10-Q 1 a09-18756_110q.htm 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(MARK ONE)

 

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

 

For the Quarterly Period ended June 30, 2009

 

OR

 

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

 

For the Transition Period from                   to                  

 

Commission File No. 000-51896

 

COMMUNITYSOUTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

South Carolina

 

20-0934786

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation)

 

Identification No.)

 

6602 Calhoun Memorial Highway

Easley, South Carolina 29640

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(864) 306-2540

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  o Yes  o No

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated o

 

Smaller reporting company x

(do not check if smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

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

4,698,697 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were issued and outstanding as of August 4, 2009.

 

 

 



 

CommunitySouth Financial Corporation

 

Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

June 30, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Audited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from bank

 

$

10,030

 

$

5,251

 

Federal funds sold

 

21,072

 

4,625

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

31,102

 

9,876

 

Investment securities, available for sale

 

42,715

 

47,602

 

Other investments, at cost

 

1,599

 

1,805

 

Loans, net

 

297,399

 

312,819

 

Accrued interest receivable

 

1,285

 

1,628

 

Property and equipment, net

 

4,458

 

4,618

 

Bank-owned life insurance

 

 

5,437

 

Other real estate owned

 

3,132

 

415

 

Other assets

 

5,120

 

3,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

386,810

 

$

387,816

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest bearing

 

$

22,439

 

$

22,162

 

Interest bearing

 

301,049

 

274,481

 

Total deposits

 

323,488

 

296,643

 

Repurchase agreements

 

30,000

 

30,000

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

 

 

25,000

 

Note payable

 

 

1,570

 

Subordinated debt

 

4,325

 

4,325

 

Accrued interest payable

 

1,218

 

1,406

 

Accrued expenses

 

506

 

193

 

Other liabilities

 

2

 

151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

359,539

 

359,288

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01 per share 10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,698,697 and 4,698,697 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively

 

47

 

47

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

29,793

 

29,760

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

42

 

491

 

Retained earnings

 

(2,611

)

(1,770

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

27,271

 

28,528

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

386,810

 

$

387,816

 

 

2



 

CommunitySouth Financial Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

June 30, 2009

 

June 30, 2008

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and fees on loans

 

$

4,292

 

$

4,980

 

Interest and dividends on investments

 

336

 

671

 

Total interest income

 

4,628

 

5,651

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense – deposits and other borrowings

 

1,951

 

3,337

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income

 

2,677

 

2,314

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for loan losses

 

1,500

 

2,579

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

1,177

 

(265

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest income

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage origination fees

 

243

 

172

 

Other

 

198

 

228

 

Total non-interest income

 

441

 

400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and benefits

 

1,363

 

1,228

 

Data processing

 

249

 

177

 

Occupancy

 

168

 

157

 

Depreciation

 

182

 

180

 

Equipment maintenance and rental

 

36

 

39

 

Advertising

 

60

 

28

 

Professional fees

 

74

 

54

 

Office supplies

 

20

 

19

 

Telephone

 

38

 

33

 

FDIC assessment

 

271

 

54

 

Other

 

376

 

263

 

Total non-interest expense

 

2,837

 

2,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(1,219

)

(2,097

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

(414

)

(707

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(805

)

$

(1,390

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses per share

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.17

)

$

(0.30

)

Diluted

 

$

(0.17

)

$

(0.30

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

4,698,697

 

4,698,697

 

Diluted

 

4,698,697

 

4,698,697

 

 

3



 

CommunitySouth Financial Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Six months ended

 

Six months ended

 

 

 

June 30, 2009

 

June 30, 2008

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and fees on loans

 

$

8,661

 

$

10,498

 

Interest and dividends on investments

 

899

 

1,402

 

Total interest income

 

9,560

 

11,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense deposits and other borrowings

 

4,031

 

6,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income

 

5,529

 

4,910

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for loan losses

 

2,805

 

2,704

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

2,724

 

2,206

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest income

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage origination fees

 

305

 

335

 

Other

 

950

 

436

 

Total non-interest income

 

1,255

 

771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and benefits

 

2,603

 

2,463

 

Data processing

 

471

 

367

 

