UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016

 

 

Commission File Number 0-15572

 

                           FIRST BANCORP                           

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

North Carolina		56-1421916
(State or Other Jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)		Identification Number)
300 SW Broad St., Southern Pines, North Carolina		28387
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)		(910)   246-2500

 

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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  x YES          o 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).   x YES           o NO

 

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

 

o Large Accelerated Filer           x Accelerated Filer           o Non-Accelerated Filer           o Smaller Reporting Company

 

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

 

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding on July 31, 2016 was 20,087,942.

 

 

INDEX

FIRST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

	Page
Part I.  Financial Information
Item 1 - Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015 (With Comparative Amounts at December 31, 2015)	4
Consolidated Statements of Income - For the Periods Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015	5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - For the Periods Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015	6
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - For the Periods Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015	7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -  For the Periods Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015	8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	9
Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Results of Operations and Financial Condition	42
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	66
Item 4 – Controls and Procedures	68
Part II.  Other Information
Item 1 – Legal Proceedings	68
Item 1A – Risk Factors	68
Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	68
Item 6 – Exhibits	69
Signatures	71

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Part I of this report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that include projections, predictions, expectations or beliefs about future events or results or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. Further, forward-looking statements are intended to speak only as of the date made. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualifying words (and their derivatives) such as “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” or other statements concerning our opinions or judgment about future events. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors which are beyond our control. Factors that could influence the accuracy of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the financial success or changing strategies of our customers, our level of success in integrating acquisitions, actions of government regulators, the level of market interest rates, and general economic conditions. For additional information about factors that could affect the matters discussed in this paragraph, see the “Risk Factors” section of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1 - Financial Statements

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

($ in thousands-unaudited)		June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015 (audited)				June 30, 2015
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing		$	58,956				53,285				75,151
Due from banks, interest-bearing			189,404				213,426				102,567
Federal funds sold			143				557				674
Total cash and cash equivalents			248,503				267,268				178,392
Securities available for sale			219,762				165,614				214,450
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $146,099, $157,146, and $167,759)			142,073				154,610				165,245
Presold mortgages in process of settlement			4,104				4,323				4,934
Loans – non-covered			2,519,747				2,416,285				2,298,955
Loans – covered by FDIC loss share agreement			78,387				102,641				113,824
Total loans			2,598,134				2,518,926				2,412,779
Allowance for loan losses – non-covered			(24,949	)			(26,784	)			(30,155	)
Allowance for loan losses – covered			(1,074	)			(1,799	)			(1,935	)
Total allowance for loan losses			(26,023	)			(28,583	)			(32,090	)
Net loans			2,572,111				2,490,343				2,380,689
Premises and equipment			76,991				74,559				75,087
Accrued interest receivable			9,152				9,166				9,134
FDIC indemnification asset			5,157				8,439				11,982
Goodwill			73,541				65,835				65,835
Other intangible assets			3,612				1,336				1,697
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered			10,221				9,188				9,954
Foreclosed real estate – covered			385				806				1,945
Bank-owned life insurance			73,098				72,086				56,175
Other assets			27,836				38,492				36,000
Total assets		$	3,466,546				3,362,065				3,211,519
LIABILITIES
Deposits:   Noninterest bearing checking accounts		$	709,887				659,038				614,619
Interest bearing checking accounts			636,316				626,878				553,918
Money market accounts			639,849				639,189				578,405
Savings accounts			197,445				186,616				184,786
Time deposits of $100,000 or more			412,564				403,545				398,348
Other time deposits			275,959				296,019				323,051
Total deposits			2,872,020				2,811,285				2,653,127
Borrowings			206,394				186,394				176,394
Accrued interest payable			586				585				625
Other liabilities			25,932				21,611				15,984
Total liabilities			3,104,932				3,019,875				2,846,130
Commitments and contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, no par value per share.  Authorized: 5,000,000 shares
Series B issued & outstanding:  None, None, and 31,500 shares			—				—				31,500
Series C, convertible, issued & outstanding:  728,706, 728,706, and 728,706 shares			7,287				7,287				7,287
Common stock, no par value per share.  Authorized: 40,000,000 shares
Issued & outstanding:  20,087,942, 19,747,509, and 19,780,017 shares			139,832				133,393				133,061
Retained earnings			216,223				205,060				194,600
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,728	)			(3,550	)			(1,059	)
Total shareholders’ equity			361,614				342,190				365,389
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	3,466,546				3,362,065				3,211,519

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

($ in thousands, except share data-unaudited)		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2016				2015				2016				2015
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans		$	30,809				28,953				60,382				58,394
Interest on investment securities:
Taxable interest income			1,961				1,664				3,784				3,023
Tax-exempt interest income			432				457				877				920
Other, principally overnight investments			177				186				399				381
Total interest income			33,379				31,260				65,442				62,718
INTEREST EXPENSE
Savings, checking and money market accounts			409				281				803				550
Time deposits of $100,000 or more			622				732				1,274				1,579
Other time deposits			255				327				529				669
Borrowings			555				315				1,103				612
Total interest expense			1,841				1,655				3,709				3,410
Net interest income			31,538				29,605				61,733				59,308
Provision for loan losses – non-covered			489				1,001				2,109				1,105
Provision (reversal) for loan losses – covered			(770	)			(160	)			(2,132	)			(428	)
Total provision (reversal) for loan losses			(281	)			841				(23	)			677
Net interest income after provision (reversal) for loan losses			31,819				28,764				61,756				58,631
NONINTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts			2,565				2,881				5,250				5,773
Other service charges, commissions and fees			3,043				2,771				5,873				5,313
Fees from presold mortgage loans			410				731				781				1,539
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products			937				665				1,875				1,226
SBA consulting fees			720				—				720				—
Bank-owned life insurance income			504				383				1,012				754
Foreclosed property gains (losses) – non-covered			(556	)			(580	)			(793	)			(1,075	)
Foreclosed property gains (losses) – covered			423				254				870				492
FDIC indemnification asset income (expense), net			(2,178	)			(1,828	)			(4,544	)			(4,220	)
Securities gains			—				—				3				—
Other gains (losses)			51				(273	)			(126	)			(269	)
Total noninterest income			5,919				5,004				10,921				9,533
NONINTEREST EXPENSES
Salaries			12,560				11,581				24,035				23,078
Employee benefits			2,578				2,298				5,284				4,481
Total personnel expense			15,138				13,879				29,319				27,559
Net occupancy expense			1,843				1,812				3,786				3,681
Equipment related expenses			919				949				1,789				1,905
Merger and acquisition expenses			485				—				686				—
Intangibles amortization			261				180				447				360
Other operating expenses			7,501				7,480				14,893				14,509
Total noninterest expenses			26,147				24,300				50,920				48,014
Income before income taxes			11,591				9,468				21,757				20,150
Income tax expense			3,952				3,224				7,281				6,918
Net income			7,639				6,244				14,476				13,232
Preferred stock dividends			(59	)			(212	)			(117	)			(429	)
Net income available to common shareholders		$	7,580				6,032				14,359				12,803
Earnings per common share:
Basic		$	0.38				0.30				0.72				0.65
Diluted			0.37				0.30				0.70				0.63
Dividends declared per common share		$	0.08				0.08				0.16				0.16
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic			19,921,413				19,778,640				19,852,580				19,750,316
Diluted			20,693,644				20,508,955				20,627,012				20,481,466

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

 

		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands-unaudited)		2016				2015				2016				2015
Net income		$	7,639				6,244				14,476				13,232
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, pretax			2,071				(990	)			2,888				(743	)
Tax (expense) benefit			(807	)			386				(1,126	)			291
Reclassification to realized gains			—				—				(3	)			—
Tax expense			—				—				1				—
Postretirement Plans:
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss			51				(16	)			102				(47	)
Tax expense (benefit)			(20	)			6				(40	)			18
Other comprehensive income (loss)			1,295				(614	)			1,822				(481	)
Comprehensive income		$	8,934				5,630				16,298				12,751

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

(In thousands, except per share - unaudited)		Preferred				Common Stock								Retained				Accumulated Other Comprehensive				Total Share- holders’
		Stock				Shares				Amount				Earnings				Income (Loss)				Equity
Balances, January 1, 2015		$	70,787				19,710			$	132,532				184,958				(578	)			387,699
Net income															13,232								13,232
Preferred stock redeemed (Series B)			(32,000	)																			(32,000	)
Stock option exercises							2				32												32
Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per common share)															(3,161	)							(3,161	)
Preferred dividends															(429	)							(429	)
Stock-based compensation							68				497												497
Other comprehensive income (loss)																			(481	)			(481	)
Balances, June 30, 2015		$	38,787				19,780			$	133,061				194,600				(1,059	)			365,389
Balances, January 1, 2016		$	7,287				19,748			$	133,393				205,060				(3,550	)			342,190
Net income															14,476								14,476
Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per common share)															(3,196	)							(3,196	)
Preferred dividends															(117	)							(117	)
Equity issued pursuant to acquisitions							279				5,509												5,509
Stock option exercises							23				375												375
Stock-based compensation							38				555												555
Other comprehensive income (loss)																			1,822				1,822
Balances, June 30, 2016		$	7,287				20,088			$	139,832				216,223				(1,728	)			361,614

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands-unaudited)		2016				2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income		$	14,476				13,232
Reconciliation of net income  to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision (reversal) for loan losses			(23	)			677
Net security premium amortization			1,523				1,612
Purchase accounting accretion and amortization, net			1,289				983
Foreclosed property losses and write-downs (gains), net			(77	)			583
Gain on securities available for sale			(3	)			—
Other losses (gains)			126				269
Decrease (increase) in net deferred loan costs			(201	)			127
Depreciation of premises and equipment			2,244				2,255
Stock-based compensation expense			380				404
Amortization of intangible assets			447				360
Origination of presold mortgages in process of settlement			(32,046	)			(56,744	)
Proceeds from sales of presold mortgages in process of settlement			32,300				57,759
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable			14				(214	)
Decrease (increase) in other assets			11,116				(2,193	)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable			1				(61	)
Decrease in other liabilities			(651	)			(1,595	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			30,915				17,454
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchases of securities available for sale			(99,896	)			(83,313	)
Purchases of securities held to maturity			—				(2,003	)
Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities available for sale			47,846				25,515
Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities held to maturity			11,796				14,458
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale			8				—
Proceeds (purchases) of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock, net			(988	)			(9,582	)
Net increase in loans			(82,723	)			(27,549	)
Proceeds (payments) related to FDIC loss share agreements			(738	)			6,912
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate			3,375				3,935
Purchases of premises and equipment			(3,695	)			(2,956	)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment			21				847
Net cash paid in acquisition			(2,519	)			—
Net cash used by investing activities			(127,513	)			(73,736	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits			60,735				(42,779	)
Net increase in borrowings			20,000				60,000
Cash dividends paid – common stock			(3,160	)			(3,154	)
Cash dividends paid – preferred stock			(117	)			(509	)
Redemption of preferred stock			—				(32,000	)
Proceeds from stock option exercises			375				32
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities			77,833				(18,410	)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(18,765	)			(74,692	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			267,268				253,084
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	248,503				178,392
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest		$	3,708				3,471
Income taxes			(933	)			9,093
Non-cash transactions:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of taxes			1,760				(452	)
Foreclosed loans transferred to other real estate			3,910				4,296

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

(unaudited)

For the Periods Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

 

In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 and the consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. All such adjustments were of a normal, recurring nature. Reference is made to the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for a discussion of accounting policies and other relevant information with respect to the financial statements. The results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies

 

Note 1 to the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC contains a description of the accounting policies followed by the Company and discussion of recent accounting pronouncements. The following paragraphs update that information as necessary.

 

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which clarifies that performance targets associated with stock compensation should be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in the grant date fair value of the stock award. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The Company will apply the guidance to all stock awards granted or modified after January 1, 2016. The Company’s adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance to eliminate from U.S. GAAP the concept of an extraordinary item, which is an event or transaction that is both (1) unusual in nature and (2) infrequently occurring. Under the new guidance, an entity will no longer (1) segregate an extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations; (2) separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations; or (3) disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, and did not have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance which amends the consolidation requirements and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. The amendments were expected to result in the deconsolidation of many entities. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance that will require debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. This update affects disclosures related to debt issuance costs but does not affect existing recognition and measurement guidance for these items. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The Company’s adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance which provides a practical expedient that permits the Company to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the Company’s fiscal year-end. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The Company’s adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In June 2015, the FASB issued amendments to clarify the Accounting Standards Codification, correct unintended application of guidance, and make minor improvements that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. The amendments were effective upon issuance (June 12, 2015) for amendments that do not have transition guidance. Amendments that were subject to transition guidance were effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In September 2015, the FASB amended the Business Combinations topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination by eliminating the requirement to retrospectively account for those adjustments. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. All entities are required to apply the amendments prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date. The amendment was effective for the Company on January 1, 2016 and these amendments did not have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for leases, which generally requires all leases to be recognized in the statement of financial position. The provisions of this guidance are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018; early adoption is permitted. These provisions are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is evaluating the effect that this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, but does not expect it will have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB amended the Liabilities topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to address the current and potential future diversity in practice related to the derecognition of a prepaid stored-value product liability. The amendments will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will apply the guidance using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is effective to each period presented. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB amended the Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to eliminate the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will apply the guidance prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements

 

In March 2016, the FASB amended the Revenue from Contracts with Customers topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and address how an entity should assess whether it is the principal or the agent in contracts that include three or more parties. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including the income tax consequences, the classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification on the statement of cash flows. Additionally, the guidance simplifies two areas specific to entities other than public business entities allowing them apply a practical expedient to estimate the expected term for all awards with performance or service conditions that have certain characteristics and also allowing them to make a one-time election to switch from measuring all liability-classified awards at fair value to measuring them at intrinsic value. The amendments will be effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In April 2016, the FASB amended the Revenue from Contracts with Customers topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to clarify the guidance related to identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In May 2016, the FASB amended the Revenue from Contracts with Customers topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to clarify guidance related to collectability, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax, and transition. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance to change the accounting for credit losses and modify the impairment model for certain debt securities. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that implementation of the new standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

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

 

Note 3 – Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts reported in the period ended June 30, 2015 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for June 30, 2016. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity for the periods presented, nor did they materially impact trends in financial information.

 

Note 4 – Equity-Based Compensation Plans

 

The Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $258,000 and $277,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $380,000 and $404,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Of the $380,000 in expense that was recorded in 2016, approximately $129,000 related to the June 1, 2016 director grants, which is classified as “other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The remaining $251,000 in expense relates to the employee grants discussed below and is recorded as “salaries expense.” Stock based compensation is reflected as an adjustment to cash flows from operating activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company recognized $148,000 and $157,500 of income tax benefits related to stock based compensation expense in the income statement for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

At June 30, 2016, the Company had the following equity-based compensation plans: the First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan, the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan, and the First Bancorp 2004 Stock Option Plan. The Company’s shareholders approved all equity-based compensation plans. The First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan became effective upon the approval of shareholders on May 8, 2014. As of June 30, 2016, the First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan was the only plan that had shares available for future grants, and there were 881,797 shares remaining available for grant.

 

The First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan is intended to serve as a means to attract, retain and motivate key employees and directors and to associate the interests of the plans’ participants with those of the Company and its shareholders. The First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan allows for both grants of stock options and other types of equity-based compensation, including stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted performance stock, unrestricted stock, and performance units.

 

Recent equity grants to employees have either had performance vesting conditions, service vesting conditions, or both. Compensation expense for these grants is recorded over the various service periods based on the estimated number of equity grants that are probable to vest. No compensation cost is recognized for grants that do not vest and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed. The Company issues new shares of common stock when options are exercised.

 

Certain of the Company’s stock option grants contain terms that provide for a graded vesting schedule whereby portions of the award vest in increments over the requisite service period. The Company recognizes compensation expense for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each incremental award. Compensation expense is based on the estimated number of stock options and awards that will ultimately vest. Over the past five years, there have only been minimal amounts of forfeitures, and therefore the Company assumes that all awards granted without performance conditions will become vested.

 

As it relates to director equity grants, the Company grants common shares, valued at approximately $16,000 to each non-employee director (currently eight in total) in June of each year. Compensation expense associated with these director grants is recognized on the date of grant since there are no vesting conditions. On June 1, 2016, the Company granted 6,584 shares of common stock to non-employee directors (823 shares per director), at a fair market value of $19.56 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date. On June 1, 2015, the Company granted 8,176 shares of common stock to non-employee directors (1,022 shares per director), at a fair market value of $15.75 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date.

 

Based on the Company’s performance in 2013, the Company granted long-term 15,657 restricted shares of common stock to the chief executive officer on February 11, 2014 with a two-year vesting period. The total compensation expense associated with the grant was $278,200. The Company recorded $46,000 in compensation expense related to this grant during the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

In 2014, the Company’s Compensation Committee determined that seven of the Company’s senior officers would receive their annual bonus earned under the Company’s annual incentive plan in a mix of 50% cash and 50% stock, with the stock being subject to a three year vesting term. Previously, awards under this plan were paid solely in cash. Accordingly, in February 2015 and February 2016, a total of 40,914 shares of restricted stock were granted related to performance in the preceding fiscal year. Total compensation expense associated with those grants was $742,000 and is being recognized over the vesting period. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, total compensation expense related to these grants was $55,000 and $111,000, respectively compared to $67,000 and $134,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.

 

In 2015 and 2016, the Compensation Committee also granted 56,002 shares of stock to various employees of the Company to promote retention. The total value associated with these grants amounted to $976,000, which is being recorded as expense over their three year vesting periods. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, total compensation expense related to these grants was $69,000 and $139,000, respectively compared to $101,000 and $182,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.

 

Based on the vesting schedules of the shares of restricted stock currently outstanding, the Company expects to record $255,000 in stock-based compensation expense over the remainder of 2016.

 

Under the terms of the predecessor plans and the First Bancorp 2014 Equity Plan, stock options can have a term of no longer than ten years. In a change in control (as defined in the plans), unless the awards remain outstanding or substitute equivalent awards are provided, the awards become immediately vested.

 

At June 30, 2016, there were 59,948 stock options outstanding related to the three First Bancorp plans, with exercise prices ranging from $14.35 to $21.80.

 

The following table presents information regarding the activity for the first six months of 2016 related to the Company’s stock options outstanding:

 

		Options Outstanding
		Number of Shares				Weighted- Average Exercise Price				Weighted- Average Contractual Term (years)				Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Balance at January 1, 2016			117,408			$	18.12
Granted			—				—
Exercised			(23,710	)			15.84							$	81,894
Forfeited			—				—
Expired			(33,750	)			21.39
Outstanding at June 30, 2016			59,948			$	17.18				1.9			$	57,084
Exercisable at June 30, 2016			59,948			$	17.18				1.9			$	57,084

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company received $248,000 and $375,000, respectively, as a result of stock option exercises and recorded insignificant tax benefits from the exercise of nonqualified options during the period. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company received $32,000 as a result of stock option exercises.

