UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
or
☐
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ___ to ___.

Commission File Number:  000-17007

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

Pennsylvania
  
23-2486815
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

50 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  
19102
(Address of principal executive offices)
  
(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 215-735-4422

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
  
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
  
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES ☐  NO ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  YES ☐  NO ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months.   YES ☒  NO ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒

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

Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☒
Non-Accelerated filer ☐
 Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
  

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was $411,031,864 based on the last sale price on Nasdaq Global Market on June 30, 2018.

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

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
  
58,825,278
Title of Class
  
Number of Shares Outstanding as of March 13, 2019

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which Definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K; provided, however, that the Compensation Committee Report, the Audit Committee Report and any other information in such proxy statement that is not required to be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference or filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
PAGE
PART I:
    
Item 1.
 1
     
Item 1A.
12
     
Item 1B.
26
     
Item 2.
26
     
Item 3.
26
     
Item 4.
26
     
PART II:
    
Item 5.
27
     
Item 6.
 28
     
Item 7.
 29
     
Item 7A.
73
     
Item 8.
73
     
Item 9.
 143
     
Item 9A.
143
     
Item 9B.
144
     
PART III:
    
Item 10.
144
     
Item 11.
 144
     
Item 12.
144
     
Item 13.
145
     
Item 14.
145
     
PART IV:
    
Item 15.
146
     
150

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PART I

Item 1:
Business

Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the registrant, Republic First Bancorp, Inc., is referred to as the “Company” or as “we,” “our” or “us”. The Company’s website address is www.myrepublicbank.com. The information on this website is not and should not be considered part of this Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K. This website is, and is only intended to be, for reference purposes only. The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  

Forward Looking Statements
 
This document contains “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements can be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of words such as “would be,” “could be,” “should be,” “probability,” “risk,” “target,” “objective,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect” and similar expressions or variations on such expressions.  These forward-looking statements include, among others:  statements of goals, intentions and expectations, statements regarding the impact of accounting pronouncements, statements regarding prospects and business strategy, statements regarding allowance for loan losses, asset quality and market risk and estimates of future costs, benefits and results.
 
Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  For example, and in addition to the “Risk Factors” discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K, risks and uncertainties can arise with changes in or related to:


 ·
general economic conditions, including turmoil in the financial markets and related efforts of government agencies to stabilize the financial system;


·
the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses and our methodology for determining such allowance;


·
adverse changes in our loan portfolio and credit risk-related losses and expenses;


·
concentrations within our loan portfolio, including our exposure to commercial real estate loans, and to our primary service area;


·
changes in interest rates;


·
business conditions in the financial services industry, including competitive pressure among financial services companies, new service and product offerings by competitors, price pressures and similar items;


·
deposit flows;


·
loan demand;

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 ·
the regulatory environment, including evolving banking industry standards and changes in legislation or regulation;


·
our securities portfolio and the valuation of our securities;


·
accounting principles, policies and guidelines as well as estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements;


·
rapidly changing technology;


·
litigation liabilities, including costs, expenses, settlements and judgments; and


·
other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s beliefs only as of the date hereof.  Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any changed assumptions, any unanticipated events or any changes in the future.  Significant factors which could have an adverse effect on the operations and future prospects of the Company are detailed in the “Risk Factors” section included under Item 1A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Readers should carefully review the risk factors included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents the Company files from time to time with the SEC.

General

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. was organized and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1987 and is the holding company for Republic First Bank, which does business under the name Republic Bank, and we may refer to as Republic or the Bank throughout this document.  Republic offers a variety of credit and depository banking services. Such services are offered to individuals and businesses primarily in the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area through their offices and branches in Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania and Atlantic,   Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey.

Historically, our primary objective had been to position ourselves as an alternative to the large financial institutions for commercial banking services in the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region.  However, in 2008, we made an important and strategic shift in our business approach, redirecting our efforts toward the creation of a major retail bank that would meet an important need in our existing marketplace. Focused on delivering high levels of customer service and satisfaction, driving innovation, developing a bold brand and creating shareholder value, Republic Bank sought to offer a banking experience that would turn customers into Fans.  As other banks began to turn toward automation for growth, Republic Bank took a different approach and chose not only to embrace advances in technology, but to also define itself by the personal touch.

To achieve such a transformation, we recruited several key banking executives who had previously served in leadership roles at Commerce Bank, upon which this business model draws inspiration.  With a strong management team in place, along with adequate capital resources to support this revitalized vision, we began to build a unique brand with the goal of establishing ourselves as a premier financial institution in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

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An important part of that strategic shift toward creating a retail and customer focused bank was the decision in 2010 to rebrand our stores from Republic First Bank to Republic Bank, which had been the name under which we had initially incorporated and operated from 1988-1996.  In support of that rebrand, we also renovated and remodeled the majority of our existing branches which refer to and operate as stores.  Further, we embraced critical service changes that reframed the Republic Bank brand and experience in the eyes of the consumer to include expanded hours, absolutely free checking, free coin counting, no ATM surcharges, mobile banking and much more.

From a lending perspective, we also shifted away from our historic approach, which was primarily focused on business banking and isolated commercial lending transactions, in particular commercial real estate loans.  While restructuring our loan portfolio and deemphasizing the origination of commercial real estate loans, we also undertook a detailed review of our more significant credit relationships.  This review allowed us to reduce exposure, enhance our allowance for loan loss methodology and commit to originate fewer commercial real estate loans in an effort to reduce our credit concentrations in that particular category.

In December 2011, we completed the sale of several distressed commercial real estate loans and foreclosed properties to a single investor.  This transaction dramatically reduced our non-performing asset balances and significantly improved our credit quality metrics. This loan sale was a cornerstone transaction in the transformation of Republic Bank.

With these significant changes implemented, Republic Bank was then well-positioned to execute an aggressive expansion plan which was given the title, “The Power of Red is Back.”  To support this growth strategy, we completed the sale of $45 million of common stock through a private placement offering in April 2014 which provided the necessary capital to begin our aggressive expansion plan.

During 2016, we expanded our product offerings through the addition of a residential mortgage lending team. We acquired Oak Mortgage Company in July 2016 which has been integrated and became a division of the Bank. Oak Mortgage is headquartered in Marlton, NJ and is licensed to do business in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Florida providing our customers with new opportunities in the residential lending market. The Oak Mortgage team has been a tremendous fit for Republic’s commitment to extraordinary customer service and has proven to be a perfect complement to the Bank’s network of store locations.

To strengthen our capital position and prepare for the next stage of growth and expansion, we completed a capital raise in the amount of $100 million through a registered direct offering of our common stock in December 2016. At the same time, Vernon W. Hill, II became a member of the Board of Directors and was appointed Chairman of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. He has been a major investor and consultant to Republic since 2008. Mr. Hill is often credited with reinventing the concept of Retail Banking. He was the Founder and Chairman of Commerce Bancorp, a $50 billion Retail Bank headquartered in metro Philadelphia, which grew to 450 locations along the east coast before its sale in 2007. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Metro Bank (UK), which is the first new Retail high street bank opened in Britain since 1840 and in just eight years has grown to more than $28 billion in assets and 65 locations.

The aggressive expansion plan has produced strong results and continues to build momentum. Over the last five years, we have opened sixteen new stores using our signature glass building. During 2018, we expanded our store network in the Southern New Jersey area by opening three new locations in Gloucester Township, Evesboro, and Somers Point and expanded in the Greater Philadelphia area with a new store in Fairless Hills. There are several other locations in various stages of approval and development for future openings. We will also be expanding into the New York market with two to four new stores planned in Manhattan in the coming year.

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As of December 31, 2018, we had total assets of approximately $2.8 billion, total shareholders’ equity of approximately $245.2 million, total deposits of approximately $2.4 billion, net loans receivable of approximately $1.4 billion, and net income of $8.6 million. We have one reportable segment: community banking. The community bank segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of Republic, as well as residential mortgage and other consumer loan products in the area surrounding its stores. We provide banking services through the Bank, and do not presently engage in any activities other than traditional banking activities.

Republic Bank
 
Republic First Bank is a commercial bank chartered pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and is subject to examination and comprehensive regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. Republic First Bank does business under the name of Republic Bank. The deposits held by the Bank are insured, up to applicable limits, by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC.

Service Area / Market Overview

Our primary service area currently consists of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.  We presently conduct our principal banking activities through twenty-five branch locations which are commonly referred to as “stores” throughout this document to reflect our retail oriented approach to customer service and convenience.  Eleven of these stores are located in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs of Plymouth Meeting, Wynnewood, Abington, Media, and Fairless Hills in Pennsylvania.  There are also fourteen stores located in the Southern New Jersey market in Haddonfield, Voorhees, Glassboro, Marlton, Berlin, Washington Township, Moorestown, Sicklerville, Medford, Cherry Hill (2), Gloucester Township, Evesboro, and Somers Point. Our commercial lending activities extend beyond our primary service area, to include other counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as parts of Delaware, Maryland, New York and other out-of-market opportunities. Our residential lending activities also extend outside of our primary service area, to include other counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as Delaware and Florida through our Oak Mortgage lending team.

Competition

We face substantial competition from other financial institutions in our service area.  Competitors include Wells Fargo, BB&T, Citizens, PNC, Santander, TD Bank, and Bank of America, as well as many regional and local community banks. In addition, we compete directly with savings banks, savings and loan associations, finance companies, credit unions, mortgage brokers, insurance companies, securities brokerage firms, mutual funds, money market funds, private lenders and other institutions for deposits, commercial loans, mortgages and consumer loans, as well as other services.  Competition among financial institutions is based upon a number of factors, including the quality of services rendered, interest rates offered on deposit accounts, interest rates charged on loans and other credit services, service charges, the convenience of banking facilities, locations and hours of operation and, in the case of loans to larger commercial borrowers, applicable lending limits. Many of the financial institutions with which we compete have greater financial resources than we do, and offer a wider range of deposit and lending products.
 
Our legal lending limit to one borrower was approximately $34.4 million at December 31, 2018.  Loans above this amount may be made if the excess over the lending limit is participated to other institutions.  We are subject to potential intensified competition from new branches of established banks in the area as well as new banks that could open in our market area.  There are banks and other financial institutions, which serve surrounding areas, and additional out-of-state financial institutions, which currently, or in the future, may compete in our market. We compete to attract deposits and loan applications both from customers of existing institutions and from customers new to our market and we anticipate a continued increase in competition in our service area.
 
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We believe that an attractive niche exists serving small to medium sized business customers not adequately served by our larger competitors, and we will seek opportunities to build commercial relationships to complement our retail strategy.  We believe small to medium-sized businesses will continue to respond in a positive manner to the attentive and highly personalized service we provide.

Products and Services
 
We offer a range of competitively priced banking products and services, including consumer and commercial deposit accounts, checking accounts, interest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, savings accounts, sweep accounts, lockbox services and individual retirement accounts and other traditional banking services, secured and unsecured commercial loans, real estate loans, construction and land development loans, automobile loans, home improvement loans, mortgages, home equity and overdraft lines of credit, and other products.  We attempt to offer a high level of personalized service to both our retail and commercial customers.
 
We also maintain a Small Business Lending team that specializes in the origination of loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to provide much needed credit to small businesses throughout our service area.  This team has developed into one of the top lenders under the SBA program in our region.  For the last several years they have been ranked as one of the top SBA lenders in the tri-state market of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware based on the dollar volume of loan originations.

We are members of the STAR™ and PLUS™ automated teller (ATM) networks, and Allpoint - America’s Largest Surcharge Free ATM Network which enable us to provide our customers with free access to more than 55,000 ATMs worldwide. We currently have twenty-five proprietary ATMs located in our store network.

Our lending activities generally are focused on small and medium sized businesses within the communities that we serve. Commercial real estate loans represent the largest category within our loan portfolio, amounting to approximately 36% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2018.  Repayment of these loans is, in part, dependent on general economic conditions affecting our customers and various businesses within the community.  As a commercial lender, we are subject to credit risk. Economic and financial conditions could have an adverse effect on the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. To manage the challenges that the economic environment may present we have adopted a conservative loan classification system, continually review and enhance our allowance for loan loss methodology, and perform a comprehensive review of our loan portfolio on a regular basis.  

With the addition of Oak Mortgage Company in 2016, we are now able to offer residential mortgage loan products to customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida. A majority of the residential loans originated are currently sold on the secondary market shortly after closing. Oak Mortgage follows the established underwriting policies and guidelines of third party vendors with whom loans are being sold to maintain compliance, but credit risk still exists in the portfolio. Repayment of residential loans held in the portfolio is, in part, dependent on general economic conditions affecting our customers.  

Although management follows established underwriting policies and closely monitors loans through Republic’s loan review officer, credit risk is still inherent in the portfolio. The majority of Republic’s loan portfolio is collateralized with real estate or other collateral; however, a portion of the commercial portfolio is unsecured, representing loans made to borrowers considered to be of sufficient financial strength to merit unsecured financing.  Republic makes both fixed and variable rate commercial loans with terms typically ranging from one to five years. Variable rate loans are generally tied to the national prime rate of interest.

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Store Expansion Plans and Growth Strategy
 
We will carefully evaluate growth opportunities throughout 2019 and beyond. The Bank opened three new stores located in Gloucester Township, Evesboro, and Somers Point in New Jersey and a fourth store located in Fairless Hills in Pennsylvania utilizing our distinctive glass prototype building in 2018. The Bank anticipates the continuation of its expansion strategy in the Metro Philadelphia market and has also announced plans to expand into New York City with the opening of two to four stores in 2019. Relocation of other existing store locations may also occur in the future as we continue to enhance our brand and focus on constantly improving the customer experience. The opening and relocation of these stores is subject to regulatory approval.

The addition of Oak Mortgage in July 2016 provides us with new growth opportunities in the residential lending market. Oak Mortgage is licensed to do business in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida and gives us the ability to serve both new and existing customers throughout our store network. We envision the expansion of the Oak Mortgage lending team along with the growth of our store network.

Securities Portfolio 

We maintain an investment securities portfolio.  We purchase investment securities that are in compliance with our investment policies, which are approved annually by our Board of Directors.  The investment policies address such issues as permissible investment categories, credit quality, maturities and concentrations.  At December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 92% and 90%, respectively, of the aggregate dollar amount of the investment securities consisted of either U.S. government debt securities or U.S. government agency issued mortgage-backed securities.  Credit risk associated with these U.S. government debt securities and the U.S. government agency securities is minimal, with risk-based capital weighting factors of 0% and 20%, respectively. The remainder of the securities portfolio consists of municipal securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) capital stock.

Supervision and Regulation
 
General

Republic, as a Pennsylvania state chartered bank, is not a member of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) and is subject to supervision and regulation by the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. Our bank holding company is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve under the Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHC Act”).  As a bank holding company, our activities and those of Republic are limited to the business of banking and activities closely related or incidental to banking, and we may not directly or indirectly acquire the ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares or substantially all of the assets of any company, including a bank, without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve.
 
We are subject to extensive requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that may be granted and the interest that may be charged thereon, and limitations on the types of investments that may be made and the types of services that may be offered. Various federal and state consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of Republic. In addition to the impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve attempting to control the money supply and credit availability in order to influence market interest rates and the national economy.

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The following discussion summarizes certain banking laws and regulations that affect us and Republic.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”)  has had a broad impact on the financial services industry, including significant regulatory and compliance changes including, among other things, (i) enhanced resolution authority of troubled and failing banks and their holding companies; (ii) increased capital and liquidity requirements; (iii) increased regulatory examination fees; (iv) changes to assessments to be paid to the FDIC for federal deposit insurance; and (v) numerous other provisions designed to improve supervision and oversight of, and strengthening safety and soundness for, the financial services sector.  Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new framework for systemic risk oversight within the financial system to be distributed among new and existing federal regulatory agencies, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the FDIC.  A summary of certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act is set forth below.

•     Increased Capital Standards and Enhanced Supervision.  The federal banking agencies established minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements for banks and bank holding companies.  These new standards are summarized under “Capital Adequacy” below. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires capital requirements to be countercyclical such that the required amount of capital increases in times of economic expansion and decreases in times of economic contraction consistent with safety and soundness.

•      The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).  The Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB within the Federal Reserve. The CFPB is tasked with establishing and implementing rules and regulations under certain federal consumer protection laws with respect to the conduct of providers of certain consumer financial products and services.  The CFPB has broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers for a wide range of consumer protection laws applicable to banks with greater than $10 billion or more in assets.  Smaller institutions will be subject to rules promulgated by the CFPB, but will continue to be examined and supervised by federal banking regulators for consumer compliance purposes. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and regulations that are more stringent than those regulations promulgated by the CFPB and state attorneys general are permitted to enforce consumer protection rules adopted by the CFPB against state-chartered institutions.

•     Deposit Insurance.   The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased the maximum deposit insurance amount to $250,000 for insured deposits.  Amendments to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which were mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, have revised the assessment base against which an insured depository institution’s deposit insurance premiums paid to the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) are calculated.  Under the amendments, the assessment base is no longer the institution’s deposit base, but rather its average consolidated total assets less its average tangible equity during the assessment period.  Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act made changes to the minimum designated reserve ratio of the DIF, by increasing the minimum from 1.15 percent to 1.35 percent of the estimated amount of total insured deposits by 2020 and eliminating the requirement that the FDIC pay dividends to depository institutions when the reserve ratio exceeds certain thresholds.  The Dodd- Frank Act also provided that, effective July 21, 2011, depository institutions may pay interest on demand deposits.  For further discussion of deposit insurance regulatory matters, see “Deposit Insurance and Assessments” below.

•      Transactions with Affiliates.  Under federal law, we are subject to restrictions that limit certain types of transactions between Republic and its non-bank affiliates.  In general, we are subject to quantitative and qualitative limits on extensions of credit, purchases of assets and certain other transactions involving us and our non-bank affiliates.  Transactions between Republic and its non-bank affiliates are required to be on arms length terms.  The Dodd-Frank Act enhanced the requirements for certain transactions with affiliates under Section 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, including expanding the definition of “covered transactions” and “affiliates,” as well as increasing the amount of time for which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be maintained.

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•      Transactions with Insiders.  Under the Dodd-Frank Act, insider transaction limitations are expanded through the strengthening of loan restrictions to insiders and the expansion of the types of transactions subject to the various limits, including derivative transactions, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and securities lending or borrowing transactions.  Restrictions have also been placed on certain asset sales to and from an insider to an institution, including requirements that such sales be on market terms and, if representing more than 10% of capital, approved by the institution’s board of directors.

•    Holding Company Capital Levels.  The Dodd-Frank Act requires bank regulators to establish minimum capital levels for holding companies that are at least as stringent as those applicable to depository institutions.  All trust preferred securities, or TRUPs, issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank holding companies with less than $15 billion in assets are permanently grandfathered in Tier 1 capital, subject to a limitation of 25% of Tier 1 capital.

Although many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are currently effective, there remain some regulations yet to be implemented. It is therefore difficult to predict at this time what impact the Dodd-Frank Act and implementing regulations will have on us. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
 
The federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”), enacted in 1999, repealed the key provisions of the Glass Steagall Act so as to permit commercial banks to affiliate with investment banks (securities firms). It also amended the BHC Act to permit qualifying bank holding companies to engage in many types of financial activities that were not permitted for banks themselves and permitted subsidiaries of banks to engage in a broad range of financial activities that were not permitted for themselves.
 
The result was to permit banking companies to offer a wider range of financial products and services to combine with other types of financial companies, such as securities and insurance companies. The impact of the GLB Act has, however, now been substantially limited by the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations issued by the Federal Reserve thereunder, specifically the so-called “Volcker Rule,” which will limit the ability of banks and their affiliates to invest in, or to engage in, non-banking activities for their own account.

The GLB Act created a new type of bank holding company called a “financial holding company” (“FHC”).  An FHC is authorized to engage in any activity that is “financial in nature or incidental to financial activities” and any activity that the Federal Reserve determines is “complementary to financial activities” and does not pose undue risks to the financial system.  Among other things, “financial in nature” activities include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance underwriting and sales, and certain merchant banking activities.  A bank holding company qualifies to become an FHC if each of its depository institution subsidiaries is “well capitalized,” “well managed,” and has a rating under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) of “satisfactory” or better.  A qualifying bank holding company becomes an FHC by filing with the Federal Reserve an election to become an FHC.  We have not elected to become an FHC.  Bank holding companies that do not qualify or elect to become FHCs will be limited in their activities to those previously permitted by law and regulation.
 
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In addition, the GLB Act provided significant new protections for the privacy of customer information.  These provisions apply to any company the business of which is engaging in activities permitted for an FHC, even if it is not itself an FHC.  The GLB Act subjected a financial institution to four new requirements regarding non-public information about a customer.  The financial institution must: adopt and disclose a privacy policy; give customers the right to “opt out” of disclosures to non-affiliated parties; not disclose any information to third party marketers; and follow regulatory standards to protect the security and confidentiality of customer information.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) comprehensively revised the laws affecting corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation and corporate reporting for entities, such as us, with equity or debt securities registered under the Exchange Act. Among other things, Sarbanes-Oxley and its implementing regulations have established new membership requirements and additional responsibilities for our audit committee, imposed restrictions on the relationship between us and our outside auditors (including restrictions on the types of non-audit services our auditors may provide to us), imposed additional responsibilities for our external financial statements on our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, and expanded the disclosure requirements for our corporate insiders. The requirements are intended to allow shareholders to more easily and efficiently monitor the performance of companies and directors.

Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends

Dividend payments by Republic to the holding company are subject to the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965 (“Banking Code”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”). Under the Banking Code, no dividends may be paid except from “accumulated net earnings” (generally, undivided profits). Under the FDIA, an insured bank may pay no dividends if the bank is in arrears in the payment of any insurance assessment due to the FDIC. Under the Banking Code, Republic would be limited to $48.5 million of dividends payable plus an additional amount equal to its net profit for 2019, up to the date of any such dividend declaration. However, dividends would be further limited in order to maintain capital ratios as discussed in “Capital Adequacy”.
 
Federal regulatory authorities have adopted standards for the maintenance of adequate levels of regulatory capital by banks. Adherence to such standards further limits the ability of Republic to pay dividends to us.

Dividend Policy
 
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and have no plans to pay any cash dividends in 2019 or in the foreseeable future.  See Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities of this Form 10-K for more information.

Deposit Insurance and Assessments

The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally insured banks and savings institutions and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and savings industries. The deposits of Republic are insured up to applicable limits per insured depositor by the FDIC. As noted above, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the maximum deposit insurance amount has been permanently increased to $250,000.

9
As an FDIC-insured bank, Republic is subject to FDIC insurance assessments.  The FDIC regulations assess insurance premiums for small insured depository institutions based on a risk-based assessment system.  Under this assessment system, the FDIC evaluates the risk of each financial institution based on regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors. The rules base assessments on an institution’s average consolidated total assets less its average tangible equity, as opposed to total deposits.

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments.  Any future increase in insurance premiums may adversely affect our results of operations.

The Dodd-Frank Act also requires the FDIC to take such steps as are necessary to increase the reserve ratio of the DIF from 1.15% to 1.35% of insured deposits by 2020.  The reserve ratio is the DIF balance divided by estimated insured deposits.   The reserve ratio reached 1.36% on September 30, 2018.  Because the reserve ratio has reached 1.35%, two deposit insurance assessment changes occurred under FDIC regulations:  (1) surcharges on insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of $10 billion or more (large institutions) will cease; and (2) banks with assets of less than $10 billion, such as us, will receive assessment credits for the portion of their assessments that contributed to the growth in the reserve ratio from between 1.15% and 1.35%, to be applied when the reserve ratio is at or above 1.38%, with credits starting with the March 31, 2019 assessment invoiced in June 2019.

In addition to paying basic deposit insurance assessments, the FDIC collects Financing Corporation (“FICO”) assessments to pay interest on FICO bonds.  FICO bonds were issued in the late 1980’s to recapitalize the (former) Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corporation.  The last of the remaining FICO bonds will mature in September 2019.  It is projected that the last FICO assessment will be collected on March 29, 2019. 

Capital Adequacy

The Federal Reserve has issued risk-based and leverage capital rules applicable to U.S. banking organizations such as the Company and Republic.  These guidelines are intended to reflect the relationship between the banking organization’s capital and the degree of risk associated with its operations based on transactions recorded on-balance sheet as well as off-balance sheet items.  The Federal Reserve may from time to time require that a banking organization maintain capital above the minimum levels discussed below, due to the banking organization’s financial condition or actual or anticipated growth.

The capital adequacy rules define qualifying capital instruments and specify minimum amounts of capital as a percentage of assets that banking organizations are required to maintain.  Common equity Tier 1 capital generally includes common stock and related surplus, retained earnings and, in certain cases and subject to certain limitations, minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill, other non-qualifying intangible assets and certain other deductions.  Tier 1 capital for banks and bank holding companies generally consists of the sum of common equity Tier 1 elements, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and related surplus in certain cases and subject to limitations, minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries that do not qualify as common equity Tier 1 capital, less certain deductions.  Tier 2 capital generally consists of hybrid capital instruments, perpetual debt and mandatory convertible debt securities, cumulative perpetual preferred stock, term subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock, and, subject to limitations, allowances for loan losses.  The sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital less certain required deductions represents qualifying total risk-based capital.  Prior to the effectiveness of certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, bank holding companies were permitted to include trust preferred securities and cumulative perpetual preferred stock in Tier 1 capital, subject to limitations.  However, the Federal Reserve’s capital rule applicable to bank holding companies permanently grandfathers non-qualifying capital instruments, including trust preferred securities, issued before May 19, 2010 by depository institution holding companies with less than $15 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2009, subject to a limit of 25% of Tier 1 capital.  In addition, under rules that became effective January 1, 2015, accumulated other comprehensive income (positive or negative) must be reflected in Tier 1 capital; however, we were permitted to make a one-time, permanent election to continue to exclude accumulated other comprehensive income from capital. We have made this election.

10
Under the capital rules, risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and total risk-based capital, respectively, by risk-weighted assets.  Assets and off-balance sheet credit equivalents are assigned to one of several categories of risk-weights, based primarily on relative risk.  Under the Federal Reserve’s rules, Republic is required to maintain a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio requirement of 4.5%, a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement of 6%, a minimum total capital requirement of 8% and a minimum leverage ratio requirement of 4%.  Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets.  The capital conservation buffer, which is composed of common equity tier 1 capital, began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and has been phased in over a three year period (increasing by that amount on each January 1, until it reached 2.5% on January 1, 2019).  Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to common equity tier 1 capital began on January 1, 2015 and has been phased-in over a three-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015, 60% on January 1, 2016 and an additional 20% per year thereafter).

The following table shows the required capital ratios with the conversation buffer over the phase-in period.

 
Basel III Community Banks
Minimum Capital Ratio Requirements
 
2016
  
2017
  
2018
  
2019
               
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)
5.125%
  
5.750%
  
6.375%
  
7.000%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
6.625%
  
7.250%
  
7.875%
  
8.500%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
8.625%
  
9.250%
  
9.875%
  
10.500%

Republic is considered “well capitalized” under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action rules. The risk-based capital standards are required to take adequate account of interest rate risk, concentration of credit risk and the risks of non-traditional activities. 

Legislative and Regulatory Changes
 
We are heavily regulated by regulatory agencies at the federal and state levels. We, like most of our competitors, have faced and expect to continue to face increased regulation and regulatory and political scrutiny, which creates significant uncertainty for us as well as the financial services industry in general.
 
Future Legislative and Regulatory Developments
 
It is conceivable that compliance with current or future legislative and regulatory initiatives could require us to change certain business practices, impose significant additional costs on us, limit the products that we offer, result in a significant loss of revenue, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner, require us to increase our regulatory capital, cause business disruptions, impact the value of assets that we hold or otherwise adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition. The extent of changes imposed by any future regulatory initiatives could make it more difficult for us to comply in a timely manner, which could further limit our operations, increase compliance costs or divert management attention or other resources. The long-term impact of legislative and regulatory initiatives on our business practices and revenues will depend upon the successful implementation of our strategies, consumer behavior, and competitors’ responses to such initiatives, all of which are difficult to predict.  Additionally, we may pursue, through appropriate avenues, legislative and regulatory advocacy to provide our input on possible legislative and regulatory developments.

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The Trump Administration has indicated its intent to bring changes to the U.S. financial services industry that we cannot now predict. Public comments by President Donald J. Trump, as well as his appointees at various federal agencies, may suggest the Administration’s intent to change policies and regulations that implement current federal law, including those implementing the Dodd-Frank Act. At this point we are unable to determine what impact the Trump Administration’s policy changes might have on us.

Profitability, Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions
 
In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, the earnings and growth of Republic will be affected by the policies of regulatory authorities, including the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve.  An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the supply of money and other credit conditions in order to manage interest rates.  The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.  The effects of such policies upon the future business, earnings and growth of Republic cannot be determined.

Employees

As of December 31, 2018, we had a total of 531 employees, including 473 full-time employees.

Item 1A:
Risk Factors
 
In addition to the other information included elsewhere in this report and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition,” the following factors could significantly affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or future prospects. Any of the following risks, either alone or taken together, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or future prospects.  If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may be materially adversely affected. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial which could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or future prospects.

We are subject to credit risk in connection with our lending activities, and our financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted by economic conditions and other factors that adversely affect our borrowers.

Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, and in a timely manner.  Lending money is a significant part of the banking business.  Borrowers, however, do not always repay their loans.  The risk of non-payment is assessed through our underwriting and loan review procedures based on several factors including credit risks of a particular borrower, changes in economic conditions, the duration of the loan, and in the case of a collateralized loan, uncertainties as to the future value of the collateral and other factors.  Despite our efforts, we do and will experience loan losses, and our financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected. Our non-performing assets were approximately $16.6 million at December 31, 2018.  Our allowance for loan losses was approximately $8.6 million at December 31, 2018. Our loans between thirty and eighty-nine days delinquent totaled $2.7 million at December 31, 2018.

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Our concentration of commercial real estate loans could result in increased loan losses and costs of compliance.

A substantial portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial real estate loans.  The commercial real estate market is cyclical and poses risks of loss to us because of the concentration of commercial real estate loans in our loan portfolio, and the lack of diversity in risk associated with such a concentration.  Banking regulators have been giving and continue to give commercial real estate lending greater scrutiny, and banks with larger commercial real estate loan portfolios are expected by their regulators to implement improved underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress-testing practices to manage risks associated with commercial real estate lending.  In addition, commercial real estate lenders are making greater provisions for loan losses and accumulating higher capital levels as a result of commercial real estate lending exposures.  Additional losses or regulatory requirements related to our commercial real estate loan concentration could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to absorb actual loan losses, and we may be required to make further provisions for loan losses and charge off additional loans in the future, which could materially and adversely affect our business.

We attempt to maintain an allowance for loan losses, established through a provision for loan losses accounted for as an expense, which is adequate to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio.  If our allowance for loan losses is inadequate, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The determination of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes.  Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. Increases in nonperforming loans have a significant impact on our allowance for loan losses.  Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to absorb actual loan losses. If trends in the real estate markets were to deteriorate, we could experience increased delinquencies and credit losses, particularly with respect to real estate construction and land acquisition and development loans and one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. As a result, we may have to make provisions for loan losses and charge off loans in the future, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. 

In addition to our internal processes for determining loss allowances, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase the provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs, based on judgments that differ from those of our management.  If loan charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses, we will need to increase our allowance for loan losses. Furthermore, growth in our loan portfolio would generally lead to an increase in the provision for loan losses. Any increases in our allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and capital, and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

13
We are required to make significant estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our financial statements, including our allowance for loan losses, and our estimates and assumptions may not be accurate.

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, require our management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting periods.  Critical estimates are made by management in determining, among other things, the allowance for loan losses, carrying values of other real estate owned, assessment of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of investment securities, fair value of financial instruments, and the realization of deferred income taxes.  If our underlying estimates and assumptions prove to be incorrect, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by other-than-temporary impairment charges relating to our investment portfolio.

In prior years we recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges for certain bank pooled trust preferred securities, and we may be required to record future impairment charges on our investment securities if they suffer declines in value that we determine are other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including the lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain investment securities, the absence of reliable pricing information for investment securities, adverse changes in the business climate, adverse regulatory actions or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, could have a negative effect on our investment portfolio in future periods. If an impairment charge is significant enough, it could affect the Bank’s ability to pay dividends, which could materially adversely affect us. Significant impairment charges could also negatively impact our regulatory capital ratios and result in us not being classified as “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes.

Our net interest income, net income and results of operations are sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates.

Our net income depends on the net income of Republic, and Republic is dependent primarily upon its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.

Our results of operations will be affected by changes in market interest rates and other economic factors beyond our control.  If our interest-earning assets have longer effective maturities than our interest-bearing liabilities, the yield on our interest-earning assets generally will adjust more slowly than the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities, and, as a result, our net interest income generally will be adversely affected by material and prolonged increases in interest rates, and positively affected by comparable declines in interest rates.  Conversely, if liabilities re-price more slowly than assets, net interest income would be adversely affected by declining interest rates, and positively affected by increasing interest rates.  At any time, our assets and liabilities will reflect interest rate risk of some degree.

Potential concerns for the longer term economic outlook include the continued flattening of the yield curve and an increasingly inverted yield curve (which may or may not signal a future recession), the risk of economic overheating in the near future, and concerns surrounding the long term fiscal position of the United States. In addition to affecting interest income and expense, changes in interest rates also can affect the value of our interest-earning assets, comprising fixed and adjustable-rate instruments, as well as the ability to realize gains from the sale of such assets.  Generally, the value of fixed-rate instruments fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates, and changes in interest rates may therefore have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

14
We are a holding company dependent for liquidity on payments from our banking subsidiary, which payments are subject to restrictions.

We are a holding company and depend on dividends, distributions and other payments from Republic to fund dividend payments, if any, and to fund all payments on obligations. Republic and its subsidiaries are subject to laws that restrict dividend payments or authorize regulatory bodies to block or reduce the flow of funds from those subsidiaries to us.  Restrictions or regulatory actions of that kind could impede our access to funds that we may need to make payments on our obligations or dividend payments, if any.  In addition, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors.

Our business is concentrated in and dependent upon the continued growth and welfare of our primary market area.

Our primary service area consists of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.  Our success depends upon the business activity, population, income levels, deposits and real estate activity in this area.  Although our customers’ businesses and financial interests may extend well beyond this area, adverse economic conditions that affect our primary service area could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans to us, and generally adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Because of our geographic concentration, we are less able than other regional or national financial institutions to diversify our credit risks across multiple markets.

Unfavorable economic and financial market conditions may adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

Economic pressure on consumers and businesses and any resulting lack of confidence in the financial markets may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.  A worsening of current economic conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of market conditions on us and others in the industry.  In particular, we may face the following risks in connection with these events:


 ·
increased regulation of our industry and  increased compliance costs;


·
hampering our ability to assess the creditworthiness of customers and to estimate the losses inherent in our credit exposure, as such assessments are made more complex by these difficult market and economic conditions;


·
increasing our credit risk, by increasing the likelihood that our major customers become insolvent and unable to satisfy their obligations to us;


·
impairing our ability to originate loans, by making our customers and prospective customers less willing to borrow, and making loans that meet our underwriting criteria difficult to find; and


·
limiting our interest income, by depressing the yields we are able to earn on our investment portfolio.

15
Our ability to use net operating loss carryforwards to reduce future tax payments may be limited.

As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $16.9 million of U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards, referred to as “NOLs,” available to reduce taxable income in future years.

Utilization of the NOLs may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that may have occurred or that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, referred to as the “Code.” These ownership changes may limit the amount of NOLs that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382 of the Code results from a transaction or series of transactions over a three-year period resulting in an ownership change of more than 50 percentage points of the outstanding stock of a company by certain stockholders or public groups. In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of post-ownership change taxable income a corporation may offset with pre-ownership change NOLs. The limitation imposed by Section 382 for any post-change year would be determined by multiplying the value of our stock immediately before the ownership change (subject to certain adjustments) by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. Any unused annual limitation may be carried over to later years, and the limitation may under certain circumstances be increased by built-in gains which may be present with respect to assets held by us at the time of the ownership change that are recognized in the five-year period after the ownership change.

In addition, the ability to use NOLs will be dependent on our ability to generate taxable income. The NOLs may expire before we generate sufficient taxable income. There were no NOLs that expired in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. There are no NOLs that could expire if not utilized for the year ending December 31, 2019.

Our assets as of December 31, 2018 included a deferred tax asset and we may not be able to realize the full amount of such asset.

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2018, the net deferred tax asset was $12.3 million, compared to a balance of $12.7 million at December 31, 2017.

We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e. likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within its life cycle, based on the weight of available evidence. If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods, a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded.  These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence.

Based on the analysis of the available positive and negative evidence, we determined that a valuation allowance should not be recorded as of December 31, 2018. We used projections of future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary timing differences and carryforwards, as a factor to project recoverability of the deferred tax asset balance. There can be no assurance as to when we will be in a position to fully recapture the benefits of our deferred tax asset.  Further discussion on the analysis of our deferred tax asset can be found in the “Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes” section of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

16
We are required to adopt the FASB’s accounting standard which requires measurement of certain financial assets (including loans) using the current expected credit losses (CECL) beginning in calendar year 2020.

Current GAAP requires an incurred loss methodology for recognizing credit losses that delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. The FASB’s amendment replaces the current incurred loss methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonableness and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our financial statements; however, it is anticipated that the allowance will increase upon the adoption of CECL and that the increased allowance level will have the effect of decreasing shareholders’ equity and the Company’s and Republic’s regulatory capital ratios.

Our mortgage lending business may not provide us with significant noninterest income.