Occupancy

 

339

 

320

 

Depreciation

 

361

 

361

 

Equipment maintenance and rental

 

79

 

86

 

Advertising

 

97

 

39

 

Professional fees

 

165

 

132

 

Office supplies

 

42

 

47

 

Telephone

 

75

 

70

 

FDIC assessment

 

367

 

107

 

Other

 

654

 

558

 

Total non-interest expense

 

5,253

 

4,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(1,274

)

(1,573

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

(433

)

(524

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(841

)

$

(1,049

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses per share

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.18

)

$

(0.22

)

Diluted

 

$

(0.18

)

$

(0.22

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

4,698,697

 

4,698,697

 

Diluted

 

4,698,697

 

4,698,697

 

 

4



 

CommunitySouth Financial Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the six month periods ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

Retained

 

Total
Shareholders’

 

Total
Comprehensive

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Equity

 

Income

 

Balance at December 31, 2008

 

4,698,697

 

$

47

 

$

29,760

 

$

491

 

$

(1,770

)

$

28,528

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(841

)

(841

)

$

(841

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of income tax benefit of $203

 

 

 

 

(449

)

 

(449

)

(449

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(1,290

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock option compensation

 

 

 

33

 

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2009

 

4,698,697

 

$

47

 

$

29,793

 

$

42

 

$

(2,611

)

$

27,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

Retained

 

Total
Shareholders’

 

Total
Comprehensive

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Equity

 

Income

 

Balance at December 31, 2007

 

4,698,697

 

$

47

 

$

29,692

 

$

152

 

$

1,581

 

$

31,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

(1,049

)

(1,049

)

$

(1,049

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of income tax benefit of $369

 

 

 

 

(626

)

 

(626

)

(626

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(1,675

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock option compensation

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2008

 

4,698,697

 

$

47

 

$

29,726

 

$

(474

)

$

532

 

$

29,831

 

 

 

 

5



 

CommunitySouth Financial Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Six months
ended

 

Six Months
ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(841

)

$

(1,049

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for loan losses

 

2,805

 

2,704

 

Stock option compensation

 

33

 

34

 

Sale (appreciation) of bank-owned life insurance

 

5,437

 

(100

)

Depreciation

 

361

 

361

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

17

 

(886

)

Decrease in accrued interest receivable

 

343

 

337

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable

 

(188

)

292

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

 

313

 

(185

)

Decrease (increase) in other assets

 

(1,301

)

45

 

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

 

(149

)

1,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

6,830

 

3,136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net (increase) decrease in loans outstanding

 

9,898

 

(13,511

)

Sale (purchases) of investment securities

 

4,218

 

(24,178

)

Sale (purchases) of FHLB stock

 

206

 

(683

)

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(201

)

(129

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

14,121

 

(38,501

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in deposit accounts

 

26,845

 

(19,862

)

Advances (repayments) from FHLB

 

(25,000

)

10,000

 

Increase in repurchase agreements

 

 

15,000

 

Repayment of note payable

 

(1,570

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

275

 

5,138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

21,226

 

(30,227

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

9,876

 

40,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

31,102

 

$

9,925

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

4,219

 

$

6,696

 

Income taxes

 

$

419

 

$

363

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of non-cash transactions

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains / (losses) on investment securities, net of income taxes

 

$

(449

)

$

(626

)

 

6



 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

NOTE 1 — NATURE OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Business Activity and Organization — CommunitySouth Financial Corporation (the “Company”) is a South Carolina corporation organized for the purpose of owning and controlling all of the capital stock of CommunitySouth Bank and Trust (the “Bank”).  The Bank is a state chartered bank organized under the laws of South Carolina.  From inception on March 20, 2004 through January 18, 2005, the Company engaged in organizational and pre-opening activities necessary to obtain regulatory approvals and to prepare its subsidiary, the Bank, to commence business as a financial institution.  The Company received approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) and the State Board of Financial Institutions in January 2005.

 

The Bank began operations on January 18, 2005.  The Bank primarily is engaged in the business of accepting deposits insured by the FDIC, and providing commercial, consumer and mortgage loans to the general public.