 

The following table presents information regarding the activity for the first six months of 2016 related to the Company’s outstanding restricted stock:

 

		Long-Term Restricted Stock
		Number of Units				Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2016			55,329			$	17.31
Granted during the period			31,298				18.65
Vested during the period			(5,219	)			17.77
Forfeited or expired during the period			—				—
Nonvested at June 30, 2016			81,408			$	17.80

 

 

Note 5 – Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, with nonvested restricted stock excluded from the calculation. Diluted Earnings Per Common Share is computed by assuming the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The Company’s potentially dilutive common stock issuances relate to grants of stock options and nonvested restricted stock under the Company’s equity-based compensation plans and the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock, which is convertible into common stock on a one-for-one ratio.

 

In computing Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, adjustments are made to the computation of Basic Earnings Per Common shares, as follows. As it relates to stock options, it is assumed that all dilutive stock options are exercised during the reporting period at their respective exercise prices, with the proceeds from the exercises used by the Company to buy back stock in the open market at the average market price in effect during the reporting period. The difference between the number of shares assumed to be exercised and the number of shares bought back is included in the calculation of dilutive securities. As it relates to nonvested restricted stock, cash equal to the average amount of compensation cost attributable to future services and not yet recognized as expense is assumed to be used by the Company to buy back stock in the open market and are deducted from the total number of nonvested restricted stock that is included in the denominator of the calculation. As it relates to the Series C Preferred Stock, it is assumed that the preferred stock was converted to common stock during the reporting period. Dividends on the preferred stock are added back to net income and the shares assumed to be converted are included in the number of shares outstanding.

 

If any of the potentially dilutive common stock issuances have an anti-dilutive effect, the potentially dilutive common stock issuance is disregarded.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:

 

		For the Three Months Ended June 30,
		2016												2015
($ in thousands except per share amounts)		Income (Numer- ator)				Shares (Denom- inator)				Per Share Amount				Income (Numer- ator)				Shares (Denom- inator)				Per Share Amount
Basic EPS
Net income available to common shareholders		$	7,580				19,921,413			$	0.38			$	6,032				19,778,640			$	0.30
Effect of Dilutive Securities			59				772,231								58				730,315
Diluted EPS per common share		$	7,639				20,693,644			$	0.37			$	6,090				20,508,955			$	0.30

 

		For the Six Months Ended June 30,
		2016												2015
($ in thousands except per share amounts)		Income (Numer- ator)				Shares (Denom- inator)				Per Share Amount				Income (Numer- ator)				Shares (Denom- inator)				Per Share Amount
Basic EPS
Net income available to common shareholders		$	14,359				19,852,580			$	0.72			$	12,803				19,750,316			$	0.65
Effect of Dilutive Securities			117				774,432								117				731,150
Diluted EPS per common share		$	14,476				20,627,012			$	0.70			$	12,920				20,481,466			$	0.63

 

For both the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, there were 16,250 options that were antidilutive because the exercise price exceeded the average market price for the period, and thus are not included in the calculation to determine the effect of dilutive securities. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, there were 108,214 options and 52,500 options, respectively, that were antidilutive.

 

Note 6 – Securities

 

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

 

		June 30, 2016																December 31, 2015
		Amortized				Fair				Unrealized								Amortized				Fair				Unrealized
($ in thousands)		Cost				Value				Gains				(Losses)				Cost				Value				Gains				(Losses)
Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored enterprise securities		$	16,000				15,992				2				(10	)			19,000				18,972				1				(29	)
Mortgage-backed securities			168,103				169,256				1,437				(284	)			122,474				121,553				348				(1,269	)
Corporate bonds			33,853				34,381				598				(70	)			25,216				24,946				—				(270	)
Equity securities			83				133				58				(8	)			88				143				64				(9	)
Total available for sale		$	218,039				219,762				2,095				(372	)			166,778				165,614				413				(1,577	)
Securities held to maturity:
Mortgage-backed securities		$	92,675				93,444				769				—				102,509				101,767				—				(742	)
State and local governments			49,398				52,655				3,257				—				52,101				55,379				3,284				(6	)
Total held to maturity		$	142,073				146,099				4,026				—				154,610				157,146				3,284				(748	)

 

All of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities were issued by government-sponsored corporations.

 

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at June 30, 2016:

 

($ in thousands)		Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position for Less than 12 Months								Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position for More than 12 Months								Total
		Fair Value				Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized Losses
Government-sponsored enterprise securities		$	9,992				7				2,997				3				12,989				10
Mortgage-backed securities			5,917				22				20,242				262				26,159				284
Corporate bonds			—				—				930				70				930				70
Equity securities			—				—				17				8				17				8
State and local governments			—				—				—				—				—				—
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	15,909				29				24,186				343				40,095				372

 

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2015:

 

($ in thousands)		Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position for Less than 12 Months								Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position for More than 12 Months								Total
		Fair Value				Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized Losses
Government-sponsored enterprise securities		$	5,993				7				2,978				22				8,971				29
Mortgage-backed securities			150,853				1,148				27,460				863				178,313				2,011
Corporate bonds			24,006				210				940				60				24,946				270
Equity securities			—				—				17				9				17				9
State and local governments			840				6				—				—				840				6
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	181,692				1,371				31,395				954				213,087				2,325

 

In the above tables, all of the non-equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are bonds that the Company has determined are in a loss position due primarily to interest rate factors and not credit quality concerns. The Company has evaluated the collectability of each of these bonds and has concluded that there is no other-than-temporary impairment. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost.

 

The Company has also concluded that each of the equity securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was in such a position due to temporary fluctuations in the market prices of the securities. The Company’s policy is to record an impairment charge for any of these equity securities that remains in an unrealized loss position for twelve consecutive months unless the amount is insignificant.

 

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at June 30, 2016, by contractual maturity, are summarized in the table below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

		Securities Available for Sale								Securities Held to Maturity
		Amortized				Fair				Amortized				Fair
($ in thousands)		Cost				Value				Cost				Value
Debt securities
Due within one year		$	—				—				1,307				1,330
Due after one year but within five years			3,000				2,997				15,795				16,590
Due after five years but within ten years			41,853				42,366				31,127				33,552
Due after ten years			5,000				5,010				1,169				1,183
Mortgage-backed securities			168,103				169,256				92,675				93,444
Total debt securities			217,956				219,629				142,073				146,099
Equity securities			83				133				—				—
Total securities		$	218,039				219,762				142,073				146,099

 

At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 investment securities with carrying values of $141,155,000 and $141,379,000, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public deposits.

 

In the first half of 2016, the Company received proceeds from sales of securities of $8,000 and recorded $3,000 in gains from the sales. The Company recorded no gains or losses on securities during the first half of 2015.

 

The aggregate carrying amount of cost-method investments was $16,881,000 and $15,453,000 at June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which is recorded within the line item “other assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. These investments are comprised of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“FRB”) stock. The FHLB stock had a cost and fair value of $9,825,000 and $8,421,000 at June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and serves as part of the collateral for the Company’s line of credit with the FHLB and is also a requirement for membership in the FHLB system. The FRB stock had a cost and fair value of $7,056,000 and $7,032,000 at June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Periodically, both the FHLB and FRB recalculate the Company’s required level of holdings, and the Company either buys more stock or the redeems a portion of the stock at cost. The Company determined that neither stock was impaired at either period end.

 

Note 7 – Loans and Asset Quality Information

 

Certain loans and foreclosed real estate that were acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions are covered by loss share agreements between the FDIC and the Company’s banking subsidiary, First Bank, which afford First Bank significant loss protection - see Note 2 to the financial statements included in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for detailed information regarding these transactions. Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, the risk of the loans and foreclosed real estate that are covered by loss share agreements are significantly different from those assets not covered under the loss share agreements. Accordingly, the Company presents separately loans subject to the loss share agreements as “covered loans” in the information below and loans that are not subject to the loss share agreements as “non-covered loans.”

 

On July 1, 2014, the loss share provisions associated with non-single family assets associated with the 2009 failed bank acquisition of Cooperative Bank expired, and the associated assets were reclassified as non-covered. On April 1, 2016, the loss share provisions of another agreement expired, which related to the non-single family assets of The Bank of Asheville, a failed bank acquisition from January 2011. Accordingly, the remaining balances associated with those loans and foreclosed real estate were reclassified from the covered portfolio to the non-covered portfolio on April 1, 2016. The Company bears all future losses on this portfolio of loans and foreclosed real estate. Immediately prior to the transfer to non-covered status, the loans in this portfolio had a carrying value of $17.7 million and the foreclosed real estate in this portfolio had a carrying value of $1.2 million. Of the $17.7 million in loans that lost loss share protection, approximately $2.8 million were on nonaccrual status as of April 1, 2016. Additionally, approximately $0.3 million in allowance for loan losses associated with this portfolio of loans was transferred to the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans on April 1, 2016.

 

The following is a summary of the major categories of total loans outstanding:

 

($ in thousands)		June 30, 2016								December 31, 2015								June 30, 2015
		Amount				Percentage				Amount				Percentage				Amount				Percentage
All  loans (non-covered and covered):
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	244,862				9%			$	202,671				8%			$	179,909				7%
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			310,993				12%				308,969				12%				282,262				12%
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			751,446				29%				768,559				31%				777,515				32%
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			238,794				9%				232,601				9%				220,534				9%
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			1,000,578				39%				957,587				38%				904,496				38%
Installment loans to individuals			50,387				2%				47,666				2%				47,244				2%
Subtotal			2,597,060				100%				2,518,053				100%				2,411,960				100%
Unamortized net deferred loan costs			1,074								873								819
Total loans		$	2,598,134							$	2,518,926							$	2,412,779

 

 

The following is a summary of the major categories of non-covered loans outstanding:

 

($ in thousands)		June 30, 2016								December 31, 2015								June 30, 2015
		Amount				Percentage				Amount				Percentage				Amount				Percentage
Non-covered loans:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	244,862				10%			$	201,798				8%			$	178,756				8%
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			310,832				12%				305,228				13%				278,406				12%
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			683,367				27%				692,902				29%				694,794				30%
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			228,906				9%				221,995				9%				208,778				9%
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			1,000,319				40%				945,823				39%				890,158				39%
Installment loans to individuals			50,387				2%				47,666				2%				47,244				2%
Subtotal			2,518,673				100%				2,415,412				100%				2,298,136				100%
Unamortized net deferred loan costs			1,074								873								819
Total non-covered loans		$	2,519,747							$	2,416,285							$	2,298,955

 

 

The carrying amount of the covered loans at June 30, 2016 consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans (as determined on the date of acquisition), as follows:

 

($ in thousands)		Impaired Purchased Loans – Carrying Value				Impaired Purchased Loans – Unpaid Principal Balance				Nonimpaired Purchased Loans – Carrying Value				Nonimpaired Purchased Loans - Unpaid Principal Balance				Total Covered Loans – Carrying Value				Total Covered Loans – Unpaid Principal Balance
Covered loans:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			—				—				161				162				161				162
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			—				33				68,079				78,940				68,079				78,973
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			6				14				9,882				11,140				9,888				11,154
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			—				—				259				294				259				294
Installment loans to individuals			—				—				—				—				—				—
Total		$	6				47				78,381				90,536				78,387				90,583

 

The carrying amount of the covered loans at December 31, 2015 consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans (as determined on the date of the acquisition), as follows:

 

($ in thousands)		Impaired Purchased Loans – Carrying Value				Impaired Purchased Loans – Unpaid Principal Balance				Nonimpaired Purchased Loans – Carrying Value				Nonimpaired Purchased Loans - Unpaid Principal Balance				Total Covered Loans – Carrying Value				Total Covered Loans – Unpaid Principal Balance
Covered loans:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	—				—				873				886				873				886
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			277				365				3,464				3,457				3,741				3,822
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			102				633				75,555				88,434				75,657				89,067
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			7				14				10,599				12,099				10,606				12,113
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			1,003				3,136				10,761				11,458				11,764				14,594
Total		$	1,389				4,148				101,252				116,334				102,641				120,482

 

 

The following table presents information regarding covered purchased nonimpaired loans since December 31, 2014. The amounts include principal only and do not reflect accrued interest as of the date of the acquisition or beyond.

 

($ in thousands)
Carrying amount of nonimpaired covered loans at December 31, 2014		$	125,644
Principal repayments			(30,238	)
Transfers to foreclosed real estate			(1,211	)
Net loan (charge-offs) / recoveries			2,306
Accretion of loan discount			4,751
Carrying amount of nonimpaired covered loans at December 31, 2015			101,252
Principal repayments			(7,997	)
Transfers to foreclosed real estate			(1,036	)
Transfer to non-covered loans due to expiration of loss-share agreement			(17,530	)
Net loan (charge-offs) / recoveries			1,784
Accretion of loan discount			1,908
Carrying amount of nonimpaired covered loans at June 30, 2016		$	78,381

 

As reflected in the table above, the Company accreted $1,908,000 of the loan discount on covered purchased nonimpaired loans into interest income during the first six months of 2016. As of June 30, 2016, there was remaining loan discount of $11,179,000 related to covered purchased accruing loans. If these loans continue to be repaid by the borrowers, the Company will accrete the remaining loan discount into interest income over the covered lives of the respective loans. In such circumstances, a corresponding entry to reduce the indemnification asset will be recorded amounting to approximately 80% of the loan discount accretion, which reduces noninterest income. At June 30, 2016, the Company also had $581,000 of loan discount related to covered purchased nonaccruing loans. It is not expected that a significant amount of this discount will be accreted, as it represents estimated losses on these loans.

 

Also, the Company accreted $43,000 of loan discount on non-covered purchased nonimpaired loans into interest income during the first six months of 2016. As of June 30, 2016, there was a remaining loan discount of $208,000 related to non-covered purchased accruing loans, which will be accreted into interest income over the lives of the respective loans. At June 30, 2016, the Company also had $391,000 of loan discount related to non-covered purchased nonaccruing loans, which the Company does not expect will be accreted into income.

 

The following table presents information regarding all purchased impaired loans since December 31, 2014, the majority of which are covered loans. The Company has applied the cost recovery method to all purchased impaired loans at their respective acquisition dates due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows, as reflected in the following table.

 

($ in thousands)       Purchased Impaired Loans		Contractual Principal Receivable				Fair Market Value Adjustment – Write Down (Nonaccretable Difference)				Carrying Amount
Balance at December 31, 2014		$	5,859				3,262				2,597
Change due to payments received			(634	)			(102	)			(532	)
Transfer to foreclosed real estate			(431	)			(336	)			(95	)
Other			(3	)			(3	)			—
Balance at December 31, 2015		$	4,791				2,821				1,970
Change due to payments received			(3,392	)			(2,253	)			(1,139	)
Change due to loan charge-off			(394	)			(324	)			(70	)
Balance at June 30, 2016		$	1,005				244				761

 

Because of the uncertainty of the expected cash flows, the Company is accounting for each purchased impaired loan under the cost recovery method, in which all cash payments are applied to principal. Thus, there is no accretable yield associated with the above loans. During the three months ended 2016, the Company received $1,062,000 in payments that exceeded the carrying amount of the related purchased impaired loans, of which $741,000 was recognized as discount accretion loan interest income and $321,000 was recorded as additional loan interest income. For the six month period ended June 30, 2016, the Company received $1,108,000 in payments that exceeded the carrying amount of the related purchased impaired loans, of which $780,000 was recognized as discount accretion loan interest income and $328,000 was recorded as additional loan interest income. No such excess payments were received in the first six months of 2015.

 

Nonperforming assets are defined as nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest, nonperforming loans held for sale, and foreclosed real estate. Nonperforming assets are summarized as follows:

 

ASSET QUALITY DATA ($ in thousands)		June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015				June 30, 2015
Non-covered nonperforming assets
Nonaccrual loans		$	33,781			$	39,994			$	44,123
Restructured loans - accruing			25,826				28,011				32,059
Accruing loans > 90 days past due			—				—				—
Total non-covered nonperforming loans			59,607				68,005				76,182
Foreclosed real estate			10,221				9,188				9,954
Total non-covered nonperforming assets		$	69,828			$	77,193			$	86,136
Covered nonperforming assets
Nonaccrual loans (1)		$	4,194			$	7,816			$	7,378
Restructured loans - accruing			3,445				3,478				3,910
Accruing loans > 90 days past due			—				—				—
Total covered nonperforming loans			7,639				11,294				11,288
Foreclosed real estate			385				806				1,945
Total covered nonperforming assets		$	8,024			$	12,100			$	13,233
Total nonperforming assets		$	77,852			$	89,293			$	99,369

 

(1) At June 30, 2016, December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015, the contractual balance of the nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements was $5.0 million, $12.3 million, and $12.7 million, respectively.

 

At June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $1.8 million and $5.1 million in residential mortgage loans in process of foreclosure, respectively.

 

The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans as of June 30, 2016.

 

($ in thousands)		Non-covered				Covered				Total
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	2,870				—				2,870
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			4,154				—				4,154
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			17,315				3,841				21,156
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			2,406				353				2,759
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			6,821				—				6,821
Installment loans to individuals			215				—				215
Total		$	33,781				4,194				37,975

 

The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)		Non-covered				Covered				Total
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	2,964				—				2,964
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			4,652				52				4,704
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			18,822				5,007				23,829
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			3,142				383				3,525
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			10,197				2,374				12,571
Installment loans to individuals			217				—				217
Total		$	39,994				7,816				47,810

 

The following table presents an analysis of the payment status of the Company’s loans as of June 30, 2016.

 

($ in thousands)		30-59 Days Past Due				60-89 Days Past Due				Nonaccrual Loans				Current				Total Loans Receivable
Non-covered loans
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	195				1,643				2,870				240,154				244,862
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			961				203				4,154				305,514				310,832
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			2,574				763				17,315				662,715				683,367
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			765				221				2,406				225,514				228,906
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			1,998				373				6,821				991,127				1,000,319
Installment loans to individuals			368				253				215				49,551				50,387
Total non-covered		$	6,861				3,456				33,781				2,474,575				2,518,673
Unamortized net deferred loan costs																			1,074
Total non-covered loans																		$	2,519,747
Covered loans		$	172				1,473				4,194				72,548				78,387
Total loans		$	7,033				4,929				37,975				2,547,123				2,598,134

 

The Company had no non-covered or covered loans that were past due greater than 90 days and accruing interest at June 30, 2016.

 

The following table presents an analysis of the payment status of the Company’s loans as of December 31, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)		30-59 Days Past Due				60-89 Days Past Due				Nonaccrual Loans				Current				Total Loans Receivable
Non-covered loans
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	999				127				2,964				197,708				201,798
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			1,512				429				4,652				298,635				305,228
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			12,130				3,212				18,822				658,738				692,902
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			1,276				105				3,142				217,472				221,995
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			5,591				864				10,197				929,171				945,823
Installment loans to individuals			278				255				217				46,916				47,666
Total non-covered		$	21,786				4,992				39,994				2,348,640				2,415,412
Unamortized net deferred loan costs																			873
Total non-covered loans																		$	2,416,285
Covered loans		$	3,313				402				7,816				91,110				102,641
Total loans		$	25,099				5,394				47,810				2,439,750				2,518,926

 

The Company had no non-covered or covered loans that were past due greater than 90 days and accruing interest at December 31, 2015.

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.