In 2018, we originated $367 million and sold $311 million of residential mortgage loans to investors.  The residential mortgage business is highly competitive, and highly susceptible to changes in market interest rates, consumer confidence levels, employment statistics, the capacity and willingness of secondary market purchasers to acquire and hold or securitize loans, and other factors beyond our control.

Because we sell substantially all of the mortgage loans we originate, the profitability of our mortgage banking business also depends in large part on our ability to aggregate a high volume of loans and sell them in the secondary market at a gain.  In fact, as rates rise, we expect increasing industry-wide competitive pressures related to changing market conditions to reduce our pricing margins and mortgage revenues generally.  Thus, in addition to our dependence on the interest rate environment, we are dependent upon (i) the existence of an active secondary market and (ii) our ability to profitably sell loans or securities into that market.  If our level of mortgage production declines, the profitability will depend upon our ability to reduce our costs commensurate with the reduction of revenue from our mortgage operations.

Our ability to originate and sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon the availability of an active secondary market for single-family mortgage loans, which in turn depends in part upon the continuation of programs currently offered by government-sponsored entities (“GSEs”) and other institutional and non-institutional investors.  These entities account for a substantial portion of the secondary market in residential mortgage loans.  We are highly dependent on these purchasers continuing their mortgage purchasing programs.  Additionally, because the largest participants in the secondary market are Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, GSEs whose activities are governed by federal law, any future changes in laws that significantly affect the activity of these GSEs could, in turn, adversely affect our operations.  In September 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship by the U.S. government.  The federal government has for many years considered proposals to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but the results of any such reform, and their impact on us, are difficult to predict.  To date, no reform proposal has been enacted.

We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify buyers against losses in some circumstances, which could harm liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

We sell nearly all of the mortgage loans held for sale that we originated.  When mortgage loans are sold, whether as whole loans or pursuant to a securitization, we are required to make customary representations and warranties to purchasers, guarantors and insurers, including the GSEs, about the mortgage loans and the manner in which they were originated.  Whole loan sale agreements require repurchase or substitute mortgage loans, or indemnify buyers against losses, in the event we breach these representations or warranties.  In addition, we may be required to repurchase mortgage loans as a result of early payment default of the borrower on a mortgage loan, resulting in these mortgage loans being placed on our books and subjecting us to the risk of a potential default. If repurchase and indemnity demands increase and such demands are valid claims and are in excess of our provision for potential losses, our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

17
Potential acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute shareholder value.

We regularly evaluate opportunities to acquire and invest in banks and in other complementary businesses. As a result, we may engage in negotiations or discussions that, if they were to result in a transaction, could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition, including short and long-term liquidity and capital structure. Our acquisition activities could be material to us. For example, we could issue additional shares of common stock in a purchase transaction, which could dilute current shareholders’ ownership interest. These activities could require us to use a substantial amount of cash, other liquid assets, and/or incur debt. In addition, if goodwill recorded in connection with our prior or potential future acquisitions were determined to be impaired, then we would be required to recognize a charge against our earnings, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations during the period in which the impairment was recognized. Any potential charges for impairment related to goodwill would not impact cash flow, tangible capital or liquidity but would decrease shareholders’ equity.

Our acquisition activities could involve a number of additional risks, including the risks of:


 ·
incurring time and expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential acquisitions and negotiating potential transactions;


·
using inaccurate estimates and judgments to evaluate credit, operations, management, and market risks with respect to the target institution or its assets;


·
the time and expense required to integrate the operations and personnel of the combined businesses;


·
creating an adverse short-term effect on our results of operations; and


·
losing key employees and customers as a result of an acquisition that is poorly conceived.

We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with potential acquisitions. Our inability to overcome these risks could have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our business strategy and maintain our market value.

We may not be able to manage our growth, which may adversely impact our financial results.

As part of our retail growth strategy, we may expand into additional communities or attempt to strengthen our position in our current markets by opening new stores and acquiring existing stores of other financial institutions.  To the extent that we undertake additional stores openings and acquisitions, we are likely to experience the effects of higher operating expenses relative to operating income from the new operations, which may have an adverse effect on our levels of reported net income, return on average equity and return on average assets. Other effects of engaging in such growth strategies may include potential diversion of our management’s time and attention and general disruption to our business.

As part of our retail strategy, we plan to open new stores in our primary service area, including Southern New Jersey, Center City Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Suburbs. We may not, however, be able to identify attractive locations on terms favorable to us, obtain regulatory approvals, or hire qualified management to operate new stores.  In addition, the organizational and overhead costs may be greater than we anticipate.  New stores may take longer than expected to reach profitability, or may not become profitable.  The additional costs of starting new stores may adversely impact our financial results.

18
Our ability to manage growth successfully will depend on whether we can continue to fund our growth while maintaining cost controls, as well as on factors beyond our control, such as national and regional economic conditions and interest rate trends.  If we are not able to control costs, such growth could adversely impact our earnings and financial condition.

Our retail strategy relies heavily on our management team, and the unexpected loss of key managers may adversely affect our operations.

In recent years, we have been successful in attracting new and talented employees to Republic, to add to our management team.   We believe that our ability to successfully implement our retail strategy will require us to retain and attract additional management experienced in banking and financial services, and familiar with the communities in our market.  Our ability to retain executive officers, the current management team, branch managers and loan officers of Republic will continue to be important to the successful implementation of our strategy.  It is also critical, as we grow, to be able to attract and retain additional members of the management team and qualified loan officers with the appropriate level of experience and knowledge about our market areas to implement the community-based operating strategy. The unexpected loss of services of any key management personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to numerous governmental regulations and to comprehensive examination and supervision by regulators, which could have an adverse impact on our operations and could restrict the scope of our operations.

Both the Company and Republic operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to supervision and regulation by several governmental regulatory agencies, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (“PDB”). We are subject to federal and state regulations governing virtually all aspects of our activities, including lines of business, capital, liquidity, investments, payment of dividends, and others. Regulations that apply to us are generally intended to provide protection for depositors and customers rather than investors.

We are subject to extensive regulation and supervision under federal and state laws and regulations. See Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation. The requirements and limitations imposed by such laws and regulations limit the manner in which we conduct our business, undertake new investments and activities and obtain financing.  Financial institution regulation has been the subject of significant legislation in recent years and may be the subject of further significant legislation in the future, none of which is within our control. Compliance with these rules could impose additional costs on banking entities and their holding companies.  Management has reviewed the new standards and will continue to evaluate all options and strategies to ensure ongoing compliance with the new standards, notwithstanding Republic’s current status as well-capitalized.

New programs and proposals may subject us and other financial institutions to additional restrictions, oversight and costs that may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or the price of our common stock. Federal and state regulatory agencies also frequently adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied or enforced. We cannot predict the substance or impact of future legislation, regulation or the application thereof. Compliance with such current and potential regulation and scrutiny may significantly increase our costs, impede the efficiency of our internal business processes, require us to increase our regulatory capital and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner.

19
We face significant competition in our market from other banks and financial institutions.

The banking and financial services industry in our market area is highly competitive.  We may not be able to compete effectively in our markets, which could adversely affect our results of operations.  The increasingly competitive environment is a result of changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and consolidation among financial service providers.  Larger institutions have greater access to capital markets, with higher lending limits and a broader array of services.  Competition may require increases in deposit rates and decreases in loan rates, and adversely impact our net interest margin.

We may not have the resources to effectively implement new technologies, which could adversely affect our competitive position and results of operations.

The financial services industry is constantly undergoing technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services.  In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs.  Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand in our market. Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products to those that we will be able to offer, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. Accordingly, we may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing such products and services to our customers.  If we are unable to do so, our competitive position and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting may not achieve their intended objectives.

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that we timely report information as specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We also maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting.  These controls may not achieve their intended objectives.  Control processes that involve human diligence and compliance, such as our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, are subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures.  Controls can also be circumvented by collusion or improper management override.  Because of such limitations, there are risks that material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected and that information may not be reported on a timely basis.  If our controls are not effective, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and market for our common stock, and could subject us to regulatory scrutiny.

We are subject to certain operational risks, including, but not limited to, customer or employee fraud and data processing system failures and errors. 

Employee errors and misconduct could subject us to financial losses or regulatory sanctions and seriously harm our reputation. Misconduct by our employees could include hiding unauthorized activities from us, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of our customers or improper use of confidential information. It is not always possible to prevent employee errors and misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Employee errors could also subject us to financial claims for negligence.

20
We maintain a system of internal controls and insurance coverage to mitigate operational risks, including data processing system failures and errors, and customer or employee fraud. Should our internal controls fail to prevent or detect an occurrence, or if any resulting loss is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

System failure or breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other liabilities.

The computer systems and network infrastructure we use could be vulnerable to unforeseen problems. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event, as well as from security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Computer break-ins, phishing and other disruptions could also jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability to us and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with us. Although we, with the help of third-party service providers, intend to continue to implement security technology and establish operational procedures to prevent such damage, these security measures may not be successful. In addition, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms we and our third-party service providers use to encrypt and protect customer transaction data. A failure of such security measures could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If we want to, or are compelled to, raise additional capital in the future, that capital may not be available to us when it is needed or on terms that are favorable to us or current shareholders.

Federal banking regulators require us, and Republic, to maintain capital to support our operations.  Regulatory capital ratios are defined and required ratios are established by laws and regulations promulgated by banking regulatory agencies.  At December 31, 2018, our regulatory capital ratios were above “well capitalized” levels under current bank regulatory guidelines. To be “well capitalized,” banking companies generally must maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%, a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of at least 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%. Regulators, however, may require us, or Republic, to maintain higher regulatory capital ratios. 

Our ability to raise additional capital in the future will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, on our financial performance and on other factors. Accordingly, we may not be able to raise additional capital on terms and time frames acceptable to us, or at all.  If we cannot raise additional capital in sufficient amounts when needed, our ability to comply with regulatory capital requirements could be materially impaired. Additionally, the inability to raise capital in sufficient amounts may adversely affect our operations, financial condition and results of operations.  Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are nonspecific to us, such as disruption of the financial markets or negative news and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry.  If we raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or other securities, we would likely dilute the ownership interests of investors, and could dilute the per share book value and earnings per share of our common stock.  Furthermore, a capital raise through issuance of additional shares may have an adverse impact on our stock price.

21
We may be exposed to environmental liabilities with respect to real estate that we have or had title to in the past.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. In the course of our business, we may foreclose, accept deeds in lieu of foreclosure, or otherwise acquire real estate in connection with our lending activities. We also acquire real estate in connection with our store expansion plans and growth strategy. As a result, we could become subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties.  We may become responsible to a governmental agency or third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by those parties in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean-up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with environmental investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property.  Although we have policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before acquiring title to any real property, these may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards.  If we were to become subject to significant environmental liabilities, it could materially and adversely affect us.

Our common stock is not insured by any governmental entity and, therefore, an investment in our common stock involves risk.

Our common stock is not a deposit account or other obligation of any bank, and is not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental entity, and is subject to investment risk, including possible loss.

There may be future sales of our common stock, which may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of our common stock, including securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of our common stock. Our issuance of shares of common stock in the future will dilute the ownership interests of our existing shareholders.
 
Additionally, the sale of substantial amounts of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock, whether directly by us or by existing common shareholders in the secondary market, the perception that such sales could occur or the availability for future sale of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock could, in turn, materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or equity-related securities.  The convertible trust preferred securities of Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV were converted into 1.7 million shares of our common stock in the years 2017 and 2018.
 
In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized to designate and issue preferred stock without further shareholder approval, and we may issue other equity securities that are senior to our common stock in the future for a number of reasons, including, without limitation, to support operations and growth, to maintain our capital ratios and to comply with any future changes in regulatory standards.
 
Our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Market.  During 2018, the average daily trading volume for our common stock was approximately 158,900 shares.  Sales of our common stock may place significant downward pressure on the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, it may be difficult for holders to resell their shares at prices they find attractive, or at all.

22
Our common stock is subordinate to our existing and future indebtedness and any preferred stock and effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and preferred equity claims against our subsidiaries.

Shares of our common stock are common equity interests in us and, as such, will rank junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities. Additionally, holders of our common stock may become subject to the prior dividend and liquidation rights of holders of any classes or series of preferred stock that our Board of Directors may designate and issue without any action on the part of the holders of our common stock. Furthermore, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon any of our subsidiaries’ liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors and preferred shareholders. As of December 31, 2018, we had $11.3 million of outstanding debt related to trust preferred securities.

Our ability to pay dividends depends upon the results of operations of our subsidiaries.

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock.  Our Board of Directors intends to follow a policy of retaining earnings for the purpose of increasing our capital for the foreseeable future.
 
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared from time to time by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion out of funds legally available for that purpose, after debt service payments and payments of dividends required to be paid on our outstanding preferred stock, if any. 

While we, as a bank holding company, are not subject to certain restrictions on dividends applicable to Republic, our ability to pay dividends to the holders of our common stock will depend to a large extent upon the amount of dividends paid by Republic to us.  Regulatory authorities restrict the amount of cash dividends Republic can declare and pay without prior regulatory approval.  Presently, Republic cannot declare or pay dividends in any one-year in excess of retained earnings for that year subject to risk based capital requirements.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, current and potential shareholders may lose confidence in our financial reporting and disclosures and could subject us to regulatory scrutiny.

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, referred to as Section 404, we are required to include in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our management’s report on internal control over financial reporting. While we have reported no material weaknesses in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, we cannot guarantee that we will not have any material weaknesses in the future.
 
Compliance with the requirements of Section 404 is expensive and time-consuming. If, in the future, we fail to complete this evaluation in a timely manner we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of public confidence in our internal control over financial reporting.  In addition, any failure to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures could cause our current and potential shareholders and customers to lose confidence in our financial reporting and disclosure required under the Exchange Act, which could adversely affect our business.

23
Our governing documents, Pennsylvania law, and current policies of our Board of Directors contain provisions, which may reduce the likelihood of a change in control transaction, which may otherwise be available and attractive to shareholders.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain certain anti-takeover provisions that may make it more difficult or expensive or may discourage a tender offer, change in control or takeover attempt that is opposed by our Board of Directors.  In particular, the articles of incorporation and bylaws classify our Board of Directors into three groups, so that shareholders elect only approximately one-third of the Board each year; permit shareholders to remove directors only for cause and only upon the vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting shares; require our shareholders to give us advance notice to nominate candidates for election to the Board of Directors or to make shareholder proposals at a shareholders’ meeting; require the vote of the holders of at least 60% of our voting shares for shareholder amendments to our bylaws; require the vote of the holders of at least 75% of our voting shares to approve certain business combinations; and restrict the holdings and voting rights of shareholders who would acquire more than 10% of our outstanding common stock without the approval of two-thirds of our Board of Directors.  These provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control, even though a majority of our shareholders may consider such proposals desirable.  Such provisions could also make it more difficult for third parties to remove and replace the members of our Board of Directors.  Moreover, these provisions could diminish the opportunities for shareholders to participate in certain tender offers, including tender offers at prices above the then-current market value of our common stock, and may also inhibit increases in the trading price of our common stock that could result from takeover attempts or speculation. 

In addition, anti-takeover provisions in Pennsylvania law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us. These provisions could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could reduce the amount that shareholders might receive if we are sold.  For example, Pennsylvania law may restrict a third party’s ability to obtain control of us and may prevent shareholders from receiving a premium for their shares of our common stock.  Pennsylvania law also provides that our shareholders are not entitled by statute to propose amendments to our articles of incorporation.

Uncertainty about the future of LIBOR may adversely affect our business.

LIBOR and certain other interest rate “benchmarks” are the subject of recent national, international, and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. These reforms may cause such benchmarks to perform differently than in the past or have other consequences which cannot be predicted. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, publicly announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit information to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. The announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot be guaranteed after 2021. While there is no consensus on what rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, a group of market participants convened by the Federal Reserve, the Alternative Reference Rate Committee, has selected the Secured Overnight Finance Rate as its recommended alternative to LIBOR. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York started to publish the Secured Overnight Financing Rate in April 2018. The Secured Overnight Financing Rate is a broad measure of the cost of overnight borrowings collateralized by Treasury securities that was selected by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee due to the depth and robustness of the U.S. Treasury repurchase market. At this time, it is impossible to predict whether the Secured Overnight Financing Rate will become an accepted alternative to LIBOR.

The market transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, is complex and could have a range of adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, any such transition could:

24
  •
adversely affect the interest rates paid or received on, the revenue and expenses associated with or the value of our LIBOR-based assets and liabilities, which include certain variable rate loans and subordinated debt;

  •
adversely affect the interest rates paid or received on, the revenue and expenses associated with or the value of other securities or financial arrangements, given LIBOR’s role in determining market interest rates globally;

  •
prompt inquiries or other actions from regulators in respect of our preparation and readiness for the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate; and

  •
result in disputes, litigation or other actions with counterparties regarding the interpretation and enforceability of certain fallback language in LIBOR-based contracts and securities.

The transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate will require the transition to or development of appropriate systems and analytics to effectively transition our risk management and other processes from LIBOR-based products to those based on the applicable alternative reference rate, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. There can be no guarantee that these efforts will successfully mitigate the operational risks associated with the transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate.

The manner and impact of the transition from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate, as well as the effect of these developments on our funding costs, loan and investment and trading securities portfolios, asset-liability management, and business, is uncertain.

Our financial results may be adversely affected by changes in U.S. and non-U.S. tax and other laws and regulations.

On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was signed into law. The Tax Act includes many provisions that effected our income tax expenses, including reducing its corporate federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result of the rate reduction, we were required to re-measure, through income tax expense in the period of enactment, our deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted rate at which we expected them to be recovered or settled. The re-measurement of the net deferred tax asset resulted in additional income tax expense of $7.7 million recorded in fourth quarter 2017.

Due to the ongoing success of our growth and expansion strategy, along with the successful integration of the mortgage company and the limited exposure remaining with current asset quality issues put us in a position to rely on projections of future taxable income when evaluating the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Based on the guidance provided in ASC 740, we believed that the positive evidence considered at December 31, 2017 outweighed the negative evidence and that it was more likely than not that all of our deferred tax assets would be realized within their life cycle. Therefore, a valuation allowance was not required at December 31, 2017 and a $10.6 million benefit for income taxes was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 to reflect the reversal of the valuation allowance.

The $10.6 million tax benefit recognized when reversing the deferred tax asset valuation allowance offset the $7.7 million charge related to the change in the corporate tax rate resulting in a net tax benefit and increase in net income of $2.9 million during 2017.

Also on December 22, 2017, the SEC released SAB 118 to address any uncertainty or diversity of views in practice in accounting for the income tax effects of the Act in situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete this accounting in the reporting period that includes the enactment date. SAB 118 allowed for a measurement period not to extend beyond one year from the Act’s enactment date to complete the necessary accounting.

25
We recorded provisional amounts of deferred income taxes using reasonable estimates in three areas where information necessary to complete the accounting was not available, prepared or analyzed as follows: (i) the deferred tax liability for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of fixed assets principally due to the accelerated depreciation under the Act which allowed for full expensing of qualified property purchased and placed in service after September 27, 2017; (ii) the deferred tax asset for temporary differences associated with accrued compensation was awaiting final determinations of amounts that were paid and deducted on the 2017 income tax returns and (iii) the deferred tax liability for temporary differences associated with equity investments in partnerships were awaiting receipt of Schedules K-1 from outside preparers, which was necessary to determine the 2017 tax impact from these investments.

In a fourth area, we made no adjustments to deferred tax assets representing future deductions for accrued compensation that were subject to new limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) which, generally, limits the annual deduction for certain compensation paid to certain team members to $1 million. There was uncertainty in applying the newly enacted rules to existing contracts, and we were seeking further clarifications before completing its analysis. We completed the calculations for the provisional items with the completion of the 2017 tax returns and completed the analysis of the Section 162(m) rules after further guidance was issued. The impact of the completed calculations to the re-measurement of the deferred taxes resulted in an immaterial change and the analysis of the 162(m) rules resulted in no adjustment.

Item 1B:
Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2:
Description of Properties

We currently have twenty-three lease agreements that expire on various dates in the future. Eight of the leased locations are utilized as back-office support locations, operations centers, loan production offices, training and storage facilities and our corporate headquarters.  The other fifteen leased properties are for store locations, all of which are open and operating today. The spaces covered by these leases range in square footage from approximately 800 square feet to 40,000 square feet.  Please see Note 11 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the leases.  In addition, we own seventeen properties utilized for store locations.  Eleven of the stores are open and operating today, two are under construction and four are scheduled to begin construction during 2019. Management believes these facilities are adequate to meet our present and immediately foreseeable needs from a real estate perspective.

Item 3:
Legal Proceedings

The Company and Republic are from time to time parties (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits in the normal course of business. While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management is of the opinion that the liability of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Republic.

Item 4:
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

26
PART II

Item 5:
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

Shares of the Company’s class of common stock are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FRBK.” As of March 11, 2019, there were approximately 100 record holders.

Dividend Policy

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock and has no plans to pay cash dividends during 2019.  The Company’s ability to pay dividends depends primarily on receipt of dividends from the Company’s subsidiary, Republic.  Dividend payments from Republic are subject to legal and regulatory limitations.  The ability of Republic to pay dividends is also subject to profitability, financial condition, capital expenditures and other cash flow requirements.

27
Item 6:
Selected Financial Data

   
As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
  
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
    
2015
    
2014
  
                               
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
                              
Total interest income
  
$
92,074
    
$
70,849
    
$
54,227
    
$
45,436
    
$
40,473
  
Total interest expense
    
16,170
      
8,784
      
6,863
      
5,381
      
4,644
  
Net interest income
    
75,904
      
62,065
      
47,364
      
40,055
      
35,829
  
Provision for loan losses
    
2,300
      
900
      
1,557
      
500
      
900
  
Non-interest income
    
20,322
      
20,097
      
15,312
      
9,943
      
8,017
  
Non-interest expenses
    
83,721
      
75,276
      
56,293
      
47,091
      
40,550
  
Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes
    
10,205
      
5,986
      
4,826
      
2,407
      
2,396
  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    
1,578
      
(2,919
)
    
(119
)
    
(26
)
    
(46
)
Net income
  
$
8,627
    
$
8,905
    
$
4,945
    
$
2,433
    
$
2,442
  
                                         
PER SHARE DATA
                                        
Basic earnings per share
  
$
0.15
    
$
0.16
    
$
0.13
    
$
0.06
    
$
0.07
  
Diluted earnings per share
  
$
0.15
    
$
0.15
    
$
0.12
    
$
0.06
    
$
0.07
  
Book value per share
  
$
4.17
    
$
3.97
    
$
3.79
    
$
3.00
    
$
2.98
  
Tangible book value per share (1)
  
$
4.09
    
$
3.89
    
$
3.70
    
$
3.00
    
$
2.98
  
                                         
BALANCE SHEET DATA
                                        
Total assets
  
$
2,753,297
    
$
2,322,347
    
$
1,923,931
    
$
1,438,824
    
$
1,214,598
  
Total loans, net
    
1,427,983
      
1,153,679
      
955,817
      
866,066
      
770,404
  
Total investment securities
    
1,088,331
      
938,561
      
803,604
      
460,131
      
254,402
  
Total deposits
    
2,392,867
      
2,063,295
      
1,677,670
      
1,249,298
      
1,072,230
  
Short-term borrowings
    
91,422
      
-
      
-
      
47,000
      
-
  
Subordinated debt
    
11,259
      
21,681
      
21,881
      
21,857
      
22,476
  
Total shareholders’ equity
    
245,189
      
226,460
      
215,053
      
113,375
      
112,811
  
                                         
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
                                        
Return on average assets
    
0.34
%
    
0.43
%
    
0.30
%
    
0.19
%
    
0.23
%
Return on average shareholders’ equity
    
3.69
%
    
4.02
%
    
3.97
%
    
2.14
%
    
2.51
%
Net interest margin
    
3.16
%
    
3.23
%
    
3.14
%
    
3.29
%
    
3.56
%
Total non-interest expenses as a percentage of average assets
    
3.28
%
    
3.64
%
    
3.45
%
    
3.59
%
    
3.80
%
                                         
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS
                                        
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans
    
0.60
%
    
0.74
%
    
0.95
%
    
0.99
%
    
1.48
%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans
    
83.31
%
    
57.93
%
    
48.45
%
    
68.95
%
    
53.81
%
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans
    
0.72
%
    
1.28
%
    
1.96
%
    
1.44
%
    
2.74
%
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
    
0.60
%
    
0.94
%
    
1.51
%
    
1.66
%
    
2.07
%
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans, net
    
0.17
%
    
0.13
%
    
0.12
%
    
0.41
%
    
0.22
%
                                         
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RATIOS
                                        
Average equity to average assets
    
9.16
%
    
10.72
%
    
7.63
%
    
8.67
%
    
9.12
%
Leverage ratio
    
9.35
%
    
10.64
%
    
12.74
%
    
9.65
%
    
11.23
%
CET 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
    
13.90
%
    
14.75
%
    
16.59
%
    
10.42
%
    
-
  
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
    
14.53
%
    
16.13
%
    
18.28
%
    
12.40
%
    
13.88
%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
    
15.03
%
    
16.70
%
    
18.99
%
    
13.19
%
    
15.10
%

(1) A Non-GAAP Disclosure

28
Item 7:
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with Item 6 “Selected Financial Data” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Item 8 of this report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to those set forth in Item 1A, entitled, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

Executive Summary

“The Power of Red is Back” growth campaign continued to deliver exceptional results in 2018.  Four new stores were opened during 2018 using our distinctive glass prototype building increasing our total store count to twenty five locations. Despite the significant investments required to execute our growth and expansion strategy, we were able to demonstrate significant improvement in profitability as net income before taxes increased by 70% year over year.  Loans grew 24% and deposits increased by 16%.  Customer accounts grew by 29% as we continue to welcome new Fans every day.

The momentum of our expansion strategy continues to build and demonstrate positive results throughout the Metro Philadelphia market. We’ve also announced plans to begin expanding into the Metro New York market with the opening of two to four stores in Manhattan during 2019. We are excited for the opportunity to bring the “Power of Red is Back” growth campaign to the many Fans waiting for us in New York City.

Our expansion plans will not only focus on the addition of new Store locations, build also includes a strong commitment to deliver exceptional service and convenience service through all delivery channels including mobile and on-line banking options. As we watch our competition shutter the doors on their branch network and offer declining levels of customer service, we see endless opportunities to successfully execute our expansion plan.

Additional highlights for the year ended December 31, 2018 include the following accomplishments:


 ·
We have twenty-five convenient store locations open today. During 2018, we began our expansion into Bucks County, PA with the opening of our store in Fairless Hills. We also opened stores in Gloucester Township, Evesboro and Somers Point in New Jersey. Construction is underway on sites in Lumberton, NJ and Feasterville, PA and is expected to be completed in the early part of 2019.


·
Expansion into New York City is scheduled to begin in 2019. We expect to open two to four new stores in Manhattan in the coming year. Leases have been signed for the first two locations with construction about to begin.


·
New stores opened since the beginning of the “Power of Red is Back” expansion campaign in 2014 are currently growing deposits at an average rate of $27 million per year, while the average deposit growth for all stores over the last twelve months was approximately $14 million per year.


·
Demand deposits represent the fastest growing segment of our deposit base. These deposits grew by $315 million to $1.6 billion over the last 12 months, including growth of 18% in non-interest bearing demand deposit balances.

29

 ·
Net income before tax grew by 70% to $10.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to $6.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. During 2018, we continued to open new stores and improve profitability despite the additional costs associated with the growth and expansion strategy.


·
Total assets increased by $431 million, or 19%, to $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2018 compared to $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2017.


·
Outstanding loans increased by $274 million, or 24%, to $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2018 compared to $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2017.


·
Asset quality continues to improve. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets declined to 0.60% as of December 31, 2018 compared to 0.94% as of December 31, 2017.


·
We converted $10.6 million of outstanding trust preferred securities to 1.6 million shares of common stock during the first quarter of 2018. This conversion will result in a reduction of interest expense of approximately $0.9 million on an annual basis going forward.


·
Our residential mortgage division, Oak Mortgage, is serving the home financing needs of customers throughout our footprint. Oak originated more than $360 million in loans during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2018.


·
Meeting the needs of small business customers continued to be an important part of our lending strategy. Nearly $43 million in new SBA loans were originated during the year ended December 31, 2018. Republic Bank is currently ranked as the #1 SBA lender in New Jersey based on the dollar volume of loan originations.


·
Capital levels remain strong. Our Total Risk-Based Capital ratio was 15.03% and Tier I Leverage Ratio was 9.35% at December 31, 2018.


·
Book value per common share increased to $4.17 as of December 31, 2018 compared to $3.97 as of December 31, 2017.

Non-GAAP Based Financial Measures

Our selected financial data contains a non-GAAP financial measure calculated using non-GAAP amounts.  This measure is tangible book value per common share. Tangible book value per share adjusts the numerator by the amount of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (as a reduction of Shareholders’ Equity).  Management uses non-GAAP measures to present historical periods comparable to the current period presentation. In addition, management believes the use of non-GAAP measures provides additional clarity when assessing our financial results and use of equity.  Disclosures of this type should not be viewed as substitutes for results determined to be in accordance with U.S. GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other entities.

30
The following table provides a reconciliation of tangible book value per common share as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31, 2018
    
December 31, 2017
  
             
Total shareholders’ equity
  
$
245,189
    
$
226,460
  
Reconciling items:
                
Goodwill
    
(5,011
)
    
(5,011
)
Tangible common equity
  
$
240,178
    
$
221,449
  
Common shares outstanding
    
58,789,228
      
56,989,764
  
Tangible book value per common share
  
$
4.09
    
$
3.89
  

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

In reviewing and understanding our financial information, you are encouraged to read and understand the significant accounting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements. These policies are described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting and financial reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to general practices within the banking industry. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Management evaluates these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis including those related to the allowance for loan losses, carrying values of other real estate owned, other than temporary impairment of securities, fair value of financial instruments and deferred income taxes.  Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other factors and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These form the basis for making judgments on the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We have identified the policies related to the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment of securities, loans receivable, mortgage loans held for sale, interest rate lock commitments, forward loan sale commitments, goodwill, other real estate owned, and deferred income taxes as being critical.

Allowance for Loan Losses - Management’s ongoing evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on our past loan loss experience, the volume and composition of our lending, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other factors affecting the known and inherent risk in the portfolio.  The allowance for loan losses is increased by charges to income through the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). The allowance is maintained at a level that management, based upon its evaluation, considers adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates including, among others, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impacted loans, exposure at default, value of collateral, and estimated losses on our commercial and residential loan portfolios. All of these estimates may be susceptible to significant change.

The allowance consists of specific allowances for impaired loans, a general allowance on the remainder of the portfolio, and an unallocated component to account for a level of imprecision in management’s estimation process. Although management determines the amount of each element of the allowance separately, the allowance for loan losses as a whole is available for the entire loan portfolio.

31
Management establishes an allowance on certain impaired loans for the amount by which the discounted cash flows, observable market price, or fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, is lower than the carrying value of the loan. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. A delay or shortfall in amount of payments does not necessarily result in the loan being identified as impaired.

Management also establishes a general allowance on non-impaired loans to recognize the inherent losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular loans. This general valuation allowance is determined by segregating the loans by loan category and assigning allowance percentages based on our historical loss experience, delinquency trends, and management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio.

Management also evaluates classified loans, which are not impaired. We segregate these loans by category and assign qualitative factors to each loan based on inherent losses associated with each type of lending and consideration that these loans, in the aggregate, represent an above-average credit risk and that more of these loans will prove to be uncollectible compared to loans in the general portfolio.  Classification of a loan within this category is based on identified weaknesses that increase the credit risk of the loan.

The allowance is adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. These significant factors may include changes in lending policies and procedures, changes in existing general economic and business conditions affecting its primary lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral value, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio, duration of the current business cycle, and bank regulatory examination results. The applied loss factors are re-evaluated each reporting period to ensure their relevance in the current economic environment.

While management uses the best information known to it in order to make loan loss allowance valuations, adjustments to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, or changes in accounting guidance. In times of economic slowdown, either regional or national, the risk inherent in the loan portfolio could increase resulting in the need for additional provisions to the allowance for loan losses in future periods. An increase could also be necessitated by an increase in the size of the loan portfolio or in any of its components even though the credit quality of the overall portfolio may be improving. Historically, the estimates of the allowance for loan loss have provided adequate coverage against actual losses incurred.  In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the FDIC, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities or the FDIC may require the recognition of adjustment to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examinations. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from management’s estimates, additional provisions to the allowance for loan losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Securities - Securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. To determine whether a loss in value is other-than-temporary, management utilizes criteria such as the reasons underlying the decline, the magnitude and duration of the decline and our intent and ability to retain its investment in the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in the fair value. The term “other-than-temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the value of the security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized.

32
Mortgage Banking Activities and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale – Mortgage loans held for sale are originated and held until sold to permanent investors. Management elected to adopt the fair value option in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, and record loans held for sale at fair value.

Mortgage loans held for sale originated on or subsequent to the election of the fair value option, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair value is determined on a recurring basis by utilizing quoted prices from dealers in such securities. Changes in fair value are reflected in mortgage banking income in the statements of income. Direct loan origination costs are recognized when incurred and are included in non-interest expense in the statements of income.

 Interest Rate Lock Commitments - Mortgage loan commitments known as interest rate locks that relate to the origination of a mortgage that will be held for sale upon funding are considered derivative instruments under the derivatives and hedging accounting guidance FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Loan commitments that are classified as derivatives are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet as other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income. Outstanding IRLCs are subject to interest rate risk and related price risk during the period from the date of issuance through the date of loan funding, cancellation or expiration. Loan commitments generally range between 30 and 90 days; however, the borrower is not obligated to obtain the loan. Republic is subject to fallout risk related to IRLCs, which is realized if approved borrowers choose not to close on the loans within the terms of the IRLCs. Republic uses best efforts commitments to substantially eliminate these risks. The valuation of the IRLCs issued by Republic includes the value of the servicing released premium. Republic sells loans servicing released, and the servicing released premium is included in the market price. See Note 24 Derivatives and Risk Management Activities for further detail on IRLCs.

Forward Loan Sale Commitments - Forward loan sale commitments are commitments to sell individual mortgage loans at a fixed price to an investor at a future date. Forward loan sale commitments are accounted for as derivatives and carried at fair value, determined as the amount that would be necessary to settle the derivative financial instrument at the balance sheet date. Gross derivative assets and liabilities are recorded as other assets and other liabilities with changes in fair value during the period recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income.

Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is recognized as an asset and is to be reviewed for impairment annually. We completed an annual impairment test for goodwill as of July 31, 2018 and 2017. Future impairment testing will be conducted as of July 31 on an annual basis, unless a triggering event occurs in the interim that would suggest impairment, in which case it would be tested as of the date of the triggering event.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no goodwill impairment recorded. There can be no assurance that future impairment assessments or tests will not result in a charge to earnings. There was $5.0 million of goodwill at December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Other Real Estate Owned - Other real estate owned consists of assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure.  They are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis.  Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less the cost to sell.  Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in net expenses from other real estate owned.

33
Income Taxes - Management makes estimates and judgments to calculate various tax liabilities and determine the recoverability of various deferred tax assets, which arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenues and expenses. Management also estimates a reserve for deferred tax assets if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. These estimates and judgments are inherently subjective. Historically, management’s estimates and judgments to calculate the deferred tax accounts have not required significant revision.

In evaluating our ability to recover deferred tax assets, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including the past operating results and forecasts of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, management makes assumptions for the amount of taxable income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require management to make judgments about the future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates used to manage the business. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require management to record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on future earnings.

Results of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017

We reported net income of $8.6 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to net income of $8.9 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in net income of $278,000 was related to an increase in total non-interest expense and the provision for income taxes partially offset by an increase in net interest income and non-interest income. Net income before tax grew by 70%, or $4.2 million to $10.2 million for the twelve months December 31, 2018 compared to net income before tax of $6.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

Net interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 increased $13.8 million to $75.9 million as compared to $62.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Interest income increased $21.2 million, or 30.0%, due primarily to an increase in average loans receivable and investment securities balances. Interest expense increased $7.4 million, or 84.1%, primarily due to an increase in the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities and the balance of average interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in interest rates associated with the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was mainly driven by the increases in the Fed Funds rate during 2018.

We recorded a loan loss provision in the amount of $2.3 million, an increase of $1.4 million  for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to a provision of $900,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The higher provision recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 is charged to operations in an amount necessary to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level that management believes is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The increase was primarily a result of an increase in the allowance required for loans collectively evaluated for impairment due to growth in outstanding loans during 2018.

Non-interest income increased $225,000 to $20.3 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $20.1 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily driven by service fees on deposit accounts, partially offset by a decrease in mortgage banking income, gains on the sale of SBA loans, and loan and servicing fees recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

34
Non-interest expenses increased $8.4 million to $83.7 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $75.3 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.  The increase was primarily driven by higher salaries, employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expenses associated with the addition of new stores related to our expansion strategy which we refer to as “The Power of Red is Back”.

Return on average assets and average equity were 0.34% and 3.69%, respectively, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to 0.43% and 4.02%, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

35
Average Balances and Net Interest Income

Historically, our earnings have depended primarily upon Republic’s net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is affected by changes in the mix of the volume and rates of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table provides an analysis of net interest income on an annualized basis, setting forth for the periods average assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity, interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities, and Republic’s net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest-earning assets). Averages are computed based on daily balances. Non-accrual loans are included in average loans receivable. Yields are adjusted for tax equivalency, a non-GAAP measure, using a rate of 21% in 2018 and 35% in 2017 and 2016.