 

The Company sold 4,681,069 shares of common stock at $6.40 per share in an initial public offering that was completed on February 15, 2005 (as adjusted for all stock splits).  The offering raised $29,430,810, net of offering costs.  The directors and officers of the Company purchased 659,531 shares at $6.40 per share for a total of $4,221,000.

 

Basis of Presentation — The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and to general practices in the banking industry for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009.  For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes dated December 31, 2008 included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CommunitySouth Financial Corporation, the parent company, and CommunitySouth Bank and Trust, its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany items have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Management’s Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Disclosure Regarding Segments — The Company reports as one operating segment, as management reviews the results of operations of the Company as a single enterprise.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, short-term interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold.  Cash and cash equivalents have an original maturity of three months or less.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of loans receivable, investment securities, federal funds sold and amounts due from banks.

 

The Company makes loans to individuals and small businesses for various personal and commercial purposes primarily in the upstate region of South Carolina.  The Company’s loan portfolio is not concentrated in loans to any single borrower or to a relatively small number of borrowers.  The Bank does have a concentration of loans classified as commercial real estate. These loans are especially susceptible to being adversely effected by the current economic downturn. The current downturn in the real estate market has resulted in an increase in loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures, and we believe these trends are likely to continue.  In some cases, this downturn has resulted in a significant impairment to the value of our collateral and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure, and there is a risk that this trend will continue.  The commercial real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended.  If real estate values continue to decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for loan losses.

 

7



 

In addition to monitoring potential concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or groups of borrowers, industries and geographic regions, management monitors exposure to credit risk that could arise from potential concentrations of lending products and practices such as loans that subject borrowers to substantial payment increases (e.g. principal deferral periods, loans with initial interest-only periods, etc), and loans with high loan-to-value ratios.  Additionally, there are industry practices that could subject the Company to increased credit risk should economic conditions change over the course of a loan’s life.  For example, the Company makes variable rate loans and fixed rate principal-amortizing loans with maturities prior to the loan being fully paid (i.e. balloon payment loans).  These loans are underwritten and monitored to manage the associated risks.  Management has determined that there is no concentration of credit risk associated with its lending policies or practices.

 

The Company’s investment portfolio consists of both marketable and non-marketable equity securities.  Management believes credit risk associated with the equity securities is not significant. The Company places its deposits and correspondent accounts with and sells its federal funds to high quality institutions.  Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts is not significant.

 

Investment Securities — The Company accounts for investment securities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”).  The statement requires investments in equity and debt securities to be classified into three categories:

 

1.               Available for sale securities: These are securities that are not classified as either held to maturity or as trading securities.  These securities are reported at fair market value.  Unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of income taxes, as separate components of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income).

 

2.               Held to maturity securities: These are investment securities that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity.  These securities are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts.

 

3.               Trading securities: These are securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling in the near future.  Trading securities are reported at fair market value, and related unrealized gains and losses are recognized in the income statement.  The Company has no trading securities.

 

Gains or losses on dispositions of investment securities are based on the differences between the net proceeds and the adjusted carrying amount of the securities sold, using the specific identification method.  Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income by a method that approximates a level yield.

 

Other Investments — CommunitySouth Bank and Trust, as a member institution, is required to own stock investments in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”).  Investment in the FHLB is a condition of borrowing from the FHLB, and the stock is pledged to collateralize such borrowings.  No ready market exists for the stock and it has no quoted market value.  However, redemption of these stocks has historically been at par value.  The dividend received on this stock is included in interest and dividends on investments.

 

Loans Receivable — Loans are stated at their unpaid principal balance less an allowance for loan losses and net deferred loan origination fees.  Interest income is computed using the simple interest method and is recorded in the period earned. Loan origination fees collected and certain loan origination costs are deferred and the net amount is accreted as income using a method that approximates the level yield method over the life of the related loans.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” (“SFAS 114”), loans are considered to be impaired when, in management’s judgment and based on current information, the full collection of principal and interest becomes doubtful.  A loan is also considered impaired if its terms are modified in a troubled debt restructuring.  Impaired loans are placed in non-performing status, and future payments are applied to principal until such time as collection of the obligation is no longer doubtful. Interest accrual resumes only when loans return to performing status.  To return to performing status, loans must be fully current, and continued timely payments must be a reasonable expectation.  Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest becomes ninety days past due, or when payment in full is not anticipated.  When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest accrued but not received is generally reversed against interest income.  Cash receipts on non-accrual loans are not recorded as interest income, but are used to reduce principal.

