10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

OR

 

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

Commission File Number: 001-13901

 

 

 

LOGO

AMERIS BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

GEORGIA   58-1456434
(State of incorporation)   (IRS Employer ID No.)

310 FIRST STREET, S.E., MOULTRIE, GA 31768

(Address of principal executive offices)

(229) 890-1111

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

 

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

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

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

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

There were 32,184,976 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 30, 2015.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

AMERIS BANCORP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1.  

Financial Statements

  
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014

     3   
 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March  31, 2015 and 2014

     4   
 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March  31, 2015 and 2014

     5   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

     6   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     8   
Item 2.  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     50   
Item 3.  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     75   
Item 4.  

Controls and Procedures

     75   
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.  

Legal Proceedings

     76   
Item 1A.  

Risk Factors

     76   
Item 2.  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     76   
Item 3.  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     76   
Item 4.  

Mine Safety Disclosures

     76   
Item 5.  

Other Information

     76   
Item 6.  

Exhibits

     76   
Signatures        76   

 

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Table of Contents
Item 1. Financial Statements

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    March 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited)     (Audited)     (Unaudited)  

Assets

      

Cash and due from banks

   $ 80,142      $ 78,036      $ 71,387   

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts

     126,157        92,323        48,677   

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

     610,330        541,805        456,713   

Other investments

     8,636        10,275        9,322   

Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value

     73,796        94,759        51,693   

Loans, net of unearned income

     1,999,420        1,889,881        1,695,382   

Purchased loans not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements (“purchased non-covered loans”)

     643,092        674,239        437,269   

Purchased loans covered by FDIC loss-share agreements (“covered loans”)

     245,745        271,279        372,694   

Less: allowance for loan losses

     (21,852     (21,157     (22,744
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans, net

  2,866,405      2,814,242      2,482,601   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other real estate owned

  32,339      33,160      33,839   

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned, net

  13,818      15,585      3,864   

Covered other real estate owned, net

  16,089      19,907      42,636   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other real estate owned, net

  62,246      68,652      80,339   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premises and equipment, net

  98,292      97,251      87,430   

FDIC loss-share receivable

  23,312      31,351      53,181   

Other intangible assets, net

  7,591      8,221      5,477   

Goodwill

  63,547      63,547      35,049   

Cash value of bank owned life insurance

  59,212      58,867      49,738   

Other assets

  73,238      77,748      56,377   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

$ 4,152,904    $ 4,037,077    $ 3,487,984   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Liabilities

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing

$ 967,015    $ 839,377    $ 698,866   

Interest-bearing

  2,513,216      2,591,772      2,311,781   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deposits

  3,480,231      3,431,149      3,010,647   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  55,520      73,310      49,974   

Other borrowings

  43,851      78,881      59,677   

Other liabilities

  17,952      22,384      12,028   

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

  65,567      65,325      55,628   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  3,663,121      3,671,049      3,187,954   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred stock, stated value $1,000; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding

  —        —        —     

Common stock, par value $1; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 33,592,585; 28,159,027 and 26,535,571 shares issued

  33,593      28,159      26,536   

Capital surplus

  335,578      225,015      190,513   

Retained earnings

  126,566      118,412      92,055   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  6,353      6,098      2,374   

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,410,442; 1,385,164 and 1,376,498 shares

  (12,307   (11,656   (11,448
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

  489,783      366,028      300,030   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 4,152,904    $ 4,037,077    $ 3,487,984   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
     2015     2014  

Interest income

    

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 38,618      $ 34,469   

Interest on taxable securities

     3,153        2,985   

Interest on nontaxable securities

     469        335   

Interest on deposits in other banks and federal funds sold

     128        84   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest income

  42,368      37,873   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense

Interest on deposits

  2,280      2,183   

Interest on other borrowings

  1,256      1,206   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

  3,536      3,389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

  38,832      34,484   

Provision for loan losses

  1,069      1,726   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

  37,763      32,758   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noninterest income

Service charges on deposit accounts

  6,429      5,586   

Mortgage banking activity

  8,083      5,068   

Other service charges, commissions and fees

  668      652   

Gain on sale of securities

  12      6   

Other noninterest income

  2,383      1,442   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noninterest income

  17,575      12,754   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noninterest expense

Salaries and employee benefits

  20,632      17,394   

Occupancy and equipment expense

  4,554      4,064   

Advertising and marketing expense

  641      710   

Amortization of intangible assets

  630      533   

Data processing and communications costs

  4,260      3,454   

Credit resolution related expenses

  3,161      2,190   

Merger and conversion charges

  15      450   

Other noninterest expenses

  6,934      4,444   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noninterest expense

  40,827      33,239   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

  14,511      12,273   

Income tax expense

  4,747      3,923   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  9,764      8,350   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less preferred stock dividends and discount accretion

  —        286   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

  9,764      8,064   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Unrealized holding gains arising during period on investment securities available for sale, net of tax of $350 and $1,582

  650      2,938   

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in earnings, net of tax of $4 and $2

  (8   (4

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges arising during period , net of tax of $208 and $143

  (387   (266
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

  255      2,668   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

  10,019      11,018   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings per common share

$ 0.32    $ 0.32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

$ 0.05    $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

Basic

  30,443      25,144   

Diluted

  30,796      25,573   

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

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AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
     March 31, 2015     March 31, 2014  
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

PREFERRED STOCK

        

Balance at beginning of period

     —        $ —          28,000      $ 28,000   

Repurchase of preferred stock

     —          —          (28,000     (28,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  —      $ —        —      $ —     

COMMON STOCK

Balance at beginning of period

  28,159,027    $ 28,159      26,461,769    $ 26,462   

Issuance of common shares

  5,320,000      5,320      —        —     

Issuance of restricted shares

  71,000      71      68,047      68   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  42,558      43      5,755      6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  33,592,585    $ 33,593      26,535,571    $ 26,536   

CAPITAL SURPLUS

Balance at beginning of period

$ 225,015    $ 189,722   

Stock-based compensation

  380      795   

Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs of $4,811

  109,569      (68

Issuance of restricted shares

  (71   (68

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  685      64   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$ 335,578    $ 190,513   

RETAINED EARNINGS

Balance at beginning of period

$ 118,412    $ 83,991   

Net income

  9,764      8,350   

Dividends on preferred shares

  —        (286

Dividends on common shares

  (1,610   —     
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$ 126,566    $ 92,055   

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX

Unrealized gains on securities and derivatives:

Balance at beginning of period

$ 6,098    $ (294

Other comprehensive income during the period

  255      2,668   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$ 6,353    $ 2,374   

TREASURY STOCK

Balance at beginning of period

  (1,385,164 $ (11,656   (1,363,342 $ (11,182

Purchase of treasury shares

  (25,278   (651   (13,156   (266
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  (1,410,442 $ (12,307   (1,376,498 $ (11,448
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$ 489,783    $ 300,030   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
     2015     2014  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 9,764      $ 8,350   

Adjustments reconciling net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation

     1,938        1,871   

Amortization of intangible assets

     630        532   

Net amortization of investment securities available for sale

     1,158        808   

Net gains on securities available for sale

     (12     (6

Stock based compensation expense

     380        795   

Net (gains) losses on sale or disposal of premises and equipment

     89        (18

Net write-downs and losses on sale of other real estate owned

     1,834        921   

Provision for loan losses

     1,069        1,726   

Accretion of discount on covered loans

     (4,466     (9,767

Accretion of discount on purchased non-covered loans

     (3,111     (1,023

Changes in FDIC loss-share receivable, net of cash payments received

     3,899        5,487   

Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI

     (345     (306

Originations of mortgage loans held for sale

     (186,332     (131,959

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale

     195,554        139,503   

Originations of SBA loans

     (17,185     (8,039

Proceeds from sales of SBA loans

     8,163        1,057   

Net gains on sale of SBA loans

     (909     (134

Change attributable to other operating activities

     170        2,795   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  12,288      12,593   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

Net decrease (increase) in federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits

  (33,834   156,307   

Purchase of securities available for sale

  (89,811   (46,690

Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale

  16,022      11,026   

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

  5,118      68,899   

Decrease in restricted equity securities, net

  1,639      7,506   

Net increase in loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans

  (90,716   (61,369

Payments received on purchased non-covered loans

  32,920      12,439   

Payments received on covered loans

  25,958      18,070   

Purchases of premises and equipment

  (2,999   (464

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment

  173      55   

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned

  9,340      8,932   

Payments received from FDIC under loss-share agreements

  6,390      6,773   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  (119,800   181,484   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net increase in deposits

  49,082      11,416   

Net decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  (17,790   (33,542

Proceeds from other borrowings

  —        29,963   

Repayment of other borrowings

  (35,030   (165,000

Redemption of preferred stock

  —        (28,000

Dividends paid - preferred stock

  —        (286

Dividends paid - common

  (1,610   —     

Purchase of treasury shares

  (651   (266

Issuance of common stock

  114,889      —     

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  728      70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  109,618      (185,645
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
     2015     2014  

Net increase in cash and due from banks

     2,106        8,432   

Cash and due from banks at beginning of period

     78,036        62,955   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks at end of period

$ 80,142    $ 71,387   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INFORMATION

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest

$ 3,741    $ 3,463   

Income taxes

$ 215    $ —     

Loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans) transferred to other real estate owned

$ 2,444    $ 2,554   

Purchased non-covered loans transferred to other real estate owned

$ 1,094    $ 68   

Covered loans transferred to other real estate owned

$ 1,230    $ 4,925   

Loans provided for the sales of other real estate owned

$ 1,573    $ 333   

Change in unrealized gain on securities available for sale

$ 642    $ 2,934   

Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge (interest rate swap)

$ (387 $ (266

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

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AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Ameris Bancorp (the “Company” or “Ameris”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia. Ameris conducts substantially all of its operations through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Ameris Bank (the “Bank”). At March 31, 2015 the Bank operated 73 branches in select markets in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. Our business model capitalizes on the efficiencies of a large financial services company while still providing the community with the personalized banking service expected by our customers. We manage our Bank through a balance of decentralized management responsibilities and efficient centralized operating systems, products and loan underwriting standards. The Company’s Board of Directors and senior managers establish corporate policy, strategy and administrative policies. Within our established guidelines and policies, the banker closest to the customer responds to the differing needs and demands of his or her unique market.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for Ameris have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statement presentation. The interim consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited but reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto and the report of our registered independent public accounting firm included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2015-03 – Interest – Imputation of Interest (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 simplifies presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. It should be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

ASU 2015-02 “Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” ASU 2015-02 includes amendments that are intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation for legal entities including reducing the number of consolidation models from four to two and simplifying the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. ASU 2015-02 is effective for annual and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments may be applied retrospectively in previously issued financial statements for one or more years with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first year restated. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

ASU 2015-01- Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (“ASU 2015-01”). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of extraordinary items by no longer allowing companies to segregate an extraordinary item from the results of operations, separately present an extraordinary item on the income statement, or disclose income taxes or earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. ASU 2015-01 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

ASU 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective prospectively, for annual and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

 

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NOTE 2 – PENDING MERGER AND ACQUISITIONS

On January 28, 2015, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Merchants & Southern Banks of Florida, Incorporated, a Florida corporation (“Merchants”), and Dennis R. O’Neil, the sole shareholder of Merchants. Merchants and Southern Bank is a wholly owned banking subsidiary of Merchants that has a total of thirteen banking locations in Alachua, Marion and Clay Counties, Florida. Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company will purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Merchants for a total purchase price of $50,000,000. As of December 31, 2014, Merchants reported assets of $473 million, gross loans of $214 million and deposits of $336 million. The purchase price will be allocated among the net assets of Merchants acquired as appropriate, with the remaining balance being reported as goodwill. Consummation of the acquisition is subject to customary conditions. The Company has received regulatory approval and expects to close the transaction on May 22, 2015.

On January 28, 2015, the Bank entered into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement (the “P&A Agreement”) with Bank of America, National Association pursuant to which the Bank has agreed to purchase, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the P&A Agreement, eighteen branches of Bank of America, National Association located in Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Suwanee and Walton Counties, Florida and Ben Hill, Colquitt, Dougherty, Laurens, Liberty, Thomas, Tift and Ware Counties, Georgia. The Bank will assume an estimated $864 million of deposits at a deposit premium of 3.00 percent based on deposit balances near the time the transaction closes and is expected to record a core deposit intangible asset related to the deposits. The Bank will also acquire an immaterial amount of performing loans and premise and equipment as part of the transaction. Consummation of the acquisition is subject to customary conditions. The Company has received regulatory approvals and expects to close the transaction on June 12, 2015.

NOTE 3 – BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On June 30, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of The Coastal Bankshares, Inc. (“Coastal”), a bank holding company headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. Upon consummation of the acquisition, Coastal was merged with and into the Company, with Ameris as the surviving entity in the merger. At that time, Coastal’s wholly owned banking subsidiary, The Coastal Bank (“Coastal Bank”), was also merged with and into the Bank. The acquisition grew the Company’s existing market presence, as Coastal Bank had a total of six banking locations in Chatham, Liberty and Effingham Counties, Georgia. Coastal’s common shareholders received 0.4671 of a share of the Company’s common stock in exchange for each share of Coastal’s common stock. As a result, the Company issued 1,598,998 common shares at a fair value of $34.5 million and paid $2.8 million cash in exchange for outstanding warrants.

The acquisition of Coastal was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations. Assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values. Determining the fair value of assets and liabilities is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values. Fair values are preliminary and subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information regarding the closing date fair values becomes available. During the third quarter of 2014, management revised its initial estimates regarding the valuation of other real estate owned. In addition, during the third and fourth quarters of 2014, management continued its assessment and recorded the deferred tax assets resulting from differences in the carrying values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes. This estimate also reflects acquired net operating loss carryforwards and other acquired assets with built-in losses that are expected to be settled or otherwise recovered in future periods where the realization of such benefits would be subject to applicable limitations under Sections 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Management continues to evaluate fair value adjustments related to deferred tax assets, pending the filing of the final tax return for Coastal.

 

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The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities of Coastal assumed as of June 30, 2014 and their fair value estimates:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)    As Recorded by
Coastal
    Initial Fair
Value
Adjustments
    Subsequent
Fair Value
Adjustments
    As Recorded
by Ameris
 

Assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,895      $ —        $ —        $ 3,895   

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing balances

     15,923        —          —          15,923   

Investment securities

     67,266        (500 )(a)      —          66,766   

Other investments

     975        —          —          975   

Mortgage loans held for sale

     7,288        —          —          7,288   

Loans

     296,141        (16,700 )(b)      —          279,441   

Less allowance for loan losses

     (3,218     3,218 (c)      —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans, net

  292,923      (13,482   —        279,441   

Other real estate owned

  14,992      (3,528 )(d)    (2,600 )(g)    8,864   

Premises and equipment

  11,882      —        —        11,882   

Intangible assets

  507      4,266 (e)    (231 )(h)    4,542   

Cash value of bank owned life insurance

  7,812      —        —        7,812   

Other assets

  14,898      —        (752 )(i)    14,146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

$ 438,361    $ (13,244 $ (3,583 $ 421,534   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing

$ 80,012    $ —      $ —      $ 80,012   

Interest-bearing

  289,012      —        —        289,012   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deposits

  369,024      —        —        369,024   

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  5,428      —        —        5,428   

Other borrowings

  22,005      —        —        22,005   

Other liabilities

  6,192      —        —        6,192   

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

  15,465      (6,413 )(f)    —        9,052   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  418,114      (6,413   —        411,701   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net identifiable assets acquired over (under) liabilities assumed

  20,247      (6,831   (3,583   9,833   

Goodwill

  —        23,854      3,583      27,437   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired over (under) liabilities assumed

$ 20,247    $ 17,023    $ —      $ 37,270   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consideration:

Ameris Bancorp common shares issued

  1,598,998   

Purchase price per share of the Company’s common stock

$ 21.56   
  

 

 

       

Company common stock issued

  34,474   

Cash exchanged for shares

  2,796   
  

 

 

       

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 37,270   
  

 

 

       

 

Explanation of fair value adjustments

(a) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments of the available for sale portfolio as of the acquisition date.
(b) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired loan portfolio.
(c) Adjustment reflects the elimination of Coastal’s allowance for loan losses.
(d) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired OREO portfolio.
(e) Adjustment reflects the recording of core deposit intangible on the acquired core deposit accounts.

 

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(f) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment to the subordinated deferrable interest debentures at the acquisition date.
(g) Adjustment reflects the additional fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired OREO portfolio.
(h) Adjustment reflects final recording of core deposit intangible on the acquired core deposit accounts.
(i) Adjustment reflects the deferred taxes on the difference in the carrying values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their basis for federal income tax purposes.

Goodwill of $27.4 million, which is the excess of the merger consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired, was recorded in the Coastal acquisition and is the result of expected operational synergies and other factors. This goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The results of operations of Coastal subsequent to the acquisition date are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The following unaudited pro forma information reflects the Company’s estimated consolidated results of operations as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014, unadjusted for potential cost savings (in thousands).

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,
2014
 

Net interest income and noninterest income

   $ 52,590   

Net income

   $ 9,052   

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 8,766   

Income per common share available to common stockholders – basic

   $ 0.33   

Income per common share available to common stockholders – diluted

   $ 0.32   

Average number of shares outstanding, basic

     26,743   

Average number of shares outstanding, diluted

     27,172   

In the acquisition, the Company purchased $279.4 million of loans at fair value, net of $16.7 million, or 5.64%, estimated discount to the outstanding principal balance. Of the total loans acquired, management identified $29.3 million that were considered to be credit impaired and are accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30. The table below summarizes the total contractually required principal and interest cash payment, management’s estimate of expected total cash payments and fair value of the loans as of acquisition date for purchased credit impaired loans. Contractually required principal and interest payment have been adjusted for estimated prepayments.