Average Balances and Net Interest Income

   
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2018
  
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2017
  
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
Income/
Expense
    
Yield/
Rate(1)
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
Income/
Expense
    
Yield/
Rate(1)
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
Income/
Expense
    
Yield/
Rate(1)
Interest-earning assets:
                                                      
Federal funds sold and other interest earning assets
  
$
40,931
    
$
847
      
2.07
%
  
$
48,148
    
$
577
      
1.20
%
  
$
92,452
    
$
473
      
0.51
%
Investment securities and restricted stock
    
1,037,810
      
27,316
      
2.63
%
    
811,269
      
20,466
      
2.52
%
    
506,545
      
12,346
      
2.44
%
Loans receivable
    
1,340,117
      
64,455
      
4.81
%
    
1,090,851
      
50,687
      
4.65
%
    
936,492
      
42,304
      
4.52
%
Total interest-earning assets
    
2,418,858
      
92,618
      
3.83
 %    
1,950,268
      
71,730
      
3.68
 %    
1,535,489
      
55,123
      
3.59
 %
Other assets
    
131,369
                      
115,770
                      
96,902
                  
Total assets
  
$
2,550,227
                    
$
2,066,038
                    
$
1,632,391
                  
                                                                         
Interest bearing liabilities:
                                                                        
Demand – non-interest bearing
  
$
488,995
                    
$
372,171
                    
$
284,326
                  
Demand – interest bearing
    
918,508
      
7,946
      
0.87
%
    
687,586
      
3,020
      
0.44
%
    
510,745
      
2,088
      
0.41
%
Money market & savings
    
697,135
      
4,898
      
0.70
%
    
629,464
      
3,160
      
0.50
%
    
586,750
      
2,639
      
0.45
%
Time deposits
    
128,892
      
1,588
      
1.23
%
    
110,952
      
1,238
      
1.12
%
    
89,713
      
942
      
1.05
%
Total deposits
    
2,233,530
      
14,432
      
0.65
%
    
1,800,173
      
7,418
      
0.41
%
    
1,471,534
      
5,669
      
0.39
%
Total interest bearing deposits
    
1,744,535
      
14,432
      
0.83
%
    
1,428,002
      
7,418
      
0.52
%
    
1,187,208
      
5,669
      
0.48
%
Other borrowings
    
73,573
      
1,738
      
2.36
%
    
35,429
      
1,366
      
3.86
%
    
27,471
      
1,194
      
4.35
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    
1,818,108
      
16,170
      
0.89
%
    
1,463,431
      
8,784
      
0.60
%
    
1,214,679
      
6,863
      
0.57
%
Total deposits and other borrowings
    
2,307,103
      
16,170
      
0.70
%
    
1,835,602
      
8,784
      
0.48
%
    
1,499,005
      
6,863
      
0.46
%
Non-interest bearing other liabilities
    
9,431
                      
8,942
                      
8,867
                  
Shareholders’ equity
    
233,693
                      
221,494
                      
124,519
                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  
$
2,550,227
                    
$
2,066,038
                    
$
1,632,391
                  
                                                                         
Net interest income(2)
          
$
76,448
                    
$
62,946
                    
$
48,260
          
Net interest spread
                    
2.94
%
                    
3.08
%
                    
3.02
%
Net interest margin(2)
                    
3.16
%
                    
3.23
%
                    
3.14
%

(1) Yields on investments are calculated based on amortized cost.
(2) Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis, a Non-GAAP measure.  Net interest income has been increased over the financial statement amount by $544, $881, and $896 in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, to adjust for tax equivalency. The tax equivalent net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average total interest earning assets.

36
Rate/Volume Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of interest income and interest expense. The following table sets forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income for the periods indicated. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the respective changes in average balances and average rates.

   
Year ended
December 31, 2018 vs. 2017
    
Year ended
December 31, 2017 vs. 2016
  
   
Changes due to:
          
Changes due to:
        
(dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Volume
    
Average
Rate
    
Total
Change
    
Average
Volume
    
Average
Rate
    
Total
Change
  
Interest earned:
                                    
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
  
$
(149
)
  
$
419
    
$
270
    
$
(531
)
  
$
635
    
$
104
  
Securities
    
5,963
      
887
      
6,850
      
7,687
      
433
      
8,120
  
Loans
    
11,596
      
2,172
      
13,768
      
6,976
      
1,407
      
8,383
  
Total interest-earning assets
    
17,410
      
3,478
      
20,888
      
14,132
      
2,475
      
16,607
  
                                                 
Interest expense:
                                                
Deposits
                                                
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  
$
1,998
    
$
2,928
    
$
4,926
    
$
777
    
$
155
    
$
932
  
Money market and savings
    
516
      
1,222
      
1,738
      
193
      
328
      
521
  
Time deposits
    
221
      
129
      
350
      
237
      
59
      
296
  
Total deposit interest expense
    
2,735
      
4,279
      
7,014
      
1,207
      
542
      
1,749
  
Other borrowings
    
742
      
(370
)
    
372
      
37
      
135
      
172
  
Total interest expense
    
3,477
      
3,909
      
7,386
      
1,244
      
677
      
1,921
  
Net interest income
  
$
13,933
    
$
(431
)
  
$
13,502
    
$
12,888
    
$
1,798
    
$
14,686
  

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 increased by $13.5 million, or 21.5%, over twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Interest income on interest-earning assets totaled $92.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $20.9 million, compared to $71.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The increase in interest income earned was primarily the result of an increase in the average balances of loans receivable and investment securities. Total interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 increased $7.4 million, or 84.1%, to $16.2 million from $8.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Interest expense on deposits increased by $7.0 million, or 94.6%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 versus the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 due to increases in average deposit balances and higher rates. Interest expense on other borrowings increased by $372,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 due primarily to a $46.1 million increase in average overnight borrowings balances.

Changes in net interest income are frequently measured by two statistics: net interest rate spread and net interest margin. Net interest rate spread is the difference between the average rate earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Our net interest rate spread on a fully tax-equivalent basis was 2.94% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 versus 3.08% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Net interest margin represents the difference between interest income, including net loan fees earned, and interest expense, reflected as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the fully tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.16% and 3.23%, respectively.  The net interest margin for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 decreased primarily as a result of the cost of funds associated with interest-bearing liabilities rising at a faster rate than the yield earned on interest-earning assets.

37
Provision for Loan Losses

We recorded a provision for loan losses in the amount of $2.3 million, an increase of $1.4 million, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to a $900,000 provision for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The provision for loan losses is charged to operations in an amount necessary to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level that management believes is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The provision recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 increased primarily as a result of an increase in the allowance required for loans collectively evaluated for impairment driven by an increase in loans receivable.

Non-Interest Income

Total non-interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 increased by $225,000, or 1.1%, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Service fees on deposit accounts totaled $5.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 which represents an increase of $1.6 million compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. This increase was driven by growth in customer deposit accounts and transaction volume. We recognized losses of $67,000 on the sale of securities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $79,000, compared to losses of $146,000 on the sales of securities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Mortgage banking income totaled $10.2 million and $11.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The decrease of $937,000 is primarily driven by fair adjustments on loans held for sale and IRLCs. Gains on the sale of SBA loans totaled $3.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $273,000, versus $3.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

Non-Interest Expenses

Non-interest expenses increased by $8.4 million, or 11.2%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. An explanation of changes of non-interest expenses for certain categories is presented in the following paragraphs.

Salary expenses and employee benefits for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 increased by $6.1 million, or 16.1%, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily driven by annual merit increases along with increased staffing levels related to our growth strategy of adding and relocating stores, which we refer to as “The Power of Red is Back”. There were twenty-five stores open as of December 31, 2018 compared to twenty-two stores open at December 31, 2017.

Occupancy expense, including depreciation and amortization expense, increased by $1.7 million, or 14.6%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, also as a result of our continuing growth and expansion strategy.

Other real estate owned expenses totaled $1.6 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $2.5 million, when compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. This decrease was primarily due to the writedown of a single OREO property in the amount of $2.7 million during 2017. This writedown was driven by our decision to aggressively pursue a resolution for our largest non-performing asset.

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All other non-interest expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 increased $3.1 million compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Increases in expenses related to data processing, automated teller machine expenses, professional fees, and regulatory assessments which were mainly associated with our growth strategy.

One key measure that management utilizes to monitor progress in controlling overhead expenses is the ratio of annualized net non-interest expenses to average assets, a non-GAAP measure. For purposes of this calculation, net non-interest expenses equal non-interest expenses less non-interest income. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, the ratio equaled 2.49% compared to 2.67% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The decrease in this ratio was mainly due to our growth in average assets.

Another productivity measure utilized by management is the operating efficiency ratio, another non-GAAP measure. This ratio expresses the relationship of non-interest expenses to net interest income plus non-interest income. The efficiency ratio equaled 87.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, compared to 91.6% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The decrease for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 versus the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was due to net interest income increasing at a faster rate than non-interest expenses.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

We recorded a provision for income taxes of $1.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $4.2 million, compared to a benefit of $2.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. We began recognizing an increased provision for federal and state income taxes during the first quarter of 2018 after reversing our deferred tax asset valuation allowance during the fourth quarter of 2017. We initially recorded a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in 2011 and continued to carry this allowance after determining that some portion of the deferred tax asset balance may not be realized within its life cycle based on the weight of available evidence. Adjustments to the valuation allowance resulted in the recognition of a minimal provision for income taxes in each period until its reversal in 2017. The effective tax rates for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were 15% and 27%, respectively. The effective tax rate for December 31, 2017 excluded the adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance and offsets for the impact of the new tax legislation.

We evaluate the carrying amount of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis or more frequently, if necessary, in accordance with the guidance provided in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 (ASC 740), in particular, applying the criteria set forth therein to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within its life cycle, based on the weight of available evidence.  If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods, a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded.  These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence.

In conducting the deferred tax asset analysis, we believe it is important to consider the unique characteristics of an industry or business.  In particular, characteristics such as business model, level of capital and reserves held by a financial institution and the ability to absorb potential losses are important distinctions to be considered for bank holding companies like us. In addition, it is also important to consider that net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) calculated for federal income tax purposes can generally be carried back two years and carried forward for a period of twenty years. In order to realize our deferred tax assets, we must generate sufficient taxable income in such future years.

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In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we carefully weighed both positive and negative evidence currently available. Judgment is required when considering the relative impact of such evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence must be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified.

Positive evidence evaluated when considering the need for a valuation allowance included:


 ·
the annual improvement in pre-tax earnings during the four year period ended December 31, 2018;


·
strong growth in interest-earning assets is expected to continue and is supported by the capital raise completed during the fourth quarter of 2016;


·
deposit growth in the stores opened since the inception of the “Power of Red is Back” growth and expansion strategy in 2014 has met or exceeded expectations;


·
loan growth during 2018 was greater than 20%;


·
the acquisition of a residential mortgage lending team (Oak Mortgage Company) completed in July 2016 continues to supplement earnings growth;


·
the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets along with other credit quality metrics continue to improve; and


·
a cumulative loss has not been recorded in recent years.

Negative evidence evaluated when considering the need for a valuation allowance included:


 ·
profitability metrics including return on average assets and return on average equity remain below industry standards;


·
the Bank’s net interest margin declined during 2018 as a result of the challenging interest rate environment; and


·
past earnings have been heavily dependent upon the success of the SBA Lending Team which has recently experienced reduced loan volumes and the recently acquired Mortgage Division which can be significantly impacted by a changing interest rate environment and other various economic factors.

The ongoing success of our growth and expansion strategy, along with the successful integration of the mortgage company and the limited exposure remaining with current asset quality issues put us in a position to rely on projections of future taxable income when evaluating the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. Based on the guidance provided in ASC 740, we believed that the positive evidence considered at December 31, 2018 and 2017 outweighed the negative evidence and that it was more likely than not that all of our deferred tax assets would be realized within their life cycle. Therefore, a valuation allowance was not required at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Our net deferred tax asset balance was $12.3 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $12.7 million at December 31, 2017. The deferred tax asset will continue to be analyzed on a quarterly basis for changes affecting realizability.
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Net Income and Net Income per Common Share

Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $8.6 million, a decrease of $278,000, compared to $8.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, basic and fully-diluted net income per common share was $0.15, compared to basic and fully-diluted net income per common share of $0.16 and $0.15, respectively for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

Return on Average Assets and Average Equity

Return on average assets (ROA) measures our net income in relation to our total average assets. The ROA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 0.34% and 0.43%, respectively. Return on average equity (ROE) indicates how effectively we can generate net income on the capital invested by our stockholders. ROE is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average stockholders’ equity. The ROE for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was 3.69%, compared to 4.02% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

Results of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016

We reported net income of $8.9 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to net income of $4.9 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The $4.0 million increase in net income was primarily driven by growth in interest-earning assets along with a complete year of earnings of the residential mortgage lending team which was acquired during the third quarter of 2016, as well as, the reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

Net interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 increased $14.7 million to $62.1 million as compared to $47.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. Interest income increased $16.6 million, or 30.7%, due primarily to an increase in average loans receivable and investment securities balances. Interest expense increased $1.9 million, or 28.0%, primarily due to an increase in average deposit balances.

We recorded a loan loss provision in the amount of $900,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to a provision of $1.6 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The $700,000 decrease in the provision recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was driven by a decrease in the allowance required for loans individually evaluated for impairment in 2017 as a result of improvement in asset quality.

Non-interest income increased $4.8 million to $20.1 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $15.3 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The $4.8 million increase was primarily driven by mortgage banking income and service fees on deposit accounts, partially offset by a reduction in gains on the sale of SBA loans and losses on the sale of investment securities recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

Non-interest expenses increased $19.0 million to $75.3 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $56.3 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.  The increase was primarily driven by higher salaries, employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expenses associated with the addition of new stores related to our expansion strategy which we refer to as “The Power of Red is Back”.

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Return on average assets and average equity from continuing operations were 0.43% and 4.02%, respectively, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to 0.30% and 3.97%, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, increased by $14.7 million, or 30.4%, over twelve months ended December 31, 2016. Interest income on interest-earning assets totaled $71.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017; an increase of $16.6 million, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The increase in interest income earned was primarily the result of an increase in the average balances of investment securities and loans receivable. Total interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 increased $1.9 million, or 28.0%, to $8.8 million from $6.9 million compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 driven by a combination of higher volumes and higher rates. Interest expense on deposits increased by $1.7 million, or 30.9%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 versus the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. Interest expense on other borrowings increased by $172,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016

Changes in net interest income are frequently measured by two statistics: net interest rate spread and net interest margin. Net interest rate spread is the difference between the average rate earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Our net interest rate spread on a fully tax-equivalent basis was 3.08% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 versus 3.02% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. Net interest margin represents the difference between interest income, including net loan fees earned, and interest expense, reflected as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fully tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.23% and 3.14%, respectively.  The net interest margin for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 increased primarily as a result of an increase in the yields on loans receivable and investment securities.

Provision for Loan Losses

We recorded a provision for loan losses in the amount of $900,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $700,000, compared to a $1.6 million provision for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The provision for loan losses is charged to operations in an amount necessary to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level that management believes is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The provision recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in the allowance required for loans individually evaluated for impairment driven by a reduction in impaired loans.

Non-Interest Income

Total non-interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 increased by $4.8 million, or 31.2%, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. Mortgage banking income totaled $11.2 million and $5.1 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 primarily due to gains on the sale of residential mortgage loans originated through Oak Mortgage. Oak Mortgage was acquired during the third quarter of 2016. The $6.1 million increase was a result of a complete year of recognized income during 2017. Gains on the sale of SBA loans totaled $3.4 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 versus $5.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. We recognized losses of $146,000 on the sale of securities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $802,000, compared to gains of $656,000 on sales of securities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. Service charges, fees, and other operating income totaled $5.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 which represents an increase of $1.1 million compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. This increase was driven by growth in customer deposit accounts and transaction volume.

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Non-Interest Expenses

Non-interest expenses increased by $19.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, or 33.7%, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. An explanation of changes in non-interest expenses for certain categories is presented in the following paragraphs.

Salary expenses and employee benefits for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 were $38.0 million, an increase of $9.4 million, or 32.7%, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily driven by annual merit increases along with increased staffing levels related to our aggressive growth strategy of adding and relocating stores, which we refer to as “The Power of Red is Back.” There were twenty-two stores open as of December 31, 2017 compared to nineteen stores open at December 31, 2016. In addition, we recorded a full year of salary expenses and employee benefits for Oak Mortgage in 2017.

Occupancy related expenses increased by $1.0 million, or 17.0%, and depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1.1 million, or 31.3%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the twelve months ended December 31 2016, also as a result of our growth and relocation strategy and the addition of Oak Mortgage.

Other real estate owned expenses totaled $4.1 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $1.9 million, when compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 primarily due to the writedown of a single OREO property in the amount of $2.7 million during 2017. This writedown was driven by our decision to aggressively pursue a resolution for our largest non-performing asset which resulted in the execution of an agreement of sale.

All other non-interest expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 increased $5.6 million compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. Increases in expenses related to residential mortgage operations, data processing, advertising, transactions fees, and professional fees resulting from our growth strategy contributed to the growth in these operating expenses.

One key measure that management utilizes to monitor progress in controlling overhead expenses is the ratio of annualized net non-interest expenses to average assets. For purposes of this calculation, net non-interest expenses equal non-interest expenses less non-interest income. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the ratio equaled 2.67% compared to 2.51% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, respectively.  The increase in this ratio was mainly due to our growth strategy of adding and relocating stores and the addition of a residential mortgage lending team.

Another productivity measure utilized by management is the operating efficiency ratio. This ratio expresses the relationship of non-interest expenses to net interest income plus non-interest income. The efficiency ratio equaled 91.6% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, compared to 89.8% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The increase for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 versus the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 was due to noninterest expenses increasing at a faster rate than both net interest income and noninterest income.

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Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

We recorded a benefit for income taxes of $2.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $2.8 million, compared to a benefit of $119,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. We reversed our deferred tax asset valuation allowance during the fourth quarter of 2017 resulting in the $2.9 million benefit for income taxes during the period. The benefit for income taxes also takes into consideration the impact of the new corporate tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law on December 22, 2017.

The effective tax rates for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were 27% and 25%, respectively, excluding the adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance and offsets for the impact of the new tax legislation.

We evaluate the carrying amount of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis or more frequently, if necessary, in accordance with the guidance provided in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 (ASC 740), in particular, applying the criteria set forth therein to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within its life cycle, based on the weight of available evidence.  If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods, a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded.  These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence.

In conducting the deferred tax asset analysis, we believe it is important to consider the unique characteristics of an industry or business.  In particular, characteristics such as business model, level of capital and reserves held by a financial institution and the ability to absorb potential losses are important distinctions to be considered for bank holding companies like us. In addition, it is also important to consider that net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) calculated for federal income tax purposes can generally be carried back two years and carried forward for a period of twenty years. In order to realize our deferred tax assets, we must generate sufficient taxable income in such future years.

In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we carefully weighed both positive and negative evidence currently available.  Judgment is required when considering the relative impact of such evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence must be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified.

Positive evidence evaluated when considering the need for a valuation allowance included:


 ·
the annual improvement in earnings during the three year period ended December 31, 2017;


·
strong growth in interest-earning assets is expected to continue and is supported by the capital raise completed during the fourth quarter of 2016;


·
deposit growth in each of the stores opened since the inception of the “Power of Red is Back” growth and expansion strategy in 2014 has met or exceeded expectations;


·
loan growth during 2017 was greater than 20%;


·
the acquisition of a residential mortgage lending team (Oak Mortgage Company) completed in July 2016 continues to supplement earnings growth;

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 ·
two of our largest non-performing assets have been resolved in 2017; and


·
a cumulative loss has not been recorded in recent years.

Negative evidence evaluated when considering the need for a valuation allowance included:


 ·
profitability metrics including return on average assets and return on average equity remain below industry standards; and


·
past earnings have been heavily dependent upon the success of the SBA Lending Team which has recently experienced reduced loan volumes and the recently acquired Mortgage Division which can be significantly impacted by a changing interest rate environment and other various economic factors.

The ongoing success of our growth and expansion strategy, along with the successful integration of the mortgage company and the limited exposure remaining with current asset quality issues put us in a position to rely on projections of future taxable income when evaluating the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Based on the guidance provided in ASC 740, we believed that the positive evidence considered at December 31, 2017 outweighed the negative evidence and that it was more likely than not that all of our deferred tax assets would be realized within their life cycle. Therefore, a valuation allowance was not required at December 31, 2017 and a $10.6 million benefit for income taxes was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 to reflect the reversal of the valuation allowance.

Our net deferred tax asset before the consideration of a valuation allowance decreased to $12.7 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $21.4 million at December 31, 2016. This decrease was primarily driven by the impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It included a reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Our deferred tax asset balances have historically been calculated using a federal tax rate of 35%. As a result of the change in the tax rate, the value of our existing deferred tax assets permanently decreased by $7.7 million at December 31, 2017. Therefore, a charge was recorded to income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017 to reflect the reduction in value.

The $10.6 million tax benefit recognized when reversing the deferred tax asset valuation allowance offset the $7.7 million charge related to the change in the corporate tax rate resulting in a net tax benefit and increase in net income of $2.9 million during 2017.

The $12.7 million net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2017 is comprised of $5.4 million currently recognizable through net operating loss carryforwards and $7.3 million attributable to several items associated with temporary timing differences which will reverse at some point in the future to provide a net reduction in tax liabilities. Our largest future reversal relates to its unrealized losses on securities available for sale, which totaled $2.6 million as of December 31, 2017. The deferred tax asset will continue to be analyzed on a quarterly basis for changes affecting realizability.

Net Income and Net Income per Common Share

Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was $8.9 million, an increase of $4.0 million compared to $4.9 million for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2016. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, basic and fully-diluted net income per common share were $0.16 and $0.15, respectively, compared to basic and fully-diluted net income per common share of $0.13 and $0.12, respectively for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

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Return on Average Assets and Average Equity

Return on average assets (ROA) measures our net income in relation to our total average assets. The ROA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 0.43% and 0.30%, respectively. Return on average equity (ROE) indicates how effectively we can generate net income on the capital invested by our stockholders. ROE is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average stockholders’ equity. The ROE for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was 4.02%, compared to 3.97% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

Financial Condition

December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017

Total assets increased by $431.0 million to $2.8 billion at December 31, 2017, compared to $2.3 billion at December 31, 2017.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits comprise this category, which consists of our most liquid assets. The aggregate amount in these three categories increased by $10.5 million to $72.5 million at December 31, 2018, from $61.9 million at December 31, 2017.

 Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are comprised of loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) which we usually originate with the intention of selling in the future and residential mortgage loans, which we also intend to sell in the future. Total SBA loans held for sale were $5.4 million at December 31, 2018, an increase of $3.1 million, compared to $2.3 million at December 31, 2017. Residential mortgage loans held for sale totaled $20.9 million at December 31, 2018, a decrease of $22.5 million, versus $43.4 million at December 31, 2017. Loans held for sale, as a percentage of our total assets, were less than 1.0% at December 31, 2018.

Loans Receivable

The loan portfolio represents our largest asset category and is our most significant source of interest income. Our lending strategy is focused on small and medium sized businesses and professionals that seek highly personalized banking services. The loan portfolio consists of secured and unsecured commercial loans including commercial real estate, construction loans, residential mortgages, home improvement loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, overdraft lines of credit, and others. Commercial loans typically range between $250,000 and $5,000,000 but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to our legal lending limit to a customer, which was approximately $34.4 million at December 31, 2018. Loans made to one individual customer, even if secured by different collateral, are aggregated for purposes of the lending limit. There were no loans in excess of the legal lending limit at December 31, 2017. A $22.9 million threshold, which amounts to approximately 10% of total regulatory capital, reflects an additional internal monitoring guideline. Relationships in excess of $22.9 million at December 31, 2018 amounted to $52.0 million.

 Loans increased $274.3 million, or 24%, to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2018, versus $1.2 billion at December 31, 2017. This growth was the result of an increase in loan demand in all loan categories driven by the successful execution of our relationship banking strategy which focuses on customer service.

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Investment Securities

Investment securities considered available-for-sale are investments that may be sold in response to changing market and interest rate conditions, and for liquidity and other purposes.  Our investment securities classified as available-for-sale consist primarily of U.S. Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), municipal securities, corporate bonds, and asset-backed securities (ABS).  Available-for-sale securities totaled $321.0 million at December 31, 2018 as compared to $464.4 million at December 31, 2017. The $143.4 million decrease was primarily due to the transfer of $230.1 million of available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity and sales and paydowns of securities totaling $55.2 million partially offset by the purchase of securities totaling $149.2 million during 2018. At December 31, 2018, the portfolio had a net unrealized loss of $5.7 million compared to a net unrealized loss of $11.2 million at December 31, 2017. The $5.5 million decrease in the unrealized loss of the investment portfolio was driven by a decrease in market interest rates which drove an increase in value of the securities held in our portfolio during 2018.

Investment securities held-to-maturity are investments for which there is the intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. These investments are carried at amortized cost. The held-to-maturity portfolio consists primarily of U.S. Government agency Small Business Investment Company bonds (SBIC) and Small Business Administration (SBA) bonds, CMO’s and MBS’s. The fair value of securities held-to-maturity totaled $747.3 million and $463.8 million at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The $283.5 million increase was primarily due to the transfer of $230.1 million of available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity and the purchase of securities totaling $123.3 million partially offset by pay downs of securities held in the portfolio totaling $63.6 million by during the year ended December 31, 2018.

ASC 320 “Investments – Debt Securities” requires an entity to determine how to classify a security at the time of acquisition. The appropriateness of the original classification should be reassessed at each reporting period.  The transfer of investment securities from available-for-sale to held-to maturity category during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 was completed after an extensive analysis of the characteristics of all securities held in the portfolio, in addition to a review of our liquidity position under multiple scenarios including varying interest rate environments. Twenty-three of the twenty-five securities transferred from available-to-sale to held-to-maturity were collateralized mortgage obligations. Thirteen securities transferred were GNMA collateralized mortgage obligations which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.  The remaining ten collateralized mortgage obligations were issued by FNMA or FHLMC. Bonds issued by GNMA receive favorable risk rating when calculating regulatory risk-based capital ratios. In addition, GNMA, FNMA, AND FHLMC securities are often pledged as collateral as required to hold certain government deposits and are accepted as collateral as a result of the high quality and low-risk nature of these bonds. The other two securities transferred from available-for sale to held-to-maturity were FNMA agency mortgage backed securities.

After completion of these analyses and consideration of the factors mentioned above, management determined that it had the intent and ability to hold specific securities until maturity and it was appropriate to transfer them to the held-to-maturity category during the fourth quarter of 2018.

The fair value of the securities transferred to the held-to-maturity category was $230.1 million.  The book value of the securities on the date of transfer was $239.5 million. The unrealized holding gain or loss on each individual security calculated at the time of transfer was reported as a component of shareholders’ equity in the accumulated other comprehensive income account and will be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of each security.

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Restricted Stock

 Restricted stock, which represents a required investment in the capital stock of correspondent banks related to available credit facilities, is carried at cost as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.  As of those dates, restricted stock consisted of investments in the capital stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”).

At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the investment in FHLB stock totaled $5.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively.  The $3.8 million increase was due to a higher required investment in FHLB stock during 2018. At both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, ACBB stock totaled $143,000.

Other Real Estate Owned

The balance of other real estate owned decreased to $6.2 million at December 31, 2018 from $7.0 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the writedowns and sales totaling $1.1 million offset by additions in the amount of $315,000.

Goodwill

Goodwill amounted to $5.0 million at both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. We completed an annual impairment test for goodwill as of July 31, 2018 and 2017. Future impairment testing will be conducted as of July 31 on an annual basis, unless a triggering event occurs in the interim that would suggest impairment, in which case it would be tested as of the date of the triggering event. During the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no goodwill impairment recorded. There can be no assurance that future impairment assessments or tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

Premises and Equipment

The balance of premises and equipment increased to $87.7 million at December 31, 2018 from $74.9 million at December 31, 2017. The $12.7 million increase was primarily due to premises and equipment expenditures of $18.2 million less depreciation and amortization expenses of $5.4 million. New stores were opened in Gloucester Township, Evesboro, and Somers Point in New Jersey and Fairless Hills in Pennsylvania during 2018. The Bala Cynwyd store was closed in 2018 bringing the total store count to twenty-five. We ended the year with stores under construction in Lumberton in NJ and Feasterville in PA which are scheduled to be completed in early 2019.

Deposits

Deposits, which include non-interest and interest-bearing demand deposits, money market, savings and time deposits, are Republic’s major source of funding. Deposits are generally solicited from our market area through the offering of a variety of products to attract and retain customers, with a primary focus on multi-product relationships.

Total deposits increased by $329.6 million to $2.4 billion at December 31, 2018, from $2.1 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase was the result of significant growth in demand deposit balances and time deposits. We constantly focus our efforts on the growth of deposit balances through the successful execution of our relationship banking model which is based upon a high level of customer service and satisfaction. This strategy has also allowed us to build a stable core-deposit base and nearly eliminate our dependence upon the more volatile sources of funding found in brokered and public fund certificates of deposit.

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We are also in the midst of an aggressive expansion plan which we refer to as “The Power of Red is Back”. During 2018, we opened new stores in Gloucester Township, Evesboro, and Somers Point in NJ and Fairless Hills in PA and have several more in various stages of construction and development for 2019 including expansion into the New York market with two to four stores expected in Manhattan.

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity increased $18.7 million to $245.2 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $226.5 million at December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to the conversion of outstanding trust preferred securities in the first quarter of 2018. $10.1 million of trust preferred securities were converted into 1.6 million shares of common stock. The change in shareholders’ equity was also driven by net income of $8.6 million recognized during 2018 and stock option exercises of $670,000, partially offset by a $2.8 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive losses associated with a decrease in the market value of the investment securities portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Investment Securities Portfolio

Republic’s investment securities portfolio is intended to provide liquidity and contribute to earnings while diversifying credit risk. We attempt to maximize earnings while minimizing our exposure to interest rate risk. The securities portfolio consists primarily of U.S. Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), corporate bonds, municipal securities, asset-backed securities (ABS), U.S. Government agency Small Business Investment Company bonds (SBIC) and Small Business Administration (SBA) bonds. Our ALCO committee monitors and reviews all security purchases.

A summary of investment securities available-for-sale and investment securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:

   
At December 31,
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Available for sale
                  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  
$
197,812
    
$
327,972
    
$
230,252
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
39,105
      
55,664
      
37,973
  
Municipal securities
    
20,807
      
15,142
      
26,825
  
Corporate bonds
    
62,583
      
62,670
      
66,718
  
Asset-backed securities
    
6,433
      
13,414
      
15,565
  
Trust preferred securities
    
-
      
725
      
3,063
  
Total amortized cost of securities
  
$
326,740
    
$
475,587
    
$
380,396
  
                         
Total fair value of investment securities
  
$
321,014
    
$
464,430
    
$
369,739
  
                         
Held to maturity
                        
U.S. Government agencies
  
$
107,390
    
$
112,605
    
$
98,538
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
500,690
      
215,567
      
202,990
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
153,483
      
143,041
      
129,951
  
Other securities
    
-
      
1,000
      
1,020
  
Total amortized cost of securities
  
$
761,563
    
$
472,213
    
$
432,499
  
 
                        
Total fair value of investment securities
  
$
747,323
    
$
463,799
    
$
425,183
  

The total amortized cost of the investment securities portfolio has grown to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2018 compared to $947.8 million at December 31, 2017 and $812.9 million at December 31, 2016.  Investment securities represented 39% of total assets at December 31, 2018 and 40% of total assets at December 31, 2017.  We evaluate our investment securities portfolio on a continual basis in light of the interest rate environment and changing market conditions and when appropriate, take necessary actions to improve and enhance our overall positioning.  We consider the portfolio to be well structured and of high quality. At December 31, 2018, 93% of the portfolio consisted of U.S. government agency securities which were rated Aaa /AA+ by the major credit rating agencies.

49
The investment securities portfolio includes securities classified as both available for sale and held to maturity. During 2018 and 2017, we designated a portion of our securities portfolio as held to maturity based our intent and ability to hold those securities until they mature.

The fair value of investment securities is impacted by interest rates, credit spreads, market volatility and liquidity conditions. The fair value of investment securities generally decreases when interest rates rise and increases when interest rates fall. In addition, the fair value generally decreases when credit spreads widen and increases when credit spreads tighten. Net unrealized losses in the total investment securities portfolio increased to $20.0 million at December 31, 2018 compared to net unrealized losses of $19.6 million at December 31, 2017 as a result of a rise in interest rates in 2018. The comparable amounts for the securities classified as available for sale were unrealized losses of $5.7 million at December 31, 2018 and unrealized losses of $11.2 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease in unrealized losses is related to the transfer of twenty-three CMOs and two MBSs with a fair value of $230.1 million that were previously classified as available-for-sale to the held-to-maturity category. The securities were transferred at fair value. Unrealized losses of $9.4 million associated with the transferred securities will remain in other comprehensive income and be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the securities.

No single issuer of securities (excluding government agencies) in the portfolio exceeded more than 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2018, the investment portfolio included twenty-eight municipal securities with a total market value of $20.6 million.  These securities are reviewed quarterly for impairment.  Each bond carries an investment grade rating by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. In addition, we periodically conduct our own independent review on each issuer to ensure the financial stability of the municipal entity.  The largest geographic concentration was in Pennsylvania and New Jersey where twenty-six municipal securities had a market value of $19.9 million. As of December 31, 2018, management found no evidence of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on any of the municipal securities held in the investment securities portfolio.

At December 31, 2018, the portfolio included one asset-backed security with a total market value of $6.3 million. The asset-backed security consist solely of Sallie Mae bonds, collateralized by student loans which are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Proceeds associated with the sale of securities available for sale in 2018 were $6.4 million. Gross losses of $67,000 were realized on these sales.  The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the year ended December 31, 2018 amounted to $18,000. Included in the 2018 sales activity was the sale of one CDO security. Proceeds from the sale of the CDO security totaled $660,000. Gross losses of $66,000 were realized on these sales.  The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 amounted to $17,000. Management had previously stated that it did not intend to sell CDO securities prior to their maturity or the recovery of their cost bases, nor would it be forced to sell these securities prior to maturity or recovery of the cost bases.  This statement was made over a period of several years where there was limited trading activity in the pooled trust preferred CDO market resulting in fair market value estimates well below the book values. During 2018, management received several inquiries regarding the availability of the remaining CDO security and noted an increased level of trading in this type of security. As a result of the increased activity and the level of bids received, management elected to sell the remaining CDO security resulting in a net loss of $66,000 during 2018.

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Proceeds associated with the sale of securities available for sale in 2017 were $31.2 million. Gross gains of $652,000 and gross losses of $798,000 were realized on these sales.  The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the year ended December 31, 2017 amounted to $52,000. Included in the 2017 sales activity were the sales of two CDO securities. Proceeds from the sale of the CDO securities totaled $1.5 million. Gross losses of $798,000 were realized on these sales.  The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 amounted to $287,000. As a result of the increased activity and the level of bids received, management elected to sell two CDOs resulting in a net loss of $798,000 during 2017 which was offset by gains on sales of agency mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and corporate bonds.

We had proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale in 2016 of $78.6 million. Gross gains of $680,000 and gross losses of $24,000 were realized on these sales. The tax provision applicable to these gross gains in 2016 amounted to approximately $236,000.

The following table presents the maturity distribution and weighted average yield by holding type and year of maturity of our investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2018. Collateralized mortgage obligations and agency mortgage-backed securities have expected maturities that differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay and, therefore, these securities are classified separately with no specific maturity date.

   
December 31, 2018
  
   
Within
One Year
    
One to Five
Years
    
Five to Ten
Years
    
Past Ten
Years
    
Total
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
Amount
    
Yield
    
Amount
    
Yield
    
Amount
    
Yield
    
Amount
    
Yield
    
Fair value
    
Amortized Cost
    
Yield
  
Available for Sale
                                                                  
Collateralized  mortgage obligations
  
$
-
      
-
    
$
-
      
-
    
$
-
      
-
    
$
-
      
-
    
$
196,259
    
$
197,812
      
3.02%
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
38,499
      
39,105
      
2.84%
Municipal securities
    
791
      
4.13%
   
3,892
      
2.45%
   
13,786
      
2.80%
   
2,170
      
2.66%
   
20,639
      
20,807
      
2.77%
Corporate bonds
    
1,584
      
2.80%
   
3,016
      
3.53%
   
51,605
      
3.28%
   
3,069
      
4.21%
   
59,274
      
62,583
      
3.32%
Asset-backed securities
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
   
6,343
      
4.19%
   
-
      
--
   
6,343
      
6,433
      
4.19%
Total AFS securities
  
$
2,375
      
3.24%
 
$
6,908
      
2.92%
 
$
71,734
      
3.26%
 
$
5,239
      
3.57%
 
$
321,014
    
$
326,740
      
3.06%
                               
             
                                     
Held to Maturity
                              
             
                                     
U.S. Government Agencies
  
$
-
      
-
    
$
13,937
      
2.54%
 
$
89,681
      
2.42%
 
$
-
      
-
    
$
103,618
    
$
107,390
      
2.44%
Collateralized  mortgage obligations
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
   
-
      
-
   
-
      
-
      
495,467
      
500,690
      
2.65%
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
   
-
      
-
   
-
      
-
      
148,238
      
153,483
      
2.59%
Total HTM securities
  
$
-
      
-
    
$
13,937
      
2.54%
 
$
89,681
      
2.42%
 
$
-
      
-
    
$
747,323
    
$
761,563
      
2.61%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could have realized in a sale transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective year-ends and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each year-end.

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We follow the guidance issued under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and identifies required disclosures on fair value measurements.

ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 are as follows:

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

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

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

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

The fair value of securities available for sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1), or matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.  For certain securities, which are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments, are generally based on available market evidence (Level 3).  In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.  Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments.  Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) were used to support fair values of certain Level 3 investments.

The types of instruments valued based on matrix pricing in active markets include all of our U.S. government and agency securities, corporate bonds, asset backed securities, and municipal obligations. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As required by ASC 820-10, we do not adjust the matrix pricing for such instruments.

Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, and may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with such adjustment generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Subsequent to inception, management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows. There was one Level 3 investment security classified as available-for-sale at December 31, 2018. This security is a corporate bond.

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The trust preferred security is a pool of similar securities that are grouped into an asset structure commonly referred to as collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) which consist of the debt instruments of various banks, diversified by the number of participants in the security as well as geographically.  The secondary market for this security had become inactive, and therefore the security was classified as a Level 3 security. The fair value analysis did not reflect or represent the actual terms or prices at which any party could purchase the security. The trust preferred security was sold in 2018.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the securities available for sale measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2018
    
Year Ended
December 31, 2017
    
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
  
Level 3 Investments Only
(dollars in thousands)
  
Trust
Preferred
Securities
    
Corporate
Bonds
    
Trust
Preferred
Securities
    
Corporate
Bonds
    
Trust
Preferred
Securities
    
Corporate
Bonds
  
Balance, January 1,
  
$
489
    
$
3,086
    
$
1,820
    
$
2,971
    
$
1,883
    
$
2,834
  
Unrealized gains (losses)
    
237
      
(17
)
    
1,006
      
115
      
(56
)
    
137
  
Paydowns
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Proceeds from sales
    
(660
)
    
-
      
(1,539
)
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Realized losses
    
(66
)
    
-
      
(798
)
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Impairment charges on Level 3
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
(7
)
    
-
  
Balance, December 31,
  
$
-
    
$
3,069
    
$
489
    
$
3,086
    
$
1,820
    
$
2,971
  

An independent, third party pricing service was used to estimate the current fair market value of the CDO previously held in the investment securities portfolio. The calculations used to determine fair value were based on the attributes of the trust preferred security, the financial condition of the issuers of the trust preferred security, and market based assumptions. The INTEX CDO Deal Model Library was utilized to obtain information regarding the attributes of the security and its specific collateral as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Financial information on the issuers was also obtained from Bloomberg, the FDIC, and SNL Financial. Both published and unpublished industry sources were utilized in estimating fair value. Such information includes loan prepayment speed assumptions, discount rates, default rates, and loss severity percentages.

The fair market valuation for the CDO was determined based on discounted cash flow analyses. The cash flows were primarily dependent on the estimated speeds at which the trust preferred security was expected to prepay, the estimated rates at which the trust preferred security were expected to defer payments, the estimated rates at which the trust preferred security were expected to default, and the severity of the related losses on the security.

Increases (decreases) in actual or expected issuer defaults tended to decrease (increase) the fair value of our senior and mezzanine tranches of CDOs. The values of our mezzanine tranches of CDOs were also affected by expected future interest rates.  However, due to the structure of each security, timing of cash flows, and secondary effects on the financial performance of the underlying issuers, the effects of changes in future interest rates on the fair value of our holdings were not quantifiably estimable.

The remaining Level 3 investment security classified as available for sale is a corporate bond that is not actively traded.  Impairment would depend on the repayment ability of the underlying issuer, which is assessed through a detailed quarterly review of the issuer’s financial statements.  The issuer is a “well capitalized” financial institution as defined by federal banking regulations and has demonstrated the ability to raise additional capital, when necessary, through the public capital markets. The fair value of this corporate bond is estimated by obtaining a price of a comparable floating rate debt instrument through Bloomberg.

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Loan Portfolio

Our loan portfolio consists of secured and unsecured commercial loans including commercial real estate loans, construction and land development loans, commercial and industrial loans, owner occupied real estate loans, consumer and other loans, and residential mortgages. Commercial loans are primarily secured term loans made to small to medium-sized businesses and professionals for working capital, asset acquisition and other purposes. Commercial loans are originated as either fixed or variable rate loans with typical terms of 1 to 5 years. Republic’s commercial loans typically range between $250,000 and $5.0 million, but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to Republic’s legal lending limit of approximately $34.4 million at December 31, 2018. Management has established an internal monitoring guideline for loan relationships in the amount of $22.9 million which approximates 10% of capital and reserves. Individual customers may have several loans often secured by different collateral. The aggregate total of relationships in excess of $22.9 million at December 31, 2018 amounted to $52.0 million. There were no loans in excess of the legal lending limit at December 31, 2018.

The majority of loans outstanding are with borrowers in our marketplace, Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, including southern New Jersey. In addition, we have loans to customers whose assets and businesses are concentrated in real estate. Repayment of our loans is in part dependent upon general economic conditions affecting our market place and specific industries in which our customers operate. We evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral varies but primarily includes residential, commercial and income-producing properties.

At December 31, 2018, we had loan concentrations exceeding 10% of total loans for credits extended to lessors of nonresidential real estate in the aggregate amount of $311.0 million, which represented 21.6% of gross loans receivable, private households in the aggregate amount of $243.8 million which represented 17.0% of gross loans receivable, and lessors of residential real estate in the aggregate amount of $158.7 million, which represented 11.0% of gross loans receivable.  Loan concentrations are considered to exist when amounts are loaned to multiple numbers of borrowers engaged in similar activities that management believes would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2018, we had no foreign loans outstanding.

The following table sets forth gross loans by major categories for the periods indicated:

   
At December 31,
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
    
2015
    
2014
  
                               
Commercial real estate
  
$
515,738
    
$
433,304
    
$
378,519
    
$
349,726
    
$
379,259
  
Construction and land development
    
121,042
      
104,617
      
61,453
      
46,547
      
29,861
  
Commercial and industrial
    
200,423
      
173,343
      
174,744
      
181,850
      
145,113
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
367,895
      
309,838
      
276,986
      
246,398
      
188,025
  
Consumer and other
    
91,152
      
76,183
      
63,660
      
48,126
      
39,713
  
Residential mortgage
    
140,364
      
64,764
      
9,682
      
2,380
      
408
  
Total loans
  
$
1,436,614
    
$
1,162,049
    
$
965,044
    
$
875,027
    
$
782,379
  
                                         
Deferred loan costs (fees)
    
(16
)
    
229
      
(72
)
    
(258
)
    
(439
)
Total loans, net of deferred loan fees
  
$
1,436,598
    
$
1,162,278
    
$
964,972
    
$
874,769
    
$
781,940
  

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Total loans, net of deferred loan fees, increased $274.3 million, or 24%, to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2018, versus $1.2 billion at December 31, 2017. This growth was the result of an increase in loan demand across all loan categories driven by the successful execution of our relationship banking strategy which focuses on customer service.

Loan Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

The amount of loans outstanding by category as of the dates indicated, which are due in: (i) one year or less, (ii) more than one year through five years, and (iii) over five years, is shown in the following table.  Loan balances are also categorized according to their sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

(dollars in thousands)
  
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
and Land
Development
    
Commercial
and
Industrial
    
Owner
Occupied
Real
Estate
    
Consumer
and Other
    
Residential
Mortgage
    
Total
  
Fixed rate:
                                          
1 year or less
  
$
29,186
    
$
6,821
    
$
18,835
    
$
16,452
    
$
288
    
$
-
    
$
71,582
  
1-5 years
    
328,568
      
19,079
      
53,350
      
160,487
      
1,294
      
-
      
562,778
  
After 5 years
    
134,039
      
10,353
      
62,562
      
113,484
      
15,957
      
138,160
      
474,555
  
Total fixed rate
    
491,793
      
36,253
      
134,747
      
290,423
      
17,539
      
138,160
      
1,108,915
  
                                                         
Adjustable rate:
                                                        
1 year or less
  
$
6,429
    
$
20,216
    
$
49,940
    
$
12,866
    
$
575
    
$
-
    
$
90,026
  
1-5 years
    
16,863
      
51,003
      
9,256
      
813
      
5,490
      
-
      
83,425
  
After 5 years
    
653
      
13,570
      
6,480
      
63,793
      
67,548
      
2,204
      
154,248
  
Total adjustable rate
    
23,945
      
84,789
      
65,676
      
77,472
      
73,613
      
2,204
      
327,699
  
                                                         
Total
  
$
515,738
    
$
121,042
    
$
200,423
    
$
367,895
    
$
91,152
    
$
140,364
    
$
1,436,614
  

In the ordinary course of business, loans maturing within one year may be renewed, in whole or in part, as to principal amount, and at interest rates prevailing at the date of renewal.  At December 31, 2018, 77.2% of total loans were fixed rate compared to 73.6% at December 31, 2017.

Credit Quality

Republic’s written lending policies require specific underwriting, loan documentation and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding, with independent credit department approval for the majority of new loan balances.  A committee consisting of senior management and certain members of the Board of Directors oversees the loan approval process to monitor that proper standards are maintained, while approving the majority of commercial loans.

Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as non-accrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of interest or principal for a period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as non-accrual if repayment of principal and/or interest in full is in doubt. Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment performance by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms.

While a loan is classified as non-accrual, any collections of interest and principal are generally applied as a reduction to principal outstanding. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. For non-accrual loans, which have been partially charged off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Cash interest receipts in excess of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until prior charge-offs have been fully recovered.

55
The following summary shows information concerning loan delinquency and non-performing assets at the dates indicated:

   
At December 31,
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
    
2015
    
2014
  
Loans accruing, but past due 90 days or more
  
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
302
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Non-accrual loans:
                                        
Commercial real estate
    
4,631
      
8,963
      
13,089
      
5,913
      
13,979
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
117
      
377
  
Commercial and industrial
    
3,661
      
2,895
      
3,151
      
3,156
      
4,349
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
1,188
      
2,136
      
1,546
      
2,894
      
2,306
  
Consumer and other
    
861
      
851
      
808
      
542
      
429
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total non-accrual loans
    
10,341
      
14,845
      
18,594
      
12,622
      
21,440
  
Total non-performing loans(1)
    
10,341
      
14,845
      
18,896
      
12,622
      
21,440
  
Other real estate owned
    
6,223
      
6,966
      
10,174
      
11,313
      
3,715
  
Total non-performing assets(1)
  
$
16,564
    
$
21,811
    
$
29,070
    
$
23,935
    
$
25,155
  
                                         
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income(1)
    
0.72%
   
1.28%
   
1.96%
   
1.44%
   
2.74%
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
    
0.60%
   
0.94%
   
1.51%
   
1.66%
   
2.07%
                                         
(1) Non-performing loans are comprised of (i) loans that are on non-accrual basis and (ii) accruing loans that are 90 days or more past due. Non-performing assets are composed of non-performing loans and other real estate owned.

Problem loans can consist of loans that are performing, but for which potential credit problems of the borrowers have caused management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to continue to comply with present repayment terms.  At December 31, 2018, all identified problem loans included in the preceding table are internally classified and have been evaluated for a specific reserve allocation in the allowance for loan losses (see discussion on “Allowance for Loan Losses”).

Non-performing assets decreased by $5.2 million, or 24%, to $16.6 million at December 31, 2018, compared to $21.8 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease in non-performing loans was primarily driven by payments of $3.7 million and charge-offs of $2.4 million partially offset by $1.9 million in additions to non-performing loans. The reduction in other real estate owned was the result of various write-downs, charge-offs, OREO sales, and transfers during the year.

The following summary shows the impact on interest income of non-accrual loans, subsequent to being placed on non-accrual for the periods indicated:

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
    
2015
    
2014
  
Interest income that would have been recorded had the loans been in accordance with their original terms
  
$
498
    
$
590
    
$
1,024
    
$
765
    
$
980
  
Interest income included in net income
  
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
  

56
Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. We evaluate the need to establish an allowance against loan losses on a quarterly basis. When an increase in this allowance is necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings. The allowance for loan losses consists of three components. The first component is allocated to individually evaluated loans found to be impaired and is calculated in accordance with ASC 310 Receivables. The second component is allocated to all other loans that are not individually identified as impaired pursuant to ASC 310-10 (“non-impaired loans”). This component is calculated for all non-impaired loans on a collective basis in accordance with ASC 450 Contingencies. The third component is an unallocated allowance to account for a level of imprecision in management’s estimation process.

We evaluate loans for impairment and potential charge-off on a quarterly basis.  Management regularly monitors the condition of borrowers and assesses both internal and external factors in determining whether any loan relationships have deteriorated. Any loan rated as substandard or lower will have an individual collateral evaluation analysis prepared to determine if a deficiency exists. We first evaluate the primary repayment source.  If the primary repayment source is determined to be insufficient and unlikely to repay the debt, we then look to the secondary repayment sources. Secondary sources are conservatively reviewed for liquidation values. Updated appraisals and financial data are obtained to substantiate current values.  If the reviewed sources are deemed to be inadequate to cover the outstanding principal and any costs associated with the resolution of a troubled loan, an estimate of the deficient amount will be calculated and a specific allocation of loan loss reserve is recorded.

Factors considered in the calculation of the allowance for non-impaired loans include several qualitative and quantitative factors such as historical loss experience, trends in delinquency and nonperforming loan balances, changes in risk composition and underwriting standards, experience and ability of management, and general economic conditions along with other external factors. Historical loss experience is analyzed by reviewing charge-offs over a three year period to determine loss rates consistent with the loan categories depicted in the allowance for loan loss table below.

The factors supporting the allowance for loan losses do not diminish the fact that the entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio and related commitment portfolio, respectively. Our principal focus, therefore, is on the adequacy of the total allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is subject to review by banking regulators on a regular basis. Our primary bank regulators regularly conduct examinations of the allowance for loan losses and make assessments regarding the adequacy and the methodology employed in their determination.

57
A detailed analysis of our allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is as follows:

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
    
2015
    
2014
  
                               
Balance at beginning of period
  
$
8,599
    
$
9,155
    
$
8,703
    
$
11,536
    
$
12,263
  
Charge-offs:
                                        
Commercial real estate
    
1,603
      
-
      
-
      
2,624
      
364
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
60
      
260
      
303
  
Commercial and industrial
    
151
      
1,366
      
143
      
408
      
1,185
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
465
      
157
      
1,052
      
133
      
150
  
Consumer and other
    
219
      
53
      
11
      
-
      
10
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
10
      
-
      
-
  
Total charge-offs
    
2,438
      
1,576
      
1,276
      
3,425
      
2,012
  
Recoveries:
                                        
Commercial real estate
    
50
      
54
      
6
      
4
      
5
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
5
      
214
  
Commercial and industrial
    
81
      
64
      
163
      
49
      
166
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
20
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Consumer and other
    
3
      
2
      
2
      
34
      
-
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total recoveries
    
154
      
120
      
171
      
92
      
385
  
Net charge-offs
    
2,284
      
1,456
      
1,105
      
3,333
      
1,627
  
Provision for loan losses
    
2,300
      
900
      
1,557
      
500
      
900
  
Balance at end of period
  
$
8,615
    
$
8,599
    
$
9,155
    
$
8,703
    
$
11,536
  
                                         
Average loans outstanding(1)
  
$
1,340,117
    
$
1,090,851
    
$
936,492
    
$
820,820
    
$
724,231
  
                                         
As a percent of average loans:(1)
                                        
Net charge-offs
    
0.17%
   
0.13%
   
0.12%
   
0.41%
   
0.22%
Provision for loan losses
    
0.17%
   
0.08%
   
0.17%
   
0.06%
   
0.12%
Allowance for loan losses
    
0.64%
   
0.79%
   
0.98%
   
1.06%
   
1.59%
       
     
     
     
     
Allowance for loan losses to:
      
     
     
     
     
Total loans, net of unearned income
    
0.60%
   
0.74%
   
0.95%
   
0.99%
   
1.48%
Total non-performing loans
    
83.31%
   
57.93%
   
48.45%
   
68.95%
   
53.81%

(1) Includes non-accruing loans.

The provision for loan losses is charged to operations in an amount necessary to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level that management believes is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. We recorded a loan loss provision in the amount of $2.3 million in 2018 compared to a $900,000 provision in 2017. The increase in the provision during 2018 was driven by growth in outstanding loan balances resulting in an increased allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment. Non-performing loans decreased by $4.5 million, or 30%, to $10.3 million at December 31, 2018, compared to $14.8 million at December 31, 2017. Impaired loans also decreased to $18.0 million at December 31, 2018 from $24.7 million at December 31, 2017. A decrease in the allowance required for loans individually evaluated for impairment driven by a reduction in impaired loans was more than offset by an increase driven by growth in the loan portfolio during 2018.

58
The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans (coverage ratio) was 83.3% at December 31, 2018 as compared to 57.9% at December 31, 2017 and 48.4% at December 31, 2016. The increase in the coverage ratio during 2018 was mainly driven by the decrease in non-performing loans during the year. All loans individually evaluated for impairment are adequately secured with collateral and/or specific reserves. Coverage is considered adequate by management as of December 31, 2018.

Management makes at least a quarterly determination as to an appropriate provision from earnings to maintain an allowance for loan losses that it determines is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The Board of Directors periodically reviews the status of all non-accrual and impaired loans and loans classified by the management team. The Board of Directors also considers specific loans, pools of similar loans, historical charge-off activity, economic conditions and other relevant factors in reviewing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Any additions deemed necessary to the allowance for loan losses are charged to operating expenses.

We evaluate loans for impairment and potential charge-offs on a quarterly basis.  Any loan rated as substandard or lower will have a collateral evaluation analysis completed in accordance with the guidance under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) on impaired loans to determine if a deficiency exists. Our credit monitoring process assesses the ultimate collectability of an outstanding loan balance from all potential sources. When a loan is determined to be uncollectible it is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. Unsecured commercial loans and all consumer loans are charged-off immediately upon reaching the 90-day delinquency mark unless they are well secured and in the process of collection.  The timing on charge-offs of all other loan types is subjective and will be recognized when management determines that full repayment, either from the cash flow of the borrower, collateral sources, and/or guarantors, will not be sufficient and that repayment is unlikely.  A full or partial charge-off is recognized equal to the amount of the estimated deficiency calculation.

Serious delinquency is often the first indicator of a potential charge-off.  Reductions in appraised collateral values and deteriorating financial condition of borrowers and guarantors are factors considered when evaluating potential charge-offs.  The likelihood of possible recoveries or improvements in a borrower’s financial condition is also assessed when considering a charge-off.

Partial charge-offs of non-performing and impaired loans can significantly reduce the coverage ratio and other credit loss statistics due to the fact that the balance of the allowance for loan losses will be reduced while still carrying the remainder of a non-performing loan balance in the impaired loan category.  The amount of non-performing loans for which there were partial charge-offs during the year amounted to $3.3 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $1.4 million at December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily driven by charge-offs related to a single loan relationship in 2018. 

Our charge-off policy is reviewed on an annual basis and updated as necessary.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, there have been no changes made to this policy.

We have an existing loan review program, which monitors the loan portfolio on an ongoing basis. A loan review officer who reviews both the loan portfolio and overall adequacy of the allowance for loan losses conducts this loan review on a quarterly basis and reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Estimating the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses at any given date is difficult, particularly in a continually changing economy. In management’s opinion, the allowance for loan losses was appropriate at December 31, 2018. However, there can be no assurance that, if asset quality deteriorates in future periods, additions to the allowance for loan losses will not be required.

Management is unable to determine in which loan category future charge-offs and recoveries may occur. The following schedule sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among various categories. The allocation is based on management’s evaluation of historical charge-off experience and adjusted for several qualitative factors. The entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb loan losses in any loan category.

59
The allocation of the allowance for loan losses for the past five years is as follows:

   
At December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
    
2015
    
2014
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Amount
    
% of
Loans
    
Amount
    
% of
Loans
    
Amount
    
% of
Loans
    
Amount
    
% of
Loans
    
Amount
    
% of
Loans
  
Commercial real estate
  
$
2,462
      
35.9%
 
$
3,774
      
37.3%
 
$
3,254
      
39.2%
 
$
2,393
      
40.0%
 
$
6,828
      
48.5%
Construction and land development
    
777
      
8.4%
   
725
      
9.0%
   
557
      
6.4%
   
338
      
5.3%
   
917
      
3.8%
Commercial and industrial
    
1,754
      
14.0%
   
1,317
      
14.9%
   
2,884
      
18.1%
   
2,932
      
20.8%
   
1,579
      
18.5%
Owner occupied real estate
    
2,033
      
25.6%
   
1,737
      
26.7%
   
1,382
      
28.7%
   
2,030
      
28.1%
   
1,638
      
24.0%
Consumer and other
    
577
      
6.3%
   
573
      
6.5%
   
588
      
6.6%
   
295
      
5.5%
   
234
      
5.1%
Residential mortgage
    
894
      
9.8%
   
392
      
5.6%
   
58
      
1.0%
   
14
      
0.3%
   
2
      
0.1%
Unallocated
    
118
      
-
   
81
      
-
   
432
      
-
   
701
      
-
   
338
      
-
Total allowance for loan losses
  
$
8,615
      
100%
 
$
8,599
      
100%
 
$
9,155
      
100%
 
$
8,703
      
100%
 
$
11,536
      
100%

The allowance for loan losses is an amount that represents management’s estimate of known and inherent losses related to the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments.  Because the allowance for loan losses is dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other conditions that may be beyond our control, the estimate of the allowance for loan losses could differ materially in the near term.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to impaired loans.  For such loans, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows, collateral value, or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  The general component covers the remainder of the portfolio and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for several qualitative factors.  An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.  All identified losses are immediately charged off and therefore no portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or group of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.

In estimating the allowance for loan losses, management considers current economic conditions, past loss experience, diversification of the loan portfolio, delinquency statistics, results of internal loan reviews and regulatory examinations, borrowers’ perceived financial and managerial strengths, the adequacy of underlying collateral, if collateral dependent, or present value of future cash flows, and other relevant and qualitative risk factors. These qualitative risk factors include:


 1.
Lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices.

2.
National, regional and local economic and business conditions as well as the condition of various segments.

3.
Nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans.

4.
Experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff.

5.
Volume and severity of past due, classified and nonaccrual loans as well as other loan modifications.

6.
Quality of our loan review system, and the degree of oversight by our Board of Directors.

7.
Existence and effect of any concentration of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations.

8.
Effect of external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements.

60
Each factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation.  Adjustments to the factors are supported through documentation of changes in conditions in a narrative accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.

We also provide specific reserves for impaired loans to the extent the estimated realizable value of the underlying collateral is less than the loan balance, when the collateral is the only source of repayment. Also, we estimate and recognize reserve allocations on loans identified as “internally classified accruing loans” based upon any factor that might impact loss estimates. Those factors include but are not limited to the impact of economic conditions on the borrower and management’s potential alternative strategies for loan or collateral disposition.  An unallocated allowance is established for losses that have not been identified through the formulaic and other specific components of the allowance as described above. Management has identified several factors that impact credit losses that are not considered in either the formula or the specific allowance segments. These factors consist of macro and micro economic conditions, industry and geographic loan concentrations, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, changes in underwriting processes and trends in problem loan and loss recovery rates. The impact of the above is considered in light of management’s conclusions as to the overall adequacy of underlying collateral and other factors.

The majority of our loan portfolio represents loans made for commercial purposes, while significant amounts of residential property may serve as collateral for such loans. We attempt to evaluate larger loans individually, on the basis of our loan review process, which scrutinizes loans on a selective basis and other available information. Even if all commercial purpose loans could be reviewed, information on potential problems might not be available. Our portfolio of loans made for purposes of financing residential mortgages and consumer loans are evaluated in groups.

A loan is considered impaired, in accordance with ASC 310, when based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.  Impaired loans include nonperforming loans, but also include internally classified accruing loans.  As of December 31, 2018, management identified a total of five troubled debt restructurings in the loan portfolio in the amount of $7.8 million. Five troubled debt restructurings in the amount of $8.2 million were identified as of December 31, 2017.

The following table presents our impaired loans at December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
  
$
10,602
    
$
15,270
    
$
15,740
  
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
    
7,428
      
9,446
      
12,430
  
Total impaired loans
  
$
18,030
    
$
24,716
    
$
28,170
  
                         
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans
  
$
1,473
    
$
2,790
    
$
3,468
  
Total nonaccrual loans
    
10,341
      
14,845
      
18,594
  
Total loans past-due ninety days or more and still accruing
    
-
      
-
      
302
  

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately $22.8 million, $25.4 million, and $25.7 million, respectively.  Republic earned $451,000, $607,000, and $502,000 of interest income on impaired loans (internally classified accruing loans) in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  There were no commitments to extend credit to any borrowers with impaired loans as of the end of the periods presented herein.

Total impaired loans decreased by $6.7 million, or 27%, during the year ended December 31, 2018. This decrease was primarily driven by paydowns and charge-offs in 2018. The valuation allowance related to impaired loans decreased to $1.5 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $2.8 million at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, internally classified accruing loans totaled approximately $7.7 million and $9.9 million, respectively.

61
The following table presents our 30 to 89 days past due loans at December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
30 to 59 days past due
  
$
1,135
    
$
1,113
    
$
1,060
  
60 to 89 days past due
    
1,574
      
-
      
31
  
Total loans 30 to 89 days past due
  
$
2,709
    
$
1,113
    
$
1,091
  

Management has engaged in active discussions with all delinquent relationships to address delinquencies and is confident that acceptable resolutions will be achieved in the near term.

Deposits

Total deposits at December 31, 2018 were $2.4 billion, an increase of $329.6 million or 16% from total deposits of $2.1 billion at December 31, 2017.  Total deposits by account type at December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  
At December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Demand deposits, non-interest bearing
  
$
519,056
    
$
438,500
    
$
324,912
  
Demand deposits, interest bearing
    
1,042,561
      
807,736
      
605,950
  
Money market & savings deposits
    
676,993
      
700,322
      
635,644
  
Time deposits
    
154,257
      
116,737
      
111,164
  
Total deposits
  
$
2,392,867
    
$
2,063,295
    
$
1,677,670
  

In general, Republic pays higher interest rates on time deposits compared to other deposit categories.  Republic’s various deposit liabilities may fluctuate from period-to-period, reflecting customer behavior and strategies to optimize net interest income. The increase in total deposits to $2.4 billion at December 31, 2018 from $2.1 billion at December 31, 2017 was primarily the result of a $315.4 million increase in demand deposits, which reflects the success of our strategy based on a high level of customer service and satisfaction, which drives the gathering of low-cost core deposits. This strategy has also allowed us to eliminate our dependence on the more volatile source of funding in brokered and internet based certificates of deposit.

The average balances and weighted average rates of Republic’s deposits for the last three years are as follows:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
    
Rate
    
Average
Balance
    
Rate
    
Average
Balance
    
Rate
  
Demand deposits:
                                    
Non-interest bearing
  
$
488,995
          
$
372,171
          
$
284,326
        
Interest bearing
    
918,508
      
0.87
%
    
687,586
      
0.44
%
    
510,745
      
0.41
%
Money market & savings deposits
    
697,135
      
0.70
%
    
629,464
      
0.50
%
    
586,750
      
0.45
%
Time deposits
    
128,892
      
1.23
%
    
110,952
      
1.12
%
    
89,713
      
1.05
%
Total deposits
  
$
2,233,530
      
0.65
%
  
$
1,800,173
      
0.41
%
  
$
1,471,534
      
0.39
%

62
The remaining maturity of certificates of deposit for $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
      
Maturity:
      
3 months or less
  
$
22,220
  
3 to 6 months
    
27,180
  
6 to 12 months
    
22,924
  
Over 12 months
    
51,826
  
Total
  
$
124,150
  

The following is a summary of the remaining maturity of time deposits, which includes certificates of deposits of $100,000 or more, as of December 31, 2018:

(dollars in thousands)
      
Maturity:
      
2019
  
$
94,022
  
2020
    
57,138
  
2021
    
1,135
  
2022
    
958
  
2023
    
1,004
  
Thereafter
    
-
  
Total
  
$
154,257
  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss due to the failure of the other parties to a financial instrument to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. The maximum exposure to credit loss under commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. We use the same underwriting standards and policies in making credit commitments as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk are commitments to extend credit of approximately $286.4 million and $264.3 million and standby letters of credit of approximately $13.9 million and $12.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Commitments often expire without being drawn upon. The $286.4 million of commitments to extend credit at December 31, 2018, substantially all were variable rate commitments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and many require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.

63
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued that guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk and collateral policy involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan commitments. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

The following table sets forth contractual obligations and other commitments representing required and potential cash outflows as of December 31, 2018:

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Total
    
Less than
One Year
    
One to
Three
Years
    
Three to
Five Years
    
After Five
Years
  
Minimum annual rentals or non-cancellable operating leases
  
$
51,673
    
$
4,124
    
$
7,007
    
$
4,506
    
$
36,036
  
Branch construction commitments
    
8,000
      
8,000
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Remaining contractual maturities of time deposits
    
154,257
      
94,022
      
58,273
      
1,962
      
-
  
Subordinated debt
    
11,381
      
40
      
-
      
-
      
11,341
  
Director and Officer retirement plan obligations
    
1,146
      
672
      
111
      
104
      
259
  
Loan commitments
    
286,369
      
103,212
      
60,726
      
32,780
      
89,651
  
Standby letters of credit
    
13,910
      
12,548
      
1,362
      
-
      
-
  
Total
  
$
526,736
    
$
222,618
    
$
127,479
    
$
39,352
    
$
137,287
  

As of December 31, 2018, we had entered into non-cancelable lease agreements for our main office and operations center, fifteen current retail branch facilities, five loan offices, one training center, and one storage facility expiring on various dates through December 31, 2038. The leases are accounted for as operating leases. The minimum rental payments required under these leases are $51.7 million through the year 2058.

We have retirement plan agreements with certain directors and officers. At December 31, 2018, the accrued benefits under the plan were approximately $1.1 million, with a minimum age of 65 established to qualify for the payments.

Interest Rate Risk Management

We attempt to manage our assets and liabilities in a manner that optimizes net interest income in a range of interest rate environments. Management uses an “interest sensitivity gap” (“GAP”) analysis and simulation models to monitor behavior of its interest sensitive assets and liabilities. A GAP analysis is the difference between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities.  Adjustments to the mix of assets and liabilities are made periodically in an effort to provide steady growth in net interest income.

Management presently believes that the effect of any future reduction in interest rates, reflected in lower yielding assets, could be detrimental since we may not have the immediate ability to commensurately decrease rates on interest bearing liabilities, primarily time deposits, other borrowings and certain transaction accounts. An increase in interest rates could have a negative effect due to a possible lag in the re-pricing of core deposits not taken into account in the static GAP analysis.  Interest rate risk management involves managing the extent to which interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities are matched. We attempt to optimize net interest income while managing period-to-period fluctuations therein. We typically define interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities as those that re-price within one year or less.  Generally, we limit long-term fixed rate assets and liabilities in our efforts to manage interest rate risk.

64
A positive GAP occurs when interest-sensitive assets exceed interest-sensitive liabilities re-pricing in the same time periods, and a negative GAP occurs when interest-sensitive liabilities exceed interest-sensitive assets re-pricing in the same time periods. A negative GAP ratio suggests that a financial institution may be better positioned to take advantage of declining interest rates rather than increasing interest rates, and a positive GAP ratio suggests the converse. Static GAP analysis describes interest rate sensitivity at a point in time. However, it alone does not accurately measure the magnitude of changes in net interest income as changes in interest rates do not impact all categories of assets and liabilities equally or simultaneously.  Interest rate sensitivity analysis also requires assumptions about re-pricing certain categories of assets and liabilities.  For purposes of interest rate sensitivity analysis, assets and liabilities are stated at their contractual maturity, estimated likely call date, or earliest re-pricing opportunity.  Mortgage-backed securities and amortizing loans are scheduled based on their anticipated cash flow, including prepayments based on historical data and current market trends.  Savings, money market and interest-bearing demand accounts do not have a stated maturity or re-pricing term and can be withdrawn or re-priced at any time. Management estimates the re-pricing characteristics of these accounts based upon decay rates and run off projections obtained in a deposit study performed by an independent third party, along with management’s estimates of when rates would have to be increased to retain balances in response to competition.  Such estimates are necessarily arbitrary and wholly judgmental. As a result of the run off projections, these deposits are not considered to re-price simultaneously and, accordingly, a portion of the deposits are moved into time brackets exceeding one year. However, management may choose not to re-price liabilities proportionally to changes in market interest rates, for competitive or other reasons.

Shortcomings, inherent in a simplified and static GAP analysis, may result in an institution with a negative GAP having interest rate behavior associated with an asset-sensitive balance sheet. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to re-pricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Furthermore, re-pricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities may vary substantially within a given time period. In the event of a change in interest rates, prepayments and other cash flows could also deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating GAP in the manner presented in the table on the following page.

65
The following tables present a summary of our GAP analysis at December 31, 2018.  Amounts shown in the table include both estimated maturities and instruments scheduled to re-price, including prime based loans.  For purposes of these tables, we have used assumptions based on industry data and historical experience to calculate the expected maturity of loans because, statistically, certain categories of loans are prepaid before their maturity date, even without regard to interest rate fluctuations. Additionally, certain prepayment assumptions were made with regard to investment securities based upon the expected prepayment of the underlying collateral of the mortgage-backed securities.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Gap
As of December 31, 2018
  
                                                             
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
0 – 90
Days
    
91-180
Days
    
181-365
Days
    
1-2
Years
    
2-3
Years
    
3-4
Years
    
4-5
Years
    
More
than 5
Years
    
Financial
Statement
Total
    
Fair
Value
  
                                                             
Interest sensitive assets:
                                                            
Investment securities and other interest-bearing balances
  
$
76,790
    
$
32,871
    
$
63,351
    
$
117,191
    
$
101,108
    
$
87,070
    
$
78,819
    
$
567,919
    
$
1,125,119
    
$
1,110,879
  
Average interest rate
    
2.54%
   
2.71%
   
2.70%
   
2.73%
   
2.71%
   
2.73%
   
2.74%
   
2.98%
   
2.85%
       
Loans receivable
    
432,407
   
95,441
   
176,066
   
203,226
   
156,094
   
131,553
   
101,608
   
166,494
   
1,462,889
   
1,445,851
  
Average interest rate
    
5.98%
   
3.52%
   
3.42%
   
4.80%
   
4.81%
   
4.82%
   
4.90%
   
6.84%
   
5.14%
       
Total
  
$
509,197
 
$
128,312
    
$
239,417
    
$
320,417
    
$
257,202
    
$
218,623
    
$
180,427
    
$
734,413
    
$
2,588,008
    
$
2,556,730
  
       
                                                                       
Cumulative totals
  
$
509,197
 
$
637,509
    
$
876,926
    
$
1,197,343
    
$
1,454,545
    
$
1,673,168
    
$
1,853,595
    
$
2,588,008
                  
       
                                                                       
Interest sensitive liabilities:
      
                                                                       
Demand interest bearing(1)
  
$
28,826
 
$
28,826
 
$
57,652
    
$
18,126
    
$
17,462
    
$
16,987
    
$
16,608
    
$
858,074
    
$
1,042,561
    
$
1,042,561
  
Average interest rate
    
1.45%
   
1.45%
   
1.45%
   
1.45%
   
1.45%
   
1.45%
   
1.45%
   
1.32%
   
1.35%
       
Savings accounts(1)
    
1,229
   
1,229
      
2,458
   
882
   
38
   
162
   
208
   
200,587
   
206,793
   
206,793
  
Average interest rate
    
0.23%
   
0.23%
   
0.23%
   
0.24%
   
0.46%
   
0.19%
   
0.19%
   
0.45%
   
0.44%
       
Money market accounts(1)
    
2,190
   
2,190
   
4,381
   
11,175
   
9,514
   
7,767
   
6,319
   
426,664
   
470,200
   
470,200
  
Average interest rate
    
0.94%
   
0.94%
   
0.94%
   
0.94%
   
0.94%
   
0.94%
   
0.94%
   
0.89%
   
0.90%
       
Time deposits
    
28,954
   
32,468
      
32,595
   
57,136
   
1,135
   
958
   
1,011
   
-
      
154,257
   
152,989
  
Average interest rate
    
0.77%
   
1.59%
   
1.40%
   
2.15%
   
0.96%
   
0.99%
   
1.09%
   
-
      
1.59%
       
Overnight borrowings
    
91,422
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
91,422
   
91,422
  
Average interest rate
    
2.71%
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
2.71%
       
Subordinated debt
    
11,259
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
11,259
   
8,279
  
Average interest rate
    
4.39%
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
4.39%
       
Total
  
$
163,880
 
$
64,713
 
$
97,086
 
$
87,319
 
$
28,149
    
$
25,874
    
$
24,146
    
$
1,485,325
    
$
1,976,492
    
$
1,972,244
  
       
     
     
     
                                               
Cumulative totals
  
$
163,880
 
$
228,593
 
$
325,679
 
$
412,998
 
$
441,147
    
$
467,021
    
$
491,167
    
$
1,976,492
                  
       
     
     
     
                                               
Interest rate sensitivity GAP
  
$
345,317
 
$
63,599
 
$
142,331
 
$
233,098
 
$
229,053
    
$
192,749
    
$
156,281
    
$
(750,912
)
                
Cumulative GAP
  
$
345,317
 
$
408,916
 
$
551,247
 
$
784,345
 
$
1,013,398
    
$
1,206,147
    
$
1,362,428
    
$
611,516
                  
Interest sensitive assets/Interest sensitive liabilities
    
310.54%
   
278.78%
   
269.19%
   
289.85%
   
329.65%
   
358.20%
   
377.32%
   
130.93%
               
Cumulative GAP/ Total earning assets
    
13.34%
   
15.80%
   
21.30%
   
30.30%
   
39.15%
   
46.60%
   
52.64%
   
23.63%
               

(1) Demand, savings and money market accounts are scheduled to reprice based upon decay rate and run off percentage estimates obtained through a deposit study performed by an independent third party, along with management’s estimates of when rates would have to be increased to retain balances in response to competition.  Such estimates are necessarily arbitrary and wholly judgmental.