 

8



 

The Company identifies impaired loans through its normal internal loan review process.  Loans on the Company’s potential problem loan list are considered potentially impaired loans.  These loans are evaluated in determining whether all outstanding principal and interest are expected to be collected.  Loans are not considered impaired if a minimal payment delay occurs and all amounts due, including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay, are expected to be collected.  Management has determined that the Company had $23,097,000 and $13,172,000 in impaired loans at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses — The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

 

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experiences, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to loans that are classified as either doubtful, substandard or special mention.  For such loans that are also 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 the loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for 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.

 

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, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments 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 of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.  Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either 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.

 

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

 

Bank-Owned Life InsuranceThe Company made the decision to sell these policies in order to help reduce assets, thereby improving the Bank’s risk based capital ratio. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company began the process of divesting of its key employee life insurance policies by selling policies at no gain or loss.  Income from these policies and changes in the net cash surrender value are currently recorded in non-interest income. The final policy was sold in April 2009.

 

Advertising — Advertising, promotional, and other business development costs generally are expensed as incurred.  External costs incurred in producing media advertising are expensed the first time the advertising takes place.  External costs relating to direct mailing costs are expensed in the period in which the direct mailings are sent.

 

Property and Equipment — Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful lives for furniture and equipment of 5 to 10 years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to current expense.  The costs of major renewals and improvements are capitalized.

 

Residential Loan Origination Fees — The Company offers residential loan origination services to its customers in its immediate market area.  The loans are offered on terms and prices offered by the Company’s correspondents and are closed in the name of the correspondents.  The Company receives fees for services it provides in conjunction with the origination services it provides.  The fees are recognized at the time the loans are closed by the Company’s correspondent.

 

9



 

Income Taxes — The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis.  When income and expenses are recognized in different periods for financial reporting purposes versus for the purposes of computing income taxes currently payable, deferred taxes are provided on such temporary differences.  The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”).

 

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“FIN 48”) to clarify the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions, as defined.  FIN 48 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes.  The Company implemented the provisions of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, and has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions.  The Company believes that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.  Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to FIN 48.  In addition, the Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of FIN 48.

 

Under SFAS 109 and FIN 48, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns.  Income taxes are the sum of amounts currently payable to taxing authorities and the net changes in income taxes payable or refundable in future years.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled.  Income taxes deferred to future years are determined utilizing an asset and liability approach.  This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences associated with differences between financial accounting and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities which are principally the allowance for loan losses, depreciable premises and equipment, and net operating loss carry-forwards.

 

Earnings (loss) Per Share — Basic earnings (loss) per share represents the net income (loss) allocated to shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect the impact of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued.  Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to both outstanding warrants and stock options, and are determined using the treasury stock method.

 

Stock—based Compensation — The Company has adopted the fair value recognition provisions of the SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”, which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to account for compensation costs under its stock option plans.  The Company previously utilized the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (as amended)” (“APB 25”).  Under the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB 25, no compensation costs were recognized for the Company’s stock options because the option exercise price in its plans equaled the market price on the date of grant.

 

In adopting SFAS No. 123(R), the Company elected to use the modified prospective method to account for the transition from the intrinsic value method to the fair value recognition method.  Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost is recognized from the adoption date forward for all new stock options granted and for any outstanding unvested awards as if the fair value method had been applied to those awards as of the date of grant.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments — In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit.  These financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable by the customer.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards — The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that could impact the accounting, reporting, and / or disclosure of financial information by the Company

 