 

Contractually required principal and interest

   $ 38,194   

Non-accretable difference

     (5,632
  

 

 

 

Cash flows expected to be collected

  32,562   

Accretable yield

  (3,282
  

 

 

 

Total purchased credit-impaired loans acquired

$ 29,280   
  

 

 

 

A rollforward of purchased non-covered loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014 is shown below:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Balance, January 1

   $ 674,239       $ 448,753       $ 448,753   

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

     (244      (84      —     

Additions due to acquisitions

     —           279,441         —     

Accretion

     3,111         9,745         1,023   

Transfers to purchased non-covered other real estate owned

     (1,094      (4,160      (68

Transfer from covered loans due to loss-share expiration

     —           15,475         —     

Payments received

     (32,920      (74,931      (12,439
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 643,092    $ 674,239    $ 437,269   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following is a summary of changes in the accretable discounts of purchased non-covered loans during the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Balance, January 1

   $ 25,716       $ 26,189       $ 26,189   

Additions due to acquisitions

     —           7,799         —     

Accretion

     (3,111      (9,745      (1,023

Transfers between non-accretable and accretable discounts, net

     (2,376      1,473         2,680   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 20,229    $ 25,716    $ 27,846   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The Company’s investment policy blends the Company’s liquidity needs and interest rate risk management with its desire to increase income and provide funds for expected growth in loans. The investment securities portfolio consists primarily of U.S. government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and agencies; state, county and municipal securities and corporate debt securities. The Company’s portfolio and investing philosophy concentrate activities in obligations where the credit risk is limited. For the small portion of the Company’s portfolio found to present credit risk, the Company has reviewed the investments and financial performance of the obligors and believes the credit risk to be acceptable.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 are presented below:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

March 31, 2015:

           

U.S. government agencies

   $ 14,954       $ 72       $ (42    $ 14,984   

State, county and municipal securities

     154,499         4,800         (235      159,064   

Corporate debt securities

     10,794         193         (52      10,935   

Mortgage-backed securities

     420,497         6,185         (1,335      425,347   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

$ 600,744    $ 11,250    $ (1,664 $ 610,330   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2014:

U.S. government agencies

$ 14,953    $ —      $ (275 $ 14,678   

State, county and municipal securities

  137,873      3,935      (433   141,375   

Corporate debt securities

  10,812      228      —        11,040   

Mortgage-backed securities

  369,581      6,534      (1,403   374,712   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

$ 533,219    $ 10,697    $ (2,111 $ 541,805   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

March 31, 2014:

U.S. government agencies

$ 14,948    $ —      $ (803 $ 14,145   

State, county and municipal securities

  110,331      2,724      (1,481   111,574   

Corporate debt securities

  10,307      285      (209   10,383   

Mortgage-backed securities

  319,216      4,244      (2,849   320,611   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

$ 454,802    $ 7,253    $ (5,342 $ 456,713   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity are summarized in the table below. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because in certain cases borrowers can prepay obligations without prepayment penalties. Therefore, these securities are shown separately in the following maturity summary.

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Due in one year or less

   $ 8,588       $ 8,667   

Due from one year to five years

     42,345         43,706   

Due from five to ten years

     60,795         62,690   

Due after ten years

     68,519         69,920   

Mortgage-backed securities

     420,497         425,347   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 600,744    $ 610,330   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Securities with a carrying value of approximately $426.6 million serve as collateral to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law at March 31, 2015, compared to $286.6 million and $295.7 million at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively.

The following table details the gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities aggregated by category and duration of the continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014.

 

     Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
Description of Securities    Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

March 31, 2015:

               

U.S. government agencies

   $ —         $ —        $ 4,958       $ (42   $ 4,958       $ (42

State, county and municipal securities

     4,675         (34     10,579         (201     15,254         (235

Corporate debt securities

     5,007         (52     —           —          5,007         (52

Mortgage-backed securities

     46,361         (378     31,483         (957     77,844         (1,335
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

$ 56,043    $ (464 $ 47,020    $ (1,200 $ 103,063    $ (1,664
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2014:

U.S. government agencies

$ —      $ —      $ 14,678    $ (275 $ 14,678    $ (275

State, county and municipal securities

  15,038      (70   19,665      (363   34,703      (433

Corporate debt securities

  —        —        —        —        —        —     

Mortgage-backed securities

  36,760      (221   46,812      (1,182   83,572      (1,403
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

$ 51,798    $ (291 $ 81,155    $ (1,820 $ 132,953    $ (2,111
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

March 31, 2014:

U.S. government agencies

$ 9,353    $ (595 $ 4,792    $ (208 $ 14,145    $ (803

State, county and municipal securities

  38,937      (1,238   3,612      (243   42,549      (1,481

Corporate debt securities

  —        —        4,871      (209   4,871      (209

Mortgage-backed securities

  55,103      (1,219   31,184      (1,630   86,287      (2,849
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

$ 103,393    $ (3,052 $ 44,459    $ (2,290 $ 147,852    $ (5,342
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2015, the Company’s security portfolio consisted of 346 securities, 48 of which were in an unrealized loss position. The majority of unrealized losses are related to the Company’s mortgage-backed and state, county and municipal securities, as discussed below.

At March 31, 2015, the Company held 35 mortgage-backed securities that were in an unrealized loss position, all of which were issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality, and because the Company does not have the intent to sell these mortgage-backed securities and it is likely that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015.

 

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Table of Contents

At March 31, 2015, the Company held 11 state, county and municipal securities, one U.S. government-sponsored agency security, and one corporate security that were in an unrealized loss position. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates, and not credit quality, and because the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is likely that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015.

During the first three months of 2015 and 2014, the Company received timely and current interest and principal payments on all of the securities classified as corporate debt securities, except for one security that began deferring interest during the fourth quarter of 2010. The Company’s investments in subordinated debt include investments in regional and super-regional banks on which the Company prepares regular analysis through review of financial information and credit ratings. Investments in preferred securities are also concentrated in the preferred obligations of regional and super-regional banks through non-pooled investment structures. The Company did not have investments in “pooled” trust preferred securities at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 or March 31, 2014.

Management and the Company’s Asset and Liability Committee (the “ALCO Committee”) evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. While the majority of the unrealized losses on debt securities relate to changes in interest rates, corporate debt securities have also been affected by reduced levels of liquidity and higher risk premiums. Occasionally, management engages independent third parties to evaluate the Company’s position in certain corporate debt securities to aid management and the ALCO Committee in its determination regarding the status of impairment. The Company believes that each investment poses minimal credit risk and further, that the Company does not intend to sell these investment securities at an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery or maturity. Therefore, at March 31, 2015, these investments are not considered impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.

At March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, all of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities were obligations of government-sponsored agencies.

The following table is a summary of sales activities in the Company’s investment securities available for sale for the three months ended March 31, 2015, year ended December 31, 2014 and three months ended March 31, 2014:

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014      March 31, 2014  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Gross gains on sales of securities

   $ 31       $ 141       $ 8   

Gross losses on sales of securities

     (19      (3      (2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gains on sales of securities available for sale

$ 12    $ 138    $ 6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sales proceeds

$ 5,118    $ 94,051    $ 68,899   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 5 - LOANS

The Company engages in a full complement of lending activities, including real estate-related loans, agriculture-related loans, commercial and financial loans and consumer installment loans within select markets in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. Ameris concentrates the majority of its lending activities in real estate loans. While the risk of loss in the Company’s portfolio is primarily tied to the credit quality of the various borrowers, risk of loss may increase due to factors beyond the Company’s control, such as local, regional and/or national economic downturns. General conditions in the real estate market may also impact the relative risk in the real estate portfolio.

Commercial, financial and agricultural loans include both secured and unsecured loans for working capital, expansion, crop production and other business purposes. Short-term working capital loans are secured by non-real estate collateral such as accounts receivable, crops, inventory and equipment. The Company evaluates the financial strength, cash flow, management, credit history of the borrower and the quality of the collateral securing the loan. The Bank often requires personal guarantees and secondary sources of repayment on commercial, financial and agricultural loans.

Real estate loans include construction and development loans, commercial and farmland loans and residential loans. Construction and development loans include loans for the development of residential neighborhoods, one-to-four family residential construction loans to builders and consumers, and commercial real estate construction loans, primarily for owner-occupied properties. The Company limits its construction lending risk through adherence to established underwriting procedures. Commercial real estate loans include loans secured by owner-occupied commercial buildings for office, storage, retail, farmland and warehouse space. They also include non-owner occupied commercial buildings such as leased retail and office space. Commercial real estate loans may be larger in size and may involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. Payments on such loans are often dependent on successful operation or management of the properties. The Company’s residential loans represent permanent mortgage financing and are secured by residential properties located within the Bank’s market areas.

Consumer installment loans and other loans include automobile loans, boat and recreational vehicle financing, and secured and unsecured personal loans. Consumer loans carry greater risks than other loans, as the collateral can consist of rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles and equipment that may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the loan in the case of default.

Loans are stated at unpaid balances, net of unearned income and deferred loan fees. Balances within the major loan categories are presented in the following table:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 334,917       $ 319,654       $ 270,571   

Real estate – construction and development

     178,568         161,507         149,543   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     947,274         907,524         836,230   

Real estate – residential

     496,043         456,106         393,001   

Consumer installment

     29,113         30,782         32,345   

Other

     13,505         14,308         13,692   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1,999,420    $ 1,889,881    $ 1,695,382   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Purchased non-covered loans are defined as loans that were acquired in bank acquisitions that are not covered by a loss-sharing agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Purchased non-covered loans totaling $643.1 million, $674.2 million and $437.3 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively, are not included in the above schedule.

Purchased non-covered loans are shown below according to major loan type as of the end of the periods shown:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 36,258       $ 38,041       $ 30,810   

Real estate – construction and development

     53,668         58,362         31,820   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     291,760         306,706         174,281   

Real estate – residential

     257,216         266,342         196,078   

Consumer installment

     4,190         4,788         4,280   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 643,092    $ 674,239    $ 437,269   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Covered loans are defined as loans that were acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions that are covered by a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC. Covered loans totaling $245.7 million, $271.3 million and $372.7 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively, are not included in the above schedules.

Covered loans are shown below according to loan type as of the end of the periods shown:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 20,905       $ 21,467       $ 24,813   

Real estate – construction and development

     19,519         23,447         41,434   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     130,290         147,627         214,649   

Real estate – residential

     74,847         78,520         91,372   

Consumer installment

     184         218         426   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 245,745    $ 271,279    $ 372,694   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

A loan is placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s judgment, the collection of the interest income appears doubtful. Interest receivable that has been accrued and is subsequently determined to have doubtful collectability is charged against interest income. Interest payments on nonaccrual loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Past due loans are loans whose principal or interest is past due 90 days or more. In some cases, where borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties, loans may be restructured to provide terms significantly different from the original contractual terms.

The following table presents an analysis of loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 1,015       $ 1,672       $ 3,008   

Real estate – construction and development

     3,286         3,774         4,080   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     7,893         8,141         8,550   

Real estate – residential

     8,246         7,663         10,631   

Consumer installment

     401         478         460   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 20,841    $ 21,728    $ 26,729   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents an analysis of purchased non-covered loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 198       $ 175       $ 117   

Real estate – construction and development

     785         1,119         1,131   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     9,096         10,242         6,829   

Real estate – residential

     7,202         6,644         7,208   

Consumer installment

     27         69         33   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 17,308    $ 18,249    $ 15,318   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents an analysis of covered loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 8,404       $ 8,541       $ 10,025   

Real estate – construction and development

     6,262         7,601         14,780   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     17,000         12,584         24,285   

Real estate – residential

     6,606         6,595         10,558   

Consumer installment

     87         91         133   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 38,359    $ 35,412    $ 59,781   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

16


Table of Contents

The following table presents an analysis of loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered past due loans as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2015:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 1,258       $ 2,821       $ 984       $ 5,063       $ 329,854       $ 334,917       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     404         240         3,205         3,849         174,719         178,568         —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     6,398         1,285         7,732         15,415         931,859         947,274         —     

Real estate – residential

     4,430         1,879         7,569         13,878         482,165         496,043         —     

Consumer installment loans

     367         136         256         759         28,354         29,113         —     

Other

     —           —           —           —           13,505         13,505         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 12,857    $ 6,361    $ 19,746    $ 38,964    $ 1,960,456    $ 1,999,420    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of December 30, 2014:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 900       $ 233       $ 1,577       $ 2,710       $ 316,944       $ 319,654       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     1,382         286         3,367         5,035         156,472         161,507         —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     2,859         635         7,668         11,162         896,362         907,524         —     

Real estate – residential

     3,953         2,334         6,755         13,042         443,064         456,106         —     

Consumer installment loans

     634         158         366         1,158         29,624         30,782         1   

Other

     —           —           —           —           14,308         14,308         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 9,728    $ 3,646    $ 19,733    $ 33,107    $ 1,856,774    $ 1,889,881    $ 1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2014:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 1,083       $ 386       $ 2,956       $ 4,425       $ 266,146       $ 270,571       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     1,304         249         3,919         5,472         144,071         149,543         —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     2,255         1,650         7,622         11,527         824,703         836,230         —     

Real estate – residential

     3,657         1,541         10,298         15,496         377,505         393,001         —     

Consumer installment loans

     474         68         345         887         31,458         32,345         —     

Other

     —           —           —           —           13,692         13,692         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 8,773    $ 3,894    $ 25,140    $ 37,807    $ 1,657,575    $ 1,695,382    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

17


Table of Contents

The following table presents an analysis of purchased non-covered past due loans as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2015:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 216       $ —         $ 85       $ 301       $ 35,957       $ 36,258       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     393         17         766         1,176         52,492         53,668         —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     1,611         831         8,495         10,937         280,823         291,760         —     

Real estate – residential

     3,113         2,454         6,490         12,057         245,159         257,216         —     

Consumer installment loans

     100         —           19         119         4,071         4,190         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 5,433    $ 3,302    $ 15,855    $ 24,590    $ 618,502    $ 643,092    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of December 30, 2014:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 461       $ 90       $ 175       $ 726       $ 37,315       $ 38,041       $ —    

Real estate – construction & development

     790         1,735         1,117         3,642         54,720         58,362         —    

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     2,107         1,194         9,529         12,830         293,876         306,706         —    

Real estate – residential

     6,907         1,401         6,369         14,677         251,665         266,342         —    

Consumer installment loans

     82         —           65         147         4,641         4,788         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 10,347    $ 4,420    $ 17,255    $ 32,022    $ 642,217    $ 674,239    $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2014:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 291       $ —         $ 117       $ 408       $ 30,402       $ 30,810       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     680         661         867         2,208         29,612         31,820         —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     3,956         5,126         2,550         11,632         162,649         174,281         —     

Real estate – residential

     5,187         1,816         6,503         13,506         182,572         196,078         —     

Consumer installment loans

     12         11         30         53         4,227         4,280         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 10,126    $ 7,614    $ 10,067    $ 27,807    $ 409,462    $ 437,269    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

18


Table of Contents

The following table presents an analysis of covered past due loans as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2015:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 165       $ 225       $ 1,776       $ 2,166       $ 18,739       $ 20,905       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     455         —           5,605         6,060         13,459         19,519         —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     2,364         1,150         11,063         14,577         115,713         130,290         —     

Real estate – residential

     2,293         1,019         4,999         8,310         66,536         74,847         —     

Consumer installment loans

     —           —           87         87         97         184         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 5,277    $ 2,394    $ 23,530    $ 31,201    $ 214,544    $ 245,745    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of December 30, 2014:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 451       $ 136       $ 1,878       $ 2,465       $ 19,002       $ 21,467       $ —    

Real estate – construction & development

     238         226         6,703         7,167         16,280         23,447         —    

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     4,371         1,486         7,711         13,568         134,059         147,627         714  

Real estate – residential

     3,464         962         5,656         10,082         68,438         78,520         —    

Consumer installment loans

     10         —           91         101         117         218         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 8,534    $ 2,810    $ 22,039    $ 33,383    $ 237,896    $ 271,279    $ 714  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
     Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
     Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
     Total
Loans
Past Due
     Current
Loans
     Total
Loans
     Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2014:

                    

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 688       $ 55       $ 8,976       $ 9,719       $ 15,094       $ 24,813       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     4,248         302         14,472         19,022         22,412         41,434         —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     15,732         3,722         17,680         37,134         177,515         214,649         —     

Real estate – residential

     3,579         1,585         9,752         14,916         76,456         91,372         1,396   

Consumer installment loans

     2         50         103         155         271         426         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 24,249    $ 5,714    $ 50,983    $ 80,946    $ 291,748    $ 372,694    $ 1,396   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

19


Table of Contents

Impaired Loans

Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreements. When determining if the Company will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement, the Company considers the borrower’s capacity to pay, which includes such factors as the borrower’s current financial statements, an analysis of global cash flow sufficient to pay all debt obligations and an evaluation of secondary sources of repayment, such as guarantor support and collateral value. Impaired loans include loans on nonaccrual status and troubled debt restructurings. The Company individually assesses for impairment all nonaccrual loans greater than $200,000 and rated substandard or worse and all troubled debt restructurings greater than $100,000. If a loan is deemed impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis.