 

($ in thousands)		Commercial, Financial, and Agricultural				Real Estate – Construction, Land Development, & Other Land Loans				Real Estate – Residential (1-4 Family) First Mortgages				Real Estate – Mortgage – Home Equity Lines of Credit				Real Estate – Mortgage – Commercial and Other				Installment Loans to Individuals				Unallo- cated				Total
As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2016
Beginning balance		$	4,679				3,345				7,374				2,267				5,940				1,202				442				25,249
Charge-offs			(57	)			(137	)			(740	)			(285	)			(396	)			(238	)			—				(1,853	)
Recoveries			216				121				61				64				155				140				—				757
Transfer from covered category			56				62				51				12				126				—				—				307
Provisions			(612	)			(492	)			1,114				227				(254	)			376				130				489
Ending balance		$	4,282				2,899				7,860				2,285				5,571				1,480				572				24,949
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2016
Beginning balance		$	4,742				3,754				7,832				2,893				5,816				1,051				696				26,784
Charge-offs			(734	)			(477	)			(2,691	)			(734	)			(562	)			(518	)			—				(5,716	)
Recoveries			302				211				295				119				285				253				—				1,465
Transfer from covered category			56				62				51				12				126				—				—				307
Provisions			(84	)			(651	)			2,373				(5	)			(94	)			694				(124	)			2,109
Ending balance		$	4,282				2,899				7,860				2,285				5,571				1,480				572				24,949
Ending balances as of June 30, 2016:  Allowance for loan losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	14				172				1,263				11				478				70				—				2,008
Collectively evaluated for impairment		$	4,268				2,727				6,597				2,274				5,093				1,410				572				22,941
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality		$	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Loans receivable as of June 30, 2016:
Ending balance – total		$	244,862				310,832				683,367				228,906				1,000,319				50,387				—				2,518,673
Unamortized net deferred loan costs																															1,074
Total non-covered loans																														$	2,519,747
Ending balances as of June 30, 2016: Loans
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	859				4,614				20,201				383				12,845				72				—				38,974
Collectively evaluated for impairment		$	244,003				306,218				662,959				228,523				986,926				50,315				—				2,478,944
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality		$	—				—				207				—				548				—				—				755

 

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

 

($ in thousands)		Commercial, Financial, and Agricultural				Real Estate – Construction, Land Development, & Other Land Loans				Real Estate – Residential (1-4 Family) First Mortgages				Real Estate – Mortgage – Home Equity Lines of Credit				Real Estate – Mortgage – Commercial and Other				Installment Loans to Individuals				Unallo- cated				Total
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2015
Beginning balance		$	6,769				8,158				10,136				4,753				6,466				1,916				147				38,345
Charge-offs			(2,908	)			(3,034	)			(4,904	)			(1,054	)			(2,804	)			(2,411	)			—				(17,115	)
Recoveries			831				998				279				121				904				413				—				3,546
Provisions			50				(2,368	)			2,321				(927	)			1,250				1,133				549				2,008
Ending balance		$	4,742				3,754				7,832				2,893				5,816				1,051				696				26,784
Ending balances as of December 31, 2015:  Allowance for loan losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	304				241				1,440				321				336				45				—				2,687
Collectively evaluated for impairment		$	4,438				3,513				6,392				2,572				5,480				1,006				696				24,097
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality		$	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Loans receivable as of December 31, 2015:
Ending balance – total		$	201,798				305,228				692,902				221,995				945,823				47,666				—				2,415,412
Unamortized net deferred loan costs																															873
Total non-covered loans																														$	2,416,285
Ending balances as of December 31, 2015: Loans
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	992				4,898				21,325				758				16,605				76				—				44,654
Collectively evaluated for impairment		$	200,806				300,330				671,577				221,237				928,637				47,590				—				2,370,177
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality		$	—				—				—				—				581				—				—				581

 

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)		Commercial, Financial, and Agricultural				Real Estate – Construction, Land Development, & Other Land Loans				Real Estate – Residential (1-4 Family) First Mortgages				Real Estate – Mortgage – Home Equity Lines of Credit				Real Estate – Mortgage – Commercial and Other				Installment Loans to Individuals				Unallo- cated				Total
As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2015
Beginning balance		$	5,738				7,144				9,327				3,983				5,709				1,565				304				33,770
Charge-offs			(1,407	)			(702	)			(818	)			(522	)			(1,026	)			(928	)			—				(5,403	)
Recoveries			256				52				146				37				193				103				—				787
Provisions			800				(1,067	)			(573	)			(115	)			788				376				792				1,001
Ending balance		$	5,387				5,427				8,082				3,383				5,664				1,116				1,096				30,155
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2015
Beginning balance		$	6,769				8,158				10,136				4,753				6,466				1,916				147				38,345
Charge-offs			(2,301	)			(2,008	)			(2,257	)			(597	)			(2,022	)			(1,578	)			—				(10,763	)
Recoveries			343				318				159				58				395				195				—				1,468
Provisions			576				(1,041	)			44				(831	)			825				583				949				1,105
Ending balance		$	5,387				5,427				8,082				3,383				5,664				1,116				1,096				30,155
Ending balances as of June 30, 2015:  Allowance for loan losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	88				393				1,458				75				560				46				—				2,620
Collectively evaluated for impairment		$	5,299				5,034				6,624				3,308				5,104				1,070				1,096				27,535
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality		$	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Loans receivable as of June 30, 2015:
Ending balance – total		$	178,756				278,406				694,794				208,778				890,158				47,244				—				2,298,136
Unamortized net deferred loan costs																															819
Total non-covered loans																														$	2,298,955
Ending balances as of June 30, 2015: Loans
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	686				5,377				19,847				527				20,454				79				—				46,970
Collectively evaluated for impairment		$	178,070				273,029				674,947				208,251				869,090				47,165				—				2,250,552
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality		$	—				—				—				—				614				—				—				614

 

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.

 

($ in thousands)		Covered Loans
As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2016
Beginning balance		$	1,399
Charge-offs			(4	)
Recoveries			756
Transferred to non-covered			(307	)
Provisions (reversal) for loan losses			(770	)
Ending balance		$	1,074
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2016
Beginning balance		$	1,799
Charge-offs			(245	)
Recoveries			1,959
Transferred to non-covered			(307	)
Provisions (reversal) for loan losses			(2,132	)
Ending balance		$	1,074
Ending balances as of June 30, 2016:  Allowance for loan losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	443
Collectively evaluated for impairment			631
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality			—
Loans receivable as of June 30, 2016:
Ending balance – total		$	78,387
Ending balances as of June 30, 2016: Loans
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	5,500
Collectively evaluated for impairment			72,881
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality			6

 

 

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)		Covered Loans
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2015
Beginning balance		$	2,281
Charge-offs			(1,316	)
Recoveries			3,622
Provision (reversal) for loan losses			(2,788	)
Ending balance		$	1,799
Ending balances as of December 31, 2015: Allowance for loan losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	554
Collectively evaluated for impairment			1,175
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality			70
Loans receivable as of December 31, 2015:
Ending balance – total		$	102,641
Ending balances as of December 31, 2015: Loans
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	7,055
Collectively evaluated for impairment			94,197
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality			1,389

 

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)		Covered Loans
As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2015
Beginning balance		$	2,226
Charge-offs			(676	)
Recoveries			545
Provisions (reversal) for loan losses			(160	)
Ending balance		$	1,935
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2015
Beginning balance		$	2,281
Charge-offs			(1,116	)
Recoveries			1,198
Provisions (reversal) for loan losses			(428	)
Ending balance		$	1,935
Ending balances as of June 30, 2015: Allowance for loan losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	455
Collectively evaluated for impairment			1,434
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality			46
Loans receivable as of June 30, 2015:
Ending balance – total		$	113,824
Ending balances as of June 30, 2015: Loans
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	6,763
Collectively evaluated for impairment			105,290
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality			1,771

 

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment as of June 30, 2016.

 

($ in thousands)		Recorded Investment				Unpaid Principal Balance				Related Allowance				Average Recorded Investment
Non-covered loans with no related allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	766				845				—				604
Real estate – mortgage – construction, land development & other land loans			3,764				7,420				—				3,863
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			9,137				10,634				—				8,690
Real estate – mortgage –home equity loans / lines of credit			145				203				—				139
Real estate – mortgage –commercial and other			8,536				9,717				—				9,669
Installment loans to individuals			2				3				—				2
Total non-covered impaired loans with no allowance		$	22,350				28,822				—				22,967
Total covered impaired loans with no allowance		$	3,000				3,361				—				3,991
Total impaired loans with no allowance recorded		$	25,350				32,183				—				26,958
Non-covered  loans with an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	93				111				14				286
Real estate – mortgage – construction, land development & other land loans			850				873				172				886
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			11,271				11,447				1,263				12,196
Real estate – mortgage –home equity loans / lines of credit			238				238				11				420
Real estate – mortgage –commercial and other			4,857				5,036				478				5,490
Installment loans to individuals			70				80				70				82
Total non-covered impaired loans with allowance		$	17,379				17,785				2,008				19,360
Total covered impaired loans with allowance		$	2,506				2,665				443				2,750
Total impaired loans with an allowance recorded		$	19,885				20,450				2,451				22,110

 

Interest income recorded on non-covered and covered impaired loans during the six months ended June 30, 2016 was insignificant.

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)		Recorded Investment				Unpaid Principal Balance				Related Allowance				Average Recorded Investment
Non-covered loans with no related allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	360				422				—				194
Real estate – mortgage – construction, land development & other land loans			3,944				7,421				—				4,636
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			8,713				9,803				—				7,309
Real estate – mortgage –home equity loans / lines of credit			114				161				—				425
Real estate – mortgage –commercial and other			11,565				13,144				—				16,590
Installment loans to individuals			3				4				—				5
Total non-covered impaired loans with no allowance		$	24,699				30,955				—				29,159
Total covered impaired loans with no allowance		$	5,231				8,529				—				5,607
Total impaired loans with no allowance recorded		$	29,930				39,484				—				34,766
Non-covered  loans with an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	632				662				304				607
Real estate – mortgage – construction, land development & other land loans			954				976				241				1,585
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			12,612				12,768				1,440				12,931
Real estate – mortgage –home equity loans / lines of credit			644				645				321				430
Real estate – mortgage –commercial and other			5,621				5,806				336				4,353
Installment loans to individuals			73				80				45				75
Total non-covered impaired loans with allowance		$	20,536				20,937				2,687				19,981
Total covered impaired loans with allowance		$	3,213				3,476				624				3,742
Total impaired loans with an allowance recorded		$	23,749				24,413				3,311				23,723

 

Interest income recorded on non-covered and covered impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 2015 was insignificant.

The Company tracks credit quality based on its internal risk ratings. Upon origination a loan is assigned an initial risk grade, which is generally based on several factors such as the borrower’s credit score, the loan-to-value ratio, the debt-to-income ratio, etc. Loans that are risk-graded as substandard during the origination process are declined. After loans are initially graded, they are monitored regularly for credit quality based on many factors, such as payment history, the borrower’s financial status, and changes in collateral value. Loans can be downgraded or upgraded depending on management’s evaluation of these factors. Internal risk-grading policies are consistent throughout each loan type.

 

The following describes the Company’s internal risk grades in ascending order of likelihood of loss:

 

	Risk Grade	Description
Pass:
	1	Loans with virtually no risk, including cash secured loans.
	2	Loans with documented significant overall financial strength.  These loans have minimum chance of loss due to the presence of multiple sources of repayment – each clearly sufficient to satisfy the obligation.
	3	Loans with documented satisfactory overall financial strength.  These loans have a low loss potential due to presence of at least two clearly identified sources of repayment – each of which is sufficient to satisfy the obligation under the present circumstances.
	4	Loans to borrowers with acceptable financial condition.  These loans could have signs of minor operational weaknesses, lack of adequate financial information, or loans supported by collateral with questionable value or marketability.
	5	Existing loans that meet the guidelines for a Risk Graded 6 loan, except the collateral coverage is sufficient to satisfy the debt with no risk of loss under reasonable circumstances.
	P (Pass)	Consumer loans (<$500,000) that are of satisfactory credit quality with borrowers who exhibit good personal credit history, average personal financial strength and moderate debt levels.  These loans generally conform to Bank policy, but may include approved mitigated exceptions to the guidelines.
Special Mention:
	6	Existing loans with defined weaknesses in primary source of repayment that, if not corrected, could cause a loss to the Bank.
Classified:
	7	An existing loan inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any.  These loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.
	8	Loans that have a well-defined weakness that make the collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable.  Loss appears imminent, but the exact amount and timing is uncertain.
	9	Loans that are considered uncollectible and are in the process of being charged-off.  This grade is a temporary grade assigned for administrative purposes until the charge-off is completed.
	F (Fail)	Consumer loans (<$500,000) with a well-defined weakness, such as exceptions of any kind with no mitigating factors, history of paying outside the terms of the note, insufficient income to support the current level of debt, etc.

 

In the second quarter of 2016, the Company made nonsubstantive changes to the numerical scale of risk grades. Previously, the description for grade 5 noted above was assigned a grade of 9. As a result of the change, most grade 9 loans were assigned a grade of 5 and the numerical grade assignments for the previous grades of 5 and below were moved one row lower in the descriptions. In the tables below, prior periods have been adjusted to be consistent with the presentation for June 30, 2016.

 

Also during the second quarter of 2016, the Company introduced a pass/fail grade system for smaller balance consumer loans (balances less than $500,000), primarily residential home loans and installment consumer loans. Accordingly, all such consumer loans are no longer graded on a scale of 1-9, but instead are assigned a rating of “pass” or “fail”, with “fail” loans being considered as classified loans. Substantially all of the $25.4 million of non-covered consumer loans and $4.3 million of covered consumer loans that had previously been assigned a grade of “special mention” were assigned a rating of “pass”, which impacts the comparability of the June 30, 2016 table below to prior periods.

 

The changes noted above had no significant impact on the Company’s allowance for loan loss calculation.

 

The June 30, 2016 table below also reflects the impact of the previously discussed reclassification of approximately $17.7 million of loans from the covered category to the non-covered category upon the expiration of the loss-share provisions with the FDIC. Approximately $3.8 million of these loans had “classified” grades.

The following table presents the Company’s recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicators as of June 30, 2016.

 

($ in thousands)
		Pass				Special Mention Loans				Classified Accruing Loans				Classified Nonaccrual Loans				Total
Non-covered loans:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	235,000				2,855				4,137				2,870				244,862
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			288,017				9,781				8,880				4,154				310,832
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			620,516				17,020				28,516				17,315				683,367
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			220,230				1,373				4,897				2,406				228,906
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			948,844				29,744				14,910				6,821				1,000,319
Installment loans to individuals			49,583				352				237				215				50,387
Total		$	2,362,190				61,125				61,577				33,781				2,518,673
Unamortized net deferred loan costs																			1,074
Total non-covered  loans																		$	2,519,747
Total covered loans		$	58,153				1,745				14,295				4,194			$	78,387
Total loans		$	2,420,343				62,870				75,872				37,975			$	2,598,134

 

 

The following table presents the Company’s recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)
		Pass				Special Mention Loans				Classified Accruing Loans				Classified Nonaccrual Loans				Total
Non-covered loans:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	191,905				3,453				3,476				2,964				201,798
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			277,300				13,296				9,980				4,652				305,228
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			609,880				34,407				29,793				18,822				692,902
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			207,335				7,045				4,473				3,142				221,995
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			889,871				32,022				13,733				10,197				945,823
Installment loans to individuals			46,209				776				464				217				47,666
Total		$	2,222,500				90,999				61,919				39,994				2,415,412
Unamortized net deferred loan costs																			873
Total non-covered  loans																		$	2,416,285
Total covered loans		$	71,398				7,423				16,004				7,816			$	102,641
Total loans		$	2,293,898				98,422				77,923				47,810			$	2,518,926

 

 

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 creditor has granted a concession. Concessions may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, principal forgiveness, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses.

 

The vast majority of the Company’s troubled debt restructurings modified related to interest rate reductions combined with restructured amortization schedules. The Company does not generally grant principal forgiveness.

 

All loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are considered to be impaired and are evaluated as such for determination of the allowance for loan losses. The Company’s troubled debt restructurings can be classified as either nonaccrual or accruing based on the loan’s payment status. The troubled debt restructurings that are nonaccrual are reported within the nonaccrual loan totals presented previously.

 

The following table presents information related to loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

($ in thousands)		For the three months ended June 30, 2016												For the three months ended June 30, 2015
		Number of Contracts				Pre- Modification Restructured Balances				Post- Modification Restructured Balances				Number of Contracts				Pre- Modification Restructured Balances				Post- Modification Restructured Balances
Non-covered TDRs – Accruing
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			—			$	—			$	—				1				8				8
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			—				—				—				1				152				152
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			—				—				—				—				—				—
Installment loans to individuals			—				—				—				—				—				—
Non-covered TDRs – Nonaccrual
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			—				—				—				—				—				—
Installment loans to individuals			—				—				—				—				—				—
Total non-covered TDRs arising during period			—				—				—				2				160				160
Total covered TDRs arising during period– Accruing			—			$	—			$	—				—			$	—			$	—
Total covered TDRs arising during period – Nonaccrual			—				—				—				—				—				—
Total TDRs arising during period			—			$	—			$	—				2			$	160			$	160

 

 

The following table presents information related to loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

($ in thousands)		For the six months ended June 30, 2016												For the six months ended June 30, 2015
		Number of Contracts				Pre- Modification Restructured Balances				Post- Modification Restructured Balances				Number of Contracts				Pre- Modification Restructured Balances				Post- Modification Restructured Balances
Non-covered TDRs – Accruing
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			—			$	—			$	—				1			$	8			$	8
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			—				—				—				2				265				265
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			—				—				—				1				51				51
Installment loans to individuals			—				—				—				—				—				—
Non-covered TDRs – Nonaccrual
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			—				—				—				1				1				1
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			—				—				—				3				304				304
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			—				—				—				—				—				—
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			—				—				—				—				—				—
Installment loans to individuals			—				—				—				—				—				—
Total non-covered TDRs arising during period			—				—				—				8				629				629
Total covered TDRs arising during period– Accruing			—			$	—			$	—				2			$	139			$	139
Total covered TDRs arising during period – Nonaccrual			—				—				—				—				—				—
Total TDRs arising during period			—			$	—			$	—				10			$	768			$	768

 

 

Accruing restructured loans that were modified in the previous 12 months and that defaulted during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are presented in the table below. The Company considers a loan to have defaulted when it becomes 90 or more days delinquent under the modified terms, has been transferred to nonaccrual status, or has been transferred to foreclosed real estate.

 

($ in thousands)		For the three months ended June 30, 2016								For the three months ended June 30, 2015
		Number of Contracts				Recorded Investment				Number of Contracts				Recorded Investment
Non-covered accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			—			$	—				1			$	7
Total non-covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted			—			$	—				1			$	7
Total accruing covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted			—			$	—				—			$	—
Total accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted			—			$	—				1			$	7

 

 

Accruing restructured loans that were modified in the previous 12 months and that defaulted during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are presented in the table below.

 

($ in thousands)		For the six months ended June 30, 2016								For the six months ended June 30, 2015
		Number of Contracts				Recorded Investment				Number of Contracts				Recorded Investment
Non-covered accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			—			$	—				1			$	7
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1–4 family first mortgages)			—								1				34
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			1				21				—				—
Total non-covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted			1			$	21				2			$	41
Total accruing covered TDRs that subsequently defaulted			1			$	44				—			$	—
Total accruing TDRs that subsequently defaulted			2			$	65				2			$	41

 

Note 8 – Deferred Loan Costs

 

The amount of loans shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes net deferred loan costs of approximately $1,074,000, $873,000, and $819,000 at June 30, 2016, December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015, respectively.