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162,” (“SFAS 168”).  SFAS 168 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (“Codification”) as the source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for nongovernmental entities.  The Codification does not change GAAP. Instead, it takes the thousands of individual pronouncements that currently comprise GAAP and reorganizes them into approximately 90 accounting Topics, and displays all Topics using a consistent structure.  Contents in each Topic are further organized first by Subtopic, then Section and finally Paragraph. The Paragraph level is the only level that contains substantive content. Citing particular content in the Codification involves specifying the unique numeric path to the content through the Topic, Subtopic, Section and Paragraph structure. FASB suggests that all citations begin with “FASB ASC,”

 

10



 

where ASC stands for Accounting Standards Codification. SFAS 168, (FASB ASC 105-10-05, 10, 15, 65, 70) is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009 and will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position but will change the referencing system for accounting standards.  The following pronouncements provide citations to the applicable Codification by Topic, Subtopic and Section in addition to the original standard type and number.

 

FSP EITF 99-20-1, “Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20,” (FASB ASC 325-40-65) (“FSP EITF 99-20-1”) was issued in January 2009.  Prior to the FSP, other-than-temporary impairment was determined by using either Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests that Continue to be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets,” (“EITF 99-20”) or SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” (“SFAS 115”) depending on the type of security.  EITF 99-20 required the use of market participant assumptions regarding future cash flows regarding the probability of collecting all cash flows previously projected.  SFAS 115 determined impairment to be other than temporary if it was probable that the holder would be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms. To achieve a more consistent determination of other-than-temporary impairment, the FSP amends EITF 99-20 to determine any other-than-temporary impairment based on the guidance in SFAS 115, allowing management to use more judgment in determining any other-than-temporary impairment.  The FSP was effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008.  Management has reviewed the Company’s security portfolio and evaluated the portfolio for any other-than-temporary impairments.

 

On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued three staff positions related to fair value which are discussed below.

 

FSP SFAS 115-2 and SFAS 124-2 (FASB ASC 320-10-65), “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” (“FSP SFAS 115-2 and SFAS 124-2”) categorizes losses on debt securities available-for-sale or held-to-maturity determined by management to be other-than-temporarily impaired into losses due to credit issues and losses related to all other factors.  Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) exists when it is more likely than not that the security will mature or be sold before its amortized cost basis can be recovered.  An OTTI related to credit losses should be recognized through earnings.  An OTTI related to other factors should be recognized in other comprehensive income.  The FSP does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.  Annual disclosures required in SFAS 115 and FSP SFAS 115-1 and SFAS 124-1 are also required for interim periods (including the aging of securities with unrealized losses).

 

FSP SFAS 157-4 (FASB ASC 820-10-65), “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That are Not Orderly” recognizes that quoted prices may not be determinative of fair value when the volume and level of trading activity has significantly decreased.  The evaluation of certain factors may necessitate that fair value be determined using a different valuation technique.  Fair value should be the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale.  If a transaction is considered to not be orderly, little, if any, weight should be placed on the transaction price.  If there is not sufficient information to conclude as to whether or not the transaction is orderly, the transaction price should be considered when estimating fair value.  An entity’s intention to hold an asset or liability is not relevant in determining fair value.  Quoted prices provided by pricing services may still be used when estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS 157; however, the entity should evaluate whether the quoted prices are based on current information and orderly transactions.  Inputs and valuation techniques are required to be disclosed in addition to any changes in valuation techniques.

 

FSP SFAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 (FASB ASC 825-10-65), “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” requires disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements and also requires those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods  A publicly traded company includes any company whose securities trade in a public market on either a stock exchange or in the over-the-counter market, or any company that is a conduit bond obligor.  Additionally, when a company makes a filing with a regulatory agency in preparation for sale of its securities in a public market it is considered a publicly traded company for this purpose.

 

The three staff positions are effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption of all three permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  The Company adopted the staff positions for its second quarter 10-Q.  The staff positions had no material impact on the financial statements.  Additional disclosures have been provided where applicable.