 

20


Table of Contents

The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans:

 

     As of and For the Period Ended  
     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Nonaccrual loans

   $ 20,841       $ 21,728       $ 26,729   

Troubled debt restructurings not included above

     12,935         12,759         18,848   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total impaired loans

$ 33,776    $ 34,487    $ 45,577   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income recognized on impaired loans

$ 168    $ 1,991    $ 246   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foregone interest income on impaired loans

$ 109    $ 155    $ 246   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents an analysis of information pertaining to impaired loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2015:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 2,378       $ 5       $ 1,287       $ 1,292       $ 240       $ 1,627   

Real estate – construction & development

     7,397         274         3,801         4,075         667         4,264   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     16,980         3,280         11,922         15,202         2,127         14,909   

Real estate – residential

     14,181         1,592         11,166         12,758         1,869         12,833   

Consumer installment loans

     548         —           449         449         6         491   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 41,484    $ 5,151    $ 28,625    $ 33,776    $ 4,909    $ 34,124   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of December 31, 2014:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 3,387       $ 6       $ 1,956       $ 1,962       $ 395       $ 3,021   

Real estate – construction & development

     8,325         448         4,005         4,453         771         5,368   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     17,514         4,967         9,651         14,618         1,859         15,972   

Real estate – residential

     15,571         3,514         9,407         12,921         974         16,317   

Consumer installment loans

     618         —           533         533         9         519   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 45,415    $ 8,935    $ 25,552    $ 34,487    $ 4,008    $ 41,197   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2014:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 5,421       $ —         $ 3,719       $ 3,719       $ 394       $ 4,169   

Real estate – construction & development

     10,636         —           6,033         6,033         736         5,950   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     19,983         —           17,282         17,282         1,972         16,380   

Real estate – residential

     21,307         —           17,996         17,996         1,211         18,983   

Consumer installment loans

     688         —           547         547         11         515   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 58,035    $ —      $ 45,577    $ 45,577    $ 4,324    $ 45,997   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

21


Table of Contents

The following is a summary of information pertaining to purchased non-covered impaired loans:

 

     As of and For the Period Ended  
     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Nonaccrual loans

   $ 17,308       $ 18,249       $ 15,318   

Troubled debt restructurings not included above

     1,526         1,212         5,191   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total impaired loans

$ 18,834    $ 19,461    $ 20,509   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income recognized on impaired loans

$ 18    $ 360    $ 74   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foregone interest income on impaired loans

$ 21    $ 237    $ 563   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents an analysis of information pertaining to impaired purchased non-covered loans as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2015:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 1,331       $ 198       $ —         $ 198       $ —         $ 187   

Real estate – construction & development

     2,153         1,113         —           1,113         —           1,275   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     13,911         9,816         —           9,816         —           10,202   

Real estate – residential

     12,183         7,679         —           7,679         —           7,435   

Consumer installment loans

     38         28         —           28         —           50   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 29,616    $ 18,834    $ —      $ 18,834    $ —      $ 19,148   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of December 31, 2014:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 1,366       $ 175       $ —         $ 175       $ —         $ 165   

Real estate – construction & development

     5,161         1,436         —           1,436         —           1,643   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     15,007         10,588         —           10,588         —           7,484   

Real estate – residential

     12,283         7,191         —           7,191         —           7,084   

Consumer installment loans

     172         71         —           71         —           68   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 33,989    $ 19,461    $ —      $ 19,461    $ —      $ 16,444   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2014:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 233       $ 117       $ —         $ 117       $ —         $ 64   

Real estate – construction & development

     6,173         3,574         —           3,574         —           3,631   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     12,966         7,790         —           7,790         —           5,336   

Real estate – residential

     15,524         8,987         —           8,987         —           7,483   

Consumer installment loans

     240         41         —           41         —           39   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 35,136    $ 20,509    $ —      $ 20,509    $ —      $ 16,553   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

22


Table of Contents

The following is a summary of information pertaining to covered impaired loans:

 

     As of and For the Period Ended  
     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Nonaccrual loans

   $ 38,359       $ 35,412       $ 59,781   

Troubled debt restructurings not included above

     20,721         22,619         22,775   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total impaired loans

$ 59,080    $ 58,031    $ 82,556   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income recognized on impaired loans

$ 220    $ 2,057    $ 387   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foregone interest income on impaired loans

$ 130    $ 109    $ 10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents an analysis of information pertaining to impaired covered loans as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2015:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 13,512       $ 8,407       $ —         $ 8,407       $ —         $ 8,495   

Real estate – construction & development

     24,503         9,080         —           9,080         —           9,859   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     35,493         23,462         —           23,462         —           22,062   

Real estate – residential

     23,585         18,042         —           18,042         —           18,048   

Consumer installment loans

     119         89         —           89         —           92   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 97,212    $ 59,080    $ —      $ 59,080    $ —      $ 58,556   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of December 31, 2014:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 14,385       $ 8,582       $ —         $ 8,582       $ —         $ 9,777   

Real estate – construction & development

     27,289         10,638         —           10,638         —           14,132   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     31,309         20,663         —           20,663         —           28,594   

Real estate – residential

     22,860         18,054         —           18,054         —           21,091   

Consumer installment loans

     124         94         —           94         —           163   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 95,967    $ 58,031    $ —      $ 58,031    $ —      $ 73,757   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

As of March 31, 2014:

                 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

   $ 16,020       $ 10,039       $ —         $ 10,039       $ —         $ 8,655   

Real estate – construction & development

     50,876         18,034         —           18,034         —           18,036   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     66,557         31,746         —           31,746         —           36,247   

Real estate – residential

     30,824         22,604         —           22,604         —           23,801   

Consumer installment loans

     190         133         —           133         —           237   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 164,467    $ 82,556    $ —      $ 82,556    $ —      $ 86,976   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

23


Table of Contents

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company uses a nine category risk grading system to assign a risk grade to each loan in the portfolio. The following is a description of the general characteristics of the grades:

Grade 10 – Prime Credit – This grade represents loans to the Company’s most creditworthy borrowers or loans that are secured by cash or cash equivalents.

Grade 15 – Good Credit – This grade includes loans that exhibit one or more characteristics better than that of a Satisfactory Credit. Generally, debt service coverage and borrower’s liquidity is materially better than required by the Company’s loan policy.

Grade 20 – Satisfactory Credit – This grade is assigned to loans to borrowers who exhibit satisfactory credit histories, contain acceptable loan structures and demonstrate ability to repay.

Grade 23 – Performing, Under-Collateralized Credit – This grade is assigned to loans that are currently performing and supported by adequate financial information that reflects repayment capacity but exhibits a loan-to-value ratio greater than 110%, based on a documented collateral valuation.

Grade 25 – Minimum Acceptable Credit – This grade includes loans which exhibit all the characteristics of a Satisfactory Credit, but warrant more than normal level of banker supervision due to: (i) circumstances which elevate the risks of performance (such as start-up operations, untested management, heavy leverage and interim losses); (ii) adverse, extraordinary events that have affected, or could affect, the borrower’s cash flow, financial condition, ability to continue operating profitability or refinancing (such as death of principal, fire and divorce); (iii) loans that require more than the normal servicing requirements (such as any type of construction financing, acquisition and development loans, accounts receivable or inventory loans and floor plan loans); (iv) existing technical exceptions which raise some doubts about the Bank’s perfection in its collateral position or the continued financial capacity of the borrower; or (v) improvements in formerly criticized borrowers, which may warrant banker supervision.

Grade 30 – Other Asset Especially Mentioned – This grade includes loans that exhibit potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Company’s credit position at some future date.

Grade 40 – Substandard – This grade represents loans which are inadequately protected by the current credit worthiness and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. These assets exhibit a well-defined weakness or are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. These weaknesses may be characterized by past due performance, operating losses or questionable collateral values.

Grade 50 – Doubtful – This grade includes loans which exhibit all of the characteristics of a substandard loan with the added provision that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable or improbable.

Grade 60 – Loss – This grade is assigned to loans which are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as active assets of the Bank is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loss has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing it off.

 

24


Table of Contents

The following table presents the loan portfolio, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by risk grade as of March 31, 2015:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ 147,820       $ 1,751       $ 152       $ 1,727       $ 6,011       $ —         $ 157,461   

15

     24,619         3,504         119,032         57,583         1,191         —           205,929   

20

     90,407         47,148         541,490         303,463         16,720         13,505         1,012,733   

23

     981         8,521         11,934         7,141         66         —           28,643   

25

     60,018         110,570         238,026         100,175         4,222         —           513,011   

30

     3,911         1,890         11,364         8,007         289         —           25,461   

40

     7,161         5,184         25,276         17,947         610         —           56,178   

50

     —           —           —           —           4         —           4   

60

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 334,917    $ 178,568    $ 947,274    $ 496,043    $ 29,113    $ 13,505    $ 1,999,420   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the loan portfolio, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by risk grade as of December 31, 2014:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ 121,355       $ 268       $ 155       $ 226       $ 6,573       $ —         $ 128,577   

15

     25,318         4,010         128,170         59,301         1,005         —           217,804   

20

     100,599         47,541         511,198         256,758         17,544         14,308         947,948   

23

     56         8,933         10,507         9,672         37         —           29,205   

25

     62,519         93,514         224,464         102,998         4,692         —           488,187   

30

     3,758         1,474         13,035         7,459         257         —           25,983   

40

     6,049         5,767         19,995         19,692         673         —           52,176   

50

     —           —           —           —           1         —           1   

60

     —          —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 319,654    $ 161,507    $ 907,524    $ 456,106    $ 30,782    $ 14,308    $ 1,889,881   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the loan portfolio, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by risk grade as of March 31, 2014:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ 86,688       $ —         $ 259       $ 478       $ 6,380       $ —         $ 93,805   

15

     26,730         5,483         153,285         57,119         1,346         —           243,963   

20

     90,692         48,872         454,292         192,492         17,678         13,692         817,718   

23

     120         9,111         9,784         11,765         276         —           31,056   

25

     55,827         76,962         178,174         100,634         5,580         —           417,177   

30

     5,386         2,889         15,324         14,440         201         —           38,240   

40

     5,001         6,226         25,112         16,063         884         —           53,286   

50

     127         —           —           10         —           —           137   

60

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 270,571    $ 149,543    $ 836,230    $ 393,001    $ 32,345    $ 13,692    $ 1,695,382   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

25


Table of Contents

The following table presents the purchased non-covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of March 31, 2015:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ 6,696       $ —         $ —         $ 289       $ 459       $ —         $ 7,444   

15

     995         641         9,396         12,136         472         —           23,640   

20

     13,751         13,746         115,359         62,056         1,568         —           206,480   

23

     73         —           3,174         6,777         —           —           10,024   

25

     12,585         31,512         136,581         155,187         1,521         —           337,386   

30

     958         3,564         9,404         8,332         65         —           22,323   

40

     1,170         4,205         17,846         12,417         105         —           35,743   

50

     30         —           —           22         —           —           52   

60

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 36,258    $ 53,668    $ 291,760    $ 257,216    $ 4,190    $ —      $ 643,092   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the purchased non-covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of December 31, 2014:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ 6,624       $ —         $ —         $ 290       $ 480       $ —         $ 7,394   

15

     1,376         552         13,277         14,051         501         —           29,727   

20

     13,657         12,991         116,308         64,083         1,647         —           208,686   

23

     73         —           3,207         3,298         —           —           6,578   

25

     13,753         36,230         144,293         164,959         1,920         —           361,155   

30

     1,618         4,365         12,279         7,444         41         —           25,747   

40

     910         4,254         17,342         12,184         199         —           34,889   

50

     30         —           —           33         —           —           63   

60

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 38,041    $ 58,362    $ 306,706    $ 266,342    $ 4,788    $ —      $ 674,239   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the purchased non-covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of March 31, 2014:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ 1,932       $ —         $ —         $ 287       $ 328       $ —         $ 2,547   

15

     4,408         52         12,422         14,231         679         —           31,792   

20

     4,596         3,907         43,132         33,553         1,218         —           86,406   

23

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     

25

     19,213         22,780         102,918         134,653         1,965         —           281,529   

30

     235         697         3,387         2,660         20         —           6,999   

40

     426         4,384         12,422         10,694         70         —           27,996   

50

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     

60

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 30,810    $ 31,820    $ 174,281    $ 196,078    $ 4,280    $ —      $ 437,269   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

26


Table of Contents

The following table presents the covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of March 31, 2015:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment
loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

15

     667         1,847         734         522         —           —           3,770   

20

     75         458         21,010         13,353         51         —           34,947   

23

     4,481         8,567         6,382         6,130         —           —           25,560   

25

     5,094         2,594         69,536         36,510         37         —           113,771   

30

     10,588         6,053         4,053         5,893         9         —           26,596   

40

     —           —           28,575         12,439         87         —           41,101   

50

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     

60

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 20,905    $ 19,519    $ 130,290    $ 74,847    $ 184    $ —      $ 245,745   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of December 31, 2014:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

15

     —           1         761         525         —           —           1,287   

20

     917         3,184         23,167         14,089         77         —           41,434   

23

     164         537         11,404         6,642         —           —           18,747   

25

     5,181         9,406         80,334         33,124         37         —           128,082   

30

     4,808         2,753         5,302         8,050         —           —           20,913   

40

     10,397         7,566         26,659         16,090         104         —           60,816   

50

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     

60

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 21,467    $ 23,447    $ 147,627    $ 78,520    $ 218    $ —      $ 271,279   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of March 31, 2014:

 

Risk

Grade

   Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
     Real estate -
construction &
development
     Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
     Real estate -
residential
     Consumer
installment loans
     Other      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

15

     —           10         1,024         650         —           —           1,684   

20

     1,769         7,760         35,625         19,613         151         —           64,918   

23

     139         978         17,416         4,870         51         —           23,454   

25

     6,921         9,182         101,948         38,140         42         —           156,233   

30

     5,106         1,185         17,625         7,025         3         —           30,944   

40

     10,878         22,319         41,011         21,074         179         —           95,461   

50

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     

60

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 24,813    $ 41,434    $ 214,649    $ 91,372    $ 426    $ —      $ 372,694   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

27


Table of Contents

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The restructuring of a loan is considered a “troubled debt restructuring” if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the Company has granted a concession. Concessions may include interest rate reductions to below market interest rates, principal forgiveness, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. The Company has exhibited the greatest success for rehabilitation of the loan by a reduction in the rate alone (maintaining the amortization of the debt) or a combination of a rate reduction and the forbearance of previously past due interest or principal. This has most typically been evidenced in certain commercial real estate loans whereby a disruption in the borrower’s cash flow resulted in an extended past due status, of which the borrower was unable to catch up completely as the cash flow of the property ultimately stabilized at a level lower than its original level. A reduction in rate, coupled with a forbearance of unpaid principal and/or interest, allowed the net cash flows to service the debt under the modified terms.

The Company’s policy requires a restructure request to be supported by a current, well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and a collateral evaluation that is no older than six months from the date of the restructure. Key factors of that evaluation include the documentation of current, recurring cash flows, support provided by the guarantor(s) and the current valuation of the collateral. If the appraisal in the file is older than six months, an evaluation must be made as to the continued reasonableness of the valuation. For certain income-producing properties, current rent rolls and/or other income information can be utilized to support the appraisal valuation, when coupled with documented cap rates within our markets and a physical inspection of the collateral to validate the current condition.

The Company’s policy states that in the event a loan has been identified as a troubled debt restructuring, it should be assigned a grade of substandard and placed on nonaccrual status until such time the borrower has demonstrated the ability to service the loan payments based on the restructured terms – generally defined as six months of satisfactory payment history. Missed payments under the original loan terms are not considered under the new structure; however, subsequent missed payments are considered non-performance and are not considered toward the six month required term of satisfactory payment history. The Company’s loan policy states that a nonaccrual loan may be returned to accrual status when (i) none of its principal and interest is due and unpaid, and the Company expects repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest or (ii) it otherwise becomes well secured and in the process of collection. Restoration to accrual status on any given loan must be supported by a well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and the prospects for full repayment, approved by the Company’s Chief Credit Officer.

In the normal course of business, the Company renews loans with a modification of the interest rate or terms that are not deemed as troubled debt restructurings because the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulty. The Company modified loans in the first three months of 2015 and 2014 totaling $32.0 million and $6.3 million, respectively, under such parameters. In addition, the Company offers consumer loan customers an annual skip-a-pay program that is based on certain qualifying parameters and not based on financial difficulties. The Company does not treat these as troubled debt restructurings.

As of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, the Company had a balance of $13.9 million, $15.3 million and $21.2 million, respectively, in troubled debt restructurings, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans. The Company has recorded $1.6 million, $2.2 million and $2.3 million in previous charge-offs on such loans at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. The Company’s balance in the allowance for loan losses allocated to such troubled debt restructurings was $1.6 million, $231,000 and $422,000 at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015, the Company did not have any commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified in troubled restructurings.

During the three months ending March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company modified loans as troubled debt restructurings with principal balances of $2.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and these modifications did not have a material impact on the Company’s allowance for loan loss. The following table presents the loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the three months ending March 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     March 31, 2015      March 31, 2014  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           1       $ 7   

Real estate – construction & development

     —           —           2         79   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     2         2,015         3         1,052   

Real estate – residential

     7         666         1         21   

Consumer installment

     3         17         5         21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  12    $ 2,698      12    $ 1,180   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

28


Table of Contents

Troubled debt restructurings with an outstanding balance of $1.5 million and $2.2 million defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and these defaults did not have a material impact on the Company’s allowance for loan loss. The following table presents the troubled debt restructurings by class that defaulted during the three months ending March 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     March 31, 2015      March 31, 2014  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     1       $ 5         —         $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     —           —           2         40   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     3         746         4         1,897   

Real estate – residential

     6         748         3         280   

Consumer installment

     4         20         1         24   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  14    $ 1,519      10    $ 2,241   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     5       $ 277         3       $ 17   

Real estate – construction & development

     9         789         4         90   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     20         7,309         1         64   

Real estate – residential

     42         4,513         11         736   

Consumer installment

     10         47         15         90   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  86    $ 12,935      34    $ 997   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     6       $ 290         2       $ 13   

Real estate – construction & development

     9         679         5         228   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     19         6,477         3         724   

Real estate – residential

     47         5,258         11         1,485   

Consumer installment

     11         55         11         73   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  92    $ 12,759      32    $ 2,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     4       $ 711         2       $ 40   

Real estate – construction & development

     11         1,953         1         29   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     19         8,733         5         1,316   

Real estate – residential

     35         7,364         8         961   

Consumer installment

     11         87         2         19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  80    $ 18,848      18    $ 2,365   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

29


Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, the Company had a balance of $1.7 million, $1.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively, in troubled debt restructurings included in purchased non-covered loans. The Company has not recorded any previous charge-offs on such loans at March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company had recorded $29,000 in previous charge-offs on such loans at December 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, the Company did not have any commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified in troubled restructurings.