 

Note 9 – FDIC Indemnification Asset

 

The FDIC indemnification asset is the estimated amount that the Company will receive from the FDIC under loss share agreements associated with two FDIC-assisted failed bank acquisitions. See page 42 of the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed explanation of this asset.

 

The FDIC indemnification asset was comprised of the following components as of the dates shown:

 

($ in thousands)		June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015				June 30, 2015
Receivable (payable) related to loss claims incurred (recoveries), not yet received (paid), net		$	(1,542	)			(633	)			265
Receivable related to estimated future claims on loans			6,383				8,675				11,003
Receivable related to estimated future claims on foreclosed real estate			316				397				714
FDIC indemnification asset		$	5,157				8,439				11,982

 

The following presents a rollforward of the FDIC indemnification asset since December 31, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015		$	8,439
Decrease related to favorable changes in loss estimates			(2,246	)
Increase related to reimbursable expenses			205
Cash paid (received)			738
Amortization associated with accretion of loan discount			(2,005	)
Other			26
Balance at June 30, 2016		$	5,157

 

Note 10 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The following is a summary of the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortizable intangible assets as of June 30, 2016, December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015 and the carrying amount of unamortized intangible assets as of those same dates. In connection with the January 1, 2016 acquisition of Bankingport, Inc., an insurance agency located in Sanford, North Carolina, the Company recorded $1,693,000 in goodwill, $591,000 in a customer list intangible, and $92,000 in other amortizable intangible assets. In connection with the May 4, 2016 acquisition of SBA Complete, Inc., a SBA loan consulting firm, the Company recorded $6,013,000 in goodwill, $1,100,000 in a customer list intangible, and $940,000 in other amortizable intangible assets.

 

		June 30, 2016								December 31, 2015								June 30, 2015
($ in thousands)		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer lists		$	2,369				624				678				550				678				528
Core deposit premiums			8,560				7,660				8,560				7,352				8,560				7,013
Other			1,032				65				—				—				—				—
Total		$	11,961				8,349				9,238				7,902				9,238				7,541
Unamortizable intangible assets:
Goodwill		$	73,541								65,835								65,835

 

Amortization expense totaled $261,000 and $180,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization expense totaled $447,000 and $360,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

The following table presents the estimated amortization expense for the last half of calendar year 2016 and for each of the four calendar years ending December 31, 2020 and the estimated amount amortizable thereafter. These estimates are subject to change in future periods to the extent management determines it is necessary to make adjustments to the carrying value or estimated useful lives of amortized intangible assets.

 

($ in thousands)		Estimated Amortization Expense
July 1 to December 31, 2016		$	587
2017			934
2018			624
2019			471
2020			301
Thereafter			695
Total		$	3,612

 

Note 11 – Pension Plans

 

The Company has historically sponsored two defined benefit pension plans – a qualified retirement plan (the “Pension Plan”) which was generally available to all employees, and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), which was for the benefit of certain senior management executives of the Company. Effective December 31, 2012, the Company froze both plans for all participants. Although no previously accrued benefits were lost, employees no longer accrue benefits for service subsequent to 2012.

 

The Company recorded pension income totaling $162,000 and $288,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which primarily related to investment income from the Pension Plan’s assets. The following table contains the components of the pension income.

 

		For the Three Months Ended June 30,
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016 Total				2015 Total
($ in thousands)		Pension Plan				Pension Plan				SERP				SERP				Both Plans				Both Plans
Service cost		$	—				—				27				46				27				46
Interest cost			376				341				59				51				435				392
Expected return on plan assets			(675	)			(710	)			—				—				(675	)			(710	)
Amortization of transition obligation			—				—				—				—				—				—
Amortization of net (gain)/loss			60				—				(9	)			(16	)			51				(16	)
Amortization of prior service cost			—				—				—				—				—				—
Net periodic pension (income)/cost		$	(239	)			(369	)			77				81				(162	)			(288	)

 

The Company recorded pension income totaling $325,000 and $555,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which primarily related to investment income from the Pension Plan’s assets. The following table contains the components of the pension income.

 

		For the Six Months Ended June 30,
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016 Total				2015 Total
($ in thousands)		Pension Plan				Pension Plan				SERP				SERP				Both Plans				Both Plans
Service cost – benefits earned during the period		$	—				—				53				125				53				125
Interest cost			752				682				118				103				870				785
Expected return on plan assets			(1,350	)			(1,418	)			—				—				(1,350	)			(1,418	)
Amortization of transition obligation			—				—				—				—				—				—
Amortization of net (gain)/loss			120				—				(18	)			(47	)			102				(47	)
Amortization of prior service cost			—				—				—				—				—				—
Net periodic pension cost (income)		$	(478	)			(736	)			153				181				(325	)			(555	)

 

The Company’s contributions to the Pension Plan are based on computations by independent actuarial consultants and are intended to be deductible for income tax purposes. The contributions are invested to provide for benefits under the Pension Plan. The Company does not expect to contribute to the Pension Plan in 2016.

 

The Company’s funding policy with respect to the SERP is to fund the related benefits from the operating cash flow of the Company.

 

Note 12 – Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity during a period for non-owner transactions and is divided into net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are excluded from earnings under current accounting standards. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company are as follows:

 

($ in thousands)		June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015				June 30, 2015
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale		$	1,722				(1,163	)			(1,433	)
Deferred tax asset (liability)			(671	)			454				560
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale			1,051				(709	)			(873	)
Additional pension asset (liability)			(4,555	)			(4,657	)			(304	)
Deferred tax asset (liability)			1,776				1,816				118
Net additional pension asset (liability)			(2,779	)			(2,841	)			(186	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(1,728	)			(3,550	)			(1,059	)

 

The following table discloses the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (all amounts are net of tax).

 

($ in thousands)		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale				Additional Pension Asset (Liability)				Total
Beginning balance at January 1, 2016		$	(709	)			(2,841	)			(3,550	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			1,762				—				1,762
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(2	)			62				60
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			1,760				62				1,822
Ending balance at June 30, 2016		$	1,051				(2,779	)			(1,728	)

 

The following table discloses the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2015 (all amounts are net of tax).

 

($ in thousands)		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale				Additional Pension Asset (Liability)				Total
Beginning balance at January 1, 2015		$	(421	)			(157	)			(578	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(452	)			—				(452	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			—				(29	)			(29	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			(452	)			(29	)			(481	)
Ending balance at June 30, 2015		$	(873	)			(186	)			(1,059	)

 

 

Note 13 – Fair Value

 

Relevant accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) of identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

Level 2: Significant other 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.

 

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at June 30, 2016.

 

($ in thousands)
Description of Financial Instruments		Fair Value at June 30, 2016				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Recurring
Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored enterprise securities		$	15,992				—				15,992				—
Mortgage-backed securities			169,256				—				169,256				—
Corporate bonds			34,381				—				34,381				—
Equity securities			133				—				133				—
Total available for sale securities		$	219,762				—				219,762				—
Nonrecurring
Impaired loans – covered		$	2,063				—				—				2,063
Impaired loans – non-covered			15,920				—				—				15,920
Foreclosed real estate – covered			385				—				—				385
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered			10,221				—				—				10,221

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2015.

 

($ in thousands)
Description of Financial Instruments		Fair Value at December 31, 2015				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Recurring
Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored enterprise securities		$	18,972				—				18,972				—
Mortgage-backed securities			121,553				—				121,553				—
Corporate bonds			24,946				—				24,946				—
Equity securities			143				—				143				—
Total available for sale securities		$	165,614				—				165,614				—
Nonrecurring
Impaired loans – covered		$	2,588				—				—				2,588
Impaired loans – non-covered			18,057				—				—				18,057
Foreclosed real estate – covered			806				—				—				806
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered			9,188				—				—				9,188

 

 

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value.

 

Securities Available for Sale — When quoted market prices are available in an active market, the securities are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, but fair values can be estimated by observing quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, the securities are classified as Level 2 on the valuation hierarchy. Most of the fair values for the Company’s Level 2 securities are determined by our third-party bond accounting provider using matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. For the Company, Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, government-sponsored enterprise securities, and corporate bonds. In cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

 

The Company reviews the pricing methodologies utilized by the bond accounting provider to ensure the fair value determination is consistent with the applicable accounting guidance and that the investments are properly classified in the fair value hierarchy. Further, the Company validates the fair values for a sample of securities in the portfolio by comparing the fair values provided by the bond accounting provider to prices from other independent sources for the same or similar securities. The Company analyzes unusual or significant variances and conducts additional research with the portfolio manager, if necessary, and takes appropriate action based on its findings.

 

Impaired loans — Fair values for impaired loans in the above table are measured on a non-recurring basis and are based on the underlying collateral values securing the loans, adjusted for estimated selling costs, or the net present value of the cash flows expected to be received for such loans. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or business assets including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. The vast majority of the collateral is real estate. The value of real estate collateral is determined using an income or market valuation approach based on an appraisal conducted by an independent, licensed third party appraiser (Level 3). The value of business equipment is based upon an outside appraisal if deemed significant, or the net book value on the applicable borrower’s financial statements if not considered significant. Likewise, values for inventory and accounts receivable collateral are based on borrower financial statement balances or aging reports on a discounted basis as appropriate (Level 3). Any fair value adjustments are recorded in the period incurred as provision for loan losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Foreclosed real estate – Foreclosed real estate, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is measured on a non-recurring basis and is based upon independent market prices or current appraisals that are generally prepared using an income or market valuation approach and conducted by an independent, licensed third party appraiser, adjusted for estimated selling costs (Level 3). At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. For any real estate valuations subsequent to foreclosure, any excess of the real estate recorded value over the fair value of the real estate is treated as a foreclosed real estate write-down on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of June 30, 2016, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

($ in thousands)
Description		Fair Value at June 30, 2016				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		General Range of Significant Unobservable Input Values
Impaired loans – covered		$	2,063			Appraised value; PV of expected cash flows		Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell		0-10%
Impaired loans – non-covered			15,920			Appraised value; PV of expected cash flows		Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell		0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – covered			385			Appraised value; List or contract price		Discounts to reflect current market conditions and estimated costs to sell		0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered			10,221			Appraised value; List or contract price		Discounts to reflect current market conditions, abbreviated holding period and estimated costs to sell		0-10%

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2015, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

($ in thousands)
Description		Fair Value at December 31, 2015				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		General Range of Significant Unobservable Input Values
Impaired loans – covered		$	2,588			Appraised value; PV of expected cash flows		Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell		0-10%
Impaired loans – non-covered			18,057			Appraised value; PV of expected cash flows		Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell		0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – covered			806			Appraised value; List or contract price		Discounts to reflect current market conditions and estimated costs to sell		0-10%
Foreclosed real estate – non-covered			9,188			Appraised value; List or contract price		Discounts to reflect current market conditions, abbreviated holding period and estimated costs to sell		0-10%

 

Transfers of assets or liabilities between levels within the fair value hierarchy are recognized when an event or change in circumstances occurs. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis during the three or six months ended June 30, 2016 or 2015.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the increase (decrease) in the fair value of securities available for sale was $2,888,000 and ($743,000), respectively, which is included in other comprehensive income (net of tax expense (benefit) of $1,126,000 and ($291,000), respectively). Fair value measurement methods at June 30, 2016 and 2015 are consistent with those used in prior reporting periods.

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

				June 30, 2016								December 31, 2015
($ in thousands)		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy		Carrying Amount				Estimated Fair Value				Carrying Amount				Estimated Fair Value
Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing		Level 1		$	58,956				58,956				53,285				53,285
Due from banks, interest-bearing		Level 1			189,404				189,404				213,426				213,426
Federal funds sold		Level 1			143				143				557				557
Securities available for sale		Level 2			219,762				219,762				165,614				165,614
Securities held to maturity		Level 2			142,073				146,099				154,610				157,146
Presold mortgages in process of settlement		Level 1			4,104				4,104				4,323				4,323
Total loans, net of allowance		Level 3			2,572,111				2,548,380				2,490,343				2,484,059
Accrued interest receivable		Level 1			9,152				9,152				9,166				9,166
FDIC indemnification asset		Level 3			5,157				5,109				8,439				8,256
Bank-owned life insurance		Level 1			73,098				73,098				72,086				72,086
Deposits		Level 2			2,872,020				2,871,399				2,811,285				2,809,828
Borrowings		Level 2			206,394				198,531				186,394				178,468
Accrued interest payable		Level 2			586				586				585				585

 

Fair value methods and assumptions are set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments.

 

Cash and Amounts Due from Banks, Federal Funds Sold, Presold Mortgages in Process of Settlement, Accrued Interest Receivable, and Accrued Interest Payable - The carrying amounts approximate their fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

 

Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities - Fair values are provided by a third-party and are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or matrix pricing.

 

Loans - For nonimpaired loans, fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, financial and agricultural, real estate construction, real estate mortgages and installment loans to individuals. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and variable interest rate terms. The fair value for each category is determined by discounting scheduled future cash flows using current interest rates offered on loans with similar risk characteristics. Fair values for impaired loans are primarily based on estimated proceeds expected upon liquidation of the collateral or the present value of expected cash flows.

 

FDIC Indemnification Asset – Fair value is equal to the FDIC reimbursement rate of the expected losses to be incurred and reimbursed by the FDIC and then discounted over the estimated period of receipt.

 

Bank-Owned Life Insurance – The carrying value of life insurance approximates fair value because this investment is carried at cash surrender value, as determined by the issuer.

 

Deposits - The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand as of the valuation date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered in the marketplace for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

 

Borrowings - The fair value of borrowings is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered by the Company’s lenders for debt of similar remaining maturities.

 

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no highly liquid market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include net premises and equipment, intangible and other assets such as deferred income taxes, prepaid expense accounts, income taxes currently payable and other various accrued expenses. In addition, the income tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.

 

Note 14 – Shareholders’ Equity Transactions

 

Small Business Lending Fund

 

On September 1, 2011, the Company completed the sale of $63.5 million of Series B Preferred Stock to the Secretary of the Treasury under the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF). The fund was established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 that was created to encourage lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets less than $10 billion.

 

Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, the Treasury received 63,500 shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share, in exchange for $63.5 million. On June 25, 2015, the Company redeemed $32 million (32,000 shares) of the outstanding SBLF Stock. The shares were redeemed at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends. On October 16, 2015, the Company redeemed the remaining $31.5 million (31,500 shares) of the outstanding SBLF Stock. The shares were redeemed at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends. With these redemptions, the Company ended its participation in the SBLF.

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company accrued approximately $153,000 and $312,000, respectively, in preferred dividend payments for the Series B Preferred Stock. This amount is deducted from net income in computing “Net income available to common shareholders.”

 

Stock Issuance

 

On December 21, 2012, the Company issued 2,656,294 shares of its common stock and 728,706 shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock to certain accredited investors, each at the price of $10.00 per share, pursuant to a private placement transaction. Net proceeds from this sale of common and preferred stock were $33.8 million and were used to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet in anticipation of a planned disposition of certain classified loans and write-down of foreclosed real estate.

 

The Series C Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and is Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, with dividend rights equal to the Company’s Common Stock. Each share of Series C Preferred Stock will automatically convert into one share of Common Stock on the date the holder of Series C Preferred Stock transfers any shares of Series C Preferred Stock to a non-affiliate of the holder in certain permissible transfers. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances.

 

The Series C Preferred Stock pays a dividend per share equal to that of the Company’s common stock. During each of the second quarters of 2016 and 2015, the Company accrued approximately $58,000 in preferred dividend payments for the Series C Preferred Stock. During each of the first six months of 2016 and 2015, the Company accrued approximately $117,000 in preferred dividend payments for the Series C Preferred Stock.

 

 

Note 15 – Acquisitions

 

The Company completed the following acquisitions in 2016.

 

(1)

On January 1, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Bankingport, Inc. (“Bankingport”). The results of Bankingport are included in First Bancorp’s results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 beginning on the January 1, 2016 acquisition date.

 

Bankingport was an insurance agency based in Sanford, North Carolina. This acquisition represented an opportunity to expand the insurance agency operations into a contiguous and significant banking market for the Company. Also, this acquisition provided the Company with a larger platform for leveraging insurance services throughout the Company’s bank branch network. The deal value was $2.2 million and the transaction was completed on January 1, 2016 with the Company paying $700,000 in cash and issuing 79,012 shares of its common stock, which had a value of approximately $1.5 million. In connection with the acquisition, the Company also paid $1.1 million to purchase the office space previously leased by Bankingport.

 

This acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations, and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Bankingport were recorded based on estimates of fair values as of January 1, 2016. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded $1.7 million in goodwill, which is non-deductible for tax purposes, and $0.7 million in other amortizable intangible assets.

 

(2)

On May 5, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of SBA Complete, Inc. (“SBA Complete”). The results of SBA Complete are included in First Bancorp’s results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 beginning on the May 5, 2016 acquisition date. SBA Complete is a consulting firm that specializes in consulting with financial institutions across the country related to Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan origination and servicing. The deal value was $8.9 million and the transaction was completed on May 5, 2016 with the Company paying $1.5 million in cash and issuing 199,829 shares of its common stock, which had a value of approximately $4.0 million. Per the terms of the agreement, the Company also recorded an earn-out liability valued at $3.4 million, which will be paid in shares of Company stock in annual distributions over a three year period if pre-determined goals are met for those three years.

 

This acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations, and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of SBA Complete were recorded based on estimates of fair values as of May 5, 2016. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded $6.0 million in goodwill, which is non-deductible for tax purposes, and $2.0 million in other amortizable intangible assets.

 

Note 16 – Pending Acquisition

 

On June 21, 2016, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire Carolina Bank Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a total deal value of $97.3 million. The merger consideration is a combination of both cash and stock, with each share of Carolina Bank Holdings stock being exchanged for either $20.00 in cash or 1.002 shares of First Bancorp stock, subject to the total consideration being 75% stock / 25% cash. Carolina Bank operates eight branches located in Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina and also operates three mortgage offices in North Carolina. The acquisition is a natural extension of the Company’s recent expansion into these high-growth areas. As of June 30, 2016, Carolina Bank Holdings had $706 million in total assets, $534 million in gross loans, and $599 million in total deposits. Subject to regulatory approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016 or the first quarter of 2017.

 

Note 17 – Subsequent Event

 

On July 15, 2016, the Company completed the branch exchange with First Community Bank, headquartered in Bluefield, Virginia. The Bank exchanged its entire branch network in Virginia, which was comprised of seven branches in the southwestern area of Virginia, for six of First Community Bank’s branches located in North Carolina. The Bank acquired a total of six branches, with four of the branches being in Winston-Salem, one branch in Mooresville and the other branch in Huntersville. In the exchange, the Bank acquired approximately $154 million in loans and $111 million in deposits, while transferring approximately $152 million in loans and $134 million in deposits to First Community Bank.

 

 

Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The accounting principles we follow and our methods of applying these principles conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices followed by the banking industry. Certain of these principles involve a significant amount of judgment and may involve the use of estimates based on our best assumptions at the time of the estimation. The allowance for loan losses, intangible assets, and the fair value and discount accretion of loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions are three policies we have identified as being more sensitive in terms of judgments and estimates, taking into account their overall potential impact to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Due to the estimation process and the potential materiality of the amounts involved, we have identified the accounting for the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses as an accounting policy critical to our consolidated financial statements. The provision for loan losses charged to operations is an amount sufficient to bring the allowance for loan losses to an estimated balance considered adequate to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio.