 

Also on April 1, 2009, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 141(R)-1 (FASB ASC 805-20-25, 30, 35, 50), “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies.”  The FSP requires that assets

 

11



 

acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from a contingency be recognized at fair value.  If fair value cannot be determined during the measurement period as determined in SFAS 141 (R), the asset or liability can still be recognized if it can be determined that it is probable that the asset existed or the liability had been incurred as of the measurement date and if the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated.  If it is not determined to be probable that the asset/liability existed/was incurred or no reasonable amount can be determined, no asset or liability is recognized. The entity should determine a rational basis for subsequently measuring the acquired assets and assumed liabilities.  Contingent consideration agreements should be recognized initially at fair value and subsequently reevaluated in accordance with guidance found in paragraph 65 of SFAS 141 (R).  The FSP is effective for business combinations with an acquisition date on or after the beginning of the Company’s first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company will assess the impact of the FSP if and when a future acquisition occurs.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 111 (FASB ASC 320-10-S99-1) on April 9, 2009 to amend Topic 5.M., “Other Than Temporary Impairment of Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” and to supplement FSP SFAS 115-2 and SFAS 124-2.  SAB 111 maintains the staff’s previous views related to equity securities; however debt securities are excluded from its scope.  The SAB provides that “other-than-temporary” impairment is not necessarily the same as “permanent” impairment and unless evidence exists to support a value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the equity security investment, a write-down to fair value should be recorded and accounted for as a realized loss.  The SAB was effective upon issuance and had no impact on the Company’s financial position.

 

SFAS 165 (FASB ASC 855-10-05, 15, 25, 45, 50, 55), “Subsequent Events,” (“SFAS 165”) was issued in May 2009 and provides guidance on when a subsequent event should be recognized in the financial statements.  Subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet should be recognized at the balance sheet date. Subsequent events that provide evidence about conditions that arose after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued, or are available to be issued, are not required to be recognized. The date through which subsequent events have been evaluated must be disclosed as well as whether it is the date the financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued.  For nonrecognized subsequent events which should be disclosed to keep the financial statements from being misleading, the nature of the event and an estimate of its financial effect, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made, should be disclosed.  The standard is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  See Note 10 for Management’s evaluation of subsequent events.

 

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

 

Risks and Uncertainties — In the normal course of its business, the Company encounters two significant types of risk: economic and regulatory.  There are three main components of economic risk:  interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk.  The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different speeds, or on different bases, than its interest-earning assets.  Credit risk is the risk of default on the Company’s loan portfolio that results from the borrower’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments.  Market risk reflects changes in the value of collateral underlying loans receivable and the valuation of real estate held by the Company.

 

The Company is subject to the regulations of various governmental agencies.  These regulations can and do change significantly from period to period.  The Company also undergoes periodic examinations by the regulatory agencies, which may subject it to further changes with respect to asset valuations, amounts of required loss allowances and operating restrictions from the regulators’ judgments based on information available to them at the time of their examination.  As discussed in more detail in Note 9, on June 29, 2009, the Bank entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) with the Commissioner of Banking of the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions and the Regional Director of the FDIC’s Atlanta Regional Office.

 

The Bank is subject to FDIC insurance premiums. Legislation has recently passed that imposed a one time FDIC insurance premium that equated to a $178,000 one time charge to the Bank in 2009. This was expensed in June 2009 and will be paid September 30, 2009.

 

Reclassifications - Certain captions and amounts in the prior financial statements were reclassified to conform with the 2009 presentation.  Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or shareholders’ equity.

 

12



 

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The amortized costs and fair values of investment securities are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Gross Unrealized

 

Fair

 

As of June 30, 2009

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government sponsored enterprises

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Mortgage-backed

 

42,551

 

175

 

111

 

42,615

 

Marketable securities

 

100

 

 

 

100

 

Total available for sale

 

$

42,651

 

$

175

 

$

111

 

$

42,715

 

 

NOTE 4 — LEASES

 

The Company leases branch locations in Spartanburg, Mauldin, Anderson, Greer and Greenville as well as the loan operations center in Easley. The initial lease terms range from three to ten years with various renewal options. The minimum future rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases having remaining terms in excess of one year, for each of the next five years and in the aggregate are (in thousands):

 

2009

 

$

159

 

2010

 

320

 

2011

 

332

 

2012

 

345

 

2013

 

351

 

Thereafter

 

938

 

Total minimum future rental payments

 

$

2,445

 

 

The loan operations center in Easley is leased from a partnership in which a Company director has a partnership interest.