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class of purchased non-covered loans, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           1       $ 1   

Real estate – construction & development

     1         328         —           —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     3         720         1         69   

Real estate – residential

     5         477         2         93   

Consumer installment

     1         1         1         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  10    $ 1,526      5    $ 167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           —         $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     1         317         —           —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     1         346         —           —     

Real estate – residential

     6         547         1         25   

Consumer installment

     1         2         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  9    $ 1,212      1    $ 25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           1       $ 6   

Real estate – construction & development

     7         2,443         2         264   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     2         961         2         726   

Real estate – residential

     12         1,779         4         255   

Consumer installment

     1         8         2         17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  22    $ 5,191      11    $ 1,268   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

30


Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, the Company had a balance of $23.3 million, $24.6 million and $27.8 million, respectively, in troubled debt restructurings included in covered loans. The Company has recorded $1.1 million, $1.8 million and $3.2 million in previous charge-offs on such loans at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015, the Company did not have any commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified in troubled restructurings.

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class of covered loans, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     1       $ 3         2       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     3         2,819         1         13   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     13         6,461         2         1,736   

Real estate – residential

     97         11,436         10         821   

Consumer installment

     1         2         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  115    $ 20,721      15    $ 2,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     2       $ 40         2       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     4         3,037         2         29   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     14         8,079         5         1,082   

Real estate – residential

     96         11,460         8         831   

Consumer installment

     1         3         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  117    $ 22,619      17    $ 1,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     1       $ 14         5       $ 68   

Real estate – construction & development

     3         3,254         5         49   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     14         7,461         7         3,872   

Real estate – residential

     85         12,046         9         1,031   

Consumer installment

     —           —           1         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  103    $ 22,775      27    $ 5,025   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

31


Table of Contents

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses represents an allowance for probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated periodically based on a review of all significant loans, with a particular emphasis on non-accruing, past due and other loans that management believes might be potentially impaired or warrant additional attention. The Company segregates the loan portfolio by type of loan and utilizes this segregation in evaluating exposure to risks within the portfolio. In addition, based on internal reviews and external reviews performed by independent auditors and regulatory authorities, the Company further segregates the loan portfolio by loan grades based on an assessment of risk for a particular loan or group of loans. Certain reviewed loans are assigned specific allowances when a review of relevant data determines that a general allocation is not sufficient or when the review affords management the opportunity to adjust the amount of exposure in a given credit. In establishing allowances, management considers historical loan loss experience but adjusts this data with a significant emphasis on current loan quality trends, current economic conditions and other factors in the markets where the Company operates. Factors considered include, among others, current valuations of real estate in the Company’s markets, unemployment rates, the effect of weather conditions on agricultural related entities and other significant local economic events.

The Company has developed a methodology for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses which is monitored by the Company’s Chief Credit Officer. Procedures provide for the assignment of a risk rating for every loan included in the total loan portfolio, with the exception of certain mortgage loans serviced at a third party, mortgage warehouse lines and overdraft protection loans which are treated as pools for risk rating purposes. The risk rating schedule provides nine ratings of which five ratings are classified as pass ratings and four ratings are classified as criticized ratings. Each risk rating is assigned a percentage factor to be applied to the loan balance to determine the adequate amount of reserve. All relationships greater than $1.0 million and the majority of relationships greater than $250,000 are reviewed annually by the Bank’s independent internal loan review department or an independent third party loan review firm. As a result of these loan reviews, certain loans may be identified as having deteriorating credit quality. Other loans that surface as problem loans may also be assigned specific reserves. Past due loans are assigned risk ratings based on the number of days past due. The calculation of the allowance for loan losses, including underlying data and assumptions, is reviewed regularly by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and the independent internal loan review department.

Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the collection of a loan’s principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries are credited to the allowance. Consumer loans are charged-off in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s (“FFIEC”) Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy. Commercial loans are charged-off when they are deemed uncollectible, which usually involves a triggering event within the collection effort. If the loan is collateral dependent, the loss is more easily identified and is charged-off when it is identified, usually based upon receipt of an appraisal. However, when a loan has guarantor support, the Company may carry the estimated loss as a reserve against the loan while collection efforts with the guarantor are pursued. If, after collection efforts with the guarantor are complete, the deficiency is still considered uncollectible, the loss is charged-off and any further collections are treated as recoveries. In all situations, when a loan is downgraded to an Asset Quality Rating of 60 (Loss per the regulatory guidance), the uncollectible portion is charged-off.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded provision for loan loss expense of $401,000, $843,000 and $225,000, respectively, net of the FDIC loss-share receivable, to account for losses where there was a decrease in cash flows from the initial estimates on loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a net provision for loan loss credit of $432,000 due to recoveries received on previously charged off purchased non-covered loans. During the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company recorded provision for loan loss expense of $84,000 to account for losses where there was a decrease in cash flows from the initial estimates on purchased non-covered loans. Charge-offs on purchased loans, both covered and non-covered, are recorded when impairment is recorded. Provision expense for covered loans is recorded net of the indemnification by the FDIC loss-share agreements.

 

32


Table of Contents

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2015. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.

 

     Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
    Real estate –
construction &
development
    Real estate –
commercial &
farmland
    Real estate -
residential
    Consumer
installment
loans and
Other
    Purchased
non-covered
loans
    Covered
loans
    Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Three months ended March 31, 2015:

  

           

Balance, January 1, 2015

   $ 2,004      $ 5,030      $ 8,823      $ 4,129      $ 1,171      $ —        $ —        $ 21,157   

Provision for loan losses

     (498     347        (56     1,090        217        (432     401        1,069   

Loans charged off

     (392     (97     (12     (268     (86     (230     (563     (1,648

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

     285        31        15        57        62        662        162        1,274   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

$ 1,399    $ 5,311    $ 8,770    $ 5,008    $ 1,364    $ —      $ —      $ 21,852   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Period-end amount allocated to:

  

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$ 230    $ 627    $ 2,123    $ 1,837    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 4,817   

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  1,169      4,684      6,647      3,171      1,364      —        —        17,035   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 1,399    $ 5,311    $ 8,770    $ 5,008    $ 1,364    $ —      $ —      $ 21,852   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans:

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ 324    $ 2,982    $ 14,557    $ 11,124    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 28,987   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  334,593      175,586      932,717      484,919      42,618      552,837      108,113      2,631,383   

Acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  —        —        —        —        —        90,255      137,632      227,887   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 334,917    $ 178,568    $ 947,274    $ 496,043    $ 42,618    $ 643,092    $ 245,745    $ 2,888,257   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
    Real estate –
construction &
development
    Real estate –
commercial &
farmland
    Real estate -
residential
    Consumer
installment
loans and
Other
    Purchased
non-covered
loans
    Covered
loans
    Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Twelve months ended December 31, 2014:

  

           

Balance, January 1, 2014

   $ 1,823      $ 5,538      $ 8,393      $ 6,034      $ 589      $ —        $ —        $ 22,377   

Provision for loan losses

     1,427        (265     3,444        (452     567        84        843        5,648   

Loans charged off

     (1,567     (592     (3,288     (1,707     (471     (84     (1,851     (9,560

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

     321        349        274        254        486        —          1,008        2,692   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

$ 2,004    $ 5,030    $ 8,823    $ 4,129    $ 1,171    $ —      $ —      $ 21,157   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Period-end amount allocated to:

  

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$ 375    $ 743    $ 1,861    $ 911    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 3,890   

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  1,629      4,287      6,962      3,218      1,171      —        —        17,267   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 2,004    $ 5,030    $ 8,823    $ 4,129    $ 1,171    $ —      $ —      $ 21,157   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans:

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ 490    $ 3,709    $ 14,546    $ 8,904    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 27,649   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  319,164      157,798      892,978      447,202      45,090      579,172      122,248      2,563,652   

Acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  —        —        —        —        —        95,067      149,031      244,098   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 319,654    $ 161,507    $ 907,524    $ 456,106    $ 45,090    $ 674,239    $ 271,279    $ 2,835,399   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

33


Table of Contents
     Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
    Real estate –
construction &
development
    Real estate –
commercial &
farmland
    Real estate -
residential
    Consumer
installment
loans and
Other
    Purchased
non-covered
loans
     Covered
loans
    Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Three months ended March 31, 2014:

  

            

Balance, January 1, 2014

   $ 1,823      $ 5,538      $ 8,393      $ 6,034      $ 589      $ —         $ —        $ 22,377   

Provision for loan losses

     1,090        337        622        (656     108        —           225        1,726   

Loans charged off

     (743     (65     (533     (181     (84     —           (498     (2,104

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

     49        108        143        83        89        —           273        745   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2014

$ 2,219    $ 5,918    $ 8,625    $ 5,280    $ 702    $ —      $ —      $ 22,744   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Period-end amount allocated to:

  

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$ 318    $ 631    $ 1,994    $ 1,133    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 4,076   

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  1,901      5,287      6,631      4,147      702      —        —        18,668   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 2,219    $ 5,918    $ 8,625    $ 5,280    $ 702    $ —      $ —      $ 22,744   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans:

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ 2,837    $ 3,817    $ 16,832    $ 14,602    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 38,088   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  267,734      145,726      819,398      378,399      46,037      383,709      167,493      2,208,496   

Acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  —        —        —        —        —        53,560      205,201      258,761   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 270,571    $ 149,543    $ 836,230    $ 393,001    $ 46,037    $ 437,269    $ 372,694    $ 2,505,345   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 6 – ASSETS ACQUIRED IN FDIC-ASSISTED ACQUISITIONS

From October 2009 through July 2012, the Company participated in ten FDIC-assisted acquisitions whereby the Company purchased certain failed institutions out of the FDIC’s receivership. These institutions include the following:

 

Bank Acquired

   Location    Branches    Date Acquired

American United Bank (“AUB”)

   Lawrenceville, Ga.    1    October 23, 2009

United Security Bank (“USB”)

   Sparta, Ga.    2    November 6, 2009

Satilla Community Bank (“SCB”)

   St. Marys, Ga.    1    May 14, 2010

First Bank of Jacksonville (“FBJ”)

   Jacksonville, Fl.    2    October 22, 2010

Tifton Banking Company (“TBC”)

   Tifton, Ga.    1    November 12, 2010

Darby Bank & Trust (“DBT”)

   Vidalia, Ga.    7    November 12, 2010

High Trust Bank (“HTB”)

   Stockbridge, Ga.    2    July 15, 2011

One Georgia Bank (“OGB”)

   Midtown Atlanta, Ga.    1    July 15, 2011

Central Bank of Georgia (“CBG”)

   Ellaville, Ga.    5    February 24, 2012

Montgomery Bank & Trust (“MBT”)

   Ailey, Ga.    2    July 6, 2012

The determination of the initial fair values of loans at the acquisition date and the initial fair values of the related FDIC indemnification assets involves a high degree of judgment and complexity. The carrying values of the acquired loans and the FDIC indemnification assets reflect management’s best estimate of the fair value of each of these assets as of the date of acquisition. However, the amount that the Company realizes on these assets could differ materially from the carrying values reflected in the financial statements included in this report, based upon the timing and amount of collections on the acquired loans in future periods. Because of the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC on these assets, the Company does not expect to incur any significant losses. To the extent the actual values realized for the acquired loans are different from the estimates, the indemnification assets will generally be affected in an offsetting manner due to the loss-sharing support from the FDIC.

 

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Table of Contents

FASB ASC 310 – 30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310”), applies to a loan with evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination, acquired by completion of a transfer for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the investor will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable. ASC 310 prohibits carrying over or creating an allowance for loan losses upon initial recognition for loans which fall under the scope of this statement. At the acquisition dates, a majority of these loans were valued based on the liquidation value of the underlying collateral because the future cash flows are primarily based on the liquidation of underlying collateral. There was no allowance for credit losses established related to these ASC 310 loans at the acquisition dates, based on the provisions of this statement. Over the life of the acquired loans, the Company continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected. If the expected cash flows expected to be collected increases, then the Company adjusts the amount of accretable discount recognized on a prospective basis over the loan’s remaining life. If the expected cash flows expected to be collected decreases, then the Company records a provision for loan loss in its consolidated statement of operations.

At March 31, 2015, the Company’s FDIC loss-sharing receivable totaled $23.3 million, which is comprised of $16.1 million in indemnification asset (for reimbursements associated with anticipated losses in future quarters) and $14.0 million in current charge-offs and expenses already incurred but not yet submitted for reimbursement, less the accrued clawback liability of $6.8 million.

The following table summarizes components of all covered assets at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 and their origin:

 

     Covered loans      Less: Fair
value
adjustments
     Total
covered
loans
     OREO      Less: Fair
value
adjustments
     Total
covered
OREO
     Total
covered
assets
     FDIC loss-share
receivable
(payable)
 

As of March 31, 2015:

                       

AUB

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 248   

USB

     4,031         19         4,012         165         —           165         4,177         (1,216

SCB

     23,803         512         23,291         2,474         389         2,085         25,376         2,093   

FBJ

     19,409         1,539         17,870         427         56         371         18,241         1,366   

DBT

     53,832         4,740         49,092         5,716         381         5,335         54,427         3,576   

TBC

     21,068         570         20,498         1,698         162         1,536         22,034         1,545   

HTB

     48,384         4,331         44,053         2,885         938         1,947         46,000         7,069   

OGB

     38,699         2,409         36,290         1,435         39         1,396         37,686         2,748   

CBG

     56,262         5,623         50,639         3,731         477         3,254         53,893         5,883   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 265,488    $ 19,743    $ 245,745    $ 18,531    $ 2,442    $ 16,089    $ 261,834    $ 23,312   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Covered loans      Less: Fair
value
adjustments
     Total
covered
loans
     OREO      Less: Fair
value
adjustments
     Total
covered
OREO
     Total
covered
assets
     FDIC loss-share
receivable

(payable)
 

As of December 31, 2014:

                       

AUB

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 188   

USB

     4,350         150         4,200         165         —           165         4,365         (1,197

SCB

     26,686         602         26,084         2,849         389         2,460         28,544         1,828   

FBJ

     21,243         1,825         19,418         632         —           632         20,050         1,885   

DBT

     64,338         6,437         57,901         6,655         514         6,141         64,042         6,860   

TBC

     23,487         1,117         22,370         2,388         367         2,021         24,391         3,287   

HTB

     52,699         5,120         47,579         3,670         1,283         2,387         49,966         6,459   

OGB

     42,971         3,785         39,186         2,244         39         2,205         41,391         3,906   

CBG

     60,950         6,409         54,541         4,805         909         3,896         58,437         8,135   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 296,724    $ 25,445    $ 271,279    $ 23,408    $ 3,501    $ 19,907    $ 291,186    $ 31,351   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     Covered loans      Less: Fair
value
adjustments
     Total
covered
loans
     OREO      Less: Fair
value
adjustments
     Total
covered
OREO
     Total
covered
assets
     FDIC loss-share
receivable
 

As of March 31, 2014:

                       

AUB

   $ 13,629       $ 220       $ 13,409       $ 4,264       $ —         $ 4,264       $ 17,673       $ 1,190   

USB

     15,668         935         14,733         3,366         135         3,231         17,964         535   

SCB

     33,896         1,274         32,622         3,122         303         2,819         35,441         2,781   

FBJ

     24,281         2,768         21,513         1,850         253         1,597         23,110         3,034   

DBT

     100,909         13,138         87,771         12,250         1,092         11,158         98,929         14,947   

TBC

     31,576         2,119         29,457         4,681         761         3,920         33,377         3,425   

HTB

     61,560         6,630         54,930         7,263         2,349         4,914         59,844         8,540   

OGB

     55,569         4,653         50,916         8,169         2,984         5,185         56,101         6,815   

CBG

     77,767         10,424         67,343         7,127         1,579         5,548         72,891         11,914   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 414,855    $ 42,161    $ 372,694    $ 52,092    $ 9,456    $ 42,636    $ 415,330    $ 53,181   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

A rollforward of acquired covered loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014 is shown below:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Balance, January 1

   $ 271,279       $ 390,237       $ 390,237   

Charge-offs

     (2,812      (9,255      (4,326

Accretion

     4,466         22,188         9,767   

Transfer to covered other real estate owned

     (1,230      (13,650      (4,925

Transfer to purchased, non-covered loans due to loss-share expiration

     —           (15,475      —     

Payments received

     (25,958      (102,996      (18,070

Other

     —           230         11   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 245,745    $ 271,279    $ 372,694   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following is a summary of changes in the accretable discounts of acquired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Balance, January 1

   $ 15,578       $ 25,493       $ 25,493   

Accretion

     (4,466      (22,188      (9,767

Transfers between non-accretable and accretable discounts, net

     1,853         12,273         365   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 12,965    $ 15,578    $ 16,091   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The shared-loss agreements are subject to the servicing procedures as specified in the agreement with the FDIC. The expected reimbursements under the shared-loss agreements were recorded as an indemnification asset at their estimated fair values on the acquisition dates. As of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, the Company has recorded a clawback liability of $6.8 million, $6.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively, which represents the obligation of the Company to reimburse the FDIC should actual losses be less than certain thresholds established in each loss-share agreement. Changes in the FDIC shared-loss receivable for the three months ended March 31, 2015, for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Beginning balance, January 1

   $ 31,351       $ 65,441       $ 65,441   

Payments received from FDIC

     (6,390      (22,494      (6,773

Accretion (amortization)

     (3,666      (18,449      (8,203

Changes in clawback liability

     (569      (1,222      (164

Increase in receivable due to:

        

Charge-offs on covered loans

     1,602         3,372         2,369   

Write downs of covered other real estate

     804         4,771         876   

Reimbursable expenses on covered assets

     651         1,078         483   

Other activity, net

     (471      (1,146      (848
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 23,312    $ 31,351    $ 53,181   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 7. OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

The following is a summary of the activity in other real estate owned during the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Beginning balance, January 1

   $ 33,160       $ 33,351       $ 33,351   

Loans transferred to other real estate owned

     2,444         11,972         2,554   

Net gains (losses) on sale and write-downs

     (958      (4,585      (750

Sales proceeds

     (2,307      (7,578      (1,316
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 32,339    $ 33,160    $ 33,839   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the activity in purchased, non-covered other real estate owned during the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Beginning balance, January 1

   $ 15,585       $ 4,276       $ 4,276   

Loans transferred to other real estate owned

     1,094         4,160         68   

Acquired in acquisitions

     —           8,864         —     

Transfer from covered other real estate owned due to loss-share expiration

     —           1,226         —     

Net gains (losses) on sale and write-downs

     129         828         49   

Sales proceeds

     (2,990      (3,769      (529
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 13,818    $ 15,585    $ 3,864   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the activity in covered other real estate owned during the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Beginning balance, January 1

   $ 19,907       $ 45,893       $ 45,893   

Loans transferred to other real estate owned

     1,230         13,650         4,925   

Transfer from covered other real estate owned due to loss-share expiration

     —           (1,226      —     

Net gains (losses) on sale and write-downs

     (1,005      (5,965      (1,095

Sales proceeds

     (4,043      (32,445      (7,087
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 16,089    $ 19,907    $ 42,636   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 8 – WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Earnings per share have been computed based on the following weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

     For the Three
Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2015      2014  
     (share data in
thousands)
 

Basic shares outstanding

     30,443         25,144   

Plus: Dilutive effect of ISOs

     124         95   

Plus: Dilutive effect of Restricted Grants

     229         334   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

  30,796      25,573   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company excluded 268,000 potential common shares with strike prices that would cause them to be anti-dilutive. The Company has not excluded any potential common shares at March 31, 2015.