66
In addition to the GAP analysis, we utilize income simulation modeling in measuring our interest rate risk and managing our interest rate sensitivity.  Income simulation considers not only the impact of changing market interest rates on forecasted net interest income, but also other factors such as yield curve relationships, the volume and mix of assets and liabilities and general market conditions.

Net Portfolio Value and Net Interest Income Analysis

The income simulation models management used to measure interest rate risk and manage interest rate sensitivity generates estimates of the change in net portfolio value (NPV) and net interest income (NII) over a range of interest rate scenarios.  NPV is the present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet contracts.  The NPV ratio, under any interest rate scenario, is defined as the NPV in that scenario divided by the market value of assets in the same scenario.  The following table sets forth our NPV as of December 31, 2018 and reflects the changes to NPV as a result of immediate and sustained changes in interest rates as indicated (dollars in thousands):

Change in
Interest Rates
in Basis Points
(Rate Shock)
  
Net Portfolio Value
    
NPV as a % of Portfolio
Value of Assets
  
 
Amount
    
$
Change
    
%
Change
    
NPV
Ratio
    
Change
(in Basis Points)
  
                               
+400
  
$
325,048
    
$
(935
)
    
(0.29)%
   
13.77%
   
180
  
+300
    
353,379
      
27,396
      
8.40%
   
14.44%
   
247
  
+200
    
369,234
      
43,251
      
13.27%
   
14.54%
   
257
  
+100
    
355,588
      
29,605
      
9.08%
   
13.49%
   
152
  
Static
    
325,983
      
-
      
0.00%
   
11.97%
   
-
  
-100
    
249,743
      
(76,240
)
    
(23.39)%
   
8.93%
   
(304
)

In addition to modeling changes in NPV, we also analyze potential changes to NII for a forecasted twelve-month period under rising and falling interest rate scenarios. The following table shows the NII model as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):

Change in Interest Rates
in Basis Points(1)
  
Net Interest
Income
    
$
Change
    
%
Change
  
                   
+400
  
$
88,048
      
11,402
      
14.88%
+300
    
85,384
      
8,738
      
11.40%
+200
    
82,690
      
6,044
      
7.89%
+100
    
79,903
      
3,257
      
4.25%
Static
    
76,646
      
-
      
0.00%
-100
    
71,167
      
(5,479
)
    
(7.15)%

(1)The net interest income results were calculated assuming a rate ramp, achieving the rate change over a 12-month period, not an immediate and sustained rate shock.

As is the case with the GAP table, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurements.  Modeling changes in NPV and NII require the making of certain assumptions, which may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates.  In this regard, the models presented assume that the composition of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and also assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration to maturity or re-pricing of specific assets and liabilities.  Accordingly, although the NPV measurements and net interest income models provide an indication of interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on net interest income and will differ from actual results.

67
Management believes that the assumptions utilized in evaluating our estimated net interest income are reasonable. However, the interest rate sensitivity of our assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet financial instruments as well as the estimated effect of changes in interest rates on estimated net interest income could vary substantially if different assumptions are used or actual experience differs from the experience on which the assumptions were based. Periodically, we may and do make significant changes to underlying assumptions, which are wholly judgmental.  Prepayments on residential mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities have increased over historical levels in recent years due to the lower interest rate environment, and may result in reductions in margins.

Capital Resources

We have sponsored two outstanding issues of corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of a subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the Corporation more commonly known as trust preferred securities. The subsidiary trusts are not consolidated for financial reporting purposes.  The purpose of the issuances of these securities was to increase capital. The trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes in amounts up to 25% of total Tier 1 capital.

On December 27, 2006, Republic Capital Trust II (Trust II) issued $6.0 million of trust preferred securities to investors and $0.2 million of common securities to us.  Trust II purchased $6.2 million of our floating rate junior subordinated debentures due 2037, and we used the proceeds to call the securities of Republic Capital Trust I (Trust I).  The debentures purchased by Trust II have a variable interest rate, adjustable quarterly, at 1.73% over the 3-month LIBOR.  We may redeem the debentures on any interest payment date without a prepayment penalty.

On June 28, 2007, Republic Capital Trust III (Trust III), issued $5.0 million of trust preferred securities to one investor and $0.2 million common securities to us.  Trust III purchased $5.2 million of our floating rate junior subordinated debentures due 2037, which have a variable interest rate, adjustable quarterly, at 1.55% over the 3 month LIBOR.  We have the ability to redeem the debentures on any interest payment date without a prepayment penalty.

On June 10, 2008, Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV (Trust IV) issued $10.8 million of convertible trust preferred securities as part of our strategic capital plan.  The securities were purchased by investors, including Vernon W. Hill, II, founder and chairman (retired) of Commerce Bancorp, and as of December 5, 2016, our chairman.  The investor group also included a family trust of Harry D. Madonna, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Republic Bank, and Theodore J. Flocco, Jr., who has been elected by the shareholders to our Board of Directors and serves as the Chairman of our Audit Committee.  Trust IV also issued $0.3 million of common securities to us.  Trust IV purchased $11.1 million of our fixed rate junior subordinated convertible debentures due 2038, which paid interest at an annual rate of 8.0% and were considered redeemable on any interest payment date (a) at any time on or after June 13, 2013 if the closing price of our common stock for 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day prior to the mailing of the notice of redemption exceeds 120% of the then-applicable conversion price, or (b) on or after June 30, 2018, without a prepayment penalty.  The trust preferred securities of Trust IV were convertible into approximately 1.7 million shares of our common stock, which is subject to customary adjustments. One independent director converted $240,000 of trust preferred securities into 37,000 shares of common stock in 2017. On January 31, 2018, we notified the existing holders of its intent to fully redeem these securities in accordance with the Optional Redemption terms included in the Indenture Agreement. The remaining securities were redeemed on March 31, 2018 at a price equal to the outstanding principal amount. After redemption of the remaining securities, Trust IV was dissolved.

68
Deferred issuance costs included in subordinated debt were $82,000 and $555,000 at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Amortization of deferred issuance costs were $6,000, $29,000, and $24,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Deferred issuance costs in the amount of $467,000 were recorded against additional paid in capital during the first quarter of 2018 as a result of the conversion of trust preferred securities into common stock in accordance with ASC 470-20.

On December 5, 2016, we issued 18,691,589 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering for gross proceeds of $100.0 million.

Shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2018 totaled approximately $245.2 million compared to approximately $226.5 million as of December 31, 2017. The book value per share of our common stock increased to $4.17 as of December 31, 2018, based upon 58,789,228 shares outstanding, from $3.97 as of December 31, 2017, based upon 56,989,764 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017. Outstanding shares are adjusted for treasury stock and deferred compensation plan shares.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

We are required to comply with certain “risk-based” capital adequacy guidelines issued by the FRB and the FDIC. The risk-based capital guidelines assign varying risk weights to the individual assets held by a bank. The guidelines also assign weights to the “credit-equivalent” amounts of certain off-balance sheet items, such as letters of credit and interest rate and currency swap contracts.

In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted revisions to the agencies’ capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action rules, which were designed to enhance such requirements and implement the revised standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, commonly referred to as Basel III. The final rules generally implemented higher minimum capital requirements, added a new common equity tier 1 capital requirement, and established criteria that instruments must meet to be considered common equity tier 1 capital, additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital.  Under the capital rules, risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and total risk-based capital, respectively, by risk-weighted assets.  Assets and off-balance sheet credit equivalents are assigned to one of several categories of risk-weights, based primarily on relative risk.  Under the Federal Reserve’s rules, Republic is required to maintain a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio requirement of 4.5%, a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement of 6%, a minimum total capital requirement of 8% and a minimum leverage ratio requirement of 4%.  Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets.  The capital conservation buffer, which is composed of common equity tier 1 capital, began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and was phased in over a three year period (increasing by that amount on each January 1, until it reached 2.5% on January 1, 2019).  Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to common equity tier 1 capital began on January 1, 2015 and were phased-in over a three-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015 and an additional 20% per year thereafter).

69
The following table shows the required capital ratios with the conservation buffer over the phase-in period.

   
Basel III Community Banks
Minimum Capital Ratio Requirements
   
2016
  
2017
  
2018
  
2019
                         
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)
    
5.125
%
    
5.750
%
    
6.375
%
    
7.000
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
    
6.625
%
    
7.250
%
    
7.875
%
    
8.500
%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    
8.625
%
    
9.250
%
    
9.875
%
    
10.500
%

The risk-based capital ratios measure the adequacy of a bank’s capital against the riskiness of its assets and off-balance sheet activities. Failure to maintain adequate capital is a basis for “prompt corrective action” or other regulatory enforcement action. In assessing a bank’s capital adequacy, regulators also consider other factors such as interest rate risk exposure; liquidity, funding and market risks; quality and level or earnings; concentrations of credit, quality of loans and investments; risks of any nontraditional activities; effectiveness of bank policies; and management’s overall ability to monitor and control risks.

Management believes that the Company and Republic met, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if all such requirements were currently in effect. In the current year, the FDIC categorized Republic as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. There are no calculations or events since that notification which management believes would have changed Republic’s category.

The Company and Republic’s ability to maintain the required levels of capital is substantially dependent upon the success of their capital and business plans, the impact of future economic events on Republic’s loan customers and Republic’s ability to manage its interest rate risk, growth and other operating expenses.

70
The following table presents the Company’s and Republic’s capital regulatory ratios calculated based on Basel III guidelines at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(dollars in thousands)
  
Actual
    
Minimum Capital
Adequacy
    
Minimum Capital
Adequacy with
Capital Buffer
    
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
  
   
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
  
At December 31, 2018:
                                          
                                           
Total risk based capital
                                          
Republic
  
$
231,610
      
13.26%
 
$
139,722
      
8.00%
 
$
172,489
      
9.875%
 
$
174,652
      
10.00%
Company
    
262,964
      
15.03%
   
140,009
      
8.00%
   
172,824
      
9.875%
   
-
      
-%
Tier one risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
222,995
      
12.77%
   
104,791
      
6.00%
   
137,539
      
7.875%
   
139,722
      
8.00%
Company
    
254,349
      
14.53%
   
105,007
      
6.00%
   
137,821
      
7.875%
   
-
      
-%
CET 1 risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
222,995
      
12.77%
   
78,594
      
4.50%
   
111,341
      
6.375%
   
113,524
      
6.50%
Company
    
243,349
      
13.90%
   
78,755
      
4.50%
   
111,570
      
6.375%
   
-
      
-%
Tier one leveraged capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
222,995
      
8.21%
   
108,685
      
4.00%
   
108,685
      
4.00%
   
135,857
      
5.00%
Company
    
254,349
      
9.35%
   
108,800
      
4.00%
   
108,800
      
4.00%
   
-
      
-%
               
             
             
             
At December 31, 2017:
              
             
             
             
               
             
             
             
Total risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
  
$
187,732
      
12.57%
 
$
119,446
      
8.00%
 
$
138,109
      
9.25%
 
$
149,307
      
10.00%
Company
    
249,510
      
16.70%
   
119,521
      
8.00%
   
138,197
      
9.25%
   
-
      
-%
Tier one risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
179,133
      
12.00%
   
89,584
      
6.00%
   
108,248
      
7.25%
   
119,446
      
8.00%
Company
    
240,911
      
16.13%
   
89,641
      
6.00%
   
108,316
      
7.25%
   
-
      
-%
CET 1 risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
179,133
      
12.00%
   
67,188
      
4.50%
   
85,852
      
5.75%
   
97,050
      
6.50%
Company
    
220,433
      
14.75%
   
67,231
      
4.50%
   
85,906
      
5.75%
   
-
      
-%
Tier one leveraged capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
179,133
      
7.91%
   
90,531
      
4.00%
   
90,531
      
4.00%
   
113,164
      
5.00%
Company
    
240,911
      
10.64%
   
90,586
      
4.00%
   
90,586
      
4.00%
   
-
      
-%

Liquidity

A financial institution must maintain and manage liquidity to ensure it has the ability to meet its financial obligations. These obligations include the payment of deposits on demand or at their contractual maturity; the repayment of borrowings as they mature; the payment of lease obligations as they become due; the ability to fund new and existing loans and other funding commitments; and the ability to take advantage of new business opportunities. Liquidity needs can be met by either reducing assets or increasing liabilities. Our most liquid assets consist of cash, amounts due from banks and federal funds sold.

Regulatory authorities require us to maintain certain liquidity ratios in order for funds to be available to satisfy commitments to borrowers and the demands of depositors. In response to these requirements, we have formed an asset/liability committee (ALCO), comprised of certain members of Republic’s Board of Directors and senior management to monitor such ratios. The ALCO committee is responsible for managing the liquidity position and interest sensitivity. That committee’s primary objective is to maximize net interest income while configuring Republic’s interest-sensitive assets and liabilities to manage interest rate risk and provide adequate liquidity for projected needs. The ALCO committee meets on a quarterly basis or more frequently if deemed necessary.

71
Our target and actual liquidity levels are determined by comparisons of the estimated repayment and marketability of interest-earning assets with projected future outflows of deposits and other liabilities. Our most liquid assets, comprised of cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet, totaled $72.5 million at December 31, 2018, compared to $61.9 million at December 31, 2017. Loan maturities and repayments are another source of asset liquidity. At December 31, 2018, Republic estimated that more than $100 million of loans would mature or repay in the six-month period ending June 30, 2019. Additionally, a significant portion of our investment securities are available to satisfy liquidity requirements through sales on the open market or by pledging as collateral to access credit facilities. At December 31, 2018, we had outstanding commitments (including unused lines of credit and letters of credit) of $300.3 million. Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year totaled $94.0 million at December 31, 2018. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds available to meet all current commitments.

Daily funding requirements have historically been satisfied by generating core deposits and certificates of deposit with competitive rates, buying federal funds or utilizing the credit facilities of the FHLB. We have established a line of credit with the FHLB of Pittsburgh.  Our maximum borrowing capacity with the FHLB was $717.1 million at December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, we had outstanding overnight borrowings of $91.4 million at 2.65%. At December 31, 2018, FHLB had issued a letter on Republic’s behalf, totaling $100.0 million against our available credit. At December 31, 2017, we had no outstanding borrowings with the FHLB. As of December 31, 2017, FHLB had issued a letter of credit, on Republic’s behalf, totaling $75.0 million against our available credit line. We also established a contingency line of credit of $10.0 million with ACBB and a Fed Funds line of credit with Zions Bank in the amount of $15.0 million to assist in managing our liquidity position. We had no amounts outstanding against the ACBB line of credit or the Zions Fed Funds line at both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Variable Interest Entities

We follow the guidance under ASC 810, Consolidation, with regard to variable interest entities.  ASC 810 clarifies the application of consolidation principles for certain legal entities in which voting rights are not effective in identifying the investor with the controlling financial interest. An entity is subject to consolidation under ASC 810 if the investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, are unable to direct the entity’s activities, or are not exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns (“variable interest entities”). Variable interest entities within the scope of ASC 810 will be required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is determined to be the party that absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of its expected returns, or both.

We do not consolidate our subsidiary trusts.  ASC 810 precludes consideration of the call option embedded in the preferred securities when determining if we have the right to a majority of the trusts’ expected residual returns. The non-consolidation results in the investment in the common securities of the trusts to be included in other assets with a corresponding increase in outstanding debt of $341,000. In addition, the income received on our investment in the common securities of the trusts is included in other income.

Effects of Inflation

The majority of assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. Therefore, a financial institution differs greatly from most commercial and industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or inventories. Management believes that the most significant impact of inflation on financial results is our need and ability to react to changes in interest rates. As discussed previously, management attempts to maintain an essentially balanced position between rate sensitive assets and liabilities over a one-year time horizon in order to protect net interest income from being affected by wide interest rate fluctuations.

72
Item 7A:
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

See “Management Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition – Interest Rate Risk Management”.

Item 8:
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company begin on page 75.

73

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

Shareholders and Board of Directors
Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 14, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
Basis for Opinion
 
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.


74
 


Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


/s/ BDO USA, LLP
 
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2013.
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 
March 14, 2019
 


75
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2018 and 2017
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   
December 31,
2018
    
December 31,
2017
  
ASSETS
            
Cash and due from banks
  
$
35,685
    
$
36,073
  
Interest bearing deposits with banks
    
36,788
      
25,869
  
Cash and cash equivalents
    
72,473
      
61,942
  
                 
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
    
321,014
      
464,430
  
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $747,323 and $463,799, respectively)
    
761,563
      
472,213
  
Restricted stock, at cost
    
5,754
      
1,918
  
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
    
20,887
      
43,375
  
Other loans held for sale
    
5,404
      
2,325
  
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $8,615 and $8,599, respectively)
    
1,427,983
      
1,153,679
  
Premises and equipment, net
    
87,661
      
74,947
  
Other real estate owned, net
    
6,223
      
6,966
  
Accrued interest receivable
    
9,025
      
7,009
  
Goodwill
    
5,011
      
5,011
  
Other assets
    
30,299
      
28,532
  
Total Assets
  
$
2,753,297
    
$
2,322,347
  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                
Liabilities
                
Deposits
                
Demand – non-interest bearing
  
$
519,056
    
$
438,500
  
Demand – interest bearing
    
1,042,561
      
807,736
  
Money market and savings
    
676,993
      
700,322
  
Time deposits
    
154,257
      
116,737
  
Total Deposits
    
2,392,867
      
2,063,295
  
Short-term borrowings
    
91,422
      
-
  
Accrued interest payable
    
558
      
293
  
Other liabilities
    
12,002
      
10,618
  
Subordinated debt
    
11,259
      
21,681
  
Total Liabilities
    
2,508,108
      
2,095,887
  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
                
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
    
-
      
-
  
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 100,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued 59,318,073 as of December 31, 2018 and 57,518,609 as of December 31, 2017; shares outstanding 58,789,228 as of December 31, 2018 and 56,989,764 as of December 31, 2017
    
593
      
575
  
Additional paid in capital
    
269,147
      
256,285
  
Accumulated deficit
    
(8,716
)
    
(18,983
)
Treasury stock at cost (503,408 shares as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)
    
(3,725
)
    
(3,725
)
Stock held by deferred compensation plan (25,437 shares as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)
    
(183
)
    
(183
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    
(11,927
)
    
(7,509
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    
245,189
      
226,460
  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  
$
2,753,297
    
$
2,322,347
  

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

76
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Interest income
                  
Interest and fees on taxable loans
  
$
62,502
    
$
48,993
    
$
40,827
  
Interest and fees on tax-exempt loans
    
1,543
      
1,101
      
960
  
Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities
    
26,677
      
19,643
      
11,264
  
Interest and dividends on tax-exempt investment securities
    
505
      
535
      
703
  
Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
    
847
      
577
      
473
  
Total interest income
    
92,074
      
70,849
      
54,227
  
Interest expense
                        
Demand- interest bearing
    
7,946
      
3,020
      
2,088
  
Money market and savings
    
4,898
      
3,160
      
2,639
  
Time deposits
    
1,588
      
1,238
      
942
  
Other borrowings
    
1,738
      
1,366
      
1,194
  
Total interest expense
    
16,170
      
8,784
      
6,863
  
Net interest income
    
75,904
      
62,065
      
47,364
  
Provision for loan losses
    
2,300
      
900
      
1,557
  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    
73,604
      
61,165
      
45,807
  
Non-interest income
                        
Loan and servicing fees
    
1,401
      
1,614
      
1,627
  
Mortgage banking income
    
10,233
      
11,170
      
5,062
  
Gain on sales of SBA loans
    
3,105
      
3,378
      
4,981
  
Service fees on deposit accounts
    
5,476
      
3,904
      
2,658
  
Gain (loss) on sale of investment securities
    
(67
)
    
(146
)
    
656
  
Net securities impairment losses recognized in earnings
    
-
      
-
      
(7
)
Other non-interest income
    
174
      
177
      
335
  
Total non-interest income
    
20,322
      
20,097
      
15,312
  
Non-interest expenses
                        
Salaries and employee benefits
    
44,082
      
37,959
      
28,602
  
Occupancy
    
8,046
      
7,156
      
6,109
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
5,447
      
4,618
      
3,518
  
Legal
    
985
      
984
      
459
  
Other real estate owned
    
1,588
      
4,092
      
2,182
  
Appraisal and other loan expenses
    
1,840
      
1,878
      
866
  
Advertising
    
1,211
      
1,279
      
811
  
Data processing
    
3,855
      
3,134
      
2,408
  
Insurance
    
996
      
982
      
962
  
Professional fees
    
2,048
      
1,893
      
1,580
  
Automated teller machine expenses
    
1,868
      
1,264
      
814
  
Regulatory assessments and costs
    
1,675
      
1,367
      
1,413
  
Taxes, other
    
796
      
817
      
366
  
Other operating expenses
    
9,284
      
7,853
      
6,203
  
Total non-interest expense
    
83,721
      
75,276
      
56,293
  
Income before benefit for income taxes
    
10,205
      
5,986
      
4,826
  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    
1,578
      
(2,919
)
    
(119
)
Net income
  
$
8,627
    
$
8,905
    
$
4,945
  
Net income per share
                        
Basic
  
$
0.15
    
$
0.16
    
$
0.13
  
Diluted
  
$
0.15
    
$
0.15
    
$
0.12
  

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

77
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
Net income
  
$
8,627
    
$
8,905
    
$
4,945
  
                         
Other comprehensive , net of tax
                        
Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities (pre-tax $5,364, $(646), and $(6,011), respectively)
    
3,927
      
(413
)
    
(3,853
)
Reclassification adjustment for securities losses (gains) (pre-tax $67, $146 and $(656), respectively)
    
49
      
94
      
(420
)
Reclassification adjustment for impairment charge (pre-tax $-, $- and $7, respectively)
    
-
      
-
      
4
  
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities
    
3,976
      
(319
)
    
(4,269
)
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity (pre-tax $(9,362), $-, $-, respectively)
    
(6,855
)
    
-
      
-
  
Amortization of net unrealized holding losses during the period (pre-tax $137, $163 and $219, respectively)
    
101
      
104
      
140
  
                         
Total other comprehensive loss
    
(2,778
)
    
(215
)
    
(4,129
)
                         
Total comprehensive income
  
$
5,849
    
$
8,690
    
$
816
  

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

78
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
(Dollars in thousands)

   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Cash flows from operating activities
                  
Net income
  
$
8,627
    
$
8,905
    
$
4,945
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                        
Provision for loan losses
    
2,300
      
900
      
1,557
  
Write down of other real estate owned
    
563
      
3,000
      
355
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
5,447
      
4,618
      
3,518
  
Deferred income taxes
    
1,527
      
(5,056
)
    
(380
)
Stock based compensation
    
2,116
      
1,842
      
759
  
Loss (gain) on sale of investment securities
    
67
      
146
      
(656
)
Impairment charges on investment securities
    
-
      
-
      
7
  
Amortization of premiums on investment securities
    
2,878
      
2,469
      
1,980
  
Accretion of discounts on retained SBA loans
    
(1,332
)
    
(1,088
)
    
(1,364
)
Fair value adjustments on SBA servicing assets
    
1,458
      
1,187
      
1,075
  
Proceeds from sales of SBA loans originated for sale
    
42,726
      
42,269
      
58,107
  
SBA loans originated for sale
    
(42,700
)
    
(37,062
)
    
(53,627
)
Gains on sales of SBA loans originated for sale
    
(3,105
)
    
(3,378
)
    
(4,981
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans originated for sale
    
322,264
      
311,187
      
163,414
  
Mortgage loans originated for sale
    
(291,870
)
    
(321,222
)
    
(161,717
)
Fair value adjustment for mortgage loans originated for sale
    
513
      
(846
)
    
(483
)
Gains on mortgage loans originated for sale
    
(8,378
)
    
(8,128
)
    
(3,712
)
Amortization of intangible assets
    
-
      
61
      
43
  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    
6
      
29
      
24
  
Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets
    
(5,047
)
    
(2,330
)
    
(2,729
)
Net increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    
1,570
      
1,513
      
(846
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    
39,630
      
(984
)
    
5,289
  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                        
Purchase of investment securities available for sale
    
(149,209
)
    
(165,065
)
    
(207,482
)
Purchase of investment securities held to maturity
    
(123,265
)
    
(89,350
)
    
(294,187
)
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
    
6,439
      
31,197
      
78,585
  
Proceeds from the paydown, maturity, or call of securities available for sale
    
48,796
      
48,547
      
36,982
  
Proceeds from the paydown, maturity, or call of securities held to maturity
    
63,565
      
37,315
      
33,160
  
Net (purchase) redemption of restricted stock
    
(3,836
)
    
(552
)
    
1,693
  
Net increase in loans
    
(275,587
)
    
(197,965
)
    
(89,428
)
Net proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
    
495
      
499
      
1,400
  
Net cash paid in acquisition
    
-
      
-
      
(5,913
)
Premises and equipment expenditures
    
(18,161
)
    
(22,525
)
    
(14,291
)
Net cash used in investing activities
    
(450,763
)
    
(357,899
)
    
(459,481
)
                         
Cash flows from financing activities
                        
Net proceeds from stock offering
    
-
      
-
      
99,175
  
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options
    
670
      
646
      
726
  
Net increase in demand, money market and savings deposits
    
292,053
      
380,052
      
384,786
  
Net increase in time deposits
    
37,519
      
5,573
      
43,586
  
Increase (repayment) in short-term borrowings
    
91,422
      
-
      
(66,666
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
    
421,664
      
386,271
      
461,607
  
                         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    
10,531
      
27,388
      
7,415
  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    
61,942
      
34,554
      
27,139
  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  
$
72,473
    
$
61,942
    
$
34,554
  
                         
Supplemental disclosures
                        
Interest paid
  
$
15,905
    
$
8,935
    
$
6,664
  
Income taxes paid
  
$
-
    
$
75
    
$
190
  
Non-cash transfers from loans to other real estate owned
  
$
315
    
$
291
    
$
616
  
Conversion of subordinated debt to common stock
  
$
10,094
    
$
229
    
$
-
  
Transfer of available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity securities
  
$
230,094
    
$
-
    
$
-
  

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

79
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Common
Stock
    
Additional
Paid in
Capital
    
Accumulated
Deficit
    
Treasury
Stock
    
Stock Held by
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
    
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
  
                                           
Balance January 1, 2016
  
$
384
      
152,897
      
(32,833
)
    
(3,725
)
    
(183
)
    
(3,165
)
    
113,375
  
                                                         
Net income
                    
4,945
                              
4,945
  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
                                            
(4,129
)
    
(4,129
)
Proceeds from shares issued under common stock offering (18,691,589 shares) net of offering costs of $825
    
187
      
98,988
                                      
99,175
  
Stock based compensation
            
759
                                      
759
  
Stock options issued in acquisition
            
202
                                      
202
  
Options exercised (226,275 shares)
    
2
      
724
                                      
726
  
                                                         
Balance December 31,  2016
    
573
      
253,570
      
(27,888
)
    
(3,725
)
    
(183
)
    
(7,294
)
    
215,053
  
                                                         
Net income
                    
8,905
                              
8,905
  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
                                            
(215
)
    
(215
)
Stock based compensation
            
1,842
                                      
1,842
  
Conversion of subordinated debt to common stock (36,922 shares)
            
229
                                      
229
  
Options exercised (197,975 shares)
    
2
      
644
                                      
646
  
                                                         
Balance December 31, 2017
    
575
      
256,285
      
(18,983
)
    
(3,725
)
    
(183
)
    
(7,509
)
    
226,460
  
                                                         
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02
                    
1,640
                      
(1,640
)
    
-
  
Net income
                    
8,627
                              
8,627
  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
                                            
(2,778
)
    
(2,778
)
Stock based compensation
            
2,116
                                      
2,116
  
Conversion of subordinated debt to common stock (1,624,614 shares)
    
16
      
10,078
                                      
10,094
  
Options exercised (174,850 shares)
    
2
      
668
                                      
670
  
                                                         
Balance December 31, 2018
  
$
593
    
$
269,147
    
$
(8,716
)
  
$
(3,725
)
  
$
(183
)
  
$
(11,927
)
  
$
245,189
  

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

80
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.
Nature of Operations

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a one-bank holding company organized and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  It is comprised of one wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic First Bank, which does business under the name of Republic Bank (“Republic”). Republic is a Pennsylvania state chartered bank that offers a variety of banking services to individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area through its offices and store locations in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, and Gloucester Counties. On July 28, 2016, Republic acquired all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Oak Mortgage Company, LLC (“Oak Mortgage”) and, as a result, Oak Mortgage became a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic on that date. Oak Mortgage is headquartered in Marlton, NJ and is licensed to do business in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Florida. On January 1, 2018, Oak Mortgage was merged into Republic and restructured as a division with Republic. The Oak Mortgage name is still utilized for marketing and branding purposes. The Company also has two unconsolidated subsidiaries, which are statutory trusts established by the Company in connection with its sponsorship of two separate issuances of trust preferred securities.

The Company and Republic encounter vigorous competition for market share in the geographic areas they serve from bank holding companies, national, regional and other community banks, thrift institutions, credit unions and other non-bank financial organizations, such as mutual fund companies, insurance companies and brokerage companies.

The Company and Republic are subject to federal and state regulations governing virtually all aspects of their activities, including but not limited to, lines of business, liquidity, investments, the payment of dividends and others.  Such regulations and the cost of adherence to such regulations can have a significant impact on earnings and financial condition.

2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic. The Company follows accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).  The FASB sets accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) that are followed to ensure consistent reporting of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated. Events occurring subsequent to the date of the balance sheet have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements. 

Risks and Uncertainties and Certain Significant Estimates

The earnings of the Company depend primarily on the earnings of Republic. The earnings of Republic are heavily dependent upon the level of net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Accordingly, the Company’s results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding Republic’s exposure to changes in the interest rate environment. Prepayments on residential real estate mortgage and other fixed rate loans and mortgage-backed securities vary significantly and may cause significant fluctuations in interest margins.

81
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates are made by management in determining the allowance for loan losses, carrying values of other real estate owned, assessment of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of investment securities, fair value of financial instruments, and the realization of deferred income tax assets. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing these estimates.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within the Greater Philadelphia region.  Note 3 – Investment Securities discusses the types of investment securities that the Company invests in.  Note 4 – Loans Receivable discusses the types of lending that the Company engages in, as well as loan concentrations.  The Company does not have a significant concentration of credit risk with any one customer.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with an original maturity of ninety days or less and federal funds sold, maturing in ninety days or less, to be cash and cash equivalents.

Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks

Republic is required to maintain certain average reserve balances as established by the Federal Reserve Board. The amounts of those balances for the reserve computation periods that include December 31, 2018 and 2017 were approximately $51.4 million and $31.2 million, respectively. These requirements were satisfied through the restriction of vault cash and a balance held by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

Investment Securities

Held to Maturity – Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and are carried at their remaining unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts.  Premiums are amortized and discounts are accreted using the interest method over the estimated remaining term of the underlying security.

Available for Sale – Debt securities that will be held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that may be sold in response to changes in market interest or prepayment rates, needs for liquidity, and changes in the availability of and in the yield of alternative investments, are classified as available for sale.  These assets are carried at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from operations and are reported net of tax as a separate component of other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are reported in the consolidated statements of income and determined using the adjusted cost of the specific security sold on the trade date.

Investment securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. To determine whether a loss in value is other-than-temporary, management utilizes criteria such as the reasons underlying the decline, the magnitude and duration of the decline, the intent to hold the security and the likelihood of the Company not being required to sell the security prior to an anticipated recovery in the fair value. The term “other-than-temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the portion of the decline related to credit impairment is charged to earnings. Impairment charges on bank pooled trust preferred securities of $7,000 were recognized during the year ended December 31, 2016 as a result of estimated other-than-temporary impairment. As of December 31, 2018, the Company no longer holds any bank pooled trust preferred securities.

82
In December 2018, twenty-three CMOs and two MBSs with a fair value of $230.1 million that were previously classified as available-for-sale were transferred to the held-to-maturity category. The securities were transferred at fair value. Unrealized losses of $9.4 million associated with the transferred securities will remain in other comprehensive income and be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the securities. At December 31, 2018, the total approximated unrealized loss of $9.8 million remaining to be amortized includes eleven securities previously transferred in July 2014.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock, which represents a required investment in the capital stock of correspondent banks related to available credit facilities, was carried at cost as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.  As of those dates, restricted stock consisted of investments in the capital stock of the FHLB of Pittsburgh and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”).  The required investment in the capital stock of the FHLB is calculated based on outstanding loan balances and open credit facilities with the FHLB.  Excess investments are returned to Republic on a quarterly basis.

At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the investment in FHLB stock totaled $5.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The increase was due primarily to a higher membership stock requirement by FHLB at December 31, 2018 which resulted in a higher required investment as of that date. At both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, ACBB stock totaled $143,000.

Mortgage Banking Activities and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are originated and held until sold to permanent investors. On July 28, 2016, management elected to adopt the fair value option in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, and record loans held for sale at fair value.

Mortgage loans held for sale originated on or subsequent to the election of the fair value option, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair value is determined on a recurring basis by utilizing quoted prices from dealers in such securities. Changes in fair value are reflected in mortgage banking income in the statements of income. Direct loan origination costs are recognized when incurred and are included in non-interest expense in the statements of income.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

Mortgage loan commitments known as interest rate locks that relate to the origination of a mortgage that will be held for sale upon funding are considered derivative instruments under the derivatives and hedging accounting guidance FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Loan commitments that are classified as derivatives are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet as other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income. Outstanding IRLCs are subject to interest rate risk and related price risk during the period from the date of issuance through the date of loan funding, cancellation or expiration. Loan commitments generally range between 30 and 90 days; however, the borrower is not obligated to obtain the loan. Republic is subject to fallout risk related to IRLCs, which is realized if approved borrowers choose not to close on the loans within the terms of the IRLCs. Republic uses best efforts commitments to substantially eliminate these risks. The valuation of the IRLCs issued by Republic includes the value of the servicing released premium. Republic sells loans where the servicing is released, and the servicing released premium is included in the market price. See Note 24 Derivatives and Risk Management Activities for further detail of IRLCs.

83
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sale Commitments

Best efforts forward loan sale commitments are commitments to sell individual mortgage loans at a fixed price to an investor at a future date. Best efforts forward loan sale commitments are accounted for as derivatives and carried at fair value, determined as the amount that would be necessary to settle the derivative financial instrument at the balance sheet date. Gross derivative assets and liabilities are recorded as other assets and other liabilities with changes in fair value during the period recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income.

Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments

Mandatory forward loan sales commitments are based on fair values of the underlying mortgage loans and the probability of such commitments being exercised. Mandatory forward loan sale commitments are accounted for as derivatives and carried at fair value, determined as the amount that would be necessary to settle the derivative financial instrument at the balance sheet date. Gross derivative assets and liabilities are recorded as other assets and other liabilities with changes in fair value during the period recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is recognized as an asset and is to be reviewed for impairment annually and between annual tests when events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Impairment is a condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

The Company has one reportable segment: Community Banking. The community banking segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of the Bank, as well as, residential mortgage and consumer loan products in the area surrounding its stores. Oak Mortgage was acquired by the Bank on July 28, 2016 and organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. Oak Mortgage was maintained as a separate legal entity through December 31, 2017 in order to preserve certain secondary market contracts and regulatory licensing requirements. As such, the Bank deemed Oak Mortgage to be a separate reporting unit as of July 31, 2017 and performed a Step One Test for Goodwill Impairment in compliance with ASC Topic 350-20 as of that date. At that time, via a Step One Test, the fair value of Oak Mortgage was higher than its book value and no Step Two analysis was required.

On January 1, 2018, Oak Mortgage operations were restructured as a division of Republic and all assets, liabilities, contracts, employees and activity were merged into the Republic. As a result of this restructuring, the Company re-evaluated its reporting unit structure and determined that as of July 31, 2018 there were no longer two reporting units but rather a sole reporting unit in Republic Bank. As of July 31, 2018, the Company performed a qualitative assessment for its reporting unit to determine if the one-step quantitative impairment test was necessary. As part of its qualitative assessment, the Company reviewed regional and national trends in current and expected economic conditions, examining indicators such as GDP growth, interest rates and unemployment rates. The Company also considered its own historical performance, expectations of future performance and other trends specific to the banking industry. Based on its qualitative assessment, the Company determined that there was no evidence of impairment on the balance of goodwill. Goodwill totaled $5.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

84
Loans Receivable

The loans receivable portfolio is segmented into commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, owner occupied real estate loans, construction and land development loans, consumer and other loans, and residential mortgages.  Consumer loans consist of home equity loans and other consumer loans.

Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating historical and projected profitability and cash flow to determine the borrower’s ability to repay their obligation as agreed. Commercial and industrial loans are made primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral supporting the loan facility. Accordingly, the repayment of a commercial and industrial loan depends primarily on the creditworthiness of the borrower (and any guarantors), while liquidation of collateral is a secondary and often insufficient source of repayment.

Commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans are subject to the underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those underwriting standards for real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow dependent and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Repayment of these loans is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the principal business conducted on the property securing the loan. In addition, the underwriting considers the amount of the principal advanced relative to the property value. Commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans may be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or the economy in general. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans based on cash flow estimates, collateral and risk-rating criteria. The Company also utilizes third-party experts to provide environmental and market valuations. Substantial effort is required to underwrite, monitor and evaluate commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans.