 

Our determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based primarily on a mathematical model that estimates the appropriate allowance for loan losses. This model has two components. The first component involves the estimation of losses on individually evaluated “impaired loans”. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A loan is specifically evaluated for an appropriate valuation allowance if the loan balance is above a prescribed evaluation threshold (which varies based on credit quality, accruing status, troubled debt restructured status, and type of collateral) and the loan is determined to be impaired. The estimated valuation allowance is the difference, if any, between the loan balance outstanding and the value of the impaired loan as determined by either 1) an estimate of the cash flows that we expect to receive from the borrower discounted at the loan’s effective rate, or 2) in the case of a collateral-dependent loan, the fair value of the collateral.

 

The second component of the allowance model is an estimate of losses for all loans not considered to be impaired loans (“general reserve loans”). General reserve loans are segregated into pools by loan type and risk grade and estimated loss percentages are assigned to each loan pool based on historical losses.  The historical loss percentage is then adjusted for any environmental factors used to reflect changes in the collectability of the portfolio not captured by historical data.

 

The reserves estimated for individually evaluated impaired loans are then added to the reserve estimated for general reserve loans. This becomes our “allocated allowance.” The allocated allowance is compared to the actual allowance for loan losses recorded on our books and any adjustment necessary for the recorded allowance to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio is recorded as a provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses is a direct charge to earnings in the period recorded. Any remaining difference between the allocated allowance and the actual allowance for loan losses recorded on our books is our “unallocated allowance.”

 

Loans covered under loss share agreements (referred to as “covered loans”) are recorded at fair value at acquisition date. Therefore, amounts deemed uncollectible at acquisition date become a part of the fair value calculation and are excluded from the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent decreases in the amount expected to be collected result in a provision for loan losses with a corresponding increase in the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent increases in the amount expected to be collected are accreted into income over the life of the loan. Proportional adjustments are also recorded to the FDIC indemnification asset.

 

Although we use the best information available to make evaluations, future material adjustments may be necessary if economic, operational, or other conditions change. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on the examiners’ judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

 

For further discussion, see “Nonperforming Assets” and “Summary of Loan Loss Experience” below.

 

Intangible Assets

 

Due to the estimation process and the potential materiality of the amounts involved, we have also identified the accounting for intangible assets as an accounting policy critical to our consolidated financial statements.

 

When we complete an acquisition transaction, the excess of the purchase price over the amount by which the fair market value of assets acquired exceeds the fair market value of liabilities assumed represents an intangible asset. We must then determine the identifiable portions of the intangible asset, with any remaining amount classified as goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets associated with these acquisitions are generally amortized over the estimated life of the related asset, whereas goodwill is tested annually for impairment, but not systematically amortized. Assuming no goodwill impairment, it is beneficial to our future earnings to have a lower amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets and higher amount of goodwill as opposed to having a higher amount considered to be identifiable intangible assets and a lower amount classified as goodwill.

 

The primary identifiable intangible asset we typically record in connection with a whole bank or bank branch acquisition is the value of the core deposit intangible, whereas when we acquire an insurance agency, the primary identifiable intangible asset is the value of the acquired customer list. Determining the amount of identifiable intangible assets and their average lives involves multiple assumptions and estimates and is typically determined by performing a discounted cash flow analysis, which involves a combination of any or all of the following assumptions: customer attrition/runoff, alternative funding costs, deposit servicing costs, and discount rates. We typically engage a third party consultant to assist in each analysis. For the whole bank and bank branch transactions recorded to date, the core deposit intangibles have generally been estimated to have a life ranging from seven to ten years, with an accelerated rate of amortization. For insurance agency acquisitions, the identifiable intangible assets related to the customer lists were determined to have a life of ten to fifteen years, with amortization occurring on a straight-line basis.

 

Subsequent to the initial recording of the identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, we amortize the identifiable intangible assets over their estimated average lives, as discussed above. In addition, on at least an annual basis, goodwill is evaluated for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to their related carrying value, including goodwill (our community banking operation is our only material reporting unit). If the carrying value of a reporting unit were ever to exceed its fair value, we would determine whether the implied fair value of the goodwill, using a discounted cash flow analysis, exceeded the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss would be recorded in an amount equal to that excess. Performing such a discounted cash flow analysis would involve the significant use of estimates and assumptions.

 

In our 2015 goodwill impairment evaluation, we engaged a consulting firm that used various valuation techniques to assist us in concluding that our goodwill was not impaired.

 

We review identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Our policy is that an impairment loss is recognized, equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and its fair value, if the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Estimating future cash flows involves the use of multiple estimates and assumptions, such as those listed above.

 

Fair Value and Discount Accretion of Loans Acquired in FDIC-Assisted Transactions

 

We consider the determination of the initial fair value of loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions, the initial fair value of the related FDIC indemnification asset, and the subsequent discount accretion of the purchased loans to involve a high degree of judgment and complexity. We determine fair value accounting estimates of newly assumed assets and liabilities in accordance with relevant accounting guidance. However, the amount that we realize on these assets could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in our financial statements, based upon the timing of collections on the acquired loans in future periods. To the extent the actual values realized for the acquired loans are different from the estimates, the FDIC indemnification asset will generally be impacted in an offsetting manner due to the loss-sharing support from the FDIC.

 

Because of the inherent credit losses associated with the acquired loans in a failed bank acquisition, the amount that we record as the fair values for the loans is generally less than the contractual unpaid principal balance due from the borrowers, with the difference being referred to as the “discount” on the acquired loans. We have applied the cost recovery method of accounting to all purchased impaired loans due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows. This will generally result in the recognition of interest income on these impaired loans only when the cash payments received from the borrower exceed the recorded net book value of the related loans.

 

For nonimpaired purchased loans, we accrete the discount over the lives of the loans in a manner consistent with the guidance for accounting for loan origination fees and costs.

 

FDIC Indemnification Asset

 

The FDIC indemnification asset is the estimated amount that the Company will receive from the FDIC under loss share agreements associated with two FDIC-assisted failed bank acquisitions. See page 42 of the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed explanation of this asset.

 

The following table presents additional information regarding our covered loans, loan discounts, allowances for loan losses and the corresponding FDIC indemnification asset:

 

($ in thousands)
At June 30, 2016		Cooperative Single Family Loss Share Loans				Bank of Asheville Single Family Loss Share Loans				Total
Expiration of loss share agreement			6/30/2019				3/31/2021
Nonaccrual covered loans
Unpaid principal balance		$	4,801				162				4,963
Carrying value prior to loan discount*			4,619				156				4,775
Loan discount			532				49				581
Net carrying value			4,087				107				4,194
Allowance for loan losses			81				3				84
Indemnification asset recorded			314				23				337
All other covered loans
Unpaid principal balance			79,645				5,975				85,620
Carrying value prior to loan discount*			79,476				5,896				85,372
Loan discount			10,291				888				11,179
Net carrying value			69,185				5,008				74,193
Allowance for loan losses			942				48				990
Indemnification asset recorded			5,420				632				6,052
All covered loans
Unpaid principal balance			84,446				6,137				90,583
Carrying value prior to loan discount*			84,095				6,052				90,147
Loan discount			10,823				937				11,760
Net carrying value			73,272				5,115				78,387
Allowance for loan losses			1,023				51				1,074
Indemnification asset recorded			5,734				655				6,389	**
Foreclosed Properties
Net carrying value			385				—				385
Indemnification asset recorded			316				—				316
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Loan discount accretion recognized			1,278				545				1,823
Loan discount accretion recognized on Bank of Asheville non-single family loans ***											908
Total loan discount accretion											2,731
Indemnification asset expense associated with the loan discount accretion recognized			1,453				376				1,829
Indemnification asset expense associated with the loan discount accretion recognized on Bank of Asheville non-single family loans											176
Total indemnification asset expense associated with loan discount accretion											2,005

*	Reflects partial charge-offs and payments received while loan was on nonaccrual status

**	A present value adjustment of $6 reduces the carrying value of this asset to $6,383

***	The remaining loan discount associated with Bank of Asheville non-single family loans as of June 30, 2016 was $599

 

 

The loss share provisions of the loss share agreement related to Bank of Asheville’s non-single family assets expired on March 31, 2016. Accordingly, on April 1, 2016, the remaining balances associated with the Bank of Asheville non-single family loans and foreclosed properties were transferred from the covered portfolio to the non-covered portfolio. We bear all future losses on that portfolio of loans and foreclosed properties, however we do not believe that future losses on these assets will be material. 80% of recoveries associated with prior charge-offs will continue to be shared with the FDIC until March 31, 2019. Immediately prior to the transfer, these loans and foreclosed properties were classified as covered and the portfolio of loans had a carrying value of $17.7 million and the portfolio of foreclosed properties had a carrying value of $1.2 million. Of the $17.7 million in loans that lost loss share protection, approximately $2.8 million of these loans were on nonaccrual status as of April 1, 2016. Additionally, approximately $0.3 million in allowance for loan losses that related to this portfolio of loans were transferred to the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans on April 1, 2016.

 

There is a remaining loan discount of $0.6 million related to the Bank of Asheville non-single family loss share loans that will continue to be accreted over the lives of the loans. Additionally, loan discount accretion and indemnification asset expense will continue to be recorded on the other two portfolios that continue to be covered by loss share agreements. We are currently pursuing the possibility of early-terminating all loss share agreements with the FDIC if we can do so on terms that are in the best interest of the Company.

 

Current Accounting Matters

 

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements above for information about accounting standards that we have recently adopted.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

Net income available to common shareholders for the second quarter of 2016 amounted to $7.6 million, or $0.37 per diluted common share, an increase of 25.7% compared to the $6.0 million, or $0.30 per diluted common share, recorded in the second quarter of 2015.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, we recorded net income available to common shareholders of $14.4 million, or $0.70 per diluted common share, an increase of 12.2% compared to the $12.8 million, or $0.63 per common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The higher earnings were primarily related to increased interest income resulting from loan growth and lower provisions for loan losses.

 

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

 

Net interest income for the second quarter of 2016 amounted to $31.5 million, a 6.5% increase from the $29.6 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Net interest income for the first six months of 2016 amounted to $61.7 million, a 4.1% increase from the $59.3 million recorded in the comparable period of 2015. The increases were primarily due to growth in the Company’s loans outstanding and higher yields realized on investment securities.

 

Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets) in the second quarter of 2016 was 4.21% compared to 4.15% for the second quarter of 2015. The higher margin was primarily due to higher amounts of discount accretion on loans purchased in failed-bank acquisitions – see additional discussion below. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2016, we realized $332,000 in previously foregone interest related to the payoff of two loans that had been on nonaccrual basis. For the six month period ended June 30, 2016, our net interest margin was 4.14% compared to 4.17% for the same period in 2015. The lower margin was primarily due to lower loan yields, which have been impacted by the continued low interest rate environment. Loan discount accretion amounted to $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2015. For both the first six months of 2016 and 2015, loan discount accretion amounted to $2.7 million.

 

Provision for Loan Losses and Asset Quality

 

We recorded a total negative provision for loan losses (reduction of the allowance for loan losses) of $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to a total provision for loan losses of $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, we recorded a total negative provision for loan losses of $23,000 compared to a total provision for loan losses of $0.7 million in the same period of 2015. As discussed below, we record provisions for loan losses related to both non-covered and covered loan portfolios – see explanation of the terms “non-covered” and “covered” in the section below entitled “Note Regarding Components of Earnings.”

 

The provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2015. The lower provision in 2016 primarily resulted from improved asset quality, including lower net loan charge-offs and a decline in nonperforming assets. For the first six months of 2016, the provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $2.1 million compared to $1.1 million for the same period of 2015. In 2015, a prolonged period of stable and improving loan quality trends resulted in a minimal amount of provision for loan losses that was needed to adjust the allowance for loan losses to the appropriate amount.

 

We recorded a negative provision for loan losses on covered loans (reduction of allowance for loan losses) of $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to a $0.2 million negative provision for loan losses in the second quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, we recorded a negative provision for loan losses on covered loans of $2.1 million compared to a $0.4 million negative provision for loan losses in the comparable period of 2015. The increase in the negative provisions in 2016 resulted primarily from higher net loan recoveries (recoveries, net of charge-offs) realized during the period.

 

Total non-covered nonperforming assets amounted to $69.8 million at June 30, 2016 (2.06% of total non-covered assets), which includes the impact of the April 1, 2016 transfer of $4.0 million in nonperforming assets from covered status to non-covered status upon the scheduled expiration of a loss share agreement with the FDIC associated with those assets. Total non-covered nonperforming assets amounted to $77.2 million at December 31, 2015 (2.37% of total non-covered assets), and $86.1 million at June 30, 2015 (2.78% of total non-covered assets). The decline in non-covered nonperforming assets is primarily due to on-going resolution of nonperforming assets and improving credit quality.

 

Total covered nonperforming assets also declined over the past year, amounting to $8.0 million at June 30, 2016, $12.1 million at December 31, 2015, and $13.2 million at June 30, 2015. Over the past twelve months, we have resolved a significant amount of covered loans and has experienced strong property sales along the North Carolina coast, which is where most of our covered assets are located. Also, as discussed in the preceding paragraph, on April 1, 2016, we transferred $4.0 million in nonperforming assets from covered status to non-covered status upon the expiration of a loss share agreement.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Total noninterest income was $5.9 million and $5.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 3016, noninterest income amounted to $10.9 million compared to $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

Core noninterest income for the second quarter of 2016 was $8.2 million, an increase of 10.1% from the $7.4 million reported for the second quarter of 2015. For the first six months of 2016, core noninterest income amounted to $15.5 million, a 6.2% increase from the $14.6 million recorded in the comparable period of 2015. Core noninterest income includes i) service charges on deposit accounts, ii) other service charges, commissions, and fees, iii) fees from presold mortgages, iv) commissions from financial product sales, v) SBA consulting fees, and vi) bank-owned life insurance income. The primary reason for the increase in core noninterest income was the addition of SBA consulting fees during the second quarter of 2016. On May 5, 2016, we completed the acquisition of a firm that specializes in consulting with financial institutions across the country related to Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan origination and servicing. We recorded $0.7 million in SBA consulting fees from the date of the acquisition through June 30, 2016.

 

In 2016, we have also experienced an increase in commissions from financial product sales, which includes property and casualty insurance commissions. Property and casualty insurance commissions have increased due to the Company’s January 1, 2016 acquisition of Bankingport, Inc., an insurance agency located in Sanford, North Carolina.

 

Fees from presold mortgages declined to $0.4 million for the second quarter of 2016 from $0.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. For the first half of 2016, fees from presold mortgages declined to $0.8 million from the $1.5 million recorded in the comparable period of 2015. These declines were due to fewer mortgage loan originations.

 

Noncore components of noninterest income resulted in a net decrease to income of $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to a net decrease to income of $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded net decreases to income of $4.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively, related to noncore components of noninterest income.

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

Noninterest expenses amounted to $26.1 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $24.3 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Noninterest expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $50.9 million compared to $48.0 million recorded in the first half of 2015.

 

Salaries expense increased to $12.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 from the $11.6 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Salaries expense for the first half of 2016 amounted to $24.0 million compared to $23.1 million in 2015. The primary reason for increases in salaries expense is due to the aforementioned 2016 acquisitions of an insurance agency and an SBA consulting firm.

 

Employee benefits expense was $2.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2015. For the first six months of 2016, employee benefits expense amounted to $5.3 million compared to $4.5 million for the same period of 2015. The increases were primarily the result of a $0.1 million and a $0.5 million increase in employee health insurance expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. We are self-insured for health care expense and have experienced unfavorable claim levels in 2016. Another factor impacting the increases is the acquisitions discussed above.

 

Merger and acquisition expenses amounted to $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to none in the comparable periods in 2015.

 

Balance Sheet and Capital

 

Total assets at June 30, 2016 amounted to $3.5 billion, a 7.9% increase from a year earlier. Total loans at June 30, 2016 amounted to $2.6 billion, a 7.7% increase from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.9 billion at June 30, 2016, an 8.3% increase from a year earlier.

 

Non-covered loans increased to $2.52 billion at June 30, 2016, reflecting growth of $220.8 million, or 9.6% from June 30, 2015, as a result of ongoing internal initiatives to drive loan growth. Included in this increase is the reclassification of $17.7 million in loans from covered status to non-covered status in connection with the April 1, 2016 expiration of a loss share agreement. Loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements declined 31.1% over the past year and are expected to continue to decline as those loans continue to pay down.

 

The increase in total deposits at June 30, 2016 compared to June 30, 2015 was primarily due to increases in checking, money market and savings accounts, which increased in total by $251.8 million, or 13.0%, over the past year. Those increases were partially offset by net decreases in time deposits, which declined a total of $33.2 million, or 4.6%, over the past year. Time deposits are generally one of our most expensive funding sources, and thus the shift from this category benefitted our overall cost of funds.

 

We remain well-capitalized by all regulatory standards, with a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio at June 30, 2016 of 14.10% compared to the 10.00% minimum to be considered well-capitalized. Our tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 8.18% at June 30, 2016, a decrease of six basis points from a year earlier.

 

Expiration of Loss-Share Agreement with the FDIC

 

Our loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC related to non-single family loans and foreclosed properties that were assumed in the failed bank acquisition of Bank of Asheville in 2011 expired on April 1, 2016. We bear all future losses on these assets, however, at present, management does not expect such losses will be materially in excess of related loan loss allowances. 80% of recoveries associated with prior charge-offs will continue to be shared with the FDIC until March 31, 2019.The following presents information related to these assets as of April 1, 2016, which were transferred to the “non-covered” categories on that date.

 

As of April 1, 2016
Loans outstanding:	$17.7 million
Nonaccrual loans:	$2.8 million
Troubled debt restructurings - accruing:	None
Allowance for loan losses:	$0.3 million
Foreclosed properties:	$1.2 million

 

We continue to have two loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC in place. The next agreement that expires does so on July 1, 2019.

 

Note Regarding Components of Earnings

 

Our results of operation are significantly affected by the on-going accounting for two FDIC-assisted failed bank acquisitions. In the discussion above and elsewhere in this document, the term “covered” is used to describe assets included as part of FDIC loss share agreements, which generally result in the FDIC reimbursing the Company for 80% of losses incurred on those assets. The term “non-covered” refers to the Company’s legacy assets, which are not included in any type of loss share arrangement.

 

For covered loans that deteriorate in terms of repayment expectations, we record immediate allowances through the provision for loan losses. For covered loans that experience favorable changes in credit quality compared to what was expected at the acquisition date, including loans that payoff, we record positive adjustments to interest income over the life of the respective loan – also referred to as loan discount accretion. For covered foreclosed properties that are sold at gains or losses or that are written down to lower values, we record the gains/losses within noninterest income.

 

The adjustments discussed above are recorded within the income statement line items noted without consideration of the FDIC loss share agreements. Because favorable changes in covered assets result in lower expected FDIC claims, and unfavorable changes in covered assets result in higher expected FDIC claims, the FDIC indemnification asset is adjusted to reflect those expectations. The net increase or decrease in the indemnification asset is reflected within noninterest income.