 

NOTE 5 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Certain parties (principally certain directors and executive officers of the Company, their immediate families and business interests) (“affiliates”) are loan customers in the normal course of business with the Bank.  These loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability.

 

NOTE 6 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits which arise primarily in the ordinary course of business.  Management is not aware of any legal proceedings which would have a material adverse effect on the financial position or operating results of the Company. The Bank has a lease agreement for a pending branch location in Spartanburg. The completion of the branch is currently on hold due to the Bank’s balance sheet restructuring. The Bank is in negotiations with the landlord to alter the lease agreement. The lease is not material to the Bank’s operations.

 

NOTE 7 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Upon completion of its initial public offering in 2005, the Company agreed to issue warrants to the organizing directors for the purchase of one share of common stock at $6.40 per share for every two shares purchased in the stock offering, up to a maximum of 15,625 warrants per director. The warrants were fully vested 120 days after January 18, 2005 and will expire on January 18, 2015.  Warrants held by directors of the Company will expire 90 days after the director ceases to be a director or officer of the Company (365 days if due to death or disability). The Company issued a total of 171,404 warrants.  In addition, the Company has adopted a stock option plan.  As of June 30, 2009 the Company has 769,713 outstanding options to employees and directors. On January 16, 2006 the Company adopted a resolution that terminated the “evergreen” provision of the Company 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. As a result, the number of shares of common stock issuable under the plan shall not be further increased in connection with any future share issuances by the Company. The exercise price of each option is equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The maximum term is ten years, and they typically vest in no greater than five years. When necessary, the Company may purchase shares on the open market to satisfy share option exercises. During the ensuing year, the Company is expected to acquire no shares.

 

13



 

The table set forth below summarizes stock option activity for the Company’s stock compensation plans for the period ended June 30, 2009 as adjusted for all stock splits.

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Warrants

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Number

 

Price

 

Number

 

Price

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

 

764,113

 

$

7.08

 

171,404

 

$

6.40

 

Granted

 

13,900

 

2.74

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

8,300

 

7.13

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2009

 

769,713

 

7.00

 

171,404

 

6.40

 

 

The table set forth below summarizes non-vested stock options as of June 30, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

Number

 

Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

 

51,810

 

$

5.33

 

Granted

 

13,900

 

1.70

 

Vested

 

8,006

 

6.07

 

Forfeited

 

8,280

 

3.20

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2009

 

49,424

 

4.54

 

 

As of June 30, 2009, there was $192,072 in total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 38 months. As of December 31, 2008, there was $223,689 in total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements, which was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 42 months.

 

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions for 2009:  dividend yield of 0%, expected term of 10 years, risk-free interest rate of 0.25%, expected life of 10 years, and expected volatility of 55%.  The following assumptions were used for the 2008 estimates:  dividend yield of 0%, expected term of 10 years, risk-free interest rate of 5.0%, expected life of 10 years, and expected volatility of 20%.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding under the Company’s plans at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

June 30, 2009

 

Outstanding

 

Exercisable

 

Number of options

 

769,713

 

720,289

 

Weighted average remaining life

 

5.96 years

 

5.79 years

 

Weighted average exercise price

 

$

7.00

 

$

6.81

 

High exercise price

 

$

16.80

 

$

16.80

 

Low exercise price

 

$

2.50

 

$

2.50

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Outstanding

 

Exercisable

 

Number of options

 

764,113

 

712,203

 

Weighted average remaining life

 

6.42 years

 

6.26 years

 

Weighted average exercise price

 

$

7.08

 

$

6.74

 

High exercise price

 

$

16.80

 

$

16.80

 

Low exercise price

 

$

6.40

 

$

6.40

 

 

There were no options exercised during the quarter and thus no cash was received related to this type of transaction. There was no intrinsic value of options exercised during 2009 and 2008.

 

At June 30, 2009, all of the 171,404 warrants were exercisable and had an average remaining life of 5.56 years. At December 31, 2008, all of the 171,404 warrants were exercisable and had an average remaining life of 6.05 years.