Construction and land development loans are underwritten based upon a financial analysis of the developers and property owners and construction cost estimates, in addition to independent appraisal valuations. These loans will rely on the value associated with the project upon completion. These cost and valuation amounts used are estimates and may be inaccurate. Construction loans generally involve the disbursement of substantial funds over a short period of time with repayment substantially dependent upon the success of the completed project. Sources of repayment of these loans would be permanent financing upon completion or sales of developed property. These loans are closely monitored by onsite inspections and are considered to be of a higher risk than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to general economic conditions, availability of long-term financing, interest rate sensitivity, and governmental regulation of real property.

Consumer and other loans consist of home equity loans and lines of credit and other loans to individuals originated through the Company’s retail network, which are typically secured by personal property or unsecured. Home equity loans and lines of credit often carry additional risk as a result of typically being in a second position or lower in the event collateral is liquidated. Consumer loans have may also have greater credit risk because of the difference in the underlying collateral, if any. The application of various federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.

85
Residential mortgage loans are secured by one to four family dwelling units. This group consists of first mortgages and are originated at loan to value ratios of 80% or less.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by unearned income and an allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is calculated based upon the principal amounts outstanding. The Company defers and amortizes certain origination and commitment fees, and certain direct loan origination costs over the contractual life of the related loan. This results in an adjustment of the related loans yield.

The Company accounts for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts related to loans purchased based upon the effective interest method. If a loan prepays in full before the contractual maturity date, any unamortized premiums, discounts or fees are recognized immediately as an adjustment to interest income.

Loans are generally classified as non-accrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of principal or interest for a period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as non-accrual if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is in doubt. Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment performance of interest and principal by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms. Generally, in the case of non-accrual loans, cash received is applied to reduce the principal outstanding.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.  The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans.  The reserve for unfunded lending commitments would represent management’s estimate of losses inherent in its unfunded loan commitments and would be recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, if necessary.  The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to operations. Loans are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectability of the loan principal is unlikely. Recoveries on loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for credit losses is an amount that represents management’s estimate of known and inherent losses related to the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments.  Because the allowance for credit losses is dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other conditions that may be beyond Republic’s control, the estimate of the allowance for credit losses could differ materially in the near term.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to loans that are categorized as impaired.  For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for several qualitative factors.  An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.  All identified losses are immediately charged off and therefore no portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or group of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.

86
In estimating the allowance for credit losses, management considers current economic conditions, past loss experience, diversification of the loan portfolio, delinquency statistics, results of internal loan reviews and regulatory examinations, borrowers’ perceived financial and managerial strengths, the adequacy of underlying collateral, if collateral dependent, or present value of future cash flows, and other relevant and qualitative risk factors.  These qualitative risk factors include:


 1)
Lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices.

2)
National, regional and local economic and business conditions as well as the condition of various segments.

3)
Nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans.

4)
Experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff.

5)
Volume and severity of past due, classified and nonaccrual loans as well as other loan modifications.

6)
Quality of the Company’s loan review system, and the degree of oversight by the Company’s Board of Directors.

7)
Existence and effect of any concentration of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations.

8)
Effect of external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements.

Each factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation.  Adjustments to the factors are supported through documentation of changes in conditions in a narrative accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment, include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, and the borrower’s prior payment record.  Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

An allowance for loan losses is established for an impaired loan if its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value.  The estimated fair values of substantially all of the Company’s impaired loans are measured based on the estimated fair value of the loan’s collateral.

For commercial loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through third-party appraisals.  When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property.  Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value.  The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.

For commercial and industrial loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable agings or equipment appraisals or invoices.  Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.

87
Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and other consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a troubled debt restructuring agreement.

Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Company grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty.  Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve a temporary reduction in interest rate or an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date.  Non-accrual troubled debt restructurings are restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification.  Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are designated as impaired.

The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories.  The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments, for commercial and consumer loans.  Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss.  Loans classified special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention.  If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects.  Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable.  Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans not classified as special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss are rated pass.

In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which may not be currently available to management. Based on management’s comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

Transfers of Financial Assets

The Company accounts for the transfers and servicing financial assets in accordance with ASC 860, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities. ASC 860, revises the standards for accounting for the securitizations and other transfers of financial assets and collateral.

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

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A servicing asset related to SBA loans is initially recorded when these loans are sold and the servicing rights are retained. The servicing asset is recorded on the balance sheet and included in other assets. An updated fair value of the servicing asset is obtained from an independent third party on a quarterly basis and any necessary adjustments are included in loan and servicing fees on the statement of income. The valuation begins with the projection of future cash flows for each asset based on their unique characteristics, our market-based assumptions for prepayment speeds and estimated losses and recoveries.  The present value of the future cash flows are then calculated utilizing our market-based discount ratio assumptions.  In all cases, the Company models expected payments for every loan for each quarterly period in order to create the most detailed cash flow stream possible.

The Company uses various assumptions and estimates in determining the impairment of the SBA servicing asset.  These assumptions include prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved and comparable to assumptions used by participants to value and bid serving rights available for sale in the market.

For more information on the SBA servicing asset including the sensitivity of the current fair value of the SBA loan servicing rights to adverse changes in key assumptions, see Note 15 – Fair Value Measurements and Fair Values of Financial Instruments.

Other Loans Held for Sale

Other loans held for sale consist of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans that the Company intends to sell after origination and are reflected at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. When the sale of the loan occurs, the premium received is combined with the estimated present value of future cash flows on the related servicing asset and recorded as a Gain on the Sale of SBA loans which is categorized as non-interest income. Subsequent fees collected for servicing of the sold portion of a loan are combined with fair value adjustments to the SBA servicing asset and recorded as a net amount in Loan and Servicing Fees, which is also categorized as non-interest income.

Guarantees

The Company accounts for guarantees in accordance with ASC 815 Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.  ASC 815 requires a guarantor entity, at the inception of a guarantee covered by the measurement provisions of the interpretation, to record a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee.  The Company has financial and performance letters of credit.  Financial letters of credit require the Company to make payment if the customer’s financial condition deteriorates, as defined in the agreements.   Performance letters of credit require the Company to make payments if the customer fails to perform certain non-financial contractual obligations.  The maximum potential undiscounted amount of future payments of these letters of credit as of December 31, 2018 is $13.9 million and they expire as follows: $12.5 million in 2019 and $1.4 million in 2020.  Amounts due under these letters of credit would be reduced by any proceeds that the Company would be able to obtain in liquidating the collateral for the loans, which varies depending on the customer.  There was no liability for guarantees under standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment (including land) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of furniture and equipment is calculated over the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes, and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The estimated useful lives are 40 years for buildings and 3 to 13 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or terms of their respective leases, which range from 1 to 30 years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to current operations as incurred, and renewals and major improvements are capitalized.

89
Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned consists of assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure.  They are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis.  Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less the cost to sell.  Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in net expenses from other real estate owned.

Advertising Costs

It is the Company’s policy to expense advertising costs in the period in which they are incurred.

Income Taxes

Income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred.  Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues.  The Company determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination.  The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent. The terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any.  A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes, if any, as a component of the provision for income taxes.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company has a Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“the 2005 Plan”), under which the Company granted options, restricted stock or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, and certain consultants. The 2005 Plan became effective on November 14, 1995, and was amended and approved at the Company’s 2005 annual meeting of shareholders. Under the terms of the 2005 Plan, 1.5 million shares of common stock, plus an annual increase equal to the number of shares needed to restore the maximum number of shares that could be available for grant under the 2005 Plan to 1.5 million shares, were available for such grants. As of December 31, 2018, the only grants under the 2005 Plan were option grants. The 2005 Plan provided that the exercise price of each option granted equaled the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Options granted pursuant to the 2005 Plan vest within one to four years and have a maximum term of 10 years. The 2005 Plan terminated on November 14, 2015 in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the Plan agreement.

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On April 29, 2014 the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), under which the Company may grant options, restricted stock, stock units, or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, independent contractors, and consultants.  Under the terms of the 2014 Plan, 2.6 million shares of common stock, plus an annual adjustment to be no less than 10% of the outstanding shares or such lower number as the Board of Directors may determine, are available for such grants. At December 31, 2018, the maximum number of common shares issuable under the 2014 Plan was 6.3 million shares. Compensation cost for all option awards is calculated and recognized over the vesting period of the option awards. If the service conditions are not met, the Company reverses previously recorded compensation expense upon forfeiture. The Company’s accounting policy election is to recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) consists of two separate components: basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common stock equivalents (“CSEs”). CSEs consist of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s stock option plans for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.  CSEs consisted of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s stock option plans and convertible securities related to trust preferred securities issued in 2008 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The convertible securities related to trust preferred securities issued in 2008 fully converted to common stock in 2018.  There was no interest expense in 2018 related to the trust preferred securities issuance. In the diluted EPS computation, the after tax interest expense on the trust preferred securities issuance would normally be added back to the net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. However, the effect of CSEs (convertible securities related to the trust preferred securities only) and the related add back of after tax interest expense was considered anti-dilutive and therefore was not included in the EPS calculations.

The calculation of EPS for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
Net income - basic and diluted
  
$
8,627
    
$
8,905
    
$
4,945
  
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding
    
58,358
      
56,933
      
39,281
  
                         
Net income per share – basic
  
$
0.15
    
$
0.16
    
$
0.13
  
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding (including dilutive CSEs)
    
59,407
      
58,250
      
39,865
  
                         
Net income per share – diluted
  
$
0.15
    
$
0.15
    
$
0.12
  

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The following is a summary of securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per common share in future periods that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

(in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
Anti-dilutive securities
                  
                   
Share based compensation awards
    
2,813
      
1,689
      
1,747
  
                         
Convertible securities
    
-
      
1,625
      
1,662
  
                         
Total anti-dilutive securities
    
2,813
      
3,314
      
3,409
  

Comprehensive Income

The Company presents as a component of comprehensive income the amounts from transactions and other events, which currently are excluded from the consolidated statements of income and are recorded directly to shareholders’ equity.  These amounts consist of unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities and amortization of unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity.

Trust Preferred Securities

The Company has sponsored two outstanding issues of corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of a subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation, more commonly known as trust preferred securities. The subsidiary trusts are not consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes.  The purpose of the issuances of these securities was to increase capital.  The trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes in amounts up to 25% of total Tier 1 capital.  See Note 7 “Borrowings” for further information regarding the issuances.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company follows the guidance under ASC 810, Consolidation, with regard to variable interest entities.  ASC 810 clarifies the application of consolidation principles for certain legal entities in which voting rights are not effective in identifying the investor with the controlling financial interest. An entity is subject to consolidation under ASC 810 if the investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, are unable to direct the entity’s activities, or are not exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns (“variable interest entities”). Variable interest entities within the scope of ASC 810 will be required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is determined to be the party that absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of its expected returns, or both.

The Company does not consolidate its subsidiary trusts.  ASC 810 precludes consideration of the call option embedded in the preferred securities when determining if the Company has the right to a majority of the trusts’ expected residual returns. The non-consolidation results in the investment in the common securities of the trusts to be included in other assets with a corresponding increase in outstanding debt of $341,000. In addition, the income received on the Company’s investment in the common securities of the trusts is included in other income.

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Treasury Stock

Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2014-09

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update  (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 660): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40).” ASU 2014-09 implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue.  The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification.  In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with The Company (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. The guidance in this ASU is now effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.  The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company’s revenue is comprised of net interest income and noninterest income. The scope of the guidance explicitly excludes interest income as well as many other revenues for financial assets and liabilities including revenue derived from loans, investment securities, and derivatives. This ASU was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company adopted this ASU on a modified retrospective approach. Since there was no net income impact upon adoption of the new guidance, a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings was not deemed necessary. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to its financial condition, results of operations, and consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 25: Revenue Recognition for further disclosure as to the impact of Topic 606.

ASU 2016-01

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall. The guidance in this ASU among other things, (1) requires equity investments with certain exceptions, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (2) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, (3) eliminates the requirement for public businesses entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, (4) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, (5) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the change in fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments, (6) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements and (7) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities. The guidance in this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and was adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with (4) above, the Company measured the fair value of its loan portfolio as of December 31, 2018 using an exit price notion (see Note 7 Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

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ASU 2016-02

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. From the Company’s perspective, the new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement for lessees. From the landlord perspective, the new standard requires a lessor to classify leases as either sales-type, finance or operating. A lease will be treated as a sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as a financing. If the lessor doesn’t convey risks and rewards or control, an operating lease results. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements,” which provides lessees the option to apply the new leasing standard to all open leases as of the adoption date. Prior to this ASU issuance, a modified retrospective transition approach was required.

In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors,” which provides lessors a policy election to not evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are lessor costs or lessee costs. Additionally, the update requires certain lessors to exclude from variable payments lessor costs paid by lessees directly to third parties.

The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019. The Company is expected to recognize an ROU asset of approximately $48.9 million at January 1, 2019. The increase in assets is expected to lower capital ratios for the Company by an average of 39 basis points, remaining in compliance with the regulatory definition of well capitalized. The Company does not expect material changes to the recognition of operating lease expense in its consolidated statements of income. The Company adopted certain practical expedients available under the new guidance, which will not require it to (1) reassess whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, (2) reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, (3) reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, and (4) evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are lessor costs. The Company has elected the use-of-hindsight practical expedient. Additionally, the Company elected to apply the new lease guidance at the adoption date, rather than at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

ASU 2016-09

 In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 will amend current guidance such that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payment awards will be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement during the period in which they occur. Additionally, excess tax benefits will be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity rather than a financing activity. ASU 2016-09 also provides that any entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest, which is the current requirement, or account for forfeitures when they occur. ASU 2016-09 was effective January 1, 2017. There was no material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

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ASU 2016-13

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU, continuing its implementation efforts and reviewing the loss modeling requirements consistent with lifetime expected loss estimates. The Company expects that the new model will include different assumptions used in calculating credit losses, such as estimating losses over the estimated life of a financial asset and will consider expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions. The adoption of this ASU may result in an increase to the Company’s allowance for loan losses which will depend upon the nature and characteristics of the Company’s loan portfolio at the adoption date, as well as the macroeconomic conditions and forecasts at that date. For the Company, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company currently does not intend to early adopt this new guidance.

ASU 2016-15

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230). The ASU addresses classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance was adopted on January 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis. The adoption of 2016-15 did not result any changes in classifications in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

ASU 2017-01

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805). The ASU clarifies the definition of a business in ASC 805. The FASB issued the ASU in response to stakeholder feedback that the definition of a business in ASC 805 is being applied too broadly. In addition, stakeholders said that analyzing transactions under the current definition is difficult and costly. Concerns about the definition of a business were among the primary issues raised in connection with the Financial Accounting Foundation’s post-implementation review report on FASB Statement No. 141(R), Business Combinations (codified in ASC 805). The amendments in the ASU are intended to make application of the guidance more consistent and cost-efficient. The ASU is effective for public business entities in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. For all other entities, the ASU is effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The ASU must be applied prospectively on or after the effective date, and no disclosures for a change in accounting principle are required at transition. Early adoption is permitted for transactions (i.e., acquisitions or dispositions) that occurred before the issuance date or effective date of the standard if the transactions were not reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. Unless the Company enters into a business combination, the impact of the ASU will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-04

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test For Goodwill Impairment. The ASU simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if “the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.” For public business entities that are SEC filers, the ASU is effective for annual and any interim impairment tests for periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company early adopted this ASU on July 1, 2018 using the simplified method. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

95
ASU 2017-08

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Earlier application is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the ASU in an interim period, any adjustments must be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-09

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting, which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification in ASC 718. The ASU also provides that modification accounting is only required if the fair value, vesting conditions, or the classification of the award as equity or a liability changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for (1) public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (2) all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The ASU became effective January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis for awards modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of ASU-2017-09 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2018-02

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows for reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act described in the “Income Taxes” section below. The amount of the reclassification should include the effect of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate related to items remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The ASU would require an entity to disclose whether it elects to reclassify stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings in the period of adoption and, more generally, a description of the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption of the amendments in this update is permitted for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance, including in the period the Act was enacted. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018, by recording the reclassification adjustment to its beginning retained earnings in the amount of $1.6 million. The Company utilized the portfolio approach when releasing tax effects from AOCI for its investment securities.

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ASU 2018-03

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10). The ASU was issued to clarify certain aspects of ASU 2016-01 such as treatment for discontinuations and adjustments for equity securities without a readily determinable market value, forward contracts and purchased options, presentation requirements for certain fair value option liabilities, fair value option liabilities denominated in a foreign currency, and transition guidance for equity securities without a readily determinable fair value. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2018-07

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The ASU simplifies the accounting for share based payments granted to non-employees for goods and services. The ASU applies to all share based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services from non-employees to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share based payment awards. With the amended guidance from ASU 2018-07, non-employees share based payments are measured with an estimate of the fair value of the equity of the business is obligated to issue at the grant date (the date that the business and the stock award recipient agree to the terms of the award). Compensation would be recognized in the same period and in the same manner as if the entity had paid cash for goods and services instead of stock. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

A reclassification has been made to 2017 and 2016 information to conform to the 2018 presentation. The reclassification had no effect on the results of operations or shareholders’ equity. Included in the reclassification are $1.3 million and $814,000 of automated teller machine expenses from “Other operating expenses” for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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3.
Investment Securities

A summary of the amortized cost and market value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity at December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

   
At December 31, 2018
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
  
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  
$
197,812
    
$
567
    
$
(2,120
)
  
$
196,259
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
39,105
      
5
      
(611
)
    
38,499
  
Municipal securities
    
20,807
      
64
      
(232
)
    
20,639
  
Corporate bonds
    
62,583
      
87
      
(3,396
)
    
59,274
  
Asset-backed securities
    
6,433
      
-
      
(90
)
    
6,343
  
Total securities available for sale
  
$
326,740
    
$
723
    
$
(6,449
)
  
$
321,014
  
                                 
U.S. Government agencies
  
$
107,390
    
$
-
    
$
(3,772
)
  
$
103,618
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
500,690
      
570
      
(5,793
)
    
495,467
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
153,483
      
-
      
(5,245
)
    
148,238
  
Total securities held to maturity
  
$
761,563
    
$
570
    
$
(14,810
)
  
$
747,323
  

   
At December 31, 2017
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
  
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  
$
327,972
    
$
-
    
$
(7,731
)
  
$
320,241
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
55,664
      
2
      
(800
)
    
54,866
  
Municipal securities
    
15,142
      
20
      
(62
)
    
15,100
  
Corporate bonds
    
62,670
      
103
      
(2,491
)
    
60,282
  
Asset-backed securities
    
13,414
      
38
      
-
      
13,452
  
Trust preferred securities
    
725
      
-
      
(236
)
    
489
  
Total securities available for sale
  
$
475,587
    
$
163
    
$
(11,320
)
  
$
464,430
  
                                 
U.S. Government agencies
  
$
112,605
    
$
50
    
$
(2,235
)
  
$
110,420
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
215,567
      
314
      
(3,970
)
    
211,911
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
143,041
      
47
      
(2,620
)
    
140,468
  
Other securities
    
1,000
      
-
      
-
      
1,000
  
Total securities held to maturity
  
$
472,213
    
$
411
    
$
(8,825
)
  
$
463,799
  

98
The following table presents investment securities by stated maturity at December 31, 2018. Collateralized mortgage obligations and agency mortgage-backed securities have expected maturities that differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay and, therefore, these securities are classified separately with no specific maturity date.

   
Available for Sale
    
Held to Maturity
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
    
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
  
Due in 1 year or less
  
$
2,375
    
$
2,375
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
After 1 year to 5 years
    
6,894
      
6,908
      
14,116
      
13,937
  
After 5 years to 10 years
    
75,320
      
71,734
      
93,274
      
89,681
  
After 10 years
    
5,234
      
5,239
      
-
      
-
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
197,812
      
196,259
      
500,690
      
495,467
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
39,105
      
38,499
      
153,483
      
148,238
  
Total
  
$
326,740
    
$
321,014
    
$
761,563
    
$
747,323
  

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

The Company’s investment securities portfolio consists primarily of debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies, U.S. government-sponsored agencies, state governments, local municipalities and financial institutions. There were no private label mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) or collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”) held in the investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.  There were also no MBS or CMO securities that were rated “Alt-A” or “sub-prime” as of those dates.

The fair value of investment securities is impacted by interest rates, credit spreads, market volatility and liquidity conditions. Net unrealized gains and losses in the available for sale portfolio are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax.  Securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost.  An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than the amortized cost basis.

The Company regularly evaluates investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position in order to determine if the decline in fair value is other than temporary.  Factors considered in the evaluation include the current economic climate, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below cost, the current interest rate environment and the rating of each security. An OTTI loss must be recognized for a debt security in an unrealized loss position if the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis. The amount of OTTI loss recognized is equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security that is attributed to credit deterioration. Accounting standards require the evaluation of the expected cash flows to be received to determine if a credit loss has occurred.  In the event of a credit loss, that amount must be recognized against income in the current period.  The portion of the unrealized loss related to other factors, such as liquidity conditions in the market or the current interest rate environment, is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for investment securities classified available for sale.

There were no impairment charges (credit losses) recorded during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Impairment charges on trust preferred securities for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $7,000.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, investment securities in the amount of approximately $710.7 million and $555.2 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public deposits and certain other deposits as required by law.

99
The following table presents a roll-forward of the balance of credit-related impairment losses on securities held at December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 for which a portion of OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income:

(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
Beginning Balance, January 1st
  
$
274
    
$
937
    
$
930
  
Additional credit-related impairment loss on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
    
-
      
-
      
7
  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    
(274
)
    
(663
)
    
-
  
Ending Balance, December 31st
  
$
-
    
$
274
    
$
937
  

The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with the investment portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

   
At December 31, 2018
  
   
Less than 12 months
    
12 months or more
    
Total
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
  
                                     
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  
$
58,883
    
$
270
    
$
83,377
    
$
1,850
    
$
142,260
    
$
2,120
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
1,134
      
10
      
16,768
      
601
      
17,902
      
611
  
Municipal securities
    
1,549
      
7
      
12,154
      
225
      
13,703
      
232
  
Corporate bonds
    
-
      
-
      
53,189
      
3,396
      
53,189
      
3,396
  
Asset backed securities
    
6,343
      
90
      
-
      
-
      
6,343
      
90
  
Total Available for Sale
  
$
67,909
    
$
377
    
$
165,488
    
$
6,072
    
$
233,397
    
$
6,449
  

   
At December 31, 2018
  
   
Less than 12 months
    
12 months or more
    
Total
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
  
                                     
U.S. Government agencies
  
$
5,351
    
$
26
    
$
98,267
    
$
3,746
    
$
103,618
    
$
3,772
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
44,574
      
475
      
173,467
      
5,318
      
218,041
      
5,793
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
-
      
-
      
119,243
      
5,245
      
119,243
      
5,245
  
Total Held to Maturity
  
$
49,925
    
$
501
    
$
390,977
    
$
14,309
    
$
440,902
    
$
14,810
  

   
At December 31, 2017
  
   
Less than 12 months
    
12 months or more
    
Total
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
  
                                     
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  
$
150,075
    
$
1,565
    
$
170,166
    
$
6,166
    
$
320,241
    
$
7,731
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
29,967
      
226
      
21,045
      
574
      
51,012
      
800
  
Municipal securities
    
5,742
      
27
      
2,656
      
35
      
8,398
      
62
  
Corporate bonds
    
-
      
-
      
52,509
      
2,491
      
52,509
      
2,491
  
Asset backed securities
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Trust preferred securities
    
-
      
-
      
489
      
236
      
489
      
236
  
Total Available for Sale
  
$
185,784
    
$
1,818
    
$
246,865
    
$
9,502
    
$
432,649
    
$
11,320
  

   
At December 31, 2017
  
   
Less than 12 months
    
12 months or more
    
Total
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
  
                                     
U.S. Government agencies
  
$
42,045
    
$
213
    
$
59,594
    
$
2,022
    
$
101,639
    
$
2,235
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
56,955
      
767
      
107,986
      
3,203
      
164,941
      
3,970
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
55,170
      
221
      
82,479
      
2,399
      
137,649
      
2,620
  
Total Held to Maturity
  
$
154,170
    
$
1,201
    
$
250,059
    
$
7,624
    
$
404,229
    
$
8,825
  

100
Unrealized losses on securities in the investment portfolio amounted to $21.3 million with a total fair value of $674.3 million as of December 31, 2018 compared to unrealized losses of $20.1 million with a total fair value of $836.9 million as of December 31, 2017.  The Company believes the unrealized losses presented in the tables above are temporary in nature and primarily related to market interest rates or limited trading activity in particular type of security rather than the underlying credit quality of the issuers. The Company does not believe that these losses are other than temporary and does not currently intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell securities in an unrealized loss position prior to maturity or recovery of the amortized cost bases.

The Company held fourteen U.S. Government agency securities, sixty-four collateralized mortgage obligations and twenty-six agency mortgage-backed securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018. Principal and interest payments of the underlying collateral for each of these securities carry minimal credit risk. Management found no evidence of OTTI on any of these securities and believes the unrealized losses are due to fluctuations in fair values resulting from changes in market interest rates and are considered temporary as of December 31, 2018.

All municipal securities held in the investment portfolio are reviewed on least a quarterly basis for impairment. Each bond carries an investment grade rating by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. In addition, the Company periodically conducts its own independent review on each issuer to ensure the financial stability of the municipal entity. The largest geographic concentration was in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and consisted of either general obligation or revenue bonds backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality. At December 31, 2018, the investment portfolio included nineteen municipal securities that were in an unrealized loss position. Management believes the unrealized losses were the result of movements in long-term interest rates and are not reflective of credit deterioration.

At December 31, 2018, the investment portfolio included one asset-backed security that was in an unrealized loss position. The asset-backed security held in the investment securities portfolio is a Sallie Mae bond, collateralized by student loans which are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. Management believes the unrealized loss on this security was driven by changes in market interest rates and not a result of credit deterioration. At December 31, 2018, the investment portfolio also included seven corporate bonds that were in an unrealized loss position. Management believes the unrealized losses on these securities were also driven by changes in market interest rates and not a result of credit deterioration.

Proceeds associated with the sale of securities available for sale in 2018 were $6.4 million. Gross losses of $67,000 were realized on these sales.  The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the year ended December 31, 2018 amounted to $18,000. Included in the 2018 sales activity was the sale of one CDO security. Proceeds from the sale of the CDO security totaled $660,000. A gross loss of $66,000 was realized on this sale. The tax benefit applicable to the net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 amounted to $17,000. Management had previously stated that it did not intend to sell the CDO security prior to its maturity or the recovery of its cost basis, nor would it be forced to sell this security prior to maturity or recovery of the cost basis.  This statement was made over a period of several years where there was limited trading activity in the pooled trust preferred CDO market resulting in fair market value estimates well below the book values. During 2018, management received several inquiries regarding the availability of the remaining CDO security and noted an increased level of trading in this type of security. As a result of the increased activity and the level of bids received, management elected to sell the remaining CDO security resulting in a net loss of $66,000 during 2018.

101
Proceeds of sales of securities available for sale in 2017 were $31.2 million. Gross gains of $652,000 and gross losses of $798,000 were realized on these sales.  The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the year ended December 31, 2017 amounted to $52,000. Included in the 2017 sales activity were the sales of two CDO securities. Proceeds from the sale of the CDO securities totaled $1.5 million. Gross losses of $798,000 were realized on these sales.  The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 amounted to $287,000. As a result of the increased activity and the level of bids received, management elected to sell two CDOs resulting in a net loss of $798,000 during 2017 which was offset by gains on sales of agency mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and corporate bonds.

The Company had proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale in 2016 of $78.6 million. Gross gains of $680,000 and gross losses of $24,000 were realized on these sales. The tax provision applicable to these gross gains in 2016 amounted to approximately $236,000.

In December 2018, twenty-three CMOs and two MBSs with a fair value of $230.1 million that were previously classified as available-for-sale were transferred to the held-to-maturity category. The securities were transferred at fair value. Unrealized losses of $9.4 million associated with the transferred securities will remain in other comprehensive income and be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the securities. At December 31, 2018, the total approximated unrealized loss of $9.8 million remaining to be amortized includes eleven securities previously transferred in July 2014.

4.
Loans Receivable

The following table sets forth the Company’s gross loans by major categories as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31,
2018
    
December 31,
2017
  
             
Commercial real estate
  
$
515,738
    
$
433,304
  
Construction and land development
    
121,042
      
104,617
  
Commercial and industrial
    
200,423
      
173,343
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
367,895
      
309,838
  
Consumer and other
    
91,152
      
76,183
  
Residential mortgage
    
140,364
      
64,764
  
Total loans receivable
    
1,436,614
      
1,162,049
  
Deferred costs (fees)
    
(16
)
    
229
  
Allowance for loan losses
    
(8,615
)
    
(8,599
)
Net loans receivable
  
$
1,427,983
    
$
1,153,679
  

The Company disaggregates its loan portfolio into groups of loans with similar risk characteristics for purposes of estimating the allowance for loan losses. The Company’s loan groups include commercial real estate, construction and land development, commercial and industrial, owner occupied real estate, consumer, and residential mortgages. The loan groups are also considered classes for purposes of monitoring and assessing credit quality based on certain risk characteristics.

102
Included in loans are loans due from directors and other related parties of $13.0 million at December 31, 2018, $8.9 million at December 31, 2017, and $7.9 million at December 31, 2016.  The Board of Directors approves loans to individual directors to confirm that collateral requirements, terms and rates are comparable to other borrowers and are in compliance with and conform to our underwriting policies. The following presents the activity in amount due from directors and other related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31,
2018
    
December 31,
2017
    
December 31,
2016
  
Balance at beginning of year
  
$
8,920
    
$
7,862
    
$
8,521
  
Additions
    
4,812
      
1,896
      
-
  
Repayments
    
(703
)
    
(838
)
    
(659
)
Balance at end of year
  
$
13,029
    
$
8,920
    
$
7,862
  

5.
Allowances for Loan Losses

The following tables provide the activity in and ending balances of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio class at and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
and Land
Development
    
Commercial
and
Industrial
    
Owner
Occupied Real
Estate
    
Consumer
and Other
    
Residential
Mortgage
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
                                             
Year ended December, 2018
                                            
Allowance for loan losses:
                                            
                                                 
Beginning balance:
  
$
3,774
    
$
725
    
$
1,317
    
$
1,737
    
$
573
    
$
392
    
$
81
    
$
8,599
  
Charge-offs
    
(1,603
)
    
-
      
(151
)
    
(465
)
    
(219
)
    
-
      
-
      
(2,438
)
Recoveries
    
50
      
-
      
81
      
20
      
3
      
-
      
-
      
154
  
Provisions
    
241
      
52
      
507
      
741
      
220
      
502
      
37
      
2,300
  
Ending balance
  
$
2,462
    
$
777
    
$
1,754
    
$
2,033
    
$
577
    
$
894
    
$
118
    
$
8,615
  
                                                                 
Year ended December, 2017
                                                          
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                          
                                                                 
Beginning Balance:
  
$
3,254
    
$
557
    
$
2,884
    
$
1,382
    
$
588
    
$
58
    
$
432
    
$
9,155
  
Charge-offs
    
-
      
-
      
(1,366
)
    
(157
)
    
(53
)
    
-
      
-
      
(1,576
)
Recoveries
    
54
      
-
      
64
      
-
      
2
      
-
      
-
      
120
  
Provisions (credits)
    
466
      
168
      
(265
)
    
512
      
36
      
334
      
(351
)
    
900
  
Ending balance
  
$
3,774
    
$
725
    
$
1,317
    
$
1,737
    
$
573
    
$
392
    
$
81
    
$
8,599
  
                                                                 
Year ended December, 2016
                                                                
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                                
                                                                 
Beginning Balance:
  
$
2,393
    
$
338
    
$
2,932
    
$
2,030
    
$
295
    
$
14
    
$
701
    
$
8,703
  
Charge-offs
    
-
      
(60
)
    
(143
)
    
(1,052
)
    
(11
)
    
(10
)
    
-
      
(1,276
)
Recoveries
    
6
      
-
      
163
      
-
      
2
      
-
      
-
      
171
  
Provisions (credits)
    
855
      
279
      
(68
)
    
404
      
302
      
54
      
(269
)
    
1,557
  
Ending balance
  
$
3,254
    
$
557
    
$
2,884
    
$
1,382
    
$
588
    
$
58
    
$
432
    
$
9,155
  

103
The following tables provide a summary of the allowance for loan losses and balance of loans receivable by loan class and by impairment method as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(dollars in thousands)
  
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
and Land
Development
    
Commercial
and Industrial
    
Owner
Occupied
Real Estate
    
Consumer
and Other
    
Residential
Mortgage
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
                                                 
December 31, 2018
                                                
                                                 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                
Individually evaluated for impairment
  
$
295
    
$
-
    
$
867
    
$
217
    
$
94
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
1,473
  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    
2,167
      
777
      
887
      
1,816
      
483
      
894
      
118
      
7,142
  
Total allowance for loan losses
  
$
2,462
    
$
777
    
$
1,754
    
$
2,033
    
$
577
    
$
894
    
$
118
    
$
8,615
  
                                                                 
Loans receivable:
                                                                
Loans evaluated individually
  
$
10,947
    
$
-
    
$
3,662
    
$
2,560
    
$
861
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
18,030
  
Loans evaluated collectively
    
504,791
      
121,042
      
196,761
      
365,335
      
90,291
      
140,364
      
-
      
1,418,584
  
Total loans receivable
  
$
515,738
    
$
121,042
    
$
200,423
    
$
367,895
    
$
91,152
    
$
140,364
    
$
-
    
$
1,436,614
  

(dollars in thousands)
  
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
and Land
Development
    
Commercial
and Industrial
    
Owner
Occupied
Real Estate
    
Consumer
and Other
    
Residential
Mortgage
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
                                                 
December 31, 2017
                                                
                                                 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                
Individually evaluated for impairment
  
$
1,964
    
$
-
    
$
374
    
$
235
    
$
217
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
2,790
  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    
1,810
      
725
      
943
      
1,502
      
356
      
392
      
81
      
5,809
  
Total allowance for loan losses
  
$
3,774
    
$
725
    
$
1,317
    
$
1,737
    
$
573
    
$
392
    
$
81
    
$
8,599
  
                                                                 
Loans receivable:
                                                                
Loans evaluated individually
  
$
15,415
    
$
-
    
$
4,501
    
$
3,798
    
$
1,002
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
24,716
  
Loans evaluated collectively
    
417,889
      
104,617
      
168,842
      
306,040
      
75,181
      
64,764
      
-
      
1,137,333
  
Total loans receivable
  
$
433,304
    
$
104,617
    
$
173,343
    
$
309,838
    
$
76,183
    
$
64,764
    
$
-
    
$
1,162,049
  

104
A loan is considered impaired, when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.  Impaired loans include nonperforming loans, but also include internally classified accruing loans. The following table summarizes information with regard to impaired loans by loan portfolio class as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

   
December 31, 2018
    
December 31, 2017
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Recorded
Investment
    
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
    
Related
Allowance
    
Recorded
Investment
    
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
    
Related
Allowance
  
With no related allowance recorded:
                                    
Commercial real estate
  
$
6,332
    
$
6,337
    
$
-
    
$
9,264
    
$
9,268
    
$
-
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
1,655
      
5,418
      
-
      
2,756
      
6,674
      
-
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
1,905
      
2,013
      
-
      
2,595
      
2,743
      
-
  
Consumer and other
    
710
      
1,082
      
-
      
655
      
981
      
-
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total
  
$
10,602
    
$
14,850
    
$
-
    
$
15,270
    
$
19,666
    
$
-
  
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                                
Commercial real estate
  
$
4,615
    
$
5,498
    
$
295
    
$
6,151
    
$
6,165
    
$
1,964
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
2,007
      
2,195
      
867
      
1,745
      
1,752
      
374
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
655
      
704
      
217
      
1,203
      
1,206
      
235
  
Consumer and other
    
151
      
158
      
94
      
347
      
379
      
217
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total
  
$
7,428
    
$
8,555
    
$
1,473
    
$
9,446
    
$
9,502
    
$
2,790
  
                                                 
Total:
                                                
Commercial real estate
  
$
10,947
    
$
11,835
    
$
295
    
$
15,415
    
$
15,433
    
$
1,964
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
3,662
      
7,613
      
867
      
4,501
      
8,426
      
374
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
2,560
      
2,717
      
217
      
3,798
      
3,949
      
235
  
Consumer and other
    
861
      
1,240
      
94
      
1,002
      
1,360
      
217
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total
  
$
18,030
    
$
23,405
    
$
1,473
    
$
24,716
    
$
29,168
    
$
2,790
  

105
The following table presents additional information regarding the Company’s impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Recorded
Investment
    
Interest
Income
Recognized
    
Average
Recorded
Investment
    
Interest
Income
Recognized
    
Average
Recorded
Investment
    
Interest
Income
Recognized
  
With no related allowance recorded:
                                    
Commercial real estate
  
$
10,429
    
$
288
    
$
9,579
    
$
366
    
$
12,033
    
$
264
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
58
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
3,341
      
52
      
2,270
      
37
      
1,828
      
42
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
2,275
      
58
      
1,894
      
58
      
642
      
10
  
Consumer and other
    
658
      
21
      
801
      
21
      
858
      
16
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
26
      
1
      
26
      
1
  
Total
  
$
16,703
    
$
419
    
$
14,570
    
$
483
    
$
15,445
    
$
333
  
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                                
Commercial real estate
  
$
3,076
    
$
-
    
$
6,490
    
$
14
    
$
4,455
    
$
52
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
12
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
1,862
      
6
      
2,517
      
68
      
3,357
      
74
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
969
      
25
      
1,390
      
32
      
2,104
      
31
  
Consumer and other
    
191
      
1
      
420
      
10
      
322
      
12
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total
  
$
6,098
    
$
32
    
$
10,817
    
$
124
    
$
10,250
    
$
169
  
                                                 
Total:
                                                
Commercial real estate
  
$
13,505
    
$
288
    
$
16,069
    
$
380
    
$
16,488
    
$
316
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
70
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
5,203
      
58
      
4,787
      
105
      
5,185
      
116
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
3,244
      
83
      
3,284
      
90
      
2,746
      
41
  
Consumer and other
    
849
      
22
      
1,221
      
31
      
1,180
      
28
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
26
      
1
      
26
      
1
  
Total
  
$
22,801
    
$
451
    
$
25,387
    
$
607
    
$
25,695
    
$
502
  

The total average recorded investment on the Company’s impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were $22.8 million, $25.4 million, and $25.7 million, respectively,  and the related interest income recognized for those dates was $451,000, $607,000, and $502,000, respectively.