 

The adjustments noted above can result in volatility within individual income statement line items. Because of the FDIC loss share agreements and the associated indemnification asset, pretax income resulting from amounts recorded as provisions for loan losses on covered loans, discount accretion, and losses from covered foreclosed properties is generally only impacted by 20% of these amounts due to the corresponding adjustments made to the indemnification asset.

 

Components of Earnings

 

Net interest income is the largest component of earnings, representing the difference between interest and fees generated from earning assets and the interest costs of deposits and other funds needed to support those assets. Net interest income for the three month period ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $31.5 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 6.5%, from the $29.6 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the three month period ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $32.1 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 6.8%, from the $30.0 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. We believe that analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis is useful and appropriate because it allows a comparison of net interest income amounts in different periods without taking into account the different mix of taxable versus non-taxable investments that may have existed during those periods.

 

		Three Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)		2016				2015
Net interest income, as reported		$	31,538				29,605
Tax-equivalent adjustment			517				402
Net interest income, tax-equivalent		$	32,055				30,007

 

Net interest income for the six month period ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $61.7 million, an increase of $2.4 million, or 4.1%, from the $59.3 million recorded in the first half of 2015. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the six month period ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $62.7 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 4.3%, from the $60.1 million recorded in the comparable period of 2015.

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)		2016				2015
Net interest income, as reported		$	61,733				59,308
Tax-equivalent adjustment			976				792
Net interest income, tax-equivalent		$	62,709				60,100

 

There are two primary factors that cause changes in the amount of net interest income we record - 1) changes in our loans and deposits balances, and 2) our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets).

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the higher net interest income compared to the same period of 2015 was due primarily to growth in loans outstanding and higher yields realized on investment securities (see discussion below).

 

The following table presents net interest income analysis on a tax-equivalent basis.

 

		For the Three Months Ended June 30,
		2016												2015
($ in thousands)		Average Volume				Average Rate				Interest Earned or Paid				Average Volume				Average Rate				Interest Earned or Paid
Assets
Loans (1)		$	2,565,791				4.83%			$	30,809			$	2,389,735				4.86%			$	28,953
Taxable securities			332,269				2.37%				1,961				309,589				2.16%				1,664
Non-taxable securities (2)			49,941				7.64%				949				52,227				6.60%				859
Short-term investments,      principally federal funds			116,958				0.61%				177				150,219				0.50%				186
Total interest-earning assets			3,064,959				4.45%				33,896				2,901,770				4.38%				31,662
Cash and due from banks			57,335												64,518
Premises and equipment			76,190												75,789
Other assets			174,992												157,193
Total assets		$	3,373,476											$	3,199,270
Liabilities
Interest bearing checking		$	582,980				0.06%			$	94			$	558,087				0.06%			$	82
Money market deposits			663,536				0.18%				290				572,458				0.12%				176
Savings deposits			196,679				0.05%				25				183,828				0.05%				23
Time deposits >$100,000			385,416				0.65%				622				416,962				0.70%				732
Other time deposits			281,000				0.36%				255				328,375				0.40%				327
Total interest-bearing deposits			2,109,611				0.25%				1,286				2,059,710				0.26%				1,340
Borrowings			186,614				1.20%				555				121,036				1.04%				315
Total interest-bearing liabilities			2,296,225				0.32%				1,841				2,180,746				0.30%				1,655
Noninterest bearing checking			696,294												607,939
Other liabilities			22,371												15,886
Shareholders’ equity			358,586												394,699
Total liabilities and      shareholders’ equity		$	3,373,476											$	3,199,270
Net yield on interest-earning      assets and net interest income							4.21%			$	32,055								4.15%			$	30,007
Interest rate spread							4.13%												4.08%
Average prime rate							3.50%												3.25%

(1)	Average loans include nonaccruing loans, the effect of which is to lower the average rate shown.

(2)

Includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $517,000 and $402,000 in 2016 and 2015, respectively, to reflect the tax benefit that we receive related to tax-exempt securities, which carry interest rates lower than similar taxable investments due to their tax exempt status. This amount has been computed assuming a 39% tax rate and is reduced by the related nondeductible portion of interest expense.

 

		For the Six Months Ended June 30,
		2016												2015
($ in thousands)		Average Volume				Average Rate				Interest Earned or Paid				Average Volume				Average Rate				Interest Earned or Paid
Assets
Loans (1)		$	2,547,054				4.77%			$	60,382			$	2,390,403				4.93%			$	58,394
Taxable securities			308,567				2.47%				3,784				296,552				2.06%				3,023
Non-taxable securities (2)			50,646				7.36%				1,853				52,638				6.56%				1,712
Short-term investments, principally federal funds			140,600				0.57%				399				166,658				0.46%				381
Total interest-earning assets			3,046,867				4.38%				66,418				2,906,251				4.41%				63,510
Cash and due from banks			56,439												65,214
Premises and equipment			75,950												75,733
Other assets			173,728												149,722
Total assets		$	3,352,984											$	3,196,920
Liabilities
Interest bearing checking		$	585,462				0.07%			$	192			$	560,468				0.06%			$	164
Money market deposits			656,925				0.17%				563				565,008				0.12%				341
Savings deposits			193,284				0.05%				48				182,491				0.05%				45
Time deposits >$100,000			391,583				0.65%				1,274				433,610				0.73%				1,579
Other time deposits			286,077				0.37%				529				335,232				0.40%				669
Total interest-bearing deposits			2,113,331				0.25%				2,606				2,076,809				0.27%				2,798
Borrowings			186,504				1.19%				1,103				118,715				1.04%				612
Total interest-bearing liabilities			2,299,835				0.32%				3,709				2,195,524				0.31%				3,410
Noninterest bearing checking			677,317												591,502
Other liabilities			21,797												16,458
Shareholders’ equity			354,035												393,436
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	3,352,984											$	3,196,920
Net yield on interest-earning assets and net interest income							4.14%			$	62,709								4.17%			$	60,100
Interest rate spread							4.06%												4.10%
Average prime rate							3.50%												3.25%

(1)

Average loans include nonaccruing loans, the effect of which is to lower the average rate shown.

(2)

Includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $976,000 and $792,000 in 2016 and 2015, respectively, to reflect the tax benefit that we receive related to tax-exempt securities, which carry interest rates lower than similar taxable investments due to their tax exempt status. This amount has been computed assuming a 39% tax rate and is reduced by the related nondeductible portion of interest expense.

 

Average loans outstanding for the second quarter of 2016 were $2.566 billion, which was $176 million, or 7.4%, higher than the average loans outstanding for the second quarter of 2015 ($2.390 billion). Average loans for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $2.547 billion, which was 6.6% higher than the average loans outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2015 ($2.390 billion). The higher amount of average loans outstanding in 2016 is due to loan growth initiatives including expansion into higher growth markets, improved loan demand in our market areas, as well as the hiring of several experienced bankers during 2015 and 2016.

 

The mix of our loan portfolio remained substantially the same at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015, with approximately 89% of our loans being real estate loans, 9% being commercial, financial, and agricultural loans, and the remaining 2% being consumer installment loans. The majority of our real estate loans are personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan.

 

Average total deposits outstanding for the second quarter of 2016 were $2.806 billion, which was $138 million, or 5.2%, higher than the average deposits outstanding for the second quarter of 2015 ($2.668 billion). Average deposits outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $2.791 billion, which was 4.6% higher than the average deposits outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2015 ($2.668 billion).

 

Average transaction deposit accounts (noninterest bearing checking, interest bearing checking, money market and savings accounts) increased from $1.899 billion for the first six months of 2015 to $2.113 billion for the first six months of 2016, representing growth of $214 million, or 11.2%. With the growth of our transaction deposit accounts, we were able to further reduce our reliance on higher cost sources of funding, specifically time deposits. Average time deposits declined from $769 million for the first six months of 2015 to $678 million for the first six months of 2016, a decrease of $91 million, or 11.9%. Average borrowings increased from $119 million for the first half of 2015 to $187 million for the first half of 2016, which helped support loan growth. Although the favorable change in our deposit funding mix benefitted our cost of funds by approximately two basis points in the first half of 2016, the benefit was offset by the increased costs associated with our increased borrowings. Our cost of funds, which includes noninterest bearing checking accounts at a zero percent cost, was 0.25% in both the first six months of 2016 and 2015.

 

See additional information regarding changes in our loans and deposits in the section below entitled “Financial Condition.”

 

Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets) for the second quarter of 2016 was 4.21% compared to 4.15% for the second quarter of 2015. The higher margin was primarily due to higher amounts of discount accretion on loans purchased in failed-bank acquisitions (see discussion below). Also, in the second quarter of 2016, we realized $332,000 in previously foregone interest related to the payoff of two loans that had been on nonaccrual basis. For the six month period ended June 30, 2016, our net interest margin was 4.14% compared to 4.17% for the same period in 2015. The lower margin was primarily due to lower loan yields, which have been impacted by the continued low interest rate environment.

 

Our net interest margin benefitted from the net accretion of purchase accounting premiums/discounts associated with the Cooperative acquisition that occurred in June 2009 and, to a lesser degree, the acquisition of The Bank of Asheville in January 2011. For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded $1,676,000 and $1,135,000, respectively, in net accretion of purchase accounting premiums/discounts that increased net interest income. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded $2,731,000 and $2,692,000, respectively, in net accretion of purchase accounting premiums/discounts. The increase in discount accretion recorded in 2016 was due to the second quarter of 2016 payoff of two loans with unaccreted discounts totaling $681,000 that had been on nonaccrual basis. Upon payoff, all remaining unaccreted discount was recorded as discount accretion interest income. Notwithstanding that variance, the unaccreted discount amount that resulted from the failed-bank acquisitions is generally continuing to wind down. Unaccreted loan discount has declined from $17.6 million at June 30, 2015 to $12.4 million at June 30, 2016.

 

See additional information regarding net interest income in the section entitled “Interest Rate Risk.”

 

We recorded a total negative provision for loan losses of $0.3 million for the second quarter of 2016 compared to a total provision for loan losses of $0.8 million for the second quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, we recorded a total negative provision for loan losses of $23,000 compared to a total provision for loan losses of $0.7 million for the same period of 2015.

 

The provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2015. The lower provision in 2016 primarily resulted from improved asset quality, including lower net loan charge-offs and a decline in nonperforming assets. For the first six months of 2016, the provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $2.1 million compared to $1.1 million for the same period of 2015. In 2015, a prolonged period of stable and improving loan quality trends resulted in a minimal amount of provision for loan losses that was needed to adjust the our allowance for loan losses to the appropriate amount. See additional discussion below in the section titled “Summary of Loan Loss Experience.”

 

We recorded a negative provision for loan losses on covered loans (reduction of allowance for loan losses) of $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to a $0.2 million negative provision for loan losses in the second quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, we recorded a negative provision for loan losses on covered loans of $2.1 million compared to a $0.4 million negative provision for loan losses in the comparable period of 2015. The increase in the negative provisions in 2016 resulted primarily from higher net loan recoveries (recoveries, net of charge-offs) realized during the period.

 

Total noninterest income was $5.9 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $5.0 million for the second quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, noninterest income amounted to $10.9 million compared to $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

As presented in the table below, core noninterest income for the second quarter of 2016 was $8.2 million, an increase of 10.1% from the $7.4 million reported for the second quarter of 2015. For the first six months of 2016, core noninterest income amounted to $15.5 million, a 6.2% increase from the $14.6 million recorded in the comparable period of 2015. Core noninterest income includes i) service charges on deposit accounts, ii) other service charges, commissions, and fees, iii) fees from presold mortgages, iv) commissions from financial product sales, v) SBA consulting fees and vi) bank-owned life insurance income.

 

The following table presents our core noninterest income for the three and six month periods ending June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

		For the Three Months Ended								For the Six Months Ended
$ in thousands		June 30, 2016				June 30, 2015				June 30, 2016				June 30, 2015
Service charges on deposit accounts		$	2,565				2,881				5,250				5,773
Other service charges, commissions, and fees			3,043				2,771				5,873				5,313
Fees from presold mortgages			410				731				781				1,539
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products			937				665				1,875				1,226
SBA consulting fees			720				—				720				—
Bank-owned life insurance income			504				383				1,012				754
Core noninterest income		$	8,179				7,431				15,511				14,605

As shown in the table above, service charges on deposit accounts decreased from $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 to $2.6 million in the second quarter of 2016. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, service charges on deposit accounts amounted to $5.3 million, which is a $0.5 million decrease from the $5.8 million recorded in the comparable period of 2015. Fewer instances of fees earned from customers overdrawing their accounts have impacted this line item, as well as more customers meeting the requirements to have the monthly services charges waived on their checking accounts.

 

Other service charges, commissions, and fees increased in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily as a result of higher debit card and credit card interchange fees. We earn a small fee each time a customer uses a debit card to make a purchase. Due to the growth in checking accounts and increased customer usage of debit cards, we have experienced increases in this line item. Interchange income from credit cards has also increased due to growth in the number and usage of credit cards, which we believe is a result of increased promotion of this product.

 

Fees from presold mortgages declined to $0.4 million for the second quarter of 2016 from $0.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. For the first half of 2016, fees from presold mortgages declined to $0.8 million from the $1.5 million recorded in the comparable period of 2015. These declines were due to fewer mortgage loan originations.

 

Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products amounted to approximately $0.9 million and $0.7 million for the second quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, commissions from sales of insurance and financial products amounted to $1.9 million compared to $1.2 million in the comparable period of 2015. This line item includes property and casualty insurance commissions, which have increased due to our January 1, 2016 acquisition of Bankingport, Inc., an insurance agency located in Sanford, North Carolina. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

The primary reason for the increases in core noninterest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 was the addition of SBA consulting fees during the second quarter of 2016. On May 5, 2016, we completed the acquisition of a firm that specializes in consulting with financial institutions across the country related to Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan origination and servicing. We recorded $0.7 million in SBA consulting fees from the date of the acquisition through June 30, 2016.

 

Bank-owned life insurance income increased from $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2015 to $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2016. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, bank-owned life insurance income amounted to $1.0 million compared to $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we purchased $15 million in additional bank owned life insurance, which has resulted in increased income since the purchase.

 

Within the noncore components of noninterest income, we recorded net losses on non-covered foreclosed properties of $0.6 million in each of the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, and net losses of $0.8 million and $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Gains on covered foreclosed properties were $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to gains of $0.3 million recorded for the comparable period of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, gains on covered foreclosed properties were $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Losses on non-covered and covered foreclosed properties have generally declined as a result of significantly lower levels of foreclosed properties held by the Company and stabilization in property values.

 

Indemnification asset income (expense) is recorded to reflect additional (decreased) amounts expected to be received from the FDIC related to covered assets. The three primary items that result in recording indemnification asset income (expense) are 1) income from loan discount accretion, which results in indemnification expense, 2) provisions (reversals) for loan losses on covered loans, which result in indemnification income (or expense for reversals of provision) and 3) foreclosed property gains (losses) on covered assets, which also result in indemnification expense (income). In the second quarter of 2016, we recorded $2.2 million in indemnification asset expense compared to $1.8 million in indemnification asset expense in the second quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, indemnification asset expense amounted to $4.5 million compared to $4.2 million in indemnification asset expense for the same period of 2015, as shown in the following table:

 

($ in millions)		For the Three Months Ended								For the Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2016				June 30, 2015				June 30, 2016				June 30, 2015
Indemnification asset expense associated with loan discount accretion income		$	(1.0	)			(1.4	)			(2.0	)			(3.2	)
Indemnification asset income (expense) associated with loan losses (recoveries), net			(0.6	)			(0.2	)			(1.6	)			(0.7	)
Indemnification asset income (expense) associated with foreclosed property losses (gains), net			(0.4	)			(0.2	)			(0.7	)			(0.4	)
Other sources of indemnification asset income (expense)			(0.2	)			—				(0.2	)			0.1
Total indemnification asset income (expense)		$	(2.2	)			(1.8	)			(4.5	)			(4.2	)

 

Noninterest expenses amounted to $26.1 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $24.3 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Noninterest expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $50.9 million compared to $48.0 million recorded in the first half of 2015.

 

Salaries expense increased to $12.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 from the $11.6 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Salaries expense for the first half of 2016 amounted to $24.0 million compared to $23.1 million in 2015. The primary reason for increases in salaries expense is due to the aforementioned 2016 acquisitions of an insurance agency and an SBA consulting firm.

 

Employee benefits expense was $2.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2015. For the first six months of 2016, employee benefits expense amounted to $5.3 million compared to $4.5 million for the same period of 2015. The increases were primarily the result of a $0.1 million and a $0.5 million increase in employee health insurance expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. We are self-insured for health care expense and has experienced unfavorable claim levels in 2016. Another factor impacting the increases is the acquisitions discussed above.

 

The combined amount of occupancy and equipment expense did not vary significantly when comparing 2016 to 2015, amounting to $2.8 million in each of the second quarters of 2016 and 2015 and $5.6 million in each of the first six months of 2016 and 2015.

 

Merger and acquisition expenses amounted to $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to none in the comparable periods in 2015.

 

Other operating expenses amounted to $7.5 million for each of the second quarters of 2016 and 2015, and $14.9 million in the first half of 2016 compared to $14.5 million in the first half of 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher credit card and debit card fraud losses in 2016.

 

For the second quarter of 2016, the provision for income taxes was $4.0 million, an effective tax rate of 34.1%, compared to $3.2 million for the same period of 2015, which is also an effective tax rate of 34.1%. For the first six months of 2016, the provision for income taxes was $7.3 million, an effective tax rate of 33.5%, compared to $6.9 million for the same period of 2015, which was an effective tax rate of 34.3%. Higher levels of tax-exempt loans and bank-owned life insurance, as well as a 100 basis point reduction in the statutory corporate tax rate in North Carolina, contributed to the lower effective tax rate for the six month period comparison. Certain nondeductible merger and acquisition expenses recorded during the second quarter of 2016 offset the lower effective tax rate for the three month period.

 

We accrued total preferred stock dividends of $0.1 million and $0.2 million in the three month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.4 million in the six month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in 2016 is due to our 2015 redemption of preferred stock associated with our prior participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund.

 

The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income reflect other comprehensive income of $1.3 million during the second quarter of 2016 compared to other comprehensive loss of $614,000 during the second quarter of 2015. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded other comprehensive income of $1.8 million and other comprehensive loss of $481,000, respectively. The primary component of other comprehensive income for the periods presented was changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) of our available for sale securities. Our available for sale securities portfolio is predominantly comprised of fixed rate bonds that generally increase in value when market yields for fixed rate bonds decrease, which has occurred in 2016. Management has evaluated any unrealized losses on individual securities at each period end and determined that there is no other-than-temporary impairment.

 

 

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Total assets at June 30, 2016 amounted to $3.47 billion, a 7.9% increase from a year earlier. Total loans at June 30, 2016 amounted to $2.60 billion, a 7.7% increase from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.87 billion, an 8.3% increase from a year earlier.

 

The following table presents information regarding the nature of changes in our levels of loans and deposits for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016 and for the first half of 2016.