NOTE 9 – OTHER BORROWINGS

The Company has, from time to time, utilized certain borrowing arrangements with various financial institutions to fund growth in earning assets or provide additional liquidity when appropriate spreads can be realized. At March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, there were $43.9 million, $78.9 million and $59.7 million, respectively, outstanding borrowings with the Company’s correspondent banks.

Other borrowings consist of the following:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Daily Rate Credit from Federal Home Loan Bank with a fixed interest rate of 0.36%

   $ —         $ 35,000       $ 25,000   

Advances under revolving credit agreement with a regional bank with interest at 90-day LIBOR plus 3.50% (3.73% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014) due in August 2016, secured by subsidiary bank stock

     24,000         24,000         —     

Advances under revolving credit agreement with a regional bank with interest at 90-day LIBOR plus 4.00% (4.24% at March 31, 2014) due in August 2016, secured by subsidiary bank stock

     —           —           10,000   

Advance from correspondent bank with a fixed interest rate of 4.50%, due November 27, 2017, secured by subsidiary bank loan receivable

     4,851         4,881         4,963   

Subordinated debt issued by Prosperity Bank due June 2016 with an interest rate of 90-day LIBOR plus 1.60% (1.84% at March 31, 2014)

     —           —           5,000   

Subordinated debt issued by The Prosperity Banking Company due September 2016 with an interest rate of 90-day LIBOR plus 1.75% (2.02% at March 31, 2015, 1.99% at December 31, 2014 and 1.98% at March 31, 2014)

     15,000         15,000         14,714   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 43,851    $ 78,881    $ 59,677   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) are collateralized by a blanket lien on all first mortgage loans and other specific loans in addition to FHLB stock. At March 31, 2015, $275.5 million was available for borrowing on lines with the FHLB.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company maintained credit arrangements with various financial institutions to purchase federal funds up to $50 million.

The Company also participates in the Federal Reserve discount window borrowings. At March 31, 2015, the Company had $581.8 million of loans pledged at the Federal Reserve discount window and had $409.7 million available for borrowing.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Loan Commitments

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. A summary of the Company’s commitments is as follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commitments to extend credit

   $ 328,191       $ 293,517       $ 235,367   

Unused lines of credit

   $ 143,962       $ 49,567       $ 35,705   

Financial standby letters of credit

   $ 10,548       $ 9,683       $ 7,961   

Mortgage interest rate lock commitments

   $ 91,482       $ 38,868       $ 64,759   

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Collateral is required in instances which the Company deems necessary.

Contingencies

Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company’s legal counsel evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the nature of the guarantee would be disclosed.

A former borrower of the Company has filed a claim related to a loan previously made by the Company asserting lender liability. The case was tried without a jury and an order was issued by the court against the Company awarding the borrower approximately $2.9 million. The order is currently on appeal to the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the Company is asserting it had no fiduciary responsibility to the borrower. As of March 31, 2015, the Company believes that it has valid bases in law and fact to overturn on appeal the verdict. As a result, the Company believes that the likelihood that the amount of the judgment will be affirmed is not probable, and, accordingly, that the amount of any loss cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Because the Company believes that this potential loss is not probable or estimable, it has not recorded any reserves or contingencies related to this legal matter. In the event that the Company’s assumptions used to evaluate this matter as neither probable nor estimable change in future periods, it may be required to record a liability for an adverse outcome.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 11 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company consists of changes in net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale and interest rate swap derivatives. The following tables present a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive income balances, net of tax, as of March 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

  Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Derivatives
    Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Securities
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss)
 

Balance, January 1, 2015

  $ 508      $ 5,590      $ 6,098   

Reclassification for gains included in net income

    —          (8     (8

Current year changes

    (387     650        263   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

$ 121    $ 6,232    $ 6,353   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

  Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Derivatives
    Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Securities
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss)
 

Balance, January 1, 2014

  $ 1,397      $ (1,691   $ (294

Reclassification for gains included in net income

    —          (4     (4

Current year changes

    (266     2,938        2,672   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2014

$ 1,131    $ 1,243    $ 2,374   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 12 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques. These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. The accounting standard for disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

The Company has elected to record mortgage loans held-for-sale at fair value in order to eliminate the complexities and inherent difficulties of achieving hedge accounting and to better align reported results with the underlying economic changes in value of the loans and related hedge instruments. This election impacts the timing and recognition of origination fees and costs, as well as servicing value, which are now recognized in earnings at the time of origination. Interest income on mortgage loans held-for-sale is recorded on an accrual basis in the consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income under the heading “Interest income – interest and fees on loans”. The servicing value is included in the fair value of the interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”) with borrowers. The mark to market adjustments related to loans held-for-sale and the associated economic hedges are captured in mortgage banking activities. Net gains of $2.6 million and $1.1 million resulting from fair value changes of these mortgage loans were recorded in income during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The amount does not reflect changes in fair values of related derivative instruments used to hedge exposure to market-related risks associated with these mortgage loans. The change in fair value of both mortgage loans held for sale and the related derivative instruments are recorded in “Mortgage banking activity” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The Company’s valuation of mortgage loans held for sale incorporates an assumption for credit risk; however, given the short-term period that the Company holds these loans, valuation adjustments attributable to instrument-specific credit risk is nominal.

 

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The following table summarizes the difference between the fair value and the principal balance for mortgage loans held for sale measured at fair value as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Aggregate Fair Value of Mortgage Loans held for sale

   $ 73,796       $ 94,759       $ 51,693   

Aggregate Unpaid Principal Balance

   $ 70,905       $ 90,418       $ 49,959   

Past due loans of 90 days or more

   $ —         $ —         $ —     

Nonaccrual loans

   $ —         $ —         $ —     

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available for sale and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. From time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as impaired loans and OREO. Additionally, the Company is required to disclose, but not record, the fair value of other financial instruments.

Fair Value Hierarchy

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

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

Cash and Due From Banks, Federal Funds Sold and Interest-Bearing Accounts: The carrying amount of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts approximates fair value.

Investment Securities Available for Sale: The fair value of securities available for sale is determined by various valuation methodologies. Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises and municipal bonds. The Level 2 fair value pricing is provided by an independent third-party and is based upon similar securities in an active market. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy and include certain residual municipal securities and other less liquid securities.

Other Investments: FHLB stock is included in other investments at its original cost basis. It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: The Company records mortgage loans held for sale at fair value. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined on outstanding commitments from third party investors in the secondary markets and is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

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Table of Contents

Loans: The carrying amount of variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate loans is estimated based on discounted contractual cash flows, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated based on discounted contractual cash flows or underlying collateral values, where applicable. A loan is determined to be impaired if the Company believes it is probable that all principal and interest amounts due according to the terms of the note will not be collected as scheduled. The fair value of impaired loans is determined in accordance with ASC 310-10, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, and generally results in a specific reserve established through a charge to the provision for loan losses. Losses on impaired loans are charged to the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed. Management has determined that the majority of impaired loans are Level 3 assets due to the extensive use of market appraisals.

Other Real Estate Owned: The fair value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) is determined using certified appraisals that value the property at its highest and best uses by applying traditional valuation methods common to the industry. The Company does not hold any OREO for profit purposes and all other real estate is actively marketed for sale. In most cases, management has determined that additional write-downs are required beyond what is calculable from the appraisal to carry the property at levels that would attract buyers. Because this additional write-down is not based on observable inputs, management has determined that other real estate owned should be classified as Level 3.

Covered Other Real Estate Owned: Covered other real estate owned includes other real estate owned on which the majority of losses would be covered by loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC. Management initially valued these assets at fair value using mostly unobservable inputs and, as such, has classified these assets as Level 3.

FDIC Loss-Share Receivable: Because the FDIC will reimburse the Company for certain acquired loans should the Company experience a loss, an indemnification asset is recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. The indemnification asset is recognized at the same time as the indemnified loans, and measured on the same basis, subject to collectability or contractual limitations. The shared loss agreements on the acquisition date reflect the reimbursements expected to be received from the FDIC, using an appropriate discount rate, which reflects counterparty credit risk and other uncertainties. The shared loss agreements continue to be measured on the same basis as the related indemnified loans, and the loss-share receivable is impacted by changes in estimated cash flows associated with these loans.

Accrued Interest Receivable/Payable: The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable approximates fair value.

Deposits: The carrying amount of demand deposits, savings deposits and variable-rate certificates of deposit approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate certificates of deposit is estimated based on discounted contractual cash flows using interest rates currently offered for certificates with similar maturities.

Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Borrowings: The carrying amount of variable rate borrowings and securities sold under repurchase agreements approximates fair value and are classified as Level 1. The fair value of fixed rate other borrowings is estimated based on discounted contractual cash flows using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements and are classified as Level 2.

Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures: The fair value of the Company’s variable rate trust preferred securities is based primarily upon discounted cash flows using rates for securities with similar terms and remaining maturities and are classified as Level 2.

Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments: Because commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are typically made using variable rates and have short maturities, the carrying value and fair value are immaterial for disclosure.

 

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Table of Contents

Derivatives: The Company has entered into derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the derivatives. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair value of the derivatives is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves derived from observable market interest rate curves).

The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees.

Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself or the counterparty. However, as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustment is not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuation in its entirety is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
As of March 31, 2015
 
     Fair Value      Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

U.S. government agencies

   $ 14,984       $ —         $ 14,984       $ —     

State, county and municipal securities

     159,064         —           159,064         —     

Corporate debt securities

     10,935         —           8,435         2,500   

Mortgage-backed securities

     425,347         —           425,347         —     

Mortgage loans held for sale

     73,796         —           73,796         —     

Mortgage banking derivative instruments

     4,006         —           4,006         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recurring assets at fair value

$ 688,132    $ —      $ 685,632    $ 2,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

$ 1,805    $ —      $ 1,805    $ —     

Mortgage banking derivative instruments

  548      —        548      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recurring liabilities at fair value

$ 2,353    $ —      $ 2,353    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
As of December 31, 2014
 
     Fair Value      Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

U.S. government agencies

   $ 14,678       $ —         $ 14,678       $ —     

State, county and municipal securities

     141,375         —           141,375         —     

Corporate debt securities

     11,040         —           8,540         2,500   

Mortgage-backed securities

     374,712         8,248         366,464         —     

Mortgage loans held for sale

     94,759         —           94,759         —     

Mortgage banking derivative instruments

     1,757         —           1,757         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recurring assets at fair value

$ 638,321    $ 8,248    $ 627,573    $ 2,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

$ 1,315    $ —      $ 1,315    $ —     

Mortgage banking derivative instruments

  249      —        249      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recurring liabilities at fair value

$ 1,564    $ —      $ 1,564    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
As of March 31, 2014
 
     Fair Value      Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

U.S. government agencies

   $ 14,145       $ —         $ 14,145       $ —     

State, county and municipal securities

     111,574         —           111,574         —     

Corporate debt securities

     10,383         —           8,383         2,000   

Mortgage-backed securities

     320,611         —           320,611         —     

Mortgage loans held for sale

     51,693         —           51,693         —     

Mortgage banking derivative instruments

     2,528         —           2,528         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recurring assets at fair value

$ 510,934    $ —      $ 508,934    $ 2,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

$ 675    $ —      $ 675    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recurring liabilities at fair value

$ 675    $ —      $ 675    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
As of March 31, 2015
 
     Fair
Value
     Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Impaired loans carried at fair value

   $ 28,867       $ —         $ —         $ 28,867   

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned

     13,818         —           —           13,818   

Covered other real estate owned

     16,089         —           —           16,089   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total nonrecurring assets at fair value

$ 58,774    $ —      $ —      $ 58,774   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
As of December 31, 2014
 
     Fair
Value
     Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Impaired loans carried at fair value

   $ 30,479       $ —         $ —         $ 30,479   

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned

     15,585         —           —           15,585   

Covered other real estate owned

     19,907         —           —           19,907   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total nonrecurring assets at fair value

$ 65,971    $ —      $ —      $ 65,971   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
As of March 31, 2014
 
     Fair
Value
     Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Impaired loans carried at fair value

   $ 41,253       $ —         $ —         $ 41,253   

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned

     3,864         —           —           3,864   

Covered other real estate owned

     42,636         —           —           42,636   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total nonrecurring assets at fair value

$ 87,753    $ —      $ —      $ 87,753   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The inputs used to determine estimated fair value of impaired loans and covered loans include market conditions, loan terms, underlying collateral characteristics and discount rates. The inputs used to determine fair value of other real estate owned and covered other real estate owned include market conditions, estimated marketing period or holding period, underlying collateral characteristics and discount rates.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014, there was not a change in the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value.

The following table shows significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of Level 3 assets and liabilities:

 

     Fair Value      Valuation Technique    Unobservable Inputs    Range of
Discounts
  Weighted
Average
Discount
 

As of March 31, 2015

             

Nonrecurring:

             

Impaired loans

   $ 28,867       Third party appraisals
and discounted cash flows
   Collateral discounts and
discount rates
   0% - 70%     24

Purchased non-covered real estate owned

   $ 13,818       Third party appraisals    Collateral discounts and
estimated costs to sell
   10% - 96%     16

Covered real estate owned

   $ 16,089       Third party appraisals    Collateral discounts and
estimated costs to sell
   10% - 70%     9

Recurring:

             

Investment securities available for sale

   $ 2,500       Discounted par values    Credit quality of
underlying issuer
   0%     0

As of December 31, 2014

             

Nonrecurring:

             

Impaired loans

   $ 30,479       Third party appraisals and
discounted cash flows
   Collateral discounts and
discount rates
   0% - 50%     20

Purchased non-covered real estate owned

   $ 15,585       Third party appraisals    Collateral discounts and
estimated costs to sell
   10% - 96%     20

Covered real estate owned

   $ 19,907       Third party appraisals    Collateral discounts and
estimated costs to sell
   10% - 90%     11

Recurring:

             

Investment securities available for sale

   $ 2,500       Discounted par values    Credit quality of
underlying issuer
   0%     0

As of March 31, 2014

             

Nonrecurring:

             

Impaired loans

   $ 41,253       Third party appraisals and
discounted cash flows
   Collateral discounts and
discount rates
   0% - 75%     26

Purchased non-covered real estate owned

   $ 3,864       Third party appraisals    Collateral discounts and
estimated costs to sell
   15% - 57%     17

Covered real estate owned

   $ 42,636       Third party appraisals    Collateral discounts and
estimated costs to sell
   10% - 92%     12

Recurring:

             

Investment securities available for sale

   $ 2,000       Discounted par values    Credit quality of
underlying issuer
   0%     0

 

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Table of Contents

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, not shown elsewhere in these financial statements, were as follows:

 

            Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 Using:  
     Carrying
Amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Financial assets:

              

Cash and due from banks

   $ 80,142       $ 80,142       $ —         $ —         $ 80,142   

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts

     126,157         126,157         —           —           126,157   

Loans, net

     2,837,538         —           —           2,885,524         2,885,524   

FDIC loss-share receivable

     23,312         —           —           9,990         9,990   

Accrued interest receivable

     15,332         15,332         —           —           15,332   

Financial liabilities:

              

Deposits

   $ 3,480,231       $ —         $ 3,481,470       $ —         $ 3,481,470   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     55,520         55,520         —           —           55,520   

Other borrowings

     43,851         —           43,851         —           43,851   

Accrued interest payable

     1,177         1,177         —           —           1,177   

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

     65,567         —           47,055         —           47,055   

 

            Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using:  
     Carrying
Amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Financial assets:

              

Cash and due from banks

   $ 78,026       $ 78,026       $ —         $ —         $ 78,026   

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts

     92,323         92,323         —           —           92,323   

Loans, net

     2,783,763         —           —           2,785,627         2,785,627   

FDIC loss-share receivable

     31,351         —           —           18,764         18,764   

Accrued interest receivable

     17,023         17,023         —           —           17,023   

Financial liabilities:

              

Deposits

   $ 3,431,149       $ —         $ 3,432,059       $ —         $ 3,432,059   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     73,310         73,310         —           —           73,310   

Other borrowings

     78,881         —           78,881         —           78,881   

Accrued interest payable

     1,382         1,382         —           —           1,382   

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

     65,325         —           46,564         —           46,564   

 

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Table of Contents
            Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014 Using:  
     Carrying
Amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Financial assets:

              

Cash and due from banks

   $ 71,387       $ 71,387       $ —         $ —         $ 71,387   

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts

     48,677         48,677         —           —           48,677   

Loans, net

     2,441,348         —           —           2,461,372         2,461,372   

FDIC loss-share receivable

     53,181         —           —           39,930         39,930   

Accrued interest receivable

     13,849         13,849         —           —           13,849   

Financial liabilities:

              