106
The performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio is also monitored by analyzing the age of the loans receivable as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due.  The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the past due status as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(dollars in thousands)
  
30-59
Days Past
Due
    
60-89
Days Past
Due
    
Greater
than 90
Days
    
Total
Past Due
    
Current
    
Total
Loans
Receivable
    
Loans
Receivable >
90 Days and
Accruing
  
At December 31, 2018
                                          
Commercial real estate
  
$
339
    
$
921
    
$
4,631
    
$
5,891
    
$
509,847
    
$
515,738
    
$
-
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
121,042
      
121,042
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
280
      
-
      
3,661
      
3,941
      
196,482
      
200,423
      
-
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
-
      
653
      
1,188
      
1,841
      
366,054
      
367,895
      
-
  
Consumer and other
    
214
      
-
      
861
      
1,075
      
90,077
      
91,152
      
-
  
Residential mortgage
    
302
      
-
      
-
      
302
      
140,062
      
140,364
      
-
  
Total
  
$
1,135
    
$
1,574
    
$
10,341
    
$
13,050
    
$
1,423,564
    
$
1,436,614
    
$
-
  

(dollars in thousands)
  
30-59
Days Past
Due
    
60-89
Days Past
Due
    
Greater
than 90
Days
    
Total
Past Due
    
Current
    
Total
Loans
Receivable
    
Loans
Receivable >
90 Days and
Accruing
  
At December 31, 2017
                                          
Commercial real estate
  
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
8,963
    
$
8,963
    
$
424,341
    
$
433,304
    
$
-
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
104,617
      
104,617
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
969
      
-
      
2,895
      
3,864
      
169,479
      
173,343
      
-
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
-
      
-
      
2,136
      
2,136
      
307,702
      
309,838
      
-
  
Consumer and other
    
144
      
-
      
851
      
995
      
75,188
      
76,183
      
-
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
64,764
      
64,764
      
-
  
Total
  
$
1,113
    
$
-
    
$
14,845
    
$
15,958
    
$
1,146,091
    
$
1,162,049
    
$
-
  

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate pass rating and the classified ratings of special mention, substandard and doubtful within our internal risk rating system as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Pass
    
Special
Mention
    
Substandard
    
Doubtful
    
Total
  
At December 31, 2018:
                              
Commercial real estate
  
$
510,186
    
$
921
    
$
4,631
    
$
-
    
$
515,738
  
Construction and land development
    
121,042
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
121,042
  
Commercial and industrial
    
196,751
      
10
      
3,382
      
280
      
200,423
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
364,032
      
1,303
      
2,560
      
-
      
367,895
  
Consumer and other
    
90,291
      
-
      
861
      
-
      
91,152
  
Residential mortgage
    
140,240
      
124
      
-
      
-
      
140,364
  
Total
  
$
1,422,542
    
$
2,358
    
$
11,434
    
$
280
    
$
1,436,614
  

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Pass
    
Special
Mention
    
Substandard
    
Doubtful
    
Total
  
At December 31, 2017:
                              
Commercial real estate
  
$
423,382
    
$
959
    
$
8,963
    
$
-
    
$
433,304
  
Construction and land development
    
104,617
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
104,617
  
Commercial and industrial
    
168,702
      
140
      
4,221
      
280
      
173,343
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
306,040
      
-
      
3,798
      
-
      
309,838
  
Consumer and other
    
75,181
      
-
      
1,002
      
-
      
76,183
  
Residential mortgage
    
64,637
      
127
      
-
      
-
      
64,764
  
Total
  
$
1,142,559
    
$
1,226
    
$
17,984
    
$
280
    
$
1,162,049
  

107
The following table shows non-accrual loans by class as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31,
2018
    
December 31,
2017
  
             
Commercial real estate
  
$
4,631
    
$
8,963
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
3,661
      
2,895
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
1,188
      
2,136
  
Consumer and other
    
861
      
851
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
  
Total
  
$
10,341
    
$
14,845
  

If these loans were performing under their original contractual rate, interest income on such loans would have increased approximately $498,000, $590,000, and $1.0 million, for 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

A modification to the contractual terms of a loan which results in a concession to a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulty is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”).  The concessions made in a TDR are those that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower or collateral with similar risk characteristics. A TDR is typically the result of efforts to minimize potential losses that may be incurred during loan workouts, foreclosure, or repossession of collateral at a time when collateral values are declining.  Concessions include a reduction in interest rate below current market rates, a material extension of time to the loan term or amortization period, partial forgiveness of the outstanding principal balance, acceptance of interest only payments for a period of time, or a combination of any of these conditions.

The following table summarizes information with regard to outstanding troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Number
of Loans
    
Accrual
Status
    
Non-
Accrual
Status
    
Total TDRs
  
December 31, 2018
                        
Commercial real estate
    
1
    
$
6,316
    
$
-
    
$
6,316
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
3
      
-
      
1,224
      
1,224
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
1
      
-
      
242
      
242
  
Consumer and other
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total
    
5
    
$
6,316
    
$
1,466
    
$
7,782
  
                                 
December 31, 2017
                                
Commercial real estate
    
1
    
$
6,452
    
$
-
    
$
6,452
  
Construction and land development
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Commercial and industrial
    
3
      
1,175
      
349
      
1,524
  
Owner occupied real estate
    
1
      
242
      
-
      
242
  
Consumer and other
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Residential mortgage
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total
    
5
    
$
7,869
    
$
349
    
$
8,218
  

108
All TDRs are considered impaired and are therefore individually evaluated for impairment in the calculation of the allowance for loan losses.  Some TDRs may not ultimately result in the full collection of principal and interest as restructured and could lead to potential incremental losses.  These potential incremental losses would be factored into our estimate of the allowance for loan losses. The level of any subsequent defaults will likely be affected by future economic conditions.

There were no loan modifications made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 that met the criteria of a TDR.

The Company modified one commercial and industrial loan during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2017. In accordance with the modified terms of the commercial and industrial loan, the principal balance of $975,000 was converted from a line of credit to a term loan with a five year maturity.

The Company modified one owner occupied real estate loan during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2017. In accordance with the modified terms of the owner occupied loan of $245,000, certain concessions have been granted, including a reduction in the interest rate and an extension of the maturity date of the loan.

The Company modified one commercial real estate loan in the amount of $6.5 million during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2017 that met the criteria of a TDR. This loan was transferred to non-accrual status during the second quarter of 2015 as a result of delinquency caused by tenant vacancies. The Company restructured the loan based on new leases obtained by the borrower. In accordance with the modified terms of the loan, certain concessions have been granted, including a reduction in the interest rate. In addition, the principal was increased by $421,000.  As a result of current payments for six consecutive months, the loan was returned to accrual status in the third quarter of 2017.

There were no loan modifications made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 that met the criteria of a TDR.

After a loan is determined to be a TDR, we continue to track its performance under the most recent restructured terms. There were three TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2018. There were no TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

There were no residential mortgages in the process of foreclosure as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Other real estate owned relating to residential real estate was $0 and $42,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

6.
Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned consists of properties acquired as a result of foreclosures or deeds in-lieu-of foreclosure. Costs relating to the development or improvement of assets are capitalized, and costs relating to holding the property are charged to expense. As of December 31, 2018 the balance of OREO is comprised of six commercial and construction properties.

109
The following table presents a reconciliation of other real estate owned for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31,
2018
    
December 31,
2017
    
December 31,
2016
  
Beginning Balance, January 1st
  
$
6,966
    
$
10,174
      
11,313
  
Additions
    
315
      
291
      
616
  
Valuation adjustments
    
(563
)
    
(3,000
)
    
(355
)
Dispositions
    
(495
)
    
(499
)
    
(1,400
)
Ending Balance
  
$
6,223
    
$
6,966
      
10,174
  

7.
Premises and Equipment

A summary of premises and equipment is as follows:

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31,
2018
    
December 31,
2017
  
Land
  
$
15,957
    
$
12,711
  
Buildings
    
49,204
      
40,519
  
Leasehold improvements
    
20,396
      
20,477
  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    
21,430
      
18,521
  
Construction in progress
    
8,041
      
4,961
  
     
115,028
      
97,189
  
Less accumulated depreciation
    
(27,367
)
    
(22,242
)
Net premises and equipment
  
$
87,661
    
$
74,947
  

Depreciation expense on premises and equipment amounted to approximately $5.4 million, $4.6 million, and $3.5 million in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The construction in progress balance of $8.0 million mainly represents costs incurred for the selection and development of future store locations.  Of this balance, $2.7 million represents land purchased and land deposits for seven future store locations. Contractual construction commitments related to future store locations were $8.0 million as of December 31, 2018.

8.
Borrowings

Republic has a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Pittsburgh with a maximum borrowing capacity of $717.1 million as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no fixed term borrowings against this line of credit. As of December 31, 2018, we had overnight borrowings of $91.4 million at a rate of 2.65% against this line of credit. There were no overnight borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, FHLB had issued letters of credit, on Republic’s behalf, totaling $100.0 million and $75.0 million, respectively, against its available credit line, primarily to be used as collateral for public deposits. There were no fixed term advances outstanding at any month-end during 2018 and 2017.  At December 31, 2018, $1.0 billion of loans collateralized the overnight advance and the letter of credit. The maximum amount of overnight borrowings outstanding at any month-end was $206.9 million in 2018 and $82.9 million in 2017.

Republic also has a line of credit in the amount of $10.0 million available for the purchase of federal funds through the Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”). At December 31, 2018 and 2017, Republic had no amount outstanding against the line at ACBB. There were no overnight advances on this line at any month end in 2018 and 2017.

110
Republic also established a line of credit with Zions Bank in the amount of $15.0 million to assist in managing our liquidity position during the year ended December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2018, Republic had no amount outstanding against the line at Zions Bank. There were no overnight balances on this line at any month end in 2018.

Subordinated debt and corporation-obligated-mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior obligations of the corporation:

The Company has sponsored two outstanding issues of corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of a subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation, more commonly known as trust preferred securities. The subsidiary trusts are not consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes.  The purpose of the issuances of these securities was to increase capital.  The trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes in an amount up to 25% of total Tier 1 capital.

In December 2006, Republic Capital Trust II (“Trust II”) issued $6.0 million of trust preferred securities to investors and $0.2 million of common securities to the Company.  Trust II purchased $6.2 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company due 2037, and the Company used the proceeds to call the securities of Republic Capital Trust I (“Trust I”).  The debentures supporting Trust II have a variable interest rate, adjustable quarterly, at 1.73% over the 3-month Libor.  The Company may call the securities on any interest payment date after five years without a prepayment penalty.

On June 28, 2007, the Company caused Republic Capital Trust III (“Trust III”), through a pooled offering, to issue $5.0 million of trust preferred securities to investors and $0.2 million common securities to the Company.  Trust III purchased $5.2 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company due 2037, which have a variable interest rate, adjustable quarterly, at 1.55% over the 3 month Libor.  The Company has the ability to call the securities on any interest payment date without a prepayment penalty.

On June 10, 2008, the Company caused Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV (“Trust IV”) to issue $10.8 million of convertible trust preferred securities as part of the Company’s strategic capital plan.  The securities were purchased by various investors, including Vernon W. Hill, II, founder and chairman (retired) of Commerce Bancorp and, since December 5, 2016, chairman of the Company.  This investor group also included a family trust of Harry D. Madonna, president and chief executive officer of Republic First Bancorp, Inc, and Theodore J. Flocco, Jr., who, since the investment, has been elected to the Company’s Board of Directors and serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Trust IV also issued $0.3 million of common securities to the Company.  Trust IV purchased $11.1 million of junior subordinated debentures due 2038, which paid interest at an annual rate of 8.0% and were callable after the fifth year under certain terms and conditions. The trust preferred securities of Trust IV were convertible into approximately 1.7 million shares of common stock of the Company, based on a conversion price of $6.50 per share of Company common stock. One independent director converted $240,000 of trust preferred securities into 37,000 shares of common stock in 2017. On January 31, 2018, the Company notified the existing holders of Trust IV of its intent to fully redeem these securities in accordance with the Optional Redemption terms included in the Indenture Agreement. The securities were redeemed on March 31, 2018 at a price equal to the outstanding principal amount. The holders had the option to convert these securities into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time until the end of the last business day preceding the redemption date. During the first quarter of 2018, $10.1 million of trust preferred securities were converted into 1.6 million shares of common stock. After redemption of the remaining securities on March 31 2018, Trust IV was dissolved.

111
Deferred issuance costs included in subordinated debt were $82,000 and $555,000 at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Amortization of deferred issuance costs were $6,000, $29,000, and $24,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Deferred issuance costs in the amount of $467,000 were recorded against additional paid in capital during the first quarter of 2018 as a result of the conversion of trust preferred securities into common stock in accordance with ASC 470-20.

9.
Deposits

The following is a breakdown, by contractual maturities of the Company’s certificates of deposit for the years 2019 through 2023.

(dollars in thousands)
  
2019
    
2020
    
2021
    
2022
    
2023
    
Thereafter
    
Total
  
                                           
Certificates of Deposit
  
$
94,022
    
$
57,138
    
$
1,135
    
$
958
    
$
1,004
    
$
-
    
$
154,257
  

Certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more totaled $104.6 million and $57.5 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Deposits of related parties totaled $102.7 million and $107.1 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Brokered deposits totaled $18.6 million and $18.4 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Overdrafts totaled $277,000 and $132,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

10.
Income Taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 consists of the following:

(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Current
                  
Federal
  
$
-
    
$
2,137
    
$
261
  
State
    
51
      
-
      
-
  
Deferred
                        
Federal
    
2,006
      
(5,056
)
    
(380
)
State
    
(479
)
    
-
      
-
  
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
  
$
1,578
    
$
(2,919
)
  
$
(119
)

The following table reconciles the difference between the actual tax provision and the amount per the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 35.0% for the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016.

(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Tax provision computed at federal statutory rate
  
$
2,143
    
$
2,095
    
$
1,689
  
State income tax, net of federal benefit
    
(340
)
    
-
      
-
  
Tax exempt interest
    
(430
)
    
(573
)
    
(582
)
Deferred tax only items
    
199
      
-
      
-
  
Effect of change in tax rate
    
-
      
7,661
      
-
  
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustment
    
-
      
(12,214
)
    
(1,508
)
Other
    
6
      
112
      
282
  
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
  
$
1,578
    
$
(2,919
)
  
$
(119
)


112


The significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

  

2018

    

2017

  

Deferred tax assets

            

Allowance for loan losses

  

$

2,185

    

$

2,047

  

Deferred compensation

    

591

      

557

  

Unrealized losses on securities available for sale

    

3,935

      

2,789

  

Realized losses in other than temporary impairment charge

    

-

      

65

  

Foreclosed real estate write-downs

    

2,351

      

1,468

  

Interest income on non-accrual loans

    

615

      

525

  

Net operating loss carryforward

    

3,541

      

5,549

  

Other

    

1,472

      

1,266

  

Total deferred tax assets

    

14,690

      

14,266

  

Deferred tax liabilities

                

Deferred loan costs

    

1,103

      

998

  

Premises and equipment

    

634

      

211

  

Other

    

619

      

342

  

Total deferred tax liabilities

    

2,356

      

1,551

  

Net deferred tax asset

  

$

12,334

    

$

12,715

  

The Company’s net deferred tax asset decreased to $12.3 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $12.7 million at December 31, 2017. The Company began recognizing an increased provision for federal and state income taxes during the first quarter of 2018 after reversing our deferred tax asset valuation allowance during the fourth quarter of 2017. The company initially recorded a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in 2011 and continued to carry this allowance after determining that some portion of the deferred tax asset balance may not be realized within its life cycle based on the weight of available evidence. Adjustments to the valuation allowance resulted in the recognition of a minimal provision for income taxes in each period until its reversal in 2017. The effective tax rates for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were 15% and 27%, excluding the adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance and offsets for the impact of the new tax legislation.

The $12.3 million net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2018 is comprised of $3.5 million currently recognizable through net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) and $8.8 million attributable to several items associated with temporary timing differences which will reverse at some point in the future to provide a net reduction in tax liabilities. The Company’s largest future reversal relates to its unrealized losses on securities available for sale, which totaled $3.9 million as of December 31, 2018.

The Company evaluates the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis or more frequently, if necessary, in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 740, in particular, applying the criteria set forth therein to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within its life cycle, based on the weight of available evidence.  If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded.  These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence.

113
In conducting the deferred tax asset analysis, the Company believes it is important to consider the unique characteristics of an industry or business.  In particular, characteristics such as business model, level of capital and reserves held by financial institutions and their ability to absorb potential losses are important distinctions to be considered for bank holding companies like the Company. In addition, it is also important to consider that NOLs for federal income tax purposes can generally be carried back two years and carried forward for a period of twenty years, for NOLs created prior to January 1, 2018.  The Company has a federal NOL in the amount of $16.9 million which will begin to expire after December 31, 2030 through December 31, 2031 if not utilized prior to that date. In order to realize our deferred tax assets, we must generate sufficient taxable income in future years prior to expiration.

In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company carefully weighed both positive and negative evidence currently available. Judgment is required when considering the relative impact of such evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence must be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified.

Positive evidence evaluated when considering the need for a valuation allowance included:


 ·
the annual improvement in pre-tax earnings during the four year period ended December 31, 2018;


·
strong growth in interest-earning assets is expected to continue and is supported by the capital raise completed during the fourth quarter of 2016;


·
deposit growth in the stores opened since the inception of the “Power of Red is Back” growth and expansion strategy in 2014 has met or exceeded expectations;


·
loan growth during 2018 was greater than 20%;


·
the acquisition of a residential mortgage lending team (Oak Mortgage Company) completed in July 2016 continues to supplement earnings growth;


·
the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets along with other credit quality metrics continue to improve; and


·
a cumulative loss has not been recorded in recent years.

Negative evidence evaluated when considering the need for a valuation allowance included:


 ·
profitability metrics including return on average assets and return on average equity remain below industry standards;


·
the Bank’s net interest margin declined during 2018 as a result of the challenging interest rate environment; and


·
past earnings have been heavily dependent upon the success of the SBA Lending Team which has recently experienced reduced loan volumes and the recently acquired Mortgage Division which can be significantly impacted by a changing interest rate environment and other various economic factors.

114
The ongoing success of the Company’s growth and expansion strategy, along with the successful integration of the mortgage company and the limited exposure remaining with current asset quality issues put the Company in a position to rely on projections of future taxable income when evaluating the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Based on the guidance provided in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 (ASC 740), the Company believed that the positive evidence considered at December 31, 2017 outweighed the negative evidence and that it was more likely than not that all of the Company’s deferred tax assets would be realized within their life cycle. Therefore, a valuation allowance was not required at December 31, 2017 and a $10.6 million benefit for income taxes was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 to reflect the reversal of the valuation allowance.

The net deferred tax asset balance was $12.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and $12.7 million as of December 31, 2017.  The Company recorded a partial valuation allowance related to the deferred tax asset balance in the amount of $12.2 million as of December 31, 2016. The deferred tax asset will continue to be analyzed on a quarterly basis for changes affecting realizability.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination.  The Company has not identified any uncertain tax position as of December 31, 2018. No interest or penalties have been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016. The Internal Revenue Service has completed its audits of the Company’s federal tax returns for all tax years through December 31, 2014. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is not currently conducting any income tax audits. The Company’s federal income tax returns filed subsequent to 2015 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

11.
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

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

Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss due to the failure of the other parties to a financial instrument to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. The maximum exposure to credit loss under commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. The Company uses the same underwriting standards and policies in making credit commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk are commitments to extend credit of approximately $286.4 million and $264.3 million and standby letters of credit of approximately $13.9 million and $12.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Commitments often expire without being drawn upon. Of the $286.4 million of commitments to extend credit at December 31, 2018, substantially all were variable rate commitments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and many require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued that guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk and collateral policy involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan commitments. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.  Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of such collateral would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees.  The current amount of liability as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 for guarantees under standby letters of credit issued is not material

115
12.
Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Arrangements

As of December 31, 2018, the Company had entered into non-cancelable leases expiring on various dates through December 31, 2058.  Certain leases include escalation clauses that will require increasing cash payments over the term of the lease.  The leases are accounted for as operating leases. The minimum annual rental payments required under these leases are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year Ended
  
Amount
  
       
2019
  
$
4,124
  
2020
    
4,128
  
2021
    
2,879
  
2022
    
2,590
  
2023
    
1,916
  
Thereafter
    
36,036
  
Total
  
$
51,673
  

The Company incurred rent expense of $4.4 million, $4.0 million, and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Other

The Company and Republic are from time to time a party (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits that are in the normal course of business.  While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management is of the opinion that the liability of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Republic.

13.
Regulatory Capital

Dividend payments by Republic to the Company are subject to the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965 (the “Banking Code”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDIA”). Under the Banking Code, no dividends may be paid except from “accumulated net earnings” (generally, undivided profits). Under the FDIA, an insured bank may pay no dividends if the bank is in arrears in the payment of any insurance assessment due to the FDIC. Under current banking laws, Republic would be limited to $48.5 million of dividends plus an additional amount equal to its net profit for 2019, up to the date of any such dividend declaration. However, dividends would be further limited in order to maintain capital ratios.

State and Federal regulatory authorities have adopted standards for the maintenance of adequate levels of capital by Republic. Federal banking agencies impose four minimum capital requirements on the Company’s risk-based capital ratios based on total capital, Tier 1 capital, CET 1 capital, and a leverage capital ratio. The risk-based capital ratios measure the adequacy of a bank’s capital against the riskiness of its assets and off-balance sheet activities. Failure to maintain adequate capital is a basis for “prompt corrective action” or other regulatory enforcement action. In assessing a bank’s capital adequacy, regulators also consider other factors such as interest rate risk exposure; liquidity, funding and market risks; quality and level or earnings; concentrations of credit; quality of loans and investments; risks of any nontraditional activities; effectiveness of bank policies; and management’s overall ability to monitor and control risks.

116
The following table presents the Company’s and Republic’s capital regulatory ratios calculated based on Basel III guidelines at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(dollars in thousands)
  
Actual
    
Minimum Capital
Adequacy
    
Minimum Capital
Adequacy with
Capital Buffer
    
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
  
   
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
  
At December 31, 2018:
                                          
                                           
Total risk based capital
                                          
Republic
  
$
231,610
      
13.26%
 
$
139,722
      
8.00%
 
$
172,489
      
9.875%
 
$
174,652
      
10.00%
Company
    
262,964
      
15.03%
   
140,009
      
8.00%
   
172,824
      
9.875%
   
-
      
-%
Tier one risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
222,995
      
12.77%
   
104,791
      
6.00%
   
137,539
      
7.875%
   
139,722
      
8.00%
Company
    
254,349
      
14.53%
   
105,007
      
6.00%
   
137,821
      
7.875%
   
-
      
-%
CET 1 risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
222,995
      
12.77%
   
78,594
      
4.50%
   
111,341
      
6.375%
   
113,524
      
6.50%
Company
    
243,349
      
13.90%
   
78,755
      
4.50%
   
111,570
      
6.375%
   
-
      
-%
Tier one leveraged capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
222,995
      
8.21%
   
108,685
      
4.00%
   
108,685
      
4.00%
   
135,857
      
5.00%
Company
    
254,349
      
9.35%
   
108,800
      
4.00%
   
108,800
      
4.00%
   
-
      
-%
               
             
             
             
At December 31, 2017:
              
             
             
             
               
             
             
             
Total risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
  
$
187,732
      
12.57%
 
$
119,446
      
8.00%
 
$
138,109
      
9.25%
 
$
149,307
      
10.00%
Company
    
249,510
      
16.70%
   
119,521
      
8.00%
   
138,197
      
9.25%
   
-
      
-%
Tier one risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
179,133
      
12.00%
   
89,584
      
6.00%
   
108,248
      
7.25%
   
119,446
      
8.00%
Company
    
240,911
      
16.13%
   
89,641
      
6.00%
   
108,316
      
7.25%
   
-
      
-%
CET 1 risk based capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
179,133
      
12.00%
   
67,188
      
4.50%
   
85,852
      
5.75%
   
97,050
      
6.50%
Company
    
220,433
      
14.75%
   
67,231
      
4.50%
   
85,906
      
5.75%
   
-
      
-%
Tier one leveraged capital
              
             
             
             
Republic
    
179,133
      
7.91%
   
90,531
      
4.00%
   
90,531
      
4.00%
   
113,164
      
5.00%
Company
    
240,911
      
10.64%
   
90,586
      
4.00%
   
90,586
      
4.00%
   
-
      
-%

Management believes that Republic met, as of December 31, 2018, all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the FDIC categorized Republic as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.  There are no calculations or events since that notification that management believes have changed Republic’s category.

Under the capital rules, risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and total risk-based capital, respectively, by risk-weighted assets.  Assets and off-balance sheet credit equivalents are assigned to one of several categories of risk-weights, based primarily on relative risk.  Under the Federal Reserve’s rules, Republic is required to maintain a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio requirement of 4.5%, a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement of 6%, a minimum total capital requirement of 8% and a minimum leverage ratio requirement of 4%.  Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets.  The capital conservation buffer, which is composed of common equity tier 1 capital, began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and has been phased in over a three year period (increasing by that amount on each January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019).  Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to common equity tier 1 capital began on January 1, 2015 and have been phased-in over a three-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015 and an additional 20% per year thereafter.

117
The following table shows the required capital ratios with the conversation buffer over the phase-in period.

   
Basel III Community Banks
Minimum Capital Ratio Requirements
   
2016
  
2017
  
2018
  
2019
                         
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)
    
5.125
%
    
5.750
%
    
6.375
%
    
7.000
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
    
6.625
%
    
7.250
%
    
7.875
%
    
8.500
%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    
8.625
%
    
9.250
%
    
9.875
%
    
10.500
%

The Company believes that, as of December 31, 2018, all capital adequacy requirements are met under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if all such requirements were currently in effect.

14.
Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Plan

The Company has a defined contribution plan pursuant to the provision of 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan covers all full-time employees who meet age and service requirements. The plan provides for elective employee contributions with a matching contribution from the Company limited to 4% of total salary. The total expense charged to Republic, and included in salaries and employee benefits relating to the plan, was $1.1 million in 2018, $927,000 in 2017, and $627,000 in 2016.

Directors’ and Officers’ Plans

The Company has agreements that provide for an annuity payment upon the retirement or death of certain directors and officers, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year for ten years. The agreements were modified for most participants in 2001, to establish a minimum age of 65 to qualify for the payments. All participants are fully vested. The accrued benefits under the plan amounted to $1.1 million at December 31, 2018 and $1.2 million at December 31, 2017, which is included in other liabilities. The expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, totaled $18,000, $24,000, and $31,000, respectively, which is included in salaries and employee benefits. The Company funded the plan through the purchase of certain life insurance contracts. The aggregate cash surrender value of these contracts (owned by the Company) was $2.5 million at December 31, 2018 and $2.4 million at December 31, 2017 and is included in other assets.

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain officers and directors. The plan permits certain participants to make elective contributions to their accounts, subject to applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.  In addition, the Company may make discretionary contributions to participant accounts.  Company contributions are subject to vesting, and generally vest three years after the end of the plan year to which the contribution applies, subject to acceleration of vesting upon certain changes in control (as defined in the plan) and to forfeiture upon termination for cause (as defined in the plan).  Participant accounts are adjusted to reflect contributions and distributions, and income, gains, losses, and expenses as if the accounts had been invested in permitted investments selected by the participants, including Company common stock.  The plan provides for distributions upon retirement and, subject to applicable limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, limited hardship withdrawals.  As of both December 31, 2018 and 2017, $1.2 million in benefits had vested and the accrued benefits are included in other liabilities. A reduction in expense of $15,000 was recognized for the deferred compensation plan during 2018. Expense recognized for the deferred compensation plan for 2017 and 2016 was $28,000 and $88,000, respectively, and is included in salaries and employee benefits. Although the plan is an unfunded plan, and does not require the Company to segregate any assets, the Company has purchased shares of Company common stock in anticipation of its obligation to pay benefits under the plan.  Such shares are classified in the financial statements as stock held by deferred compensation plan.  No purchases were made in 2018, 2017, and 2016. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 25,437 shares of Company common stock were classified as stock held by deferred compensation plan.

118
15.
Fair Value Measurements and Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective year-ends and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each year-end.

The Company follows the guidance issued under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and identifies required disclosures on fair value measurements.

ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 are as follows:

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

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

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

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

119
For financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:

 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Total
    
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
    
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
    
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  
                         
December 31, 2018
                        
Assets:
                        
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  
$
196,259
    
$
-
    
$
196,259
    
$
-
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
38,499
      
-
      
38,499
      
-
  
Municipal securities
    
20,639
      
-
      
20,639
      
-
  
Corporate bonds
    
59,274
      
-
      
56,205
      
3,069
  
Asset-backed securities
    
6,343
      
-
      
6,343
      
-
  
Securities Available for Sale
  
$
321,014
    
$
-
    
$
317,945
    
$
3,069
  
                                 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
  
$
20,887
    
$
-
    
$
20,887
    
$
-
  
SBA Servicing Assets
    
4,785
      
-
      
-
      
4,785
  
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
    
410
      
-
      
410
      
-
  
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments
    
5
      
-
      
5
      
-
  
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments
    
10
      
-
      
10
      
-
  
                                 
Liabilities:
                                
                                 
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments
    
138
      
-
      
138
      
-
  
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments
    
230
      
-
      
230
      
-
  
                                 
December 31, 2017
                                
Assets:
                                
                                 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  
$
320,241
    
$
-
    
$
320,241
    
$
-
  
Agency mortgage-backed securities
    
54,866
      
-
      
54,866
      
-
  
Municipal securities
    
15,100
      
-
      
15,100
      
-
  
Corporate bonds
    
60,282
      
-
      
57,196
      
3,086
  
Asset-backed securities
    
13,452
      
-
      
13,452
      
-
  
Trust Preferred Securities
    
489
      
-
      
-
      
489
  
Securities Available for Sale
  
$
464,430
    
$
-
    
$
460,855
    
$
3,575
  
                                 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
  
$
43,375
    
$
-
    
$
43,375
    
$
-
  
SBA Servicing Assets
    
5,243
      
-
      
-
      
5,243
  
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
    
363
      
-
      
363
      
-
  
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments
    
5
      
-
      
5
      
-
  
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments
    
19
      
-
      
19
      
-
  
                                 
Liabilities:
                                
                                 
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
    
1
      
-
      
1
      
-
  
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments
    
93
      
-
      
93
      
-
  
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments
    
195
      
-
      
195
      
-
  

120
The following table presents an analysis of the activity in the SBA servicing assets for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Beginning balance, January 1st
  
$
5,243
    
$
5,352
      
4,886
  
Additions
    
1,000
      
1,078
      
1,541
  
Fair value adjustments
    
(1,458
)
    
(1,187
)
    
(1,075
)
Ending balance, December 31st
  
$
4,785
    
$
5,243
      
5,352
  

Fair value adjustments are recorded as loan and servicing fees on the statement of income.  Servicing fee income, not including fair value adjustments, totaled $2.0 million, $1.8 million, and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Total loans in the amount of $204.4 million at December 31, 2018 and $204.9 million at December 31, 2017 were serviced for others.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the securities available for sale measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2018
    
Year Ended
December 31, 2017
    
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
  
Level 3 Investments Only
(dollars in thousands)
  
Trust
Preferred
Securities
    
Corporate
Bonds
    
Trust
Preferred
Securities
    
Corporate
Bonds
    
Trust
Preferred
Securities
    
Corporate
Bonds
  
Balance, January 1,
  
$
489
    
$
3,086
    
$
1,820
    
$
2,971
    
$
1,883
    
$
2,834
  
Security transferred to Level 3 measurement
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Unrealized (losses) gains
    
237
      
(17
)
    
1,006
      
115
      
(56
)
    
137
  
Paydowns
            
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Proceeds from sales
    
(660
)
    
-
      
(1,539
)
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Realized losses
    
(66
)
    
-
      
(798
)
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Impairment charges on Level 3
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
(7
)
    
-
  
Balance, December 31,
  
$
-
    
$
3,069
    
$
489
    
$
3,086
    
$
1,820
    
$
2,971
  

For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows:

 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Total
    
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
    
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
    
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  
December 31, 2018:
                        
Impaired loans
  
$
5,955
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
5,955
  
Other real estate owned
    
1,114
      
-
      
-
      
1,114
  
                                 
December 31, 2017:
                                
Impaired loans
  
$
7,322
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
7,322
  
Other real estate owned
    
5,727
      
-
      
-
      
5,727
  

121
The table below presents additional quantitative information about Level 3 assets measured at fair value (dollars in thousands):

       
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Asset Description
  
Fair Value
  
Valuation
Technique
  
Unobservable Input
  
Range (Weighted
Average)
December 31, 2018
                 
                 
Corporate bonds
  
$
3,069
  
Discounted
Cash Flows
  
Discount Rate
    
(8.24%)
                      

 

 
Discounted
  
Conditional
Prepayment Rate
    
(10.31%)
SBA servicing assets
   $
4,785
   Cash Flows          
             
Discount Rate
    
(11.50%)
                      
Impaired loans
  
$
5,955
  
Appraised Value of Collateral (1)
  
Liquidation expenses (2)
    
11% - 24% (13%) (3)
                      
Other real estate owned
  
$
1,114
  
Appraised Value of Collateral (1)
  
Liquidation expenses (2)
    
(7%) (3)
                      
December 31, 2017
                     
                     
Corporate bonds
  
$
3,086
  
Discounted
Cash Flows
  
Discount Rate
    
(5.99%)
                      
Trust preferred securities
  
$
489
  
Discounted
Cash Flows
  
Discount Rate
    
(8.33%)
                      

 

 
Discounted
  
Conditional
Prepayment Rate
    
(7.85%)
SBA servicing assets
   $
5,243
   Cash Flows          
             
Discount Rate
    
(10.50%)
                      
Impaired loans
  
$
7,322
  
Appraised Value of Collateral (1)
  
Liquidation expenses (2)
    
10% - 21% (14%) (3)
                      




 
Appraised Value of Collateral (1)
  
  Liquidation expenses (2)
    
(22%) (3)
Other real estate owned
   $
5,727
              
         
Sales Price
  
Liquidation expenses (2)
    
4% - 7% (7%) (3)

(1)
Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which include Level 3 inputs that are not identifiable.
(2)
Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.
(3)
The range and weighted average of qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses are presented as a percent of the appraised value.

The significant unobservable inputs for impaired loans and other real estate owned are the appraised value or an agreed upon sales price.  These values are adjusted for estimated costs to sell which are incremental direct costs to transact a sale such as broker commissions, legal fees, closing costs and title transfer fees. The costs must be considered essential to the sale and would not have been incurred if the decision to sell had not been made. The costs to sell are based on costs associated with the Company’s actual sales of other real estate owned which are assessed annually.

Fair Value Assumptions

The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

122
Investment Securities

The fair value of securities available for sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1), or matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.  For certain securities, which are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments, are generally based on available market evidence (Level 3).  In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.  Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments.  Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) were used to support fair values of certain Level 3 investments.

The types of instruments valued based on matrix pricing in active markets include all of the Company’s U.S. government and agency securities, corporate bonds, asset backed securities, and municipal obligations held in the investment securities portfolio. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As required by ASC 820-10, the Company does not adjust the matrix pricing for such instruments.

Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, and may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with such adjustment generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Subsequent to inception, management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows. Republic has one Level 3 investment classified as available for sale which is a single corporate bond.

The corporate bond included in Level 3 was transferred from Level 2 in 2010 and is not actively traded.  Impairment would depend on the repayment ability of the underlying issuer, which is assessed through a detailed quarterly review of the issuer’s financial statements.  The issuer is a “well capitalized” financial institution as defined by federal banking regulations and has demonstrated the ability to raise additional capital, when necessary, through the public capital markets. The fair value of this corporate bond is estimated by obtaining a price of a comparable floating rate debt instrument through Bloomberg.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Carried at Fair Value)

The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined by obtaining prices at which they could be sold in the principal market at the measurement date and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Republic elected to adopt the fair value option for its mortgage loans held for sale portfolio in order to more accurately reflect their economic value. Interest income on loans held for sale, totaled $1.2 million and $976,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, are included in interest and fees in the statements of income.