 

July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016		Balance at beginning of period				Internal Growth, net				Transfer due to Expiration of Loss Share Agreement				Balance at end of period				Total percentage growth				Internal percentage growth
Loans – Non-covered		$	2,298,955				203,055				17,737				2,519,747				9.6%				8.8%
Loans – Covered			113,824				(17,700	)			(17,737	)			78,387				-31.1%				-15.6%
Total loans			2,412,779				185,355				—				2,598,134				7.7%				7.7%
Deposits – Noninterest bearing checking			614,619				95,268				—				709,887				15.5%				15.5%
Deposits – Interest bearing checking			553,918				82,398				—				636,316				14.9%				14.9%
Deposits – Money market			576,360				61,765				—				638,125				10.7%				10.7%
Deposits – Savings			184,786				12,659				—				197,445				6.9%				6.9%
Deposits – Brokered			58,534				36,708				—				95,242				62.7%				62.7%
Deposits – Time>$100,000			342,024				(22,757	)			—				319,267				-6.7%				-6.7%
Deposits – Time<$100,000			322,886				(47,148	)			—				275,738				-14.6%				-14.6%
Total deposits		$	2,653,127				218,893				—				2,872,020				8.3%				8.3%

 

January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016
Loans – Non-covered		$	2,416,285				85,725				17,737				2,519,747				4.3%				3.5%
Loans – Covered			102,641				(6,517	)			(17,737	)			78,387				-23.6%				-6.3%
Total loans			2,518,926				79,208				—				2,598,134				3.1%				3.1%
Deposits – Noninterest bearing checking			659,038				50,849				—				709,887				7.7%				7.7%
Deposits – Interest bearing checking			626,878				9,438				—				636,316				1.5%				1.5%
Deposits – Money market			636,692				1,433				—				638,125				0.2%				0.2%
Deposits – Savings			186,616				10,829				—				197,445				5.8%				5.8%
Deposits – Brokered			76,412				18,830				—				95,242				24.6%				24.6%
Deposits – Time>$100,000			329,819				(10,552	)			—				319,267				-3.2%				-3.2%
Deposits – Time<$100,000			295,830				(20,092	)			—				275,738				-6.8%				-6.8%
Total deposits		$	2,811,285				60,735				—				2,872,020				2.2%				2.2%

 

As derived from the table above, for the twelve months preceding June 30, 2016, our total loans increased $185 million, or 7.7%. Internal non-covered loan growth was $203 million, or 8.8%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, while our covered loans declined by $18 million, or 15.6% (excluding the transfer from covered to non-covered). For the first six months of 2016, we experienced internal growth in our non-covered loan portfolio of $86 million, which is 3.5% increase, or 7.0% on an annualized basis, while covered loans declined $7 million (excluding the transfer) during that same period. We expect continued growth in our non-covered loan portfolio in 2016, as we have recently expanded into higher growth market areas, and we had experienced bankers join our company over the past one to two years. We expect our covered loans to continue to decline as a result of normal pay-downs, foreclosures, and charge-offs.

 

As previously discussed, on April 1, 2016, we transferred $17.7 million in loans from “covered” to “non-covered” as a result of the expiration of a loss-share agreement with the FDIC.

 

The mix of our loan portfolio remains substantially the same at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015. The majority of our real estate loans are personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan.

 

Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements presents additional detailed information regarding our mix of loans, including a break-out between loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements and non-covered loans. Additionally, the section above titled “FDIC Indemnification Asset” contains detail of our covered loans and foreclosed properties segregated by each of the two remaining loss share agreements.

 

For both the six and twelve month periods ended June 30, 2016, we experienced net increases in total deposits, with growth in transaction account balances (checking, money market, and savings) offsetting the declines in time deposits. Due to the low interest rate environment, some of our customers are shifting their funds from time deposits into transaction accounts, which do not pay a materially lower interest rate, while being more liquid. In 2016, we have increased our brokered deposit balances in order to help fund loan growth.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings, loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest, nonperforming loans held for sale, and foreclosed real estate. As previously discussed, as a result of two FDIC-assisted transactions, we entered into loss share agreements that afford us significant protection from losses from all loans and foreclosed real estate acquired in those acquisitions.

 

Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, the financial risk of the acquired loans and foreclosed real estate is significantly different from the risk associated with assets not covered under the loss share agreements. Accordingly, we present separately nonperforming assets subject to the loss share agreements as “covered” nonperforming assets, and nonperforming assets that are not subject to the loss share agreements as “non-covered.”

Nonperforming assets are summarized as follows:

 

ASSET QUALITY DATA ($ in thousands)		As of/for the six months ended June 30, 2016				As of/for the year ended December 31, 2015				As of/for the six months ended June 30, 2015
Non-covered nonperforming assets
Nonaccrual loans		$	33,781				39,994				44,123
Restructured loans – accruing			25,826				28,011				32,059
Accruing loans >90 days past due			—				—				—
Total non-covered nonperforming loans			59,607				68,005				76,182
Foreclosed real estate			10,221				9,188				9,954
Total non-covered nonperforming assets		$	69,828				77,193				86,136
Covered nonperforming assets (1)
Nonaccrual loans		$	4,194				7,816				7,378
Restructured loans – accruing			3,445				3,478				3,910
Accruing loans > 90 days past due			—				—				—
Total covered nonperforming loans			7,639				11,294				11,288
Foreclosed real estate			385				806				1,945
Total covered nonperforming assets		$	8,024				12,100				13,233
Total nonperforming assets		$	77,852				89,293				99,369
Asset Quality Ratios – All Assets
Net charge-offs to average loans - annualized			0.20%				0.46%				0.78%
Nonperforming loans to total loans			2.59%				3.15%				3.63%
Nonperforming assets to total assets			2.25%				2.66%				3.09%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans			1.00%				1.13%				1.33%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans			38.70%				36.04%				36.69%
Asset Quality Ratios – Based on Non-covered Assets only
Net charge-offs to average non-covered loans - annualized			0.35%				0.58%				0.83%
Non-covered nonperforming loans to non-covered loans			2.37%				2.81%				3.31%
Non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets			2.06%				2.37%				2.78%
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered loans			0.99%				1.11%				1.31%
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered nonperforming loans			41.86%				39.39%				39.58%

 

(1) Covered nonperforming assets consist of assets that are included in loss share agreements with the FDIC.

 

We have reviewed the collateral for our nonperforming assets, including nonaccrual loans, and have included this review among the factors considered in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses discussed below.

 

Consistent with the weak economy experienced in much of our market associated with the onset of the recession in 2008, we experienced higher levels of loan losses, delinquencies and nonperforming assets compared to our historical averages. While economic conditions have improved recently and our asset quality has steadily improved, we continue to have elevated levels of nonperforming assets.

 

At June 30, 2016, total nonaccrual loans (covered and non-covered) amounted to $38.0 million, compared to $47.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $51.5 million at June 30, 2015. Non-covered nonaccrual loans were $33.8 million, $40.0 million, and $44.1 million at June 30, 2016, December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, respectively. Nonaccrual loans have steadily declined in recent years as our local economies have improved, and we continue to focus on resolving our problem assets.

 

As previously disclosed, on April 1, 2016, we transferred $2.8 million of covered nonaccrual loans and $1.2 million of covered foreclosed real estate to non-covered status due to the scheduled expiration of one of our loss share agreements with the FDIC.

 

“Restructured loans – accruing”, or troubled debt restructurings (TDRs), are accruing loans for which we have granted concessions to the borrower as a result of the borrower’s financial difficulties. At June 30, 2016, total TDRs (covered and non-covered) amounted to $29.3 million, compared to $31.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $36.0 million at June 30, 2015.

 

Foreclosed real estate includes primarily foreclosed properties. Non-covered foreclosed real estate amounted to $10.2 million at June 30, 2016, $9.2 million at December 31, 2015, and $10.0 million at June 30, 2015. The increase from December 31, 2015 to June 30, 2016 was the result of the aforementioned transfer of $1.2 million in foreclosed property from covered status to non-covered status on April 1, 2016. The decrease from June 30, 2015 to December 31, 2015 was the result of sales activity during the period and the improvement in our overall asset quality.

 

At June 30, 2016, we also held $0.4 million in foreclosed real estate that is subject to the loss share agreements with the FDIC, compared to $0.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $1.9 million at June 30, 2015. The decrease from December 31, 2015 to June 30, 2016 was due to the transfer discussed above. The decline from June 30, 2015 to December 31, 2015 is primarily due to increased property sales activity, particularly along the North Carolina coast, which is where most of our covered foreclosed properties are located.

 

The following is the composition, by loan type, of all of our nonaccrual loans (covered and non-covered) at each period end, as classified for regulatory purposes:

 

($ in thousands)		At June 30, 2016				At December 31, 2015				At June 30, 2015
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	2,870				2,964				3,138
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans			4,154				4,704				7,172
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			21,156				23,829				23,174
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit			2,759				3,525				3,439
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			6,821				12,571				14,191
Installment loans to individuals			215				217				387
Total nonaccrual loans		$	37,975				47,810				51,501

 

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at June 30, 2016 into covered and non-covered loans, as classified for regulatory purposes:

 

($ in thousands)		Covered Nonaccrual Loans				Non-covered Nonaccrual Loans				Total Nonaccrual Loans
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	—				2,870				2,870
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans			—				4,154				4,154
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			3,841				17,315				21,156
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit			353				2,406				2,759
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			—				6,821				6,821
Installment loans to individuals			—				215				215
Total nonaccrual loans		$	4,194				33,781				37,975

 

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2015 into covered and non-covered loans, as classified for regulatory purposes:

 

($ in thousands)		Covered Nonaccrual Loans				Non-covered Nonaccrual Loans				Total Nonaccrual Loans
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	—				2,964				2,964
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans			52				4,652				4,704
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			5,007				18,822				23,829
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit			383				3,142				3,525
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			2,374				10,197				12,571
Installment loans to individuals			—				217				217
Total nonaccrual loans		$	7,816				39,994				47,810

 

Among non-covered loans, the tables above indicate decreases in most categories of non-covered nonaccrual loans. The decreases reflect stabilization in most of our market areas and our increased focus on the resolution of our nonperforming assets.

 

We believe that the fair values of the items of foreclosed real estate, less estimated costs to sell, equal or exceed their respective carrying values at the dates presented. The following table presents the detail of all of our foreclosed real estate at each period end (covered and non-covered):

 

($ in thousands)		At June 30, 2016				At December 31, 2015				At June 30, 2015
Vacant land		$	3,644				3,867				4,414
1-4 family residential properties			3,841				3,789				3,965
Commercial real estate			3,121				2,338				3,520
Total foreclosed real estate		$	10,606				9,994				11,899

 

The following segregates our foreclosed real estate at June 30, 2016 into covered and non-covered:

 

($ in thousands)		Covered Foreclosed Real Estate				Non-covered Foreclosed Real Estate				Total Foreclosed Real Estate
Vacant land		$	114				3,530				3,644
1-4 family residential properties			172				3,669				3,841
Commercial real estate			99				3,022				3,121
Total foreclosed real estate		$	385				10,221				10,606

 

The following segregates our foreclosed real estate at December 31, 2015 into covered and non-covered:

 

($ in thousands)		Covered Foreclosed Real Estate				Non-covered Foreclosed Real Estate				Total Foreclosed Real Estate
Vacant land		$	277				3,590				3,867
1-4 family residential properties			247				3,542				3,789
Commercial real estate			282				2,056				2,338
Total foreclosed real estate		$	806				9,188				9,994

 

The following table presents geographical information regarding our nonperforming assets at June 30, 2016.

 

		As of June 30, 2016
($ in thousands)		Covered				Non-covered				Total				Total Loans				Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans
Nonaccrual loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings (1)
Eastern Region (NC)		$	7,465				12,830				20,295			$	694,000				2.9%
Triangle Region (NC)			—				16,200				16,200				792,000				2.0%
Triad Region (NC)			—				13,149				13,149				326,000				4.0%
Charlotte Region (NC)			—				1,863				1,863				102,000				1.8%
Southern Piedmont Region (NC)			37				5,950				5,987				286,000				2.1%
Western Region (NC)			113				1,008				1,121				85,000				1.3%
South Carolina Region			24				2,253				2,277				124,000				1.8%
Virginia Region			—				6,354				6,354				171,000				3.7%
Other			—				—				—				18,000				0.0%
Total nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings		$	7,639				59,607				67,246			$	2,598,000				2.6%
Foreclosed Real Estate (1)
Eastern Region (NC)		$	385				569				954
Triangle Region (NC)			—				3,789				3,789
Triad Region (NC)			—				772				772
Charlotte Region (NC)			—				734				734
Southern Piedmont Region (NC)			—				1,287				1,287
Western Region (NC)			—				1,370				1,370
South Carolina Region			—				485				485
Virginia Region			—				1,215				1,215
Other			—				—				—
Total foreclosed real estate			385				10,221				10,606

 

(1)

The counties comprising each region are as follows:

Eastern North Carolina Region - New Hanover, Brunswick, Duplin, Dare, Beaufort, Pitt, Onslow, Carteret

Triangle North Carolina Region - Moore, Lee, Harnett, Chatham, Wake

Triad North Carolina Region - Montgomery, Randolph, Davidson, Rockingham, Guilford, Stanly

Charlotte North Carolina Region - Iredell, Cabarrus, Rowan, Mecklenburg

Southern Piedmont North Carolina Region - Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Robeson, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland

Western North Carolina Region - Buncombe

South Carolina Region - Chesterfield, Dillon, Florence

Virginia Region - Wythe, Washington, Montgomery, Roanoke

 

 

With the completion of the branch exchange with First Community Bank on July 15, 2016, we sold our seven branches in the Virginia Region and acquired four additional branches in the Triad Region and two in the Charlotte Region.

 

Summary of Loan Loss Experience

 

The allowance for loan losses is created by direct charges to operations (known as a “provision for loan losses” for the period in which the charge is taken). Losses on loans are charged against the allowance in the period in which such loans, in management’s opinion, become uncollectible. The recoveries realized during the period are credited to this allowance.

 

We have no foreign loans, few agricultural loans and do not engage in significant lease financing or highly leveraged transactions. Commercial loans are diversified among a variety of industries. The majority of our real estate loans are primarily personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan. Collateral for virtually all of these loans is located within our principal market area.

 

The weak economic environment that began in 2008 resulted in elevated levels of classified and nonperforming assets, which has generally led to higher provisions for loan losses compared to historical averages. While we are seeing the ongoing signs of a recovering economy in most of our market areas, it has been a gradual improvement. Although we continue to have an elevated level of past due and adversely classified assets compared to historic averages, we believe the severity of the loss rate inherent in our current inventory of classified loans is less than in recent years.

 

We recorded a total negative provision for loan losses (reduction of the allowance for loan losses) of $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to a total provision for loan losses of $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, we recorded a total negative provision for loan losses of $23,000 compared to a total provision for loan losses of $0.7 million in the same period of 2015. The total provision for loan losses is comprised of provisions for loan losses for non-covered loans and provisions for loan losses for covered loans, as discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

The provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $0.5 million and $1.0 million in the second quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively. The lower provision in 2016 primarily resulted from improved asset quality in 2016 compared to 2015, including lower net-charge offs, and improvement in classified and nonperforming assets.

 

The provision for loan losses on non-covered loans amounted to $2.1 million and $1.1 million for the first half of 2016 and 2015, respectively. In 2015, a prolonged period of stable and improving loan quality trends resulted in a minimal amount of provision for loan losses that was needed to adjust our allowance for loan losses to the appropriate amount. This was because our allowance for loan loss model utilizes the net charge-offs experienced in the most recent years as a significant component of estimating the current allowance for loan losses that is necessary. Thus, older years (and parts thereof) systematically age out and are excluded from the analysis as time goes on. In 2015, periods of high net charge-offs we experienced during the peak of the recession dropped out of the analysis and were replaced by the more modest levels of net charge-offs recently experienced. This had the impact of bringing our overall allowance for loan loss level down to a more normalized level following the elevated amounts we maintained during and immediately following the recession. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the periods aging out of the analysis are more similar to recent periods, and thus we expect our provision for loan losses to correlate more closely with loan growth, charge-offs and other changes in overall loan quality.

 

Non-covered loan growth, excluding the transfer of $17 million in loans from covered to non-covered status, for the first six months of 2016 was $86 million compared to only $30 million in growth for the six months ended June 30, 2015, which resulted in an incremental provision for the loan losses attributable to loan growth. As it relates to asset quality trends, as shown in a table within Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, our total non-covered classified and nonaccrual loans decreased from $102 million at December 31, 2015 to $95 million at June 30, 2016.

 

We recorded negative provisions for loan losses on covered loans of $0.8 million and $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $2.1 million and $0.4 million in the first six months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in the negative provision in 2016 resulted from lower levels of covered nonperforming loans, declining levels of total covered loans and $1.7 million in net loan recoveries (recoveries, net of charge-offs) compared to net recoveries of $0.1 million that were realized during the first half of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

For the first six months of 2016, we recorded $2.5 million in net charge-offs, compared to $9.2 million for the comparable period of 2015. The net charge-offs in 2016 included $1.7 million of net covered loan recoveries and $4.3 million of net non-covered loan charge-offs, whereas in 2015 net charge-offs included $0.1 million of net covered loan recoveries and $9.3 million in net charge-offs of non-covered loans.

 

The allowance for loan losses amounted to $26.0 million at June 30, 2016, compared to $28.6 million at December 31, 2015 and $32.1 million at June 30, 2015. The allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans was $24.9 million, $26.8 million, and $30.2 million at June 30, 2016, December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015 respectively. The ratio of our allowance for non-covered loans to total non-covered loans has declined from 1.31% at June 30, 2015 to 0.99% at June 30, 2016 as a result of the factors discussed above that impacted our provision for loan losses on non-covered loans.

 

At June 30, 2016, December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015, the allowance for loan losses attributable to covered loans was $1.1 million, $1.8 million, and $1.9 million, respectively. Our total covered loan portfolio continues to decline as these portfolios wind down. Also, the decline from December 31, 2015 to June 30, 2016 was impacted by the April 1, 2016 transfer of $0.3 million in allowance for loan losses from covered status to non-covered status in connection with the expiration of one of our loss sharing agreements on March 31, 2016, as discussed above.

 

We believe our reserve levels are adequate to cover probable loan losses on the loans outstanding as of each reporting date. It must be emphasized, however, that the determination of the reserve using our procedures and methods rests upon various judgments and assumptions about economic conditions and other factors affecting loans. No assurance can be given that we will not in any particular period sustain loan losses that are sizable in relation to the amounts reserved or that subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of conditions and factors then prevailing, will not require significant changes in the allowance for loan losses or future charges to earnings. See “Critical Accounting Policies – Allowance for Loan Losses” above.

 

In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses and value of other real estate. Such agencies may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance or the carrying value of other real estate based on their judgments about information available at the time of their examinations.

 

For the periods indicated, the following table summarizes our balances of loans outstanding, average loans outstanding, changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from charge-offs and recoveries, and additions to the allowance for loan losses that have been charged to expense.