Deposits

   $ 3,010,647       $ —         $ 3,011,383       $ —         $ 3,011,383   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     49,974         49,974         —           —           49,974   

Other borrowings

     59,677         —           59,677         —           59,677   

Accrued interest payable

     1,357         1,357         —           —           1,357   

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

     55,628         —           36,504         —           36,504   

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 13 – SEGMENT REPORTING

The following tables present selected financial information with respect to the Company’s reportable business segments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
     Retail Banking
Division
     Mortgage Banking
Division
     SBA
Division
     Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Net interest income

   $ 35,839       $ 2,380       $ 613       $ 38,832   

Provision for loan losses

     927         142         —           1,069   

Noninterest income

     8,780         7,883         912         17,575   

Noninterest expense:

           

Salaries and employee benefits

     15,362         4,654         616         20,632   

Equipment and occupancy expenses

     4,144         382         28         4,554   

Data processing and telecommunications expenses

     4,011         245         4         4,260   

Other expenses

     10,356         968         57         11,381   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noninterest expense

  33,873      6,249      705      40,827   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

  9,819      3,872      820      14,511   

Income tax expense

  3,105      1,355      287      4,747   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

  6,714      2,517      533      9,764   

Less preferred stock dividends

  —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 6,714    $ 2,517    $ 533    $ 9,764   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

$ 3,839,417    $ 244,477    $ 69,010    $ 4,152,904   

Intangible assets

$ 71,138    $ —      $ —      $ 71,138   

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
 
     Retail Banking
Division
     Mortgage Banking
Division
     SBA
Division
     Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Net interest income

   $ 32,928       $ 1,100       $ 456       $ 34,484   

Provision for loan losses

     1,726         —           —           1,726   

Noninterest income

     7,361         5,164         229         12,754   

Noninterest expense:

           

Salaries and employee benefits

     13,577         3,568         249         17,394   

Equipment and occupancy expenses

     3,749         302         13         4,064   

Data processing and telecommunications expenses

     3,326         122         6         3,454   

Other expenses

     7,380         815         132         8,327   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noninterest expense

  28,032      4,807      400      33,239   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

  10,531      1,457      285      12,273   

Income tax expense

  3,313      510      100      3,923   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

  7,218      947      185      8,350   

Less preferred stock dividends

  286      —        —        286   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 6,932    $ 947    $ 185    $ 8,064   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

$ 3,315,731    $ 128,072    $ 44,181    $ 3,487,984   

Intangible assets

$ 40,526    $ —      $ —      $ 40,526   

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Note Regarding Any Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which may be beyond our control and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “predict,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future. These forward-looking statements may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation, legislative and regulatory initiatives; additional competition in our markets; potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or internal restructuring, that may be pursued by us; state and federal banking regulations; changes in or application of environmental and other laws and regulations to which we are subject; political, legal and economic conditions and developments; financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts; changes in commodity prices and interest rates; weather, natural disasters and other catastrophic events; and other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act.

All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. Our forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this report or the respective date of the document from which they are incorporated herein by reference. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report, or after the respective dates on which such statements otherwise are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors which have affected the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as reflected in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015, as compared to December 31, 2014, and operating results for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. These comments should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere herein.

The following table sets forth unaudited selected financial data for the previous five quarters. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the information contained in this Item 2.

 

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Table of Contents
     2015     2014  

(in thousands, except share data, taxable equivalent)

   First
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    First
Quarter
 

Results of Operations:

          

Net interest income

   $ 38,832      $ 41,006      $ 39,132      $ 35,264      $ 34,484   

Net interest income (tax equivalent)

     39,323        41,498        39,608        35,626        34,808   

Provision for loan losses

     1,069        888        1,669        1,365        1,726   

Non-interest income

     17,575        16,362        17,901        15,819        12,754   

Non-interest expense

     40,827        41,733        38,579        37,318        33,239   

Income tax expense

     4,747        4,167        5,122        4,270        3,923   

Preferred stock dividends

     —          —          —          —          286   

Net income available to common shareholders

     9,764        10,580        11,663        8,130        8,064   

Selected Average Balances:

          

Mortgage loans held for sale

   $ 75,831      $ 97,406      $ 83,751      $ 54,517      $ 49,397   

Loans, net of unearned income

     1,911,601        1,871,618        1,795,059        1,706,564        1,639,672   

Purchased non-covered loans

     650,331        659,472        688,452        433,249        441,138   

Covered loans

     262,693        299,981        324,498        354,766        379,460   

Investment securities

     566,601        533,872        525,739        468,129        462,343   

Earning assets

     3,630,843        3,545,088        3,489,563        3,075,204        3,091,546   

Assets

     4,079,750        4,011,128        3,969,893        3,494,466        3,521,588   

Deposits

     3,432,127        3,427,251        3,382,810        3,010,142        2,975,305   

Common shareholders’ equity

     452,132        362,659        350,733        309,696        290,462   

Period-End Balances:

          

Mortgage loans held for sale

   $ 73,796      $ 94,759      $ 110,059      $ 81,491      $ 51,693   

Loans, net of unearned income

     1,999,420        1,889,881        1,848,759        1,770,059        1,695,382   

Purchased non-covered loans

     643,092        674,239        673,724        702,131        437,269   

Covered loans

     245,745        271,279        313,589        331,250        372,694   

Earning assets

     3,698,540        3,564,286        3,515,805        3,465,361        3,062,428   

Total assets

     4,152,904        4,037,077        3,999,408        3,973,135        3,487,984   

Deposits

     3,480,231        3,431,149        3,373,119        3,389,035        3,010,647   

Common shareholders’ equity

     489,783        366,028        353,830        343,399        300,030   

Per Common Share Data:

          

Earnings per share – Basic

   $ 0.32      $ 0.40      $ 0.44      $ 0.32      $ 0.32   

Earnings per share – Diluted

     0.32        0.39        0.43        0.32        0.32   

Common book value per share

     15.22        13.67        13.22        12.83        11.93   

End of period shares outstanding

     32,182,143        26,773,863        26,774,402        26,771,821        25,159,073   

Weighted average shares outstanding

          

Basic

     30,442,998        26,771,636        26,773,033        25,180,665        25,144,342   

Diluted

     30,796,148        27,090,293        27,160,886        25,633,130        25,573,320   

Market Data:

          

High closing price

   $ 26.55      $ 26.48      $ 24.04      $ 23.90      $ 24.00   

Low closing price

     22.75        21.95        21.00        19.73        19.86   

Closing price for quarter

     26.39        25.64        21.95        21.56        23.30   

Average daily trading volume

     105,152        111,473        79,377        79,038        103,279   

Cash dividends per share

     0.05        0.05        0.05        0.05        —    

Stock dividend

     —         —         —         —         —    

Closing price to book value

     1.73        1.88        1.66        1.68        1.95   

Performance Ratios:

          

Return on average assets

     0.97     1.05     1.17     0.93     0.96

Return on average common equity

     8.76     11.57     13.19     10.53     11.66

Average loan to average deposits

     84.51     85.45     85.48     84.68     84.35

Average equity to average assets

     11.08     9.04     8.83     8.86     9.04

Net interest margin (tax equivalent)

     4.39     4.64     4.50     4.65     4.57

Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent)

     72.38     72.75     67.64     73.05     70.36

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

Consolidated Earnings and Profitability

Ameris reported net income available to common shareholders of $9.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, compared to $8.1 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2014. The Company’s returns on average assets and average stockholders’ equity in the first quarter of 2015 were 0.97% and 8.76%, respectively, compared to 0.96% and 11.66%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2014. The Company’s mortgage banking activities have had a significant impact on the overall financial results of the Company. Below is a more detailed analysis of the retail banking activities, mortgage banking activities and SBA activities of the Company.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
     Retail
Banking

Division
     Mortgage
Banking

Division
     SBA
Division
     Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Net interest income

   $ 35,839       $ 2,380       $ 613       $ 38,832   

Provision for loan losses

     927         142         —           1,069   

Noninterest income

     8,780         7,883         912         17,575   

Noninterest expense:

           

Salaries and employee benefits

     15,362         4,654         616         20,632   

Equipment and occupancy expenses

     4,144         382         28         4,554   

Data processing and telecommunications expenses

     4,011         245         4         4,260   

Other expenses

     10,356         968         57         11,381   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noninterest expense

  33,873      6,249      705      40,827   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

  9,819      3,872      820      14,511   

Income tax expense

  3,105      1,355      287      4,747   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

  6,714      2,517      533      9,764   

Less preferred stock dividends

  —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 6,714    $ 2,517    $ 533    $ 9,764   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
 
     Retail
Banking

Division
     Mortgage
Banking

Division
     SBA
Division
     Total  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Net interest income

   $ 32,928       $ 1,100       $ 456       $ 34,484   

Provision for loan losses

     1,726         —           —           1,726   

Noninterest income

     7,361         5,164         229         12,754   

Noninterest expense:

           

Salaries and employee benefits

     13,577         3,568         249         17,394   

Equipment and occupancy expenses

     3,749         302         13         4,064   

Data processing and telecommunications expenses

     3,326         122         6         3,454   

Other expenses

     7,380         815         132         8,327   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noninterest expense

  28,032      4,807      400      33,239   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

  10,531      1,457      285      12,273   

Income tax expense

  3,313      510      100      3,923   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

  7,218      947      185      8,350   

Less preferred stock dividends

  286      —        —        286   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 6,932    $ 947    $ 185    $ 8,064   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Net Interest Income and Margins

The following tables set forth the amount of our interest income or interest expense for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the average interest rate for total interest-earning assets and total interest-bearing liabilities, net interest spread and net interest margin on average interest-earning assets. Federally tax-exempt income is presented on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 35% federal tax rate.

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2015     2014  
     Average
Balance
     Interest
Income/
Expense
     Average
Yield/
Rate Paid
    Average
Balance
     Interest
Income/
Expense
     Average
Yield/
Rate Paid
 
     ( in Thousands)  

ASSETS

                

Interest-earning assets:

                

Mortgage loans held for sale

   $ 75,831       $ 692         3.70   $ 49,397       $ 403         3.31

Loans

     1,911,601         22,418         4.76        1,639,672         20,647         5.11   

Purchased non-covered loans

     650,331         11,840         7.38        441,138         6,865         6.31   

Covered loans

     262,693         3,995         6.17        379,460         6,761         7.23   

Investment securities

     566,601         3,786         2.71        474,673         3,437         2.94   

Short-term assets

     163,786         128         0.32        107,206         84         0.32   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total interest- earning assets

  3,630,843      42,859      4.79      3,091,546      38,197      5.01   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Noninterest-earning assets

  448,907      430,042   
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

Total assets

$ 4,079,750    $ 3,521,588   
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Interest-bearing liabilities:

Savings and interest-bearing demand deposits

$ 1,777,765    $ 1,076      0.25 $ 1,567,458    $ 1,006      0.26

Time deposits

  756,425      1,204      0.65      741,354      1,177      0.64   

Other borrowings

  43,871      366      3.38      30,004      408      5.51   

FHLB advances

  16,778      15      0.36      68,333      37      0.22   

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  52,707      43      0.33      57,112      53      0.38   

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

  65,436      832      5.16      55,092      708      5.21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  2,712,982      3,536      0.53      2,519,353      3,389      0.55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Demand deposits

  897,937      666,493   

Other liabilities

  16,699      17,280   

Stockholders’ equity

  452,132      318,462   
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 4,079,750    $ 3,521,588   
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

Interest rate spread

  4.26   4.47
        

 

 

         

 

 

 

Net interest income

$ 39,323    $ 34,808   
     

 

 

         

 

 

    

Net interest margin

  4.39   4.57
        

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

On a tax equivalent basis, net interest income for the first quarter of 2015 was $39.3 million, an increase of $4.5 million compared to the same quarter in 2014. The higher net interest income is a result of the acquisition of Coastal Bank during the second quarter of 2014, along with organic growth in the loan portfolio, and continued low rates in the Company’s cost of funds. The Company’s net interest margin decreased during the first quarter of 2015 to 4.39%, compared to 4.57% during the first quarter of 2014 and 4.64% reported in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Total interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, during the first quarter of 2015 was $42.9 million, compared to $38.2 million in the same quarter of 2014. Yields on earning assets declined to 4.79%, compared to 5.01% reported in the first quarter of 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, loans comprised 79.9% of earning assets, compared to 81.2% in the same quarter of 2014. Yields on legacy loans decreased to 4.76% in the first quarter of 2015, compared to 5.11% in the same period of 2014. Covered loan yields decreased to 6.17% in the first quarter of 2015, compared to 7.23% during the first quarter of 2014. The yield on purchased non-covered loans was 7.38% for the first quarter of 2015, compared to 6.31% in the same quarter of 2014. Management anticipates improving economic conditions and increased loan demand will provide consistent interest income.

Total funding costs decreased to 0.40% in the first quarter of 2015, compared to 0.43% during the first quarter of 2014. Deposit costs decreased from 0.30% in the first quarter of 2014 to 0.27% in the first quarter of 2015. Continued shifts in the funding mix toward noninterest-bearing demand and other lower cost deposit categories was the primary reason for the decline. Ongoing efforts to maintain the percentage of funding from transaction deposits have succeeded such that non-CD deposits averaged 78.0% of total deposits in the first quarter of 2015, compared to 75.1% during the first quarter of 2014. Lower costs on deposits were realized due mostly to the lower rate environment and the Company’s ability to be less competitive on higher priced CDs due to its larger than normal position in short-term assets. Further opportunity to realize savings on deposits exists but may be limited due to current costs. Average balances of interest-bearing deposits and their respective costs for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 are shown below:

 

     March 31, 2015     March 31, 2014  
(Dollars in Thousands)    Average
Balance
     Average
Cost
    Average
Balance
     Average
Cost
 

NOW

   $ 756,795         0.20   $ 675,199         0.17

MMDA

     857,346         0.31     749,150         0.37

Savings

     163,624         0.09     143,109         0.10

Retail CDs < $100,000

     372,463         0.56     373,523         0.53

Retail CDs > $100,000

     383,962         0.73     361,861         0.72

Brokered CDs

     —           —       5,970         3.26
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits

$ 2,534,190      0.36 $ 2,308,812      0.38
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Provision for Loan Losses

The Company’s provision for loan losses during the first quarter of 2015 amounted to $1.1 million, compared to $888,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014 and $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2014. At March 31, 2015, classified loans still accruing totaled $52.6 million, compared to $39.7 million at March 31, 2014. This increase is predominately due to the addition of classified loans in the Coastal Bank acquisition. Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets decreased from 2.29% at March 31, 2014 to 2.03% at March 31, 2015. Net charge-offs on loans during the first quarter of 2015 decreased to $405,000, or 0.08% of loans on an annualized basis, compared to $1.1 million, or 0.27% of loans, in the first quarter of 2014. The Company’s allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2015 was $21.9 million, or 1.09% of total loans, compared to $22.7 million, or 1.34% of total loans, at March 31, 2014.

Noninterest Income

Total noninterest income for the first quarter of 2015 was $17.6 million, compared to $12.8 million in the first quarter of 2014. Service charges on deposit accounts in the first quarter of 2015 increased to $6.4 million, compared to $5.6 million in the first quarter of 2014. This increase was driven by the growth of core accounts through the acquisition of Coastal Bank during the second quarter of 2014, along with higher balances in accounts subject to service charges. Income from mortgage banking activity increased from $5.1 million in the first three months of 2014 to $8.15 million in the first three months of 2015, due to an increased number of mortgage bankers and higher levels of production. Other non-interest income increased from $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2014 to $2.4 million during the first quarter of 2015 due to the increase in gains on sales of SBA loans.

 

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Table of Contents

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2015 increased to $40.8 million, compared to $33.2 million at the same time in 2014. Increases in noninterest expenses were primarily the result of the acquisition of Coastal Bank during the second quarter of 2014, additional expenses related to increases in mortgage volume and the Company’s aggressive investment in the scale of its operations, particularly in information technology and customer care centers, in anticipation of the pending acquisitions expected to close during the second quarter of 2015. Salaries and employee benefits increased from $17.4 million in the first quarter of 2014 to $20.6 million in the first quarter of 2015. Occupancy and equipment expense increased during the quarter from $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2014 to $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2015. Total data processing and telecommunications expense in the first quarter of 2015 was $4.3 million, compared to $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2014. Credit related expenses, including problem loan and OREO expense and OREO write-downs and losses, increased to $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company brought several larger non-performing assets closer to resolution and incurred higher than normal expenses associated with these efforts.

Income taxes

Income tax expense is influenced by the amount of taxable income, the amount of tax-exempt income and the amount of non-deductible expenses. For the first quarter of 2015, the Company reported income tax expense of $4.7 million, compared to $3.9 million in the same period of 2014. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 32.7% and 32.0%, respectively.

Balance Sheet Comparison

Securities

Debt securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale and recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred tax effect. Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are classified as other investment securities and are recorded at their fair market value.

The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the life of the securities. Realized gains and losses, determined on the basis of the cost of specific securities sold, are included in earnings on the settlement date. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses.