123
The following table reflects the difference between the carrying amount of mortgage loans held for sale, measured at fair value and the aggregate unpaid principal amount that Republic is contractually entitled to receive at maturity as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

   
Carrying
Amount
    
Aggregate Unpaid
Principal Balance
    
Excess Carrying
Amount Over
Aggregate Unpaid
Principal Balance
  
December 31, 2018
  
$
20,887
    
$
20,071
    
$
816
  
                         
December 31, 2017
  
$
43,375
    
$
42,046
    
$
1,329
  

Changes in the excess carrying amount over aggregate unpaid principal balance are recorded in the statement of income in mortgage banking income. Republic did not have any mortgage loans held for sale recorded at fair value that were 90 or more days past due and on non-accrual at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments (“IRLC”)

The Company determines the value of IRLC’s by comparing the market price to the price locked in with the customer, adding fees or points to be collected at closing, subtracting commissions to be paid at closing, and subtracting estimated remaining loan origination costs to the bank based on the processing status of the loan, The Company also considers pull-through as it determines the fair value of IRLC’S Factors that affect pull-through rates include the origination channel, current mortgage interest rates in the market versus the interest rate incorporated in the IRLC, the purpose of the mortgage (purchase versus financing), the stage of completion of the underlying application and underwriting process, and the time remaining until the IRLC expires. IRLCs are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments

Best efforts forward loan sales commitments are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Best efforts forward loan sales commitments fix the forward sales price that will be realized upon the sale of mortgage loans into the secondary market. Best efforts forward loan sales commitments are entered into for loans at the time the borrower commitment is made. These best efforts forward loan sales commitments are valued using the committed price to the counterparty against the current market price of the interest rate lock commitment or mortgage loan held for sale.

Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments

Fair values for mandatory forward loan sales commitments are based on fair values of the underlying mortgage loans and the probability of such commitments being exercised. Due to the observable inputs used by Republic, best efforts mandatory loan sales commitments are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Impaired Loans (Carried at Lower of Cost or Fair Value)

Impaired loans are those that the Company has measured impairment based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds.  These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The fair value consists of the loan balances less any valuation allowance.  The valuation allowance amount is calculated as the difference between the recorded investment in a loan and the present value of expected future cash flows or it is calculated based on discounted collateral values if the loans are collateral dependent.

124
Other Real Estate Owned (Carried at Lower of Cost or Fair Value)

These assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is determined through valuations periodically performed by third-party appraisers, and the real estate is carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Any declines in the fair value of the real estate properties below the initial cost basis are recorded through a valuation expense. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these assets are carried at current fair value and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

SBA Servicing Asset (Carried at Fair Value)

The SBA servicing asset is initially recorded when loans are sold and the servicing rights are retained and recorded on the balance sheet.  An updated fair value is obtained from an independent third party on a quarterly basis and adjustments are presented as loan and servicing fees on the statement of income. The valuation begins with the projection of future cash flows for each asset based on their unique characteristics, the Company’s market-based assumptions for prepayment speeds and estimated losses and recoveries.  The present value of the future cash flows are then calculated utilizing the Company’s market-based discount ratio assumptions.  In all cases, the Company models expected payments for every loan for each quarterly period in order to create the most detailed cash flow stream possible.

The Company uses assumptions and estimates in determining the impairment of the SBA servicing asset.  These assumptions include prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved and comparable to assumptions used by participants to value and bid serving rights available for sale in the market. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the sensitivity of the current fair value of the SBA loan servicing rights to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in key assumptions are included in the accompanying table.

(dollars in thousands)
  
December 31, 2018
    
December 31, 2017
  
             
SBA Servicing Asset
            
             
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset
  
$
4,785
    
$
5,243
  
                 
Composition of SBA Loans Serviced for Others
      
       
Fixed-rate SBA loans
    
2%
   
2%
Adjustable-rate SBA loans
    
98%
   
98%
Total
    
100%
   
100%
       
     
Weighted Average Remaining Term
  
20.4 years
 
20.5 years
       
     
Prepayment Speed
    
10.31%
   
7.85%
Effect on fair value of a 10% increase
  
$
(170)
 
$
(171)
Effect on fair value of a 20% increase
    
(330)
   
(333)
       
     
Weighted Average Discount Rate
    
11.50%
   
10.50%
Effect on fair value of a 10% increase
  
$
(186)
 
$
(211)
Effect on fair value of a 20% increase
    
(359)
   
(407)

The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance.  As indicated, changes in value based on adverse changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in value may not be linear.  Also in this table, the effect of an adverse variation in a particular assumption on the value of the SBA servicing rights is calculated without changing any other assumption. While in reality, changes in one factor may magnify or counteract the effect of the change.

125
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments (Disclosed at notional amounts)

Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments (lending commitments and letters of credit) are based on fees currently charged in the market to enter into similar agreements, taking into account, the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2018 were as follows:

   
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Carrying
Amount
    
Fair
Value
    
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Balance Sheet Data
                              
Financial assets:
                              
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
72,473
    
$
72,473
    
$
72,473
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Investment securities available for sale
    
321,014
      
321,014
      
-
      
317,945
      
3,069
  
Investment securities held to maturity
    
761,563
      
747,323
      
-
      
747,323
      
-
  
Restricted stock
    
5,754
      
5,754
      
-
      
5,754
      
-
  
Loans held for sale
    
26,291
      
26,291
      
-
      
20,887
      
5,404
  
Loans receivable, net
    
1,427,983
      
1,410,945
      
-
      
-
      
1,410,945
  
SBA servicing assets
    
4,785
      
4,785
      
-
      
-
      
4,785
  
Accrued interest receivable
    
9,025
      
9,025
      
-
      
9,025
      
-
  
Interest rate lock commitments
    
410
      
410
      
-
      
410
      
-
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
    
5
      
5
      
-
      
5
      
-
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
    
10
      
10
      
-
      
10
      
-
  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                        
Deposits
                                        
Demand, savings and money market
  
$
2,238,610
    
$
2,238,610
    
$
-
    
$
2,238,610
    
$
-
  
Time
    
154,257
      
152,989
      
-
      
152,989
      
-
  
Subordinated debt
    
11,259
      
8,279
      
-
      
-
      
8,279
  
Accrued interest payable
    
558
      
558
      
-
      
558
      
-
  
Interest rate lock commitments
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
    
138
      
138
      
-
      
138
      
-
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
    
230
      
230
      
-
      
230
      
-
  
                                         
Off-Balance Sheet Data
                                        
Commitments to extend credit
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Standby letters-of-credit
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  

126
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2017 were as follows:

   
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Carrying
Amount
    
Fair
Value
    
Quoted Prices
 in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Balance Sheet Data
                              
Financial assets:
                              
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
61,942
    
$
61,942
    
$
61,942
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Investment securities available for sale
    
464,430
      
464,430
      
-
      
460,855
      
3,575
  
Investment securities held to maturity
    
472,213
      
463,799
      
-
      
463,799
      
-
  
Restricted stock
    
1,918
      
1,918
      
-
      
1,918
      
-
  
Loans held for sale
    
45,700
      
45,714
      
-
      
43,375
      
2,339
  
Loans receivable, net
    
1,153,679
      
1,120,305
      
-
      
-
      
1,120,305
  
SBA servicing assets
    
5,243
      
5,243
      
-
      
-
      
5,243
  
Accrued interest receivable
    
7,009
      
7,009
      
-
      
7,009
      
-
  
Interest rate lock commitments
    
363
      
363
      
-
      
363
      
-
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
    
5
      
5
      
-
      
5
      
-
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
    
19
      
19
      
-
      
19
      
-
  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                        
Deposits
                                        
Demand, savings and money market
  
$
1,946,558
    
$
1,946,558
    
$
-
    
$
1,946,558
    
$
-
  
Time
    
116,737
      
115,673
      
-
      
115,673
      
-
  
Subordinated debt
    
21,681
      
18,458
      
-
      
-
      
18,458
  
Accrued interest payable
    
293
      
293
      
-
      
293
      
-
  
Interest rate lock commitments
    
1
      
1
      
-
      
1
      
-
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
    
93
      
93
      
-
      
93
      
-
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
    
195
      
195
      
-
      
195
      
-
  
                                         
Off-Balance Sheet Data
                                        
Commitments to extend credit
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Standby letters-of-credit
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  

16.
Stock Based Compensation

The Company has a Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“the 2005 Plan”), under which the Company granted options, restricted stock or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, and certain consultants. The 2005 Plan became effective on November 14, 1995, and was amended and approved at the Company’s 2005 annual meeting of shareholders. Under the terms of the 2005 Plan, 1.5 million shares of common stock, plus an annual increase equal to the number of shares needed to restore the maximum number of shares that could be available for grant under the 2005 Plan to 1.5 million shares, were available for such grants. As of December 31, 2018, the only grants under the 2005 Plan were option grants. The 2005 Plan provided that the exercise price of each option granted equaled the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Options granted pursuant to the 2005 Plan vest within one to four years and have a maximum term of 10 years. The 2005 Plan terminated on November 14, 2015 in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the Plan agreement.


127

On April 29, 2014 the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), under which the Company may grant options, restricted stock, stock units, or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, independent contractors, and consultants.  Under the terms of the 2014 Plan, 2.6 million shares of common stock, plus an annual adjustment to be no less than 10% of the outstanding shares or such lower number as the Board of Directors may determine, are available for such grants. At December 31, 2018, the maximum number of common shares issuable under the 2014 Plan was 6.3 million shares. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 1,106,800 options were granted under the 2014 Plan with a fair value of $3,030,999. During 2018, options to purchase the Company’s common stock were granted to certain employees and directors. The exercise price for the options granted was equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The options issued are subject to a one to four year vesting period and expire after ten years.
 
The Company utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the estimated fair value of each stock option granted on the date of the grant.  A summary of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:

   
2018
      
2017
      
2016
      
Dividend yield(1)
    
0.0%
     
0.0%
     
0.0%
   
Expected volatility
    
28.22%
(2)

44.00% to 50.09%
(3)

46.38% to 52.54%
(3)

Risk-free interest rate(4)
  
2.35% to 2.96%
   
1.89% to 2.30%
   
1.23% to 1.82%
   
Expected life(5)
  
6.25 years
   
5.5 to 7.0 years
   
5.5 to 7.0 years
   
Assumed forfeiture rate(6)
    
4.0%
     
6.0%
     
10.0%
   

(1) A dividend yield of 0.0% is utilized because cash dividends have never been paid.
(2) The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock price as adjusted for certain historical periods of extraordinary volatility in order to estimate expected volatility.
(3) Expected volatility is based on Bloomberg’s five and one-half to seven year volatility calculation for “FRBK” stock.
(4) The risk-free interest rate is based on the five to seven year Treasury bond.
(5)  The expected life reflects a 1 to 4 year vesting period, the maximum ten year term and review of historical behavior.
(6)  Forfeiture rate is determined through forfeited and expired options as a percentage of options granted over the current three year period.

During 2018, 753,864 options vested as compared to 529,624 options in 2017 and 519,050 options in 2016. Expense is recognized ratably over the period required to vest.  At December 31, 2018, the intrinsic value of the 3,861,650 options outstanding was $4.3 million, while the intrinsic value of the 1,899,487 exercisable (vested) options was $3.6 million.  During 2018, 76,125 options were forfeited with a weighted average grant date fair value of $235,000.

Information regarding stock based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is set forth below:

   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Stock based compensation expense recognized
  
$
2,116,000
    
$
1,842,000
    
$
759,000
  
Number of unvested stock options
    
1,962,163
      
1,659,102
      
1,283,226
  
Fair value of unvested stock options
  
$
5,550,820
    
$
4,587,565
    
$
2,184,773
  
Amount remaining to be recognized as expense
  
$
3,406,394
    
$
2,508,314
    
$
1,104,424
  

The remaining amount of $3.4 million will be recognized ratably as expense through December 2022.

128
A summary of stock option activity under the Plan as of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
   
Shares
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
    
Shares
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
    
Shares
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  
                                     
Outstanding, beginning of year
    
3,005,825
    
$
4.98
      
2,332,900
    
$
3.70
      
1,947,725
    
$
3.56
  
Granted
    
1,106,800
      
8.34
      
916,000
      
8.03
      
661,750
      
4.06
  
Exercised
    
(174,850
)
    
3.83
      
(197,975
)
    
3.26
      
(226,275
)
    
3.21
  
Forfeited
    
(76,125
)
    
6.80
      
(45,100
)
    
7.95
      
(50,300
)
    
5.21
  
Outstanding, end of year
    
3,861,650
    
$
5.96
      
3,005,825
    
$
4.98
      
2,332,900
    
$
3.70
  
                                                 
Options exercisable at year-end
    
1,899,487
    
$
4.53
      
1,346,723
    
$
3.55
      
1,049,674
    
$
3.70
  
                                                 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
          
$
2.85
            
$
3.75
            
$
1.80
  

A summary of stock option exercises and related proceeds during the years end December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
Number of options exercised
    
174,850
      
197,975
      
226,275
  
Cash received
  
$
670,413
    
$
646,263
    
$
726,157
  
Intrinsic value
  
$
814,855
    
$
991,957
    
$
739,699
  
Tax benefit
  
$
12,288
    
$
81,589
    
$
-
  

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December 31, 2018:

Options Outstanding
    
Options Exercisable
  
Range of
Exercise Prices
    
Number
Outstanding
    
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
    
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
    
Shares
    
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
  
                                 
$ 1.55 to $3.53      
518,200
      
3.5
    
$
2.52
      
508,200
    
$
2.50
  
$ 3.55 to $3.95      
663,050
      
5.5
      
3.62
      
526,312
      
3.64
  
$ 3.99 to $7.85      
737,225
      
6.2
      
4.50
      
435,850
      
4.55
  
$ 8.00 to $9.50      
1,943,175
      
8.5
      
8.23
      
429,125
      
8.00
  
         
3,861,650
            
$
5.96
      
1,899,487
    
$
4.53
  

A roll-forward of non-vested options during the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

   
Number of
Shares
    
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
  
Nonvested, beginning of year
    
1,659,102
    
$
2.77
  
Granted
    
1,106,800
      
2.85
  
Vested
    
(753,864
)
    
2.92
  
Forfeited
    
(49,875
)
    
2.94
  
Nonvested, end of year
    
1,962,163
    
$
2.83
  

129
17.
Segment Reporting

The Company has one reportable segment: community banking.  The community banking segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of Republic, as well as, residential mortgage and consumer loan products in the area surrounding its stores. Mortgage loans in Delaware and Florida are primarily made to local customers that have second homes (vacation) in Delaware and Florida. We do not have loan production offices in those states.

18.
Transactions with Affiliates and Related Parties

The Company made payments to related parties in the amount of $685,000, $653,000, and $1.0 million during 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The disbursements made during 2018, 2017, and 2016 include $400,000, $361,000, and $450,000, respectively, in fees for marketing, graphic design, architectural and project management services paid to InterArch, a company owned by the spouse of Vernon W. Hill, II. Mr. Hill is the Chairman of the Company, and beneficially owns 8.1% of the common shares currently outstanding.  The Company paid $165,000, $172,000 and $194,000 during 2018, 2017, and 2016 to Glassboro Properties, LLC related to a land lease agreement for its Glassboro store. Mr. Hill has an ownership interest in Glassboro Properties LLC, a commercial real estate firm. Prior to his appointment as Chairman in December 2016, Mr. Hill acted as a consultant for the Company and was paid $250,000 annually for his services.

The Company paid $120,000 during 2018, 2017 and 2016 to Brian Communications for public relations services in addition to reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses and other reimbursable costs. Brian Tierney, a member of the Board of Directors, is the CEO of Brian Communications, a strategic communications agency.

130
19.
Parent Company Financial Information

The following financial statements for Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (Parent Company) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the other notes related to the consolidated financial statements.

Balance Sheet
December 31, 2018 and 2017
(Dollars in thousands)

   
December 31,
2018
    
December 31,
2017
  
ASSETS
            
Cash
  
$
27,722
    
$
60,309
  
Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust holding junior obligations of the corporation
    
341
      
676
  
Investment in subsidiaries
    
220,864
      
181,256
  
Other assets
    
7,572
      
5,931
  
Total Assets
  
$
256,499
    
$
248,172
  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                
Liabilities
                
Accrued expenses
  
$
51
    
$
31
  
Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation
    
11,259
      
21,681
  
Total Liabilities
    
11,310
      
21,712
  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
                
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    
245,189
      
226,460
  
                 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  
$
256,499
    
$
248,172
  

131
Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income (Loss), and Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
(Dollars in thousands)

   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
Interest income
  
$
13
    
$
37
    
$
35
  
Total income
    
13
      
37
      
35
  
                         
Trust preferred interest expense
    
441
      
1,225
      
1,160
  
Other expenses
    
4,972
      
1,424
      
717
  
Total expenses
    
5,413
      
2,649
      
1,877
  
Net loss before taxes
    
(5,400
)
    
(2,612
)
    
(1,842
)
                         
Benefit for income taxes
    
(1,640
)
    
(914
)
    
(645
)
Loss before undistributed income of subsidiaries
    
(3,760
)
    
(1,698
)
    
(1,197
)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
    
12,387
      
10,603
      
6,142
  
Net income
  
$
8,627
    
$
8,905
    
$
4,945
  
                         
Net income
  
$
8,627
    
$
8,905
    
$
4,945
  
Total other comprehensive loss
    
(2,778
)
    
(215
)
    
(4,129
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
5,849
    
$
8,690
    
$
816
  
                         
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of year
  
$
226,460
    
$
215,053
    
$
113,375
  
Shares issued under common stock offering
    
-
      
-
      
99,175
  
Stock based compensation
    
2,116
      
1,842
      
759
  
Stock options issued in acquisition
    
-
      
-
      
202
  
Exercise of stock options
    
670
      
646
      
726
  
Conversion of subordinated debt to common   shares
    
10,094
      
229
      
-
  
Net income
    
8,627
      
8,905
      
4,945
  
Total other comprehensive loss
    
(2,778
)
    
(215
)
    
(4,129
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of year
  
$
245,189
    
$
226,460
    
$
215,053
  

132
Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
(Dollars in thousands)

   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                  
Net income
  
$
8,627
    
$
8,905
    
$
4,945
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
                        
Share based compensation
    
2,116
      
1,842
      
961
  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    
6
      
29
      
24
  
Increase in other assets
    
(1,639
)
    
(1,342
)
    
(716
)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    
20
      
(179
)
    
190
  
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
    
(12,387
)
    
(10,603
)
    
(6,142
)
Net cash used in operating activities
    
(3,257
)
    
(1,348
)
    
(738
)
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                        
Investment in subsidiary
    
(30,000
)
    
-
      
(40,203
)
Net cash used in investing activities
    
(30,000
)
    
-
      
(40,203
)
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                        
Net proceeds from stock offering
    
-
      
-
      
99,175
  
Exercise of stock options
    
670
      
646
      
726
  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    
670
      
646
      
99,901
  
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash
    
(32,587
)
    
(702
)
    
58,960
  
Cash, beginning of period
    
60,309
      
61,011
      
2,051
  
Cash, end of period
  
$
27,722
    
$
60,309
    
$
61,011
  

133
20.
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 The following represents summarized unaudited quarterly financial data of the Company for each of the quarters ended during 2018 and 2017.

Summary of Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   
For the Quarter Ended
  
   
December 31st
    
September 30th
    
June 30th
    
March 31st
  
2018
                        
                         
Interest income
  
$
25,293
    
$
23,558
    
$
22,324
    
$
20,899
  
Interest expense
    
5,313
      
4,412
      
3,662
      
2,783
  
Net interest income
    
19,980
      
19,146
      
18,662
      
18,116
  
Provision for loan losses
    
600
      
500
      
800
      
400
  
Non-interest income
    
4,888
      
5,131
      
5,768
      
4,535
  
Non-interest expense
    
22,057
      
20,833
      
20,729
      
20,102
  
Provision for income taxes
    
54
      
622
      
530
      
372
  
Net income
  
$
2,157
    
$
2,322
    
$
2,371
    
$
1,777
  
                                 
Net income per share:
                                
Basic
  
$
0.04
    
$
0.04
    
$
0.04
    
$
0.03
  
Diluted
  
$
0.04
    
$
0.04
    
$
0.04
    
$
0.03
  
                                 
2017
                                
                                 
Interest income
  
$
19,409
    
$
17,922
    
$
17,331
    
$
16,187
  
Interest expense
    
2,542
      
2,210
      
2,064
      
1,968
  
Net interest income
    
16,867
      
15,712
      
15,267
      
14,219
  
Provision for loan losses
    
400
      
-
      
500
      
-
  
Non-interest income
    
5,012
      
5,778
      
4,969
      
4,338
  
Non-interest expense
    
21,622
      
19,165
      
17,685
      
16,804
  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    
(2,881
)
    
4
      
(8
)
    
(34
)
Net income
  
$
2,738
    
$
2,321
    
$
2,059
    
$
1,787
  
                                 
Net income per share (1):
                                
Basic
  
$
0.05
    
$
0.04
    
$
0.04
    
$
0.03
  
Diluted
  
$
0.05
    
$
0.04
    
$
0.04
    
$
0.03
  


(1)
Quarterly net income per share does not add to full year net income per share due to rounding.

134

21.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) By Component (1)

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

   
Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on Available-
For-Sale Securities
    
Unrealized Holding
Losses on Securities
Transferred From
Available-For-Sale
To Held-To-Maturity
    
Total
  
(dollars in thousands)
                  
Balance January 1, 2018
  
$
(7,150
)
  
$
(359
)
  
$
(7,509
)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02
    
(1,562
)
    
(78
)
    
(1,640
)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities
    
3,927
      
-
      
3,927
  
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
    
-
      
(6,855
)
    
(6,855
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)
    
49
      
101
      
150
  
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
    
3,976
      
(6,754
)
    
(2,778
)
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    
2,414
      
(6,832
)
    
(4,418
)
Balance December 31, 2018
  
$
(4,736
)
  
$
(7,191
)
  
$
(11,927
)
                         
Balance January 1, 2017
  
$
(6,831
)
  
$
(463
)
  
$
(7,294
)
Unrealized loss on securities
    
(413
)
    
-
      
(413
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)
    
94
      
104
      
198
  
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
    
(319
)
    
104
      
(215
)
Balance December 31, 2017
  
$
(7,150
)
  
$
(359
)
  
$
(7,509
)
                         
Balance January 1, 2016
  
$
(2,562
)
  
$
(603
)
  
$
(3,165
)
Unrealized loss on securities
    
(3,853
)
    
-
      
(3,853
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)
    
(416
)
    
140
      
(276
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
    
(4,269
)
    
140
      
(4,129
)
Balance December 31, 2016
  
$
(6,831
)
  
$
(463
)
  
$
(7,294
)


(1)
All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to other comprehensive income.

(2)
Reclassification amounts are reported as gains/losses on sales of investment securities, impairment losses, and amortization of net unrealized losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

22.
Business Combination

Oak Mortgage Company, LLC

On July 28, 2016, Republic acquired all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Oak Mortgage Company, LLC (“Oak Mortgage”) and, as a result, Oak Mortgage became a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic on that date. The aggregate cash purchase price paid to the Sellers for their limited liability company interests at closing was $7.1 million, $1.0 million of which was deposited in an escrow account to be disbursed one year from closing subject to adjustment for any covered indemnity claims under the Purchase Agreement. Escrow funds were disbursed in the third quarter of 2017. The purchase price was considered final as of December 31, 2017.

135
In connection with the Oak Mortgage acquisition, the following table details the consideration paid, the initial estimated fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition, the subsequent adjustments to estimates, the final valuation of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition, and the resulting goodwill recorded (in thousands):

Consideration paid:
  
Original
Estimates
    
Adjustments to
Estimates
    
Final
Valuation
  
Cash
  
$
7,136
    
$
-
    
$
7,136
  
Equity instruments
    
202
      
-
      
202
  
Deferred additional purchase price
    
500
      
-
      
500
  
                         
Value of consideration
  
$
7,838
    
$
-
    
$
7,838
  
                         
Assets acquired:
                        
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
1,223
    
$
-
    
$
1,223
  
Loans held for sale
    
20,871
      
-
      
20,871
  
Loans receivable
    
1,132
      
-
      
1,132
  
Premises and equipment
    
103
      
-
      
103
  
Derivative assets
    
1,508
      
-
      
1,508
  
Intangible assets – non compete agreements
    
104
      
-
      
104
  
Other assets
    
125
      
-
      
125
  
Total assets
    
25,066
      
-
      
25,066
  
                         
Liabilities assumed:
                        
                         
Warehouse lines of credit
    
19,666
      
-
      
19,666
  
Derivative liabilities
    
412
      
-
      
412
  
Other liabilities
    
2,042
      
119
      
2,161
  
Total liabilities
    
22,120
      
119
      
22,239
  
 
                        
Net assets acquired
    
2,946
      
(119
)
    
2,827
  
                         
Goodwill resulting from acquisition of Oak Mortgage
  
$
4,892
    
$
119
    
$
5,011
  

As of December 31, 2016, the estimates of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of Oak Mortgage were finalized.

On an unaudited pro forma basis for the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company would have reported total revenues of $69.4 million and net income of $6.1 million. The pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have occurred had Oak Mortgage been acquired by the Company at the beginning of 2016. The pro forma financial information does not include the impact of possible business model changes, nor does it consider any potential impacts of current market conditions or revenues, expense efficiencies or other factors.

23.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles

The Company completed an annual impairment test for goodwill as of July 31, 2018 and 2017. Future impairment testing will be conducted as of July 31 on an annual basis, unless a triggering event occurs in the interim that would suggest impairment, in which case it would be tested as of the date of the triggering event. During the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no goodwill impairment recorded. There can be no assurance that future impairment assessments or tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

136
The Company’s goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of Oak Mortgage in July 2016 is detailed below:

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Balance
December 31,
2017
    
Additions/
Adjustments
    
Amortization
    
Balance
December 31,
2018
    
Amortization
Period (in years)
  
                                          
Goodwill
  
$
5,011
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
5,011
      
Indefinite
  

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Balance
December 31,
2016
    
Additions/
Adjustments
    
Amortization
    
Balance
December 31,
2017
    
Amortization
Period (in years)
  
                               
Goodwill
  
$
5,011
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
5,011
    

Indefinite
  
Non-compete agreements
    
61
      
-
      
(61
)
    
-
      
1
  
Total
  
$
5,072
    
$
-
    
$
(61
)
  
$
5,011
          

24.
Derivatives and Risk Management Activities

Republic did not have any derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, or subject to master netting and collateral agreements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in Republic’s statement of financial condition for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

 
December 31, 2018
Balance Sheet
Presentation
  
Fair
Value
    
Notional
Amount
  
               
Asset derivatives:
              
               
IRLC’s
Other Assets
  
$
410
    
$
16,966
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Other Assets
    
5
      
1,639
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Other Assets
    
10
      
865
  
                   
Liability derivatives:
                  
                   
IRLC’s
Other Liabilities
  
$
-
    
$
-
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Other Liabilities
    
138
      
15,327
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Other Liabilities
    
230
      
18,980
  

 
December 31, 2017
Balance Sheet
Presentation
  
Fair
Value
    
Notional
Amount
  
               
Asset derivatives:
              
               
IRLC’s
Other Assets
  
$
363
    
$
16,366
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Other Assets
    
5
      
1,807
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Other Assets
    
19
      
4,566
  
                   
Liability derivatives:
                  
                   
IRLC’s
Other Liabilities
  
$
1
    
$
424
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Other Liabilities
    
93
      
14,983
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Other Liabilities
    
195
      
36,223
  

137
The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in Republic’s statement of income for derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 (in thousands):

 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
Income Statement
Presentation
  
Gain/(Loss)
  
         
Asset derivatives:
        
         
IRLC’s
Mortgage banking income
  
$
47
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
-
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
(9
)
           
Liability derivatives:
          
           
IRLC’s
Mortgage banking income
  
$
1
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
(45
)
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
(35
)

 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017
Income Statement
Presentation
  
Gain/(Loss)
  
         
Asset derivatives:
        
         
IRLC’s
Mortgage banking income
  
$
(76
)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
(98
)
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
(210
)
           
Liability derivatives:
          
           
IRLC’s
Mortgage banking income
  
$
54
  
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
32
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
(157
)

 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016
Income Statement
Presentation
  
Gain/(Loss)
  
         
Asset derivatives:
        
         
IRLC’s
Mortgage banking income
  
$
(1,042
)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
77
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
229
  
           
Liability derivatives:
          
           
IRLC’s
Mortgage banking income
  
$
(32
)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
264
  
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage banking income
    
(38
)

The fair value of Republic’s IRLCs, best efforts forward loan sales commitments, and mandatory forward loan sales commitments are based upon the estimated value of the underlying mortgage loan (determined consistent with “Loans Held for Sale”), adjusted for (1) estimated costs to complete and originate the loan, and (2) the estimated percentage of IRLCs that will result in a closed mortgage loan. The valuation of the IRLCs issued by Republic includes the value of the servicing released premium. Republic sells loans servicing released, and the servicing released premium is included in the market price.

138
25.
Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 606. As stated in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the implementation of the new standard did not have a material impact on the measurement of recognition of revenue. Management determined that a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings was not deemed necessary. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605.

Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and investments. In addition, certain non-interest income streams such as gains on sales of residential mortgage and SBA loans, income associated with servicing assets, and loan fees, including residential mortgage originations to be sold and prepayment and late fees charged across all loan categories are also not in scope of the new guidance. Topic 606 is applicable to non-interest revenue streams such as service charges on deposit accounts. However, the recognition of these revenue streams did not change significantly upon adoption of Topic 606. Non-interest revenue streams in-scope of Topic 606 are discussed below.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts

Service charges on deposit accounts consist of account analysis fees (i.e., net fees earned on analyzed business and public checking accounts), ATM fees, NSF fees, and other deposit related fees.

The Company’s performance obligation for account analysis fees and monthly services fees is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, over the period in which the service is provided, which is typically one month. Revenue is recognized at month end after the completion of the service period and payment for these service charges on deposit accounts is primarily received through a direct charge to customers’ accounts.

ATM fees, NSF fees, and other deposit related fees are largely transactional based, and therefore, the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, at a point in time. Payment for these service charges are received immediately through a direct charge to customers’ accounts.

For the Company, there are no other material revenue streams within the scope of Topic 606.

The following tables present non-interest income, segregated by revenue streams in-scope and out-of-scope of Topic 606, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

   
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Non-interest income
                  
In-scope of Topic 606
                  
Service charges on deposit accounts
  
$
5,476
    
$
3,904
    
$
2,658
  
Other non-interest income
    
174
      
177
      
335
  
Non-interest income (in-scope of Topic 606)
    
5,650
      
4,081
      
2,993
  
Non-interest income (out-of-scope of Topic 606)
    
14,672
      
16,016
      
12,319
  
Total non-interest income
  
$
20,322
    
$
20,097
    
$
15,312
  

139
Contract Balances

A contract assets balance occurs when an entity performs a service for a customer before the customer pays consideration (resulting in a contract receivable) or before payment is due (resulting in a contract asset). A contract liability balance is an entity’s obligation to transfer a service to a customer for which the entity has already received payment (or payment is due) from the customer. The Company’s non-interest revenue streams are largely based on transaction activity, or standard month-end revenue accruals.  Consideration is often received immediately or shortly after the Company satisfies its performance obligation and revenue is recognized. The Company does not typically enter into long-term contracts with customers, and therefore, does not experience significant contract balances. As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company did not have any significant contract balances.

Contract Acquisition Costs

In connection with the adoption of Topic 606, an entity is required to capitalize, and subsequently amortize as an expense, certain incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if these costs are expected to be recovered. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that an entity incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that it would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained (for example, sales commission). The company utilizes the practical expedient which allows entities to immediately expense contract acquisition costs when the assets that would have resulted from capitalizing these costs would have been amortized in one year or less. Upon adoption of Topic 606, the Company did not capitalize any contract acquisition cost.

140

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
We have audited Republic First Bancorp, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and our report dated March 14, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
Basis for Opinion
 
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.


141
 
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 

 
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 
March 14, 2019

142
Item 9:
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A:
Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 The Company’s management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e), were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Controls

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (“Internal Control”) to determine whether any changes in Internal Control occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that have materially affected or which are reasonably likely to materially affect Internal Control.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter ended December 31, 2018.

Management’s Report on Internal Controls

Management of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2018, based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework 2013, management of the Company has concluded the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(f), as of December 31, 2018.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not an absolute, level of assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

143
BDO, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, as stated in their reports, which are included herein.

Item 9B:
Other Information

None
PART III

Item 10:
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Except as set forth below, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the sections entitled “Board of Directors and Committees” and “Executive Officers and Compensation.”

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The text of the Company’s code of ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.myrepublicbank.com. We intend to disclose any changes in or revision to our code of ethics on our website, if applicable.

Item 11:
Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the section entitled “Executive Officers and Compensation.”

Item 12:
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Except as set forth below, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

144
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2018, with respect to the shares of common stock that may be issued under the Company’s existing equity compensation plans.

 
 
 
 
Plan Category
  
Number of Shares to
be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
    
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
    
Number of Shares
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in
First Column)
  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    
3,861,650
    
$
5.96
      
3,179,213 (1) (2)
  
                          
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    
-
      
-
      
-
 		  
                          
Total
    
3,861,650
    
$
5.96
      
3,179,213 (1)(2)
  

(1) Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan, as amended and restated in 2005, no additional equity awards were issuable after November 14, 2015.

(2) The 2014 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan provides for 2,600,000 shares of common stock plus an annual adjustment to be no less than 10% of the outstanding shares or such lower number as the Board of Directors may determine, to be available for such grants.

Item 13:
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Board of Directors and Committees.”

Item 14:
Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the section entitled “Information Regarding Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”.

145
PART IV

Item 15:
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules


(a)
(1) The following financial statements and related documents of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K in Part II – Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”:

a.
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017;

b.
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016;

c.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016;

d.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016;

e.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016; and

f.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


(a)
(2) None


(a)
(3) The exhibits filed or furnished, as applicable, as part of this report are listed under Exhibits at subsection (b) of this Item 15.


(b)
Exhibits

The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report.

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
  
 
Location
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 10, 2017
       
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
  
Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed April 23, 2010  (333-166286)
       
4.1
The Company will furnish to the SEC upon request copies of the following documents relating to the Company’s Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due 2037:  (i) Indenture dated as of December 27, 2006, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee; (ii) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Republic Capital Trust II, dated as of December 27, 2006; and (iii) Guarantee Agreement dated as of December 27, 2006, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the capital securities of Republic Capital Trust II
    

146
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
  
 
Location
4.2
The Company will furnish to the SEC upon request copies of the following documents relating to the Company’s Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due 2037: (i) Indenture dated as of June 28, 2007, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee; (ii) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Republic Capital Trust III, dated as of June 28, 2007; and (iii) Guarantee Agreement dated as of June 28, 2007, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the capital securities of Republic Capital Trust III
    
       
4.3
The Company will furnish to the SEC upon request copies of the following documents relating to the Company’s Fixed Rate Junior Subordinated Convertible Debt Securities due 2038: (i) Indenture dated as of June 10, 2008, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee; (ii) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV, dated as of June 10, 2008; and (iii) Guarantee Agreement dated as of June 10, 2008, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the capital securities of Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV
    
       
Form of Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and among, certain named Executive Officers, Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Republic First Bank*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed July 14, 2015
       
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan and Restricted Stock Plan*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 10, 2008
       
Deferred Compensation Plan*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 16, 2010
       
Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreements between Republic First Bank and Certain Directors*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed November 7, 2008

147
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
  
 
Location
Purchase Agreement among Republic First Bancorp, Inc., Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV, and Purchasers of the Trust IV Capital  Securities
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed November 7, 2008
       
Registration Rights Agreement among Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and the Holders of the Trust IV Capital Securities
  
Incorporated by reference to Form10-Q filed November 7, 2008
       
10.7
Agreement, dated March 9, 2017, between Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Vernon W. Hill II
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 10, 2017
       
Employment Agreement, dated May 10, 2013, by and among Harry D. Madonna, Republic First Bancorp, Inc., and Republic First Bank*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2013
       
First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated March 18, 2015, by and among Harry D. Madonna, Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Republic First Bank*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed March 20, 2015
       
Form of Option Award*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed April 23, 2010 (333-166286)
       
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan*
  
Incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed March 26, 2014
       
Form of Incentive Stock Option Award – 2014 Equity Incentive Plan*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 13, 2015
       
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award – 2014 Equity Incentive Plan*
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 13, 2015
       
Form of Investment Agreement
  
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed April 22, 2014
       
Limited Liability Company Purchase Agreement dated July 26, 2016 by and among, Republic First Bank d/b/a Republic Bank and Owners of Oak Mortgage Company, LLC
  
Incorporated by reference to form 8-K filed August 1, 2016
       
Subsidiaries of the Company
  
Filed Herewith
       
Consent of BDO USA, LLP
  
Filed Herewith
       
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
  
Filed Herewith

148
Exhibit
Number
Description
  
Location
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
  
Filed Herewith
       
Section 1350 Certification of Harry D. Madonna
  
Furnished Herewith
       
Section 1350 Certification of Frank A. Cavallaro
  
Furnished Herewith
       
101
The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, (v) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
    

 
*
Constitutes a management compensation agreement or arrangement.


(c)
All financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the respective financial statements or notes thereto contained herein.

149
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

   
REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
     
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Harry D. Madonna
   
Harry D. Madonna
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(principal executive officer)
     
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Frank A. Cavallaro
   
Frank A. Cavallaro
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(principal financial and accounting officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Vernon W. Hill, II
   
Vernon W. Hill, II, Chairman of the Board
   
 
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Andrew B. Cohen
   
Andrew B. Cohen, Director
   
 
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Theodore J. Flocco, Jr.
   
Theodore J. Flocco, Jr., Director
   
 
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Lisa R. Jacobs
   
Lisa R. Jacobs, Director
   
 
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Harry D. Madonna
   
Harry D. Madonna, Director
   
 
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Barry L. Spevak
   
Barry L. Spevak, Director
   
 
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Brian P. Tierney
   
Brian P. Tierney, Director
   
 
Date:  March 14, 2019
By:
/s/ Harris Wildstein, Esq.
   
Harris Wildstein, Esq., Director


150