 

 

($ in thousands)		Six Months Ended June 30,				Twelve Months Ended December 31,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2016				2015				2015
Loans outstanding at end of period		$	2,598,134				2,518,926				2,412,779
Average amount of loans outstanding		$	2,547,054				2,434,602				2,390,403
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year		$	28,583				40,626				40,626
Provision (reversal) for loan losses			(23	)			(780	)			677
			28,560				39,846				41,303
Loans charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			(778	)			(3,039	)			(2,412	)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			(476	)			(3,616	)			(2,554	)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			(2,770	)			(5,145	)			(2,375	)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			(775	)			(1,117	)			(638	)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			(645	)			(3,103	)			(2,321	)
Installment loans to individuals			(517	)			(2,411	)			(1,578	)
Total charge-offs			(5,961	)			(18,431	)			(11,878	)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			362				934				365
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			1,479				3,599				1,108
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			443				678				351
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			148				143				67
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			735				1,390				578
Installment loans to individuals			257				424				196
Total recoveries			3,424				7,168				2,665
Net charge-offs			(2,537	)			(11,263	)			(9,213	)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period		$	26,023				28,583				32,090
Ratios:
Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans (annualized)			0.20%				0.46%				0.78%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of loans at end of  period			1.00%				1.13%				1.33%

 

The following table discloses the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2016, segregated into covered and non-covered.

 

		As of June 30, 2016
($ in thousands)		Covered				Non-covered				Total
Loans outstanding at end of period		$	78,387				2,519,747				2,598,134
Average amount of loans outstanding		$	93,517				2,453,537				2,547,054
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year		$	1,799				26,784				28,583
Provision (reversal) for loan losses			(2,132	)			2,109				(23	)
Transfer of covered allowance for loan losses to non-covered status			(307	)			307				—
			(640	)			29,200				28,560
Loans charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			(44	)			(734	)			(778	)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			—				(476	)			(476	)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			(78	)			(2,692	)			(2,770	)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			(40	)			(735	)			(775	)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			(83	)			(562	)			(645	)
Installment loans to individuals			—				(517	)			(517	)
Total charge-offs			(245	)			(5,716	)			(5,961	)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			60				302				362
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			1,267				212				1,479
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			148				295				443
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			29				119				148
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			450				285				735
Installment loans to individuals			5				252				257
Total recoveries			1,959				1,465				3,424
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries			1,714				(4,251	)			(2,537	)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period		$	1,074				24,949				26,023

 

The following table discloses the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2015, segregated into covered and non-covered.

 

		As of June 30, 2015
($ in thousands)		Covered				Non-covered				Total
Loans outstanding at end of period		$	113,824				2,298,955				2,412,779
Average amount of loans outstanding		$	120,416				2,269,987				2,390,403
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year		$	2,281				38,345				40,626
Provision (reversal) for loan losses			(428	)			1,105				677
			1,853				39,450				41,303
Loans charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			(111	)			(2,301	)			(2,412	)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			(523	)			(2,031	)			(2,554	)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			(141	)			(2,234	)			(2,375	)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			(41	)			(597	)			(638	)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			(300	)			(2,021	)			(2,321	)
Installment loans to individuals			—				(1,578	)			(1,578	)
Total charge-offs			(1,116	)			(10,762	)			(11,878	)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			22				343				365
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans			790				318				1,108
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages			192				159				351
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit			9				58				67
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other			183				395				578
Installment loans to individuals			2				194				196
Total recoveries			1,198				1,467				2,665
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries			82				(9,295	)			(9,213	)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period		$	1,935				30,155				32,090

 

Based on the results of our loan analysis and grading program and our evaluation of the allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2016, there have been no material changes to the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among the various categories of loans since December 31, 2015.

 

Liquidity, Commitments, and Contingencies

 

Our liquidity is determined by our ability to convert assets to cash or acquire alternative sources of funds to meet the needs of our customers who are withdrawing or borrowing funds, and to maintain required reserve levels, pay expenses and operate the Company on an ongoing basis. Our primary liquidity sources are net income from operations, cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments. Our securities portfolio is comprised almost entirely of readily marketable securities, which could also be sold to provide cash.

 

In addition to internally generated liquidity sources, we have the ability to obtain borrowings from the following four sources - 1) an approximately $671 million line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank (of which $160 million was outstanding at June 30, 2016), 2) a $35 million federal funds line with a correspondent bank (of which none was outstanding at June 30, 2016), and 3) an approximately $101 million line of credit through the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s discount window (of which none was outstanding at June 30, 2016). In addition to the outstanding borrowings from the FHLB that reduce the available borrowing capacity of that line of credit, our borrowing capacity was reduced by $193 million at both June 30, 2016 and 2015 as a result of our pledging letters of credit for public deposits at each of those dates. Unused and available lines of credit amounted to $454 million at June 30, 2016 compared to $429 million at December 31, 2015.

 

Our overall liquidity has been stable over the past year. Our liquid assets (cash and securities) as a percentage of our total deposits and borrowings increased from 19.7% at June 30, 2015 to 19.8% at June 30, 2016.

 

We believe our liquidity sources, including unused lines of credit, are at an acceptable level and remain adequate to meet our operating needs in the foreseeable future. We will continue to monitor our liquidity position carefully and will explore and implement strategies to increase liquidity if deemed appropriate.

 

The amount and timing of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments has not changed materially since December 31, 2015, detail of which is presented in Table 18 on page 90 of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

We are not involved in any other legal proceedings that, in our opinion, could have a material effect on our consolidated financial position.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements include transactions, agreements, or other contractual arrangements pursuant to which we have obligations or provide guarantees on behalf of an unconsolidated entity. We have no off-balance sheet arrangements of this kind other than letters of credit and repayment guarantees associated with our trust preferred securities.

 

Derivative financial instruments include futures, forwards, interest rate swaps, options contracts, and other financial instruments with similar characteristics. We have not engaged in significant derivative activities through June 30, 2016, and have no current plans to do so.

 

Capital Resources

 

We are regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board (FED) and are subject to the securities registration and public reporting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our banking subsidiary is also regulated by the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks. We are not aware of any recommendations of regulatory authorities or otherwise which, if they were to be implemented, would have a material effect on our liquidity, capital resources, or operations.

 

We must comply with regulatory capital requirements established by the FED. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

 

The capital standards require us to maintain minimum ratios of “Common Equity Tier 1” capital to total risk-weighted assets, “Tier 1” capital to total risk-weighted assets, and total capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.50%, 6.00% and 8.00%, respectively. Common Equity Tier 1 capital in comprised of common stock and related surplus, plus retained earnings, and is reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities. Tier 1 capital is comprised of Common Equity Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier 1 Capital, which for the Company includes non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and trust preferred securities. Total capital is comprised of Tier 1 capital plus certain adjustments, the largest of which is our allowance for loan losses. Risk-weighted assets refer to our on- and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for their related risk levels using formulas set forth in FED regulations.

 

The capital conservation buffer requirement began to be phased in on January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk weighted assets, and will increase each year until fully implemented at 2.5% in January 1, 2019.

 

In addition to the risk-based capital requirements described above, we are subject to a leverage capital requirement, which calls for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital (as defined above) to quarterly average total assets of 3.00% to 5.00%, depending upon the institution’s composite ratings as determined by its regulators. The FED has not advised us of any requirement specifically applicable to us.

 

At June 30, 2016, our capital ratios exceeded the regulatory minimum ratios discussed above. The following table presents our capital ratios and the regulatory minimums discussed above for the periods indicated.

 

		June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015				June 30, 2015
Risk-based capital ratios:
Common equity Tier 1 to Tier 1 risk weighted assets			11.09%				11.22%				11.44%
Minimum required Common equity Tier 1 capital			4.50%				4.50%				4.50%
Tier I capital to Tier 1 risk weighted assets			13.08%				13.30%				14.97%
Minimum required Tier 1 capital			6.00%				6.00%				6.00%
Total risk-based capital to Tier II risk weighted assets			14.10%				14.45%				16.23%
Minimum required total risk-based capital			8.00%				8.00%				8.00%
Leverage capital ratios:
Tier 1 capital to quarterly average total assets			10.38%				10.38%				11.29%
Minimum required Tier 1 leverage capital			4.00%				4.00%				4.00%

 

Our bank subsidiary is also subject to capital requirements similar to those discussed above. The bank subsidiary’s capital ratios do not vary materially from our capital ratios presented above. At June 30, 2016, our bank subsidiary exceeded the minimum ratios established by the regulatory authorities.

 

The primary reason for the decline in our Tier I Risk-Based, Total Risk-Based, and Leverage ratios from June 30, 2015 is the redemption of $31.5 million in preferred stock in the second half of 2015 (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this transaction).

 

In addition to regulatory capital ratios, we also closely monitor our ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets (“TCE Ratio”). Our TCE ratio was 8.18% at June 30, 2016 compared to 8.13% at December 31, 2015 and 8.24% at June 30, 2015.

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

 

The following is a list of business development and other miscellaneous matters affecting First Bancorp and First Bank, our bank subsidiary.

 

·

On July 15, 2016, the Company completed the exchange of its seven First Bank branches located in Virginia to First Community Bank in return for six of that bank’s branches located in North Carolina. Four of the six branches acquired were in Winston-Salem, with the other two branches being in the Charlotte-metro markets of Mooresville and Huntersville.

 

·

On June 21, 2016, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire Carolina Bank Holdings, Inc. headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina. The merger consideration is a combination of cash and stock, with each share of Carolina Bank Holdings stock being exchanged for either $20.00 in cash or 1.002 shares of First Bancorp stock, subject to the total consideration being 75% stock / 25% cash. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2016 or first quarter of 2017.

 

·

On June 15, 2016, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 cents per share payable on July 25, 2016 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2016. This is the same dividend rate as the Company declared in the second quarter of 2015.

 

SHARE REPURCHASES

 

We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the first six months of 2016. At June 30, 2016, we had approximately 214,000 shares available for repurchase under existing authority from our board of directors. We may repurchase these shares in open market and privately negotiated transactions, as market conditions and our liquidity warrants, subject to compliance with applicable regulations. See also Part II, Item 2 “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.”

 

 

Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

INTEREST RATE RISK (INCLUDING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK)

 

Net interest income is our most significant component of earnings. Notwithstanding changes in volumes of loans and deposits, our level of net interest income is continually at risk due to the effect that changes in general market interest rate trends have on interest yields earned and paid with respect to our various categories of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. It is our policy to maintain portfolios of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with maturities and repricing opportunities that will afford protection, to the extent practical, against wide interest rate fluctuations. Our exposure to interest rate risk is analyzed on a regular basis by management using standard GAP reports, maturity reports, and an asset/liability software model that simulates future levels of interest income and expense based on current interest rates, expected future interest rates, and various intervals of “shock” interest rates. Over the years, we have been able to maintain a fairly consistent yield on average earning assets (net interest margin). Over the past five calendar years, our net interest margin has ranged from a low of 4.13% (realized in 2015) to a high of 4.92% (realized in 2013). During that five year period, the prime rate of interest has consistently remained at 3.25% (the rate increased to 3.50% on December 17, 2015). The consistency of the net interest margin is aided by the relatively low level of long-term interest rate exposure that we maintain. At June 30, 2016, approximately 74% of our interest-earning assets are subject to repricing within five years (because they are either adjustable rate assets or they are fixed rate assets that mature) and substantially all of our interest-bearing liabilities reprice within five years.

 

Using stated maturities for all fixed rate instruments except mortgage-backed securities (which are allocated in the periods of their expected payback) and securities and borrowings with call features that are expected to be called (which are shown in the period of their expected call), at June 30, 2016, we had approximately $981 million more in interest-bearing liabilities that are subject to interest rate changes within one year than earning assets. This generally would indicate that net interest income would experience downward pressure in a rising interest rate environment and would benefit from a declining interest rate environment. However, this method of analyzing interest sensitivity only measures the magnitude of the timing differences and does not address earnings, market value, or management actions. Also, interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. In addition to the effects of “when” various rate-sensitive products reprice, market rate changes may not result in uniform changes in rates among all products. For example, included in interest-bearing liabilities subject to interest rate changes within one year at June 30, 2016 are deposits totaling $1.5 billion comprised of checking, savings, and certain types of money market deposits with interest rates set by management. These types of deposits historically have not repriced with, or in the same proportion, as general market indicators.

 

Overall, we believe that in the near term (twelve months), net interest income will not likely experience significant downward pressure from rising interest rates. Similarly, we would not expect a significant increase in near term net interest income from falling interest rates. Generally, when rates change, our interest-sensitive assets that are subject to adjustment reprice immediately at the full amount of the change, while our interest-sensitive liabilities that are subject to adjustment reprice at a lag to the rate change and typically not to the full extent of the rate change. In the short-term (less than six months), this results in us being asset-sensitive, meaning that our net interest income benefits from an increase in interest rates and is negatively impacted by a decrease in interest rates. However, in the twelve-month horizon, the impact of having a higher level of interest-sensitive liabilities lessens the short-term effects of changes in interest rates.

 

The general discussion in the foregoing paragraph applies most directly in a “normal” interest rate environment in which longer-term maturity instruments carry higher interest rates than short-term maturity instruments, and is less applicable in periods in which there is a “flat” interest rate curve. A “flat yield curve” means that short-term interest rates are substantially the same as long-term interest rates. As a result of the prolonged negative/fragile economic environment, the Federal Reserve took steps to suppress long-term interest rates in an effort to boost the housing market, increase employment, and stimulate the economy, which resulted in a flat interest rate curve. A flat interest rate curve is an unfavorable interest rate environment for many banks, including the Company, as short-term interest rates generally drive our deposit pricing and longer-term interest rates generally drive loan pricing. When these rates converge, the profit spread we realize between loan yields and deposit rates narrows, which pressures our net interest margin.

 

While there have been periods in the last few years that the yield curve has steepened somewhat, it currently remains relatively flat. This flat yield curve and the intense competition for high-quality loans in our market areas have limited our ability to charge higher rates on loans, and thus we continue to experience downward pressure on our loan yields and net interest margin.

 

As it relates to deposits, the Federal Reserve made no changes to the short term interest rates it sets directly from 2008 until mid-December 2015, and since that time we have been able to reprice many of our maturing time deposits at lower interest rates. We were also able to generally decrease the rates we paid on other categories of deposits as a result of declining short-term interest rates in the marketplace and an increase in liquidity that lessened our need to offer premium interest rates. However, as short-term rates are already near zero and with the Federal Reserve recently increasing short-term interest rates by 25 bps, it is unlikely that we will be able to continue the trend of reducing our funding costs in the same proportion as experienced in recent years.

 

As previously discussed in the section “Net Interest Income,” our net interest income has been impacted by certain purchase accounting adjustments related primarily to our acquisitions of Cooperative Bank and The Bank of Asheville. The purchase accounting adjustments related to the premium amortization on loans, deposits and borrowings are based on amortization schedules and are thus systematic and predictable. The accretion of the loan discount on loans acquired from Cooperative Bank and The Bank of Asheville, which amounted to $1.7 million and $1.1 million for the second quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $2.7 million in each of the first six months of 2016 and 2015, is less predictable and could be materially different among periods. This is because of the magnitude of the discounts that were initially recorded ($280 million in total) and the fact that the accretion being recorded is dependent on both the credit quality of the acquired loans and the impact of any accelerated loan repayments, including payoffs. If the credit quality of the loans declines, some, or all, of the remaining discount will cease to be accreted into income. If the underlying loans experience accelerated paydowns or improved performance expectations, the remaining discount will be accreted into income on an accelerated basis. In the event of total payoff, the remaining discount will be entirely accreted into income in the period of the payoff. Each of these factors is difficult to predict and susceptible to volatility. However, with the remaining loan discount on accruing loans having naturally declined since inception, amounting to only $11.8 million at June 30, 2016, we expect that loan discount accretion, and the related indemnification asset expense associated with the accretion, will decline in 2016. If that occurs, our net interest margin will be negatively impacted and our noninterest income will be positively impacted (due to the lower indemnification asset expense).

 

Based on our most recent interest rate modeling, which assumes no changes in interest rates for 2016 (federal funds rate = 0.50%, prime = 3.50%), we project that our net interest margin for the remainder of 2016 will experience additional compression. We expect loan yields to continue to trend downwards, while many of our deposit products already have interest rates near zero.

 

We have no market risk sensitive instruments held for trading purposes, nor do we maintain any foreign currency positions.

 

See additional discussion regarding net interest income, as well as discussion of the changes in the annual net interest margin in the section entitled “Net Interest Income” above.

 

Item 4 – Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based on the evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in allowing timely decisions regarding disclosure to be made about material information required to be included in our periodic reports with the SEC. In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting has occurred during, or subsequent to, the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II. Other Information

 

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

 

Various legal proceedings may arise in the ordinary course of business and may be pending or threatened against the Company and its subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is involved in any pending legal proceedings that management believes are material to the Company or its consolidated financial position.  If an exposure were to be identified, it is the Company’s policy to establish and accrue appropriate reserves during the accounting period in which a loss is deemed to be probable and the amount is determinable.

 

Item 1A – Risk Factors

 

Investing in shares of our common stock involves certain risks, including those identified and described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, as well as cautionary statements contained in this Form 10-Q, including those under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements” set forth in the forepart of this Form 10-Q, risks and matters described elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC.

 

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

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased (2)				Average Price Paid per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)				Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
April 1, 2016 to April 30, 2016		—				—				—				214,241
May 1, 2016 to May 31, 2016			—				—				—				214,241
June 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016			—				—				—				214,241
Total			—				—				—				214,241

 

Footnotes to the Above Table

(1)

All shares available for repurchase are pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations. On July 30, 2004, the Company announced that its board of directors had approved the repurchase of 375,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date. There are no plans or programs the Company has determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under which we do not intend to make further purchases.

 

(2)

The table above does not include shares that were used by option holders to satisfy the exercise price of the call options issued by the Company to its employees and directors pursuant to the Company’s stock option plans. There were no such exercises during the three months ended June 30, 2016.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company issued 199,829 shares of unregistered common stock in completing the acquisition of SBA Complete, Inc. – see Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. The Company relied upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 for transactions not involving any public offering due to the small number of shareholders of SBA Complete, Inc., their level of financial sophistication and the absence of any general solicitation. There were no other unregistered sales of the Company’s securities during the three months ended June 30, 2016.

 

Item 6 - Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed with this report or, as noted, are incorporated by reference. Except as noted below the exhibits identified have Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 000-15572. Management contracts, compensatory plans and arrangements are marked with an asterisk (*).

 

3.a

Articles of Incorporation of the Company and amendments thereto were filed as Exhibits 3.a.i through 3.a.v to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002, and are incorporated herein by reference. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009, and are incorporated herein by reference. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibit 3.1.b to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3D filed on June 29, 2010 (Commission File No. 333-167856), and are incorporated herein by reference. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2011, and are incorporated herein by reference. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2012, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

3.b

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2009, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

4.a

Form of Common Stock Certificate was filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

4.b

Form of Certificate for Series B Preferred Stock was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

4.c

Form of Certificate for Series C Preferred Stock was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

10.a

Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2016 between First Bank (as Seller) and First Community Bank (as Purchaser) was filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

10.b	Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2016 between First Community Bank (as Seller) and First Bank (as Purchaser) was filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

10.c

Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of June 21, 2016 between First Bancorp and Carolina Bank Holdings, Inc. was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 22, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

31.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

101

The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Copies of exhibits are available upon written request to: First Bancorp, Elizabeth B. Bostian, Secretary, 300 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines, North Carolina, 28387

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

		FIRST BANCORP
	August 9, 2016	BY:/s/ Richard H. Moore
		Richard H. Moore
		Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer),
		Treasurer and Director
	August 9, 2016	BY:/s/ Eric P. Credle
		Eric P. Credle
		Executive Vice President
		and Chief Financial Officer