30, 2017, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

Our ability to acquire deposits or borrow could be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole.  At September 30, 2017, management considered the Company’s liquidity level to be sufficient for the purposes of meeting our cash flow requirements.  We are not aware of any undisclosed known trends, demands, commitments, or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to result in material changes in our liquidity.

We anticipate that our primary sources of liquidity over the next twelve months will be from loan repayments, maturing investments, deposit growth, and borrowed funds. We believe that these sources of liquidity will be sufficient for us to meet our liquidity needs over the next twelve months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Derivatives

We enter into off-balance sheet arrangements in the normal course of business. These arrangements consist primarily of commitments to extend credit, lines of credit, and letters of credit. In addition, we have certain operating lease obligations.

Credit Commitments

Credit commitments are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition to the contract. Loan commitments generally have interest rates fixed at current market amounts, fixed expiration dates, and may require payment of a fee. Lines of credit generally have variable interest rates. Such lines do not represent future cash requirements because it is unlikely that all customers will draw upon their lines in full at any time. Letters of credit are commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.

Our exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower is the contract amount of the commitment. Loan commitments, lines of credit, and letters of credit are made on the same terms, including collateral, as outstanding loans. We are not aware of any accounting loss we would incur by funding our commitments.

See detailed information on credit commitments above under “Liquidity.”

Derivatives

We maintain and account for derivatives, in the form of interest-rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”) , mandatory forward contracts, and best effort forward contracts, in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance on accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  We recognize gains and losses on IRLCs, mandatory forward contracts, and best effort forward contracts on the loan pipeline through mortgage-banking revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
IRLCs on mortgage loans that we intend to sell in the secondary market are considered derivatives. We are exposed to price risk from the time a mortgage loan closes until the time the loan is sold.  The period of time between issuance of a loan commitment and closing and sale of the loan generally ranges from 14 days to 60 days. For these IRLCs, we attempt to protect the Bank from changes in interest rates through the use of best efforts and mandatory forward contracts.

Information pertaining to the carrying amounts of our derivative financial instruments follows:
 
   
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Notional
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Notional
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Asset - IRLCs
 
$
2,329
   
$
42
   
$
9,725
   
$
162
 
Asset - Mandatory forward contracts
   
4,731
     
7
     
10,302
     
153
 
Asset - Best effort forward contracts
   
2,329
     
6
     
-
     
-
 
 
Inflation

The consolidated financial statements and related consolidated financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and practices within the banking industry which require the measurement of financial condition and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.  As a financial institution, virtually all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and interest rates have a more significant impact on our performance than the effects of general levels of inflation.  A prolonged period of inflation could cause interest rates, wages, and other costs to increase and could adversely affect our results of operations unless mitigated by a corresponding increase in our revenues. However, we believe that the impact of inflation on our operations was not material in 2017 or 2016.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The principal objective of the Company’s interest rate risk management is to evaluate the interest rate risk included in balance sheet accounts, determine the level of risks appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital and liquidity requirements, and performance objectives, and manage the risk consistent with our interest rate risk management policy.  Through this management, we seek to reduce the vulnerability of our operations to changes in interest rates.  The Board of Directors of the Company is responsible for reviewing our asset/liability policy and interest rate risk position. The Board of Directors reviews the interest rate risk position on a quarterly basis and, in connection with this review, evaluates the Company’s business activities and strategies, the effect of those strategies on the Company’s net interest margin and the effect that changes in interest rates will have on the loan portfolio.  While continuous movement of interest rates is certain, the extent and timing of these movements is not always predictable.  Any movement in interest rates has an effect on our profitability.   We face the risk that rising interest rates could cause the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, to rise faster than the yield on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments. Our interest rate spread and interest rate margin also may be negatively impacted in a declining interest rate environment even though we generally borrow at short-term interest rates and lend at longer-term interest rates.  This is because loans and other interest-earning assets may be prepaid and replaced with lower yielding assets before the supporting interest-bearing liabilities reprice downward. Our interest rate margin may also be negatively impacted in a flat or inverse-yield curve environment.  Mortgage origination activity tends to increase when interest rates trend lower and decrease when interest rates rise.

Our primary strategy to control interest rate risk is to strive to balance our loan origination activities with the interest rate market. We attempt to maintain a substantial portion of our loan portfolio in short-term loans such as construction loans.  This has proven to be an effective hedge against rapid increases in interest rates as the construction loan portfolio reprices rapidly.

The matching of maturity or repricing of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent to which these assets and liabilities are interest rate sensitive and by monitoring the Bank’s interest rate sensitivity gap.  An interest-earning asset or interest-bearing liability is interest rate sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period. The difference between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities represents the Bank’s interest sensitivity gap. At September 30, 2017, we had a one-year cumulative negative gap of approximately $159.2 million.
 
Exposure to interest rate risk is actively monitored by management.  The objective is to maintain a consistent level of profitability within acceptable risk tolerances across a broad range of potential interest rate environments. We use the PROFITstar® model to monitor our exposure to interest rate risk, which calculates changes in the economic value of equity (“EVE”).
 
The following table represents our EVE as of September 30, 2017:
 
Change in Rates
   
Amount
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
     
(dollars in thousands)
       
+400
bp
 
$
160,130
   
$
(16,836
)
   
-9.51
%
+300
bp
   
166,030
     
(10,936
)
   
-6.18
%
+200
bp
   
170,894
     
(6,072
)
   
-3.43
%
+100
bp
   
174,580
     
(2,386
)
   
-1.35
%
0
bp
   
176,966
                 
-100
bp
   
176,569
     
(397
)
   
-0.22
%
-200
bp
   
169,398
     
(7,568
)
   
-4.28
%
 
The preceding income simulation analysis does not represent a forecast of actual results and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results.  These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions, which are subject to change, including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including the yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and others.  Also, as market conditions vary, prepayment/refinancing levels, the varying impact of interest rate changes on caps and floors embedded in adjustable-rate loans, early withdrawal of deposits, changes in product preferences, and other internal/external variables will likely deviate from those assumed.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated, as of the last day of the period covered by this report, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Act of 1934) during the three months ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, we are party to litigation arising from the banking, financial, and other activities we conduct.  Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the ultimate liability, if any, arising from these matters will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results, or liquidity as of September 30, 2017.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

The risks and uncertainties to which our financial condition and operations are subject are discussed in detail in Item 1A of Part I of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Severn Bancorp for the year ended December 31, 2016.  There has been no material change in our risk factors since the filing of our December 31, 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

None.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
None.

Item 6.
Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
101
 
The following financial statements from the Severn Bancorp, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as of September 30, 2017 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Accumulated Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
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The following financial statements from the Severn Bancorp, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as of September 30, 2017 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Accumulated Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
SIGNATURES

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

 
SEVERN BANCORP, INC.
 
     
November 14, 2017
/s/ Alan J. Hyatt
 
 
Alan J. Hyatt, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
November 14, 2017
/s/ Paul B. Susie
 
 
Paul B. Susie,
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
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