In determining whether other-than-temporary impairment losses exist, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Substantially all of the unrealized losses on debt securities are related to changes in interest rates and do not affect the expected cash flows of the issuer or underlying collateral. All unrealized losses are considered temporary because each security carries an acceptable investment grade and the Company does not intend to sell these investment securities at an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery or maturity. Therefore, at March 31, 2015, these investments are not considered impaired on an other-than temporary basis.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table illustrates certain information regarding the Company’s investment portfolio with respect to yields, sensitivities and expected cash flows over the next twelve months assuming constant prepayments and maturities:

 

     Book Value      Fair Value      Yield     Modified
Duration
     Estimated
Cash Flows
12 months
 
     Dollars in Thousands  

March 31, 2015:

             

U.S. government agencies

   $ 14,954       $ 14,984         1.85     4.71       $ —     

State, county and municipal securities

   $ 154,499       $ 159,064         4.07     6.31       $ 8,352   

Corporate debt securities

   $ 10,794       $ 10,935         6.67     7.37       $ 1,250   

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 420,497       $ 425,347         2.26     3.69       $ 84,117   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

$ 600,744    $ 610,330      2.80   4.46    $ 93,719   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

March 31, 2014:

U.S. government agencies

$ 14,948    $ 14,145      1.85   5.56    $ —     

State, county and municipal securities

$ 110,331    $ 111,574      3.61   5.34    $ 4,566   

Corporate debt securities

$ 10,307    $ 10,383      6.52   7.23    $ —     

Mortgage-backed securities

$ 319,216    $ 320,611      2.58   4.05    $ 51,282   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

$ 454,802    $ 456,713      3.53   4.48    $ 55,848   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

At March 31, 2015, gross loans outstanding (including purchased non-covered and covered loans and mortgage loans held for sale) were $2.96 billion, a slight increase compared to the $2.93 billion reported at December 31, 2014. Mortgage loans held for sale decreased from $94.8 million at December 31, 2014 to $73.8 million at March 31, 2015. Legacy loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans) increased $109.5 million, from $1.89 billion at December 31, 2014 to $2.00 billion at March 31, 2015. Purchased non-covered loans decreased $31.1 million, from $674.2 million at December 31, 2014 to $643.1 million at March 31, 2015. Covered loans decreased $25.5 million, from $271.2 million at December 31, 2014 to $245.7 million at March 31, 2015.

The Company regularly monitors the composition of the loan portfolio to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in light of the impact that changes in the economic environment may have on the loan portfolio. The Company focuses on the following loan categories: (1) commercial, financial and agricultural; (2) residential real estate; (3) commercial and farmland real estate; (4) construction and development related real estate; and (5) consumer. The Company’s management has strategically located its branches in select markets in south and southeast Georgia, north Florida, southeast Alabama and throughout South Carolina to take advantage of the growth in these areas.

The Company’s risk management processes include a loan review program designed to evaluate the credit risk in the loan portfolio and ensure credit grade accuracy. Through the loan review process, the Company conducts (1) a loan portfolio summary analysis, (2) charge-off and recovery analysis, (3) trends in accruing problem loan analysis, and (4) problem and past due loan analysis. This analysis process serves as a tool to assist management in assessing the overall quality of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Loans classified as “substandard” are loans which are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged. These assets exhibit a well-defined weakness or are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. These weaknesses may be characterized by past due performance, operating losses and/or questionable collateral values. Loans classified as “doubtful” are those loans that have characteristics similar to substandard loans but have an increased risk of loss. Loans classified as “loss” are those loans which are considered uncollectible and are in the process of being charged-off.

The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the size and composition of the loan portfolio, the level of non-performing and past due loans, historical trends of charged-off loans and recoveries, prevailing economic conditions and other factors management deems appropriate. The Company’s management has established an allowance for loan losses which it believes is adequate for the probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. Based on a credit evaluation of the loan portfolio, management presents a monthly review of the allowance for loan losses to the Company’s Board of Directors. The review that management has developed primarily focuses on risk by evaluating individual loans in certain risk categories. These categories have also been established by management and take the form of loan grades. By grading the loan portfolio in this manner the Company’s management is able to effectively evaluate the portfolio by risk, which management believes is the most effective way to analyze the loan portfolio and thus analyze the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

 

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The allowance for loan losses is established by examining (1) the large classified loans, nonaccrual loans and loans considered impaired and evaluating them individually to determine the specific reserve allocation and (2) the remainder of the loan portfolio to allocate a portion of the allowance based on past loss experience and the economic conditions for the particular loan category. The Company also considers other factors such as changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in national, regional and/or local economic and business conditions; changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; changes in the experience, ability and depth of either the bank president or lending staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due and classified loans; changes in the quality of the Company’s corporate loan review system; and other factors management deems appropriate.

For the three month period ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded net charge-offs totaling $405,000, compared to $1.1 million for the period ended March 31, 2014. The provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased to $1.1 million, compared to $1.5 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2014. At the end of the first quarter of 2015, the allowance for loan losses totaled $21.9 million, or 1.09% of total loans, compared to $21.2 million, or 1.12% of total loans, at December 31, 2014 and $22.7 million, or 1.34% of total loans, at March 31, 2014.

The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
    March 31,
2014
 

Balance of allowance for loan losses at beginning of period

   $ 21,157      $ 22,377   

Provision charged to operating expense

     1,100        1,501   

Charge-offs:

    

Commercial, financial and agricultural

     392        743   

Real estate – residential

     268        181   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     12        533   

Real estate – construction and development

     97        65   

Consumer installment

     86        84   

Other

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total charge-offs

  855      1,606   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recoveries:

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  285      49   

Real estate – residential

  57      83   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

  15      143   

Real estate – construction and development

  31      108   

Consumer installment

  62      89   

Other

  —        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recoveries

  450      472   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net charge-offs

  405      1,134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance of allowance for loan losses at end of period

$ 21,852    $ 22,744   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net annualized charge-offs as a percentage of average loans

  0.08   0.27

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans at end of period

  1.09   1.34

Purchased Non-Covered Assets

Loans that were acquired in transactions that are not covered by the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC (“purchased non-covered loans”) totaled $643.1 million, $674.2 million and $437.3 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. OREO that was acquired in transactions and is not covered by the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC totaled $13.8 million, $15.6 million and $3.9 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively.

 

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The Bank initially recorded the loans at their fair values, taking into consideration certain credit quality, risk and liquidity marks. The Company believes its estimation of credit risk and its adjustments to the carrying balances of the acquired loans is adequate. If the Company determines that a loan or group of loans has deteriorated from its initial assessment of fair value, a reserve for loan losses will be established to account for that difference. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a net provision for loan loss credit of $432,000 due to recoveries received on previously charged off purchased non-covered loans. During the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company recorded provision for loan loss expense of $84,000 to account for losses where there was a decrease in cash flows from the initial estimates on purchased non-covered loans. The Company did not have any provision for loan loss expense during the three months ended March 31, 2014 related to purchased non-covered loans. If the Company determines that a loan or group of loans has improved from its initial assessment of fair value, then the increase in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date is recognized as interest income prospectively.

Purchased non-covered loans are shown below according to loan type as of the end of the periods shown:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 36,258       $ 38,041       $ 30,810   

Real estate – construction and development

     53,668         58,362         31,820   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     291,760         306,706         174,281   

Real estate – residential

     257,216         266,342         196,078   

Consumer installment

     4,190         4,788         4,280   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 643,092    $ 674,239    $ 437,269   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets Covered by Loss-Sharing Agreements with the FDIC

Loans that were acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions that are covered by the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC (“covered loans”) totaled $245.7 million, $271.3 million and $372.7 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. OREO that is covered by the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC totaled $16.1 million, $19.9 million and $42.6 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. The loss-sharing agreements are subject to the servicing procedures as specified in the agreements with the FDIC. The expected reimbursements under the loss-sharing agreements were recorded as an indemnification asset at their estimated fair value on the acquisition dates. The FDIC loss-share receivable reported at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 was $23.3 million, $31.4 million and $53.2 million, respectively.

The Bank initially recorded the loans at their fair values, taking into consideration certain credit quality, risk and liquidity marks. The Company believes its estimation of credit risk and its adjustments to the carrying balances of the acquired loans is adequate. If the Company determines that a loan or group of loans has deteriorated from its initial assessment of fair value, a reserve for loan losses will be established to account for that difference. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded provision for loan loss expense of $401,000, $843,000 and $225,000, respectively, net of the FDIC loss-share receivable, to account for losses where there was a decrease in cash flows from the initial estimates on loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions. If the Company determines that a loan or group of loans has improved from its initial assessment of fair value, then the increase in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date is recognized as interest income prospectively over the remaining life of the loan, with an associated write off of the remaining indemnification asset over the shorter of the life of the loan or the loss-share agreement.

Covered loans are shown below according to loan type as of the end of the periods shown:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 20,905       $ 21,467       $ 24,813   

Real estate – construction and development

     19,519         23,447         41,434   

Real estate – commercial and farmland

     130,290         147,627         214,649   

Real estate – residential

     74,847         78,520         91,372   

Consumer installment

     184         218         426   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 245,745    $ 271,279    $ 372,694   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Non-Performing Assets

Non-performing assets include nonaccrual loans, accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more, repossessed personal property, and other real estate owned. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when management has concerns relating to the ability to collect the principal and interest and generally when such loans are 90 days or more past due. Management performs a detailed review and valuation assessment of impaired loans on a quarterly basis and recognizes losses when impairment is identified. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that not all principal and interest amounts will be collected according to the loan contract. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current income.

Nonaccrual loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, totaled $20.8 million at March 31, 2015, a 22.0% decrease from $26.7 million reported at the end of the first quarter of 2014. Nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans totaled $17.3 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $15.3 million reported at March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, OREO (excluding purchased non-covered and covered OREO) totaled $32.3 million, compared to $33.8 million at March 31, 2014. Purchased non-covered OREO totaled $13.8 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $3.9 million at March 31, 2014. At the end of the first quarter of 2015, total non-covered non-performing assets decreased to 2.03% of total assets compared to 2.29% at March 31, 2014. Management continues to aggressively identify and resolve problem assets while seeking quality credits to grow the loan portfolio.

Non-performing assets at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     March 31,
2014
 

Total nonaccrual loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans)

   $ 20,841       $ 21,728       $ 26,729   

Nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans

     17,308         18,249         15,318   

Accruing loans delinquent 90 days or more

     —           1         —     

Foreclosed assets (excluding purchased assets)

     32,339         33,160         33,839   

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned

     13,818         15,585         3,864   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-performing assets, excluding covered assets

$ 84,306    $ 88,723    $ 79,750   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The restructuring of a loan is considered a “troubled debt restructuring” if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the Company has granted a concession. The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     5       $ 277         3       $ 17   

Real estate – construction & development

     9         789         4         90   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     20         7,309         1         64   

Real estate – residential

     42         4,513         11         736   

Consumer installment

     10         47         15         90   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  86    $ 12,935      34    $ 997   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     6       $ 290         2       $ 13   

Real estate – construction & development

     9         679         5         228   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     19         6,477         3         724   

Real estate – residential

     47         5,258         11         1,485   

Consumer installment

     11         55         11         73   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  92    $ 12,759      32    $ 2,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     4       $ 711         2       $ 40   

Real estate – construction & development

     11         1,953         1         29   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     19         8,733         5         1,316   

Real estate – residential

     35         7,364         8         961   

Consumer installment

     11         87         2         19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  80    $ 18,848      18    $ 2,365   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, classified separately as those currently paying under restructured terms and those that have defaulted (defined as 30 days past due) under restructured terms at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured
Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured
Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     7       $ 289         1       $ 5   

Real estate – construction & development

     9         789         4         90   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     17         6,563         4         810   

Real estate – residential

     38         3,807         15         1,442   

Consumer installment

     14         75         11         62   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  85    $ 11,523      35    $ 2,409   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured
Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured
Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     7       $ 67         1       $ 236   

Real estate – construction & development

     9         679         5         228   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     19         6,477         3         724   

Real estate – residential

     45         5,036         13         1,707   

Consumer installment

     14         67         8         61   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  94    $ 12,326      30    $ 2,956   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured
Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured
Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     4       $ 268         2       $ 482   

Real estate – construction & development

     10         1,916         2         66   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     19         8,733         5         1,316   

Real estate – residential

     30         6,365         13         1,961   

Consumer installment

     11         80         2         26   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  74    $ 17,362      24    $ 3,851   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by types of concessions made, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Interest

     10       $ 1,891         4       $ 267   

Forbearance of Principal

     6         162         1         44   

Forgiveness of Principal

     5         2,374         —           —     

Rate Reduction Only

     16         2,346         2         32   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

     29         2,124         20         470   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     9         2,953         7         184   

Rate Reduction, Forgiveness of Interest

     10         1,081         —           —     

Rate Reduction, Forgiveness of Principal

     1         4         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  86    $ 12,935      34    $ 997   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Interest

     10       $ 1,917         4       $ 270   

Forgiveness of Principal

     5         2,394         —           —     

Forbearances of Principal

     6         165         —           —     

Rate Reduction Only

     16         3,677         4         477   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

     31         2,160         21         1,738   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     19         1,981         2         13   

Rate Reduction, Forgiveness of Interest

     4         460         —           —     

Rate Reduction, Forgiveness of Principal

     1         5         1         25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  92    $ 12,759      32    $ 2,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Interest

     8       $ 1,933         4       $ 300   

Forgiveness of Principal

     4         1,957         1         516   

Payment Modification Only

     —           —           1         149   

Rate Reduction Only

     13         6,782         4         1,134   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

     38         5,489         6         230   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     17         2,687         1         7   

Rate Reduction, Payment Modification

     —           —           1         29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  80    $ 18,848      18    $ 2,365   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by collateral types, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     6       $ 923         —         $ —     

Raw Land

     9         789         4         90   

Agriculture

     1         304         1         65   

Apartments

     1         1,314         —           —     

Hotel & Motel

     3         2,001         —           —     

Office

     3         514         —           —     

Retail, including Strip Centers

     5         1,893         —           —     

1-4 Family Residential

     42         4,513         13         759   

Church

     1         359         —           —     

Automobile/Equipment/CD

     14         92         15         78   

Unsecured

     1         233         1         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  86    $ 12,935      34    $ 997   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     4       $ 1,346         —         $ —     

Raw Land

     11         2,345         6         292   

Hotel & Motel

     3         2,185         —           —     

Office

     4         1,909         —           —     

Retail, including Strip Centers

     4         1,095         2         660   

1-4 Family Residential

     36         7,747         12         1,501   

Church

     1         250         —           —     

Automobile/Equipment/CD

     8         92         12         70   

Unsecured

     1         245         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  92    $ 12,759      32    $ 2,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     4       $ 1,345         2       $ 586   

Raw Land

     5         1,298         1         29   

Agriculture

     1         311         1         66   

Hotel & Motel

     3         2,154         —           —     

Office

     4         1,652         1         149   

Retail, including Strip Centers

     6         2,905         1         516   

1-4 Family Residential

     42         8,027         9         978   

Church

     1         365         —           —     

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

     13         548         3         41   

Unsecured

     1         243         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  80    $ 18,848      18    $ 2,365   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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As of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, the Company had a balance of $1.7 million, $1.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively, in troubled debt restructurings included in purchased non-covered loans. The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class of purchased non-covered loans, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           1       $ 1   

Real estate – construction & development

     1         328         —           —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     3         720         1         69   

Real estate – residential

     5         477         2         93   

Consumer installment

     1         1         1         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  10    $ 1,526      5    $ 167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           —         $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     1         317         —           —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     1         346         —           —     

Real estate – residential

     6         547         1         25   

Consumer installment

     1         2         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  9    $ 1,212      1    $ 25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           1       $ 6   

Real estate – construction & development

     7         2,443         2         264   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     2         961         2         726   

Real estate – residential

     12         1,779         4         255   

Consumer installment

     1         8         2         17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  22    $ 5,191      11    $ 1,268   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class of purchased non-covered loans, classified separately as those currently paying under restructured terms and those that have defaulted (defined as 30 days past due) under restructured terms at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     1       $ 1         —         $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     1         328         —           —     

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     3         720         1         69   

Real estate – residential

     5         477         2         93   

Consumer installment

     2         5         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  12    $ 1,531      3    $ 162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of December 31, 2014    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           —         $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     —           —           1         317   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     1         346         —           —     

Real estate – residential

     5         480         2         92   

Consumer installment

     —           —           1         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  6    $ 826      4    $ 411   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     —         $ —           1       $ 6   

Real estate – construction & development

     6         2,244         3         463   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     —           —           4         1,687   

Real estate – residential

     8         1,187         8         847   

Consumer installment

     1         8         2         17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  15    $ 3,439      18    $ 3,020   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

65


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The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings included in purchased non-covered loans, by types of concessions made, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Interest

     1       $ 1         1       $ 68   

Payment Modification Only

     1         117         —           —     

Rate Reduction Only

     2         383         1         25   

Rate Reduction, Forgiveness of Interest

     2         154         —           —     

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

     1         231         —           —     

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     3         640         3         74   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  10    $ 1,526      5    $ 167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Interest

     2       $ 69         —         $ —     

Payment Modification Only

     1         346         —           —     

Rate Reduction Only

     2         373         1         25   

Rate Reduction, Forgiveness of Interest

     2         155         —           —     

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

     1         231         —           —     

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     1         38         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  9    $ 1,212      1    $ 25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Principal

     1       $ 299         —         $ —     

Forgiveness of Principal

     1         164         1         259   

Payment Modification Only

     1         61         1         13   

Rate Reduction Only

     12         2,354         7         491   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     7         2,313         2         505   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  22    $ 5,191      11    $ 1,268   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

66


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The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings included in purchased non-covered loans, by collateral types, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     1       $ 117         1       $ 69   

Raw Land

     2         384         —           —     

Office

     1         466         —           —     

Retail, including Strip Centers

     1         136         —           —     

1-4 Family Residential

     4         422         2         93   

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

     1         1         2         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  10    $ 1,526      5    $ 167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     1       $ 346         —         $ —     

Raw Land

     2         373         —           —     

1-4 Family Residential

     5         491         1         25   

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

     1         2         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  9    $ 1,212      1    $ 25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     —         $ —           1       $ 467   

Raw Land

     5         1,988         —           —     

Office

     1         798         —           —     

Retail, including Strip Centers

     1         164         1         259   

1-4 Family Residential

     15         2,241         6         519   

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

     —           —           3         23   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  22    $ 5,191      11    $ 1,268   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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As of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, the Company had a balance of $23.3 million, $24.6 million and $27.8 million, respectively, in troubled debt restructurings included in covered loans. The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class of covered loans, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     1       $ 3         2       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     3         2,819         1         13   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     13         6,461         2         1,736   

Real estate – residential

     97         11,436         10         821   

Consumer installment

     1         2         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  115    $ 20,721      15    $ 2,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     2       $ 40         2       $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     4         3,037         2         29   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     14         8,079         5         1,082   

Real estate – residential

     96         11,460         8         831   

Consumer installment

     1         3         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  117    $ 22,619      17    $ 1,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     1       $ 14         5       $ 68   

Real estate – construction & development

     3         3,254         5         49   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     14         7,461         7         3,872   

Real estate – residential

     85         12,046         9         1,031   

Consumer installment

     —           —           1         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  103    $ 22,775      27    $ 5,025   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

68


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class of covered loans, classified separately as those currently paying under restructured terms and those that have defaulted (defined as 30 days past due) under restructured terms at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     3       $ 3         —         $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     3         2,819         1         13   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     14         6,469         2         1,728   

Real estate – residential

     87         10,553         19         1,704   

Consumer installment

     1         2         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  108    $ 19,846      22    $ 3,445   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     4       $ 40         —         $ —     

Real estate – construction & development

     4         3,037         2         29   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     18         9,082         1         79   

Real estate – residential

     79         9,897         25         2,394   

Consumer installment

     1         3         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  106    $ 22,059      28    $ 2,502   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014    Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
     Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms
 

Loan class:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Commercial, financial & agricultural

     5       $ 43         1       $ 40   

Real estate – construction & development

     2         374         6         2,928   

Real estate – commercial & farmland

     18         6,962         3         4,370   

Real estate – residential

     75         9,576         19         3,502   

Consumer installment

     1         5         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  101    $ 16,960      29    $ 10,840   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

69


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings included in covered loans, by types of concessions made, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Interest

     4       $ 1,600         1       $ 8   

Forbearance of Principal

     —           —           1         —     

Rate Reduction Only

     96         16,836         7         1,480   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

     7         388         3         13   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     5         1,498         3         1,069   

Rate Reduction, Forgiveness of Interest

     3         399         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  115    $ 20,721      15    $ 2,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Interest

     3       $ 1,532         3       $ 88   

Forbearance of Principal

     1         —           1         —     

Rate Reduction Only

     97         17,360         7         1,626   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

     5         274         3         14   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     8         3,052         3         214   

Rate Reduction, Forgiveness of Interest

     3         401         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  117    $ 22,619      17    $ 1,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Type of Concession:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Forbearance of Interest

     —         $ —           4       $ 127   

Forgiveness of Principal

     —           —           —           —     

Payment Modification Only

     —           —           —           —     

Rate Reduction Only

     90         18,578         10         1,043   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

     3         88         8         471   

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

     9         3,259         5         3,384   

Rate Reduction, Payment Modification

     1         850         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  103    $ 22,775      27    $ 5,025   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

70


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The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings included in covered loans, by collateral types, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

As of March 31, 2015    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     2       $ 1,489         —         $ —     

Raw Land

     2         424         1         13   

Hotel & Motel

     4         3,208         1         946   

Office

     1         90         1         782   

Retail, including Strip Centers

     6         3,918         1         8   

1-4 Family Residential

     99         11,589         9         821   

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

     1         3         2         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  115    $ 20,721      15    $ 2,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     2       $ 1,510         1       $ 79   

Raw Land

     3         411         1         14   

Hotel & Motel

     5         4,395         —           —     

Office

     1         473         2         858   

Retail, including Strip Centers

     6         4,174         2         145   

1-4 Family Residential

     98         11,616         9         846   

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

     1         3         2         —     

Unsecured

     1         37         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  117    $ 22,619      17    $ 1,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014    Accruing Loans      Non-Accruing Loans  

Collateral type:

   #      Balance
(in thousands)
     #      Balance
(in thousands)
 

Warehouse

     —         $ —           2       $ 486   

Raw Land

     1         374         5         59   

Hotel & Motel

     7         4,867         —           —     

Office

     2         1,342         1         73   

Retail, including Strip Centers

     5         3,819         3         3,287   

1-4 Family Residential

     87         12,359         11         1,052   

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

     —           —           5         68   

Unsecured

     1         14         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  103    $ 22,775      27    $ 5,025   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Commercial Lending Practices

On December 12, 2006, the Federal Bank Regulatory Agencies released guidance on Concentration in Commercial Real Estate Lending. This guidance defines commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans as loans secured by raw land, land development and construction (including 1-4 family residential construction), multi-family property and non-farm nonresidential property where the primary or a significant source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property, excluding owner occupied properties (loans for which 50% or more of the source of repayment is derived from the ongoing operations and activities conducted by the party, or affiliate of the party, who owns the property) or the proceeds of the sale, refinancing or permanent financing of the property. Loans for owner occupied CRE are generally excluded from the CRE guidance.

The CRE guidance is applicable when either:

 

(1) total loans for construction, land development and other land, net of owner occupied loans, represent 100% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capital; or

 

(2) total loans secured by multifamily and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for construction, land development and other land, net of owner occupied loans, represent 300% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capital.

Banks that are subject to the CRE guidance’s criteria are required to implement enhanced strategic planning, CRE underwriting policies, risk management and internal controls, portfolio stress testing, risk exposure limits, and other policies, including management compensation and incentives, to address the CRE risks. Higher allowances for loan losses and capital levels may also be appropriate.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company exhibited a concentration in CRE loans based on Federal Reserve Call codes. The primary risks of CRE lending are:

 

(1) within CRE loans, construction and development loans are somewhat dependent upon continued strength in demand for residential real estate, which is reliant on favorable real estate mortgage rates and changing population demographics;

 

(2) on average, CRE loan sizes are generally larger than non-CRE loan types; and

 

(3) certain construction and development loans may be less predictable and more difficult to evaluate and monitor.

The following table outlines CRE loan categories and CRE loans as a percentage of total loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The loan categories and concentrations below are based on Federal Reserve Call codes and include purchased non-covered and covered loans:

 

     March 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
(Dollars in Thousands)    Balance      % of Total
Loans
    Balance      % of Total
Loans
 

Construction and development loans

   $ 251,755         9   $ 243,316         9

Multi-family loans

     74,226         2     72,356         3

Nonfarm non-residential loans

     1,295,098         45     1,289,501         45
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total CRE Loans

$ 1,621,079      56 $ 1,605,173      57

All other loan types

  1,267,178      44   1,230,226      43
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans

$ 2,888,257      100 $ 2,835,399      100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table outlines the percent of total CRE loans, net of owner occupied loans, to total risk-based capital, and the Company’s internal concentration limits as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

     Internal     March 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
     Limit     Actual     Actual  

Construction and development

     100     51     67

Commercial real estate

     300     175     232

Short-Term Investments

The Company’s short-term investments are comprised of federal funds sold and interest-bearing balances. At March 31, 2015, the Company’s short-term investments were $126.2 million, compared to $92.30 million and $48.7 million at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015, $5.5 million was in federal funds sold and $120.7 million was in interest-bearing balances at correspondent banks and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

 

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company had a cash flow hedge that matures September 15, 2020 with a notional amount of $37.1 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 for the purpose of converting the variable rate on the junior subordinated debentures to fixed rate of 4.11%. The fair value of these instruments amounted to a liability of approximately $1.8 million, $1.3 million and $675,000 at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. The Company also had forward contracts and IRLCs to hedge changes in the value of the mortgage inventory due to changes in market interest rates. The fair value of these instruments amounted to a net asset of approximately $3.5 million, $1.5 million and $2.5 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, and March 31, 2014 respectively. No material hedge ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges was recognized in the statement of operations. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Capital

On January 29, 2015, the Company completed a private placement of 5,320,000 shares of common stock at a price of $22.50 per share. The Company received net proceeds from the issuance of approximately $114.5 million, after deducting placement agent commissions and other issuance costs. The Company intends to use the net proceeds to fund the announced acquisitions of Merchants & Southern Banks of Florida, Incorporated and eighteen Bank of America branches located in North Florida and South Georgia.

Capital management consists of providing equity to support both current and anticipated future operations. The Company is subject to capital adequacy requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”) and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (the “GDBF”), and the Bank is subject to capital adequacy requirements imposed by the FDIC and the GDBF.

The FRB, the FDIC and the GDBF have adopted risk-based capital requirements for assessing bank holding company and bank capital adequacy. These standards define and establish minimum capital requirements in relation to assets and off-balance sheet exposure, adjusted for credit risk. The risk-based capital standards currently in effect are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among bank holding companies and banks and to account for off-balance sheet exposure.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve published final rules for the adoption of the Basel III regulatory capital framework (the “Basel III Capital Rules”). The Basel III Capital Rules defined a new capital measure called “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”), established that Tier 1 capital consist of Common Equity Tier 1 and “Additional Tier 1 Capital” instruments meeting specified requirements, defined Common Equity Tier 1, established a capital conservation buffer and expanded the scope of the adjustments as compared to existing regulations. The capital conservation buffer is being phased in from 0.0% for 2015 to 2.50% by 2019. The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for us on January 1, 2015 with certain transition provisions fully phased in on January 1, 2019.

The regulatory capital standards are defined by the following key measurements:

a) The “Leverage Ratio” is defined as Tier 1 capital to average assets. To be considered “adequately capitalized” under this measurement, a bank must maintain a leverage ratio greater than or equal to 4.00%. For a bank to be considered “well capitalized,” it must maintain a leverage ratio greater than or equal to 5.00%.

b) The “CET1 Ratio” is defined as Common equity tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets. To be considered “adequately capitalized” under this measurement, a bank must maintain a core capital ratio greater than or equal to 4.50%. For a bank to be considered “well capitalized,” it must maintain a core capital ratio greater than or equal to 6.50%.

c) The “Core Capital Ratio” is defined as Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets. To be considered “adequately capitalized” under this measurement, a bank must maintain a core capital ratio greater than or equal to 6.00%. For a bank to be considered “well capitalized,” it must maintain a core capital ratio greater than or equal to 8.00%.

d) The “Total Capital Ratio” is defined as total capital to total risk weighted assets. To be considered “adequately capitalized” under this measurement, a bank must maintain a total capital ratio greater than or equal to 8.00%. For a bank to be considered “well capitalized,” it must maintain a total capital ratio greater than or equal to 10.00%.

 

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As of March 31, 2015, under the regulatory capital standards, the Bank was considered “well capitalized” under all capital measurements. The following table sets forth the regulatory capital ratios of Ameris at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:

 

     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    March 31,
2014
 

Leverage Ratio(tier 1 capital to average assets)

      

Consolidated

     10.12     8.94     8.91

Ameris Bank

     11.43        10.01        9.43   

CET1 Ratio(common equity tier 1capital to risk weighted assets)

      

Consolidated

     13.87        N/A        N/A   

Ameris Bank

     15.67        N/A        N/A   

Core Capital Ratio(tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets)

      

Consolidated

     13.87        12.66        13.30   

Ameris Bank

     15.67        14.14        14.09   

Total Capital Ratio(total capital to risk weighted assets)

      

Consolidated

     14.62        13.42        14.28   

Ameris Bank

     16.42        14.90        15.06   

Capital Purchase Program

On November 21, 2008, the Company, pursuant to the Capital Purchase Program established in connection with the Troubled Asset Relief Program, issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury, for an aggregate cash purchase price of $52 million, (i) 52,000 shares (the “Preferred Shares”) of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 679,443 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $11.48 per share. On June 14, 2012, the Preferred Shares were sold by the Treasury through a registered public offering. On August 22, 2012, the Company repurchased the Warrant from the Treasury for $2.67 million. In December 2012, the Company repurchased 24,000 outstanding Preferred Shares, and in March 2014, the Company redeemed the remaining 28,000 outstanding Preferred Shares.

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity

The Company’s primary market risk exposures are credit risk, interest rate risk, and to a lesser degree, liquidity risk. The Bank operates under an Asset Liability Management Policy approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and the Asset and Liability Committee (the “ALCO Committee”). The policy outlines limits on interest rate risk in terms of changes in net interest income and changes in the net market values of assets and liabilities over certain changes in interest rate environments. These measurements are made through a simulation model which projects the impact of changes in interest rates on the Bank’s assets and liabilities. The policy also outlines responsibility for monitoring interest rate risk, and the process for the approval, implementation and monitoring of interest rate risk strategies to achieve the Bank’s interest rate risk objectives.

The ALCO Committee is comprised of senior officers of Ameris and two outside members of the Company’s Board of Directors. The ALCO Committee makes all strategic decisions with respect to the sources and uses of funds that may affect net interest income, including net interest spread and net interest margin. The objective of the ALCO Committee is to identify the interest rate, liquidity and market value risks of the Company’s balance sheet and use reasonable methods approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and executive management to minimize those identified risks.

The normal course of business activity exposes the Company to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is managed within an overall asset and liability framework for the Company. The principal objectives of asset and liability management are to predict the sensitivity of net interest spreads to potential changes in interest rates, control risk and enhance profitability. Funding positions are kept within predetermined limits designed to properly manage risk and liquidity. The Company employs sensitivity analysis in the form of a net interest income simulation to help characterize the market risk arising from changes in interest rates. In addition, fluctuations in interest rates usually result in changes in the fair market value of the Company’s financial instruments, cash flows and net interest income. The Company’s interest rate risk position is managed by the ALCO Committee.

The Company uses a simulation modeling process to measure interest rate risk and evaluate potential strategies. Interest rate scenario models are prepared using software created and licensed from an outside vendor. The Company’s simulation includes all financial assets and liabilities. Simulation results quantify interest rate risk under various interest rate scenarios. Management then develops and implements appropriate strategies. The ALCO Committee has determined that an acceptable level of interest rate risk would be for net interest income to decrease no more than 5.00% given a change in selected interest rates of 200 basis points over any 24-month period.

 

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Liquidity management involves the matching of the cash flow requirements of customers, who may be either depositors desiring to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs, and the ability of Ameris to manage those requirements. The Company strives to maintain an adequate liquidity position by managing the balances and maturities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities so that the balance it has in short-term investments at any given time will adequately cover any reasonably anticipated immediate need for funds. Additionally, the Bank maintains relationships with correspondent banks, which could provide funds on short notice, if needed. The Company has invested in FHLB stock for the purpose of establishing credit lines with the FHLB. The credit availability to the Bank is equal to 20% of the Bank’s total assets as reported on the most recent quarterly financial information submitted to the regulators subject to the pledging of sufficient collateral. At March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, there were $43.9 million, $78.9 million and $59.7 million, respectively, outstanding borrowings with the Company’s correspondent banks.

The following liquidity ratios compare certain assets and liabilities to total deposits or total assets:

 

     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    September 30,
2014
    June 30,
2014
    March 31,
2014
 

Investment securities available for sale to total deposits

     17.54     15.79     15.70     15.80     15.17

Loans (net of unearned income) to total deposits

     82.99     82.64     84.08     82.72     83.22

Interest-earning assets to total assets

     89.06     88.29     87.91     87.22     87.80

Interest-bearing deposits to total deposits

     72.21     75.54     75.79     76.67     76.79

The liquidity resources of the Company are monitored continuously by the ALCO Committee and on a periodic basis by state and federal regulatory authorities. As determined under guidelines established by these regulatory authorities, the Company’s and the Bank’s liquidity ratios at March 31, 2015 were considered satisfactory. The Company is aware of no events or trends likely to result in a material change in liquidity.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed only to U.S. dollar interest rate changes, and, accordingly, the Company manages exposure by considering the possible changes in the net interest margin. The Company does not have any trading instruments nor does it classify any portion of the investment portfolio as held for trading. The Company’s hedging activities are limited to cash flow hedges and are part of the Company’s program to manage interest rate sensitivity. At March 31, 2015, the Company had one effective LIBOR rate swap with a notional amount of $37.1 million. The LIBOR rate swap exchanges fixed rate payments of 4.11% for floating rate payments based on the three month LIBOR and matures September 2020. The Company also had forward contracts and IRLCs to hedge changes in the value of the mortgage inventory due to changes in market interest rates. The fair value of these instruments amounted to a net asset of approximately $3.5 million, $1.5 million and $2.5 million at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, and March 31, 2014 respectively. Finally, the Company has no exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and other market risks.

Interest rates play a major part in the net interest income of a financial institution. The sensitivity to rate changes is known as “interest rate risk.” The repricing of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities can influence the changes in net interest income. As part of the Company’s asset/liability management program, the timing of repriced assets and liabilities is referred to as “gap management.”

The Company uses simulation analysis to monitor changes in net interest income due to changes in market interest rates. The simulation of rising, declining and flat interest rate scenarios allows management to monitor and adjust interest rate sensitivity to minimize the impact of market interest rate swings. The analysis of the impact on net interest income over a twelve-month period is subjected to a gradual and shock 200 basis point increase or decrease in market rates on net interest income and is monitored on a quarterly basis.

Additional information required by Item 305 of Regulation S-K is set forth under Part I, Item 2 of this report.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report, as required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Exchange Act that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Nothing to report with respect to the period covered by this report.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. of Part 1 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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

The exhibits required to be furnished with this report are listed on the exhibit index attached hereto.

SIGNATURE

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.

 

AMERIS BANCORP
Date: May 8, 2015

/s/ Dennis J. Zember Jr.

Dennis J. Zember Jr.,
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(duly authorized signatory and principal accounting and financial officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

2.1    Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 28, 2015 by and among Ameris Bancorp, Merchants & Southern Banks of Florida, Incorporated and Dennis R. O’Neil (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 29, 2015).
2.2    Purchase and Assumption dated as of January 28, 2015 by and between Bank of Ameris, National Association and Ameris Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 29, 2015).
3.1    Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Regulation A Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed with the Commission on August 14, 1987).
3.2    Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 28, 1996).
3.3    Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Ameris Bancorp’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on July 17, 1996).
3.4    Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 25, 1998).
3.5    Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 1999).
3.6    Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 31, 2003).
3.7    Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 1, 2005).
3.8    Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 21, 2008).
3.9    Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 1, 2011).
3.10    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005).
10.1    Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of January 28, 2015 by and among Ameris Bancorp and the Purchasers identified therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 30, 2015).
10.2    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 28, 2015 by and among Ameris Bancorp and the Purchasers identified therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 30, 2015).
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer
32.1    Section 1350 Certification by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
32.2    Section 1350 Certification by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer
101    The following financial statements from Ameris Bancorp’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, formatted as interactive data files in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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