 

14



 

NOTE 8 — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“SFAS 107”), requires disclosure of fair value information, whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, when it is practical to estimate the fair value.  SFAS 107 defines a financial instrument as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity or contractual obligations, which require the exchange of cash, or other financial instruments.  Certain items are specifically excluded from the disclosure requirements, including the Company’s common stock, premises and equipment, accrued interest receivable and payable, and other assets and liabilities.

 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the asset or obligation could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.  Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments.  Because no market value exists for a significant portion of the financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.

 

The Company has used management’s best estimate of fair value based on the above assumptions.  Thus, the fair values presented may not be the amounts, which could be realized, in an immediate sale or settlement of the instrument. In addition, any income taxes or other expenses, which would be incurred in an actual sale or settlement, are not taken into consideration in the fair values presented.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of significant financial instruments:

 

Cash and Due from Banks - The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Federal Funds Sold - Federal funds sold are for a term of one day, and the carrying amount approximates the fair value.

 

Investment Securities - The fair values of marketable equity securities are valued using quoted fair market prices.

 

Other Investments - The carrying value of non-marketable equity securities approximates the fair value since no ready market exists for the stocks.

 

Bank-owned Life Insurance - The cash surrender value of life insurance policies held by the Bank approximates fair values of the policies.

 

Loans receivable - For certain categories of loans, such as variable rate loans which are repriced frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on the carrying amounts.  The fair value of other types of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.

 

Deposits - The fair value of demand deposits, savings, and money market accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.  The fair values of certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current interest rates to a schedule of aggregated expected maturities.

 

Repurchase Agreements - The carrying value of these instruments is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

FHLB Advances - The carrying value of these instruments is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Note Payable - The carrying value of these instruments is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Subordinated Debt - The carrying value of these instruments is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

15



 

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at June 30, 2009 are shown in the following table.

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Estimated

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount

 

Fair Value

 

June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

$

10,030

 

$

10,030

 

Federal funds sold

 

21,072

 

21,072

 

Investment securities, available for sale

 

42,715

 

42,715

 

Other investments

 

1,599

 

1,599

 

Loans, gross

 

307,087

 

322,754

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Demand deposit, interest-bearing transaction, and savings accounts

 

$

62,655

 

$

62,655

 

Certificates of deposit and other time deposits

 

260,833

 

261,944

 

Repurchase agreements

 

30,000

 

30,000

 

Subordinated debt

 

4,325

 

5,479

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2009

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Notional
Amount

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments to extend credit

 

$

23,155

 

$

 

Standby Letters of Credit

 

1,412

 

$

 

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 at the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year.  SFAS No. 157 applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis.  SFAS No. 157 requires new disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements.  This statement enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  The statement requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

·                  Level 1:  Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

·                  Level 2:  Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

 

·                  Level 3:  Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

 

In determining appropriate levels, the Company performs a detailed analysis of the assets and liabilities that are subject to SFAS No. 157.  At each reporting period, all assets and liabilities for which the fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3.

 

The table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the hierarchy.

 

 

 

June 30, 2009

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Investment securities, available for sale

 

$

42,715

 

$

42,715

 

$

 

$

 

 

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is

 

16



 

evidence of impairment).  The following table presents the assets and liabilities carried on the balance sheet by caption and by level within the SFAS No. 157 valuation hierarchy (as described above) as of June 30, 2009 for which a nonrecurring change in fair value has been recorded during the year ended June 30, 2009.

 

 

 

Carrying Value at June 30, 2009

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Impaired loans

 

$

23,097

 

$

 

$

23,097

 

$

 

Other real estate owned

 

3,132

 

 

3,132

 

 

 

NOTE 9 – RECENT REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

 

On June 29, 2009, the Bank entered into a MOU with the Commissioner of Banking of the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions and the Regional Director of the FDIC’s Atlanta Regional Office.  The MOU requires the Bank to, among other things, (1) submit a capital plan to the supervisory authorities for maintaining a “well-capitalized” designation; (2) develop specific plans and proposals for the reduction and improvement of assets which are subject to adverse classification and past due loans; (3) implement a plan to decrease the concentration of commercial real estate loans; (4) develop and implement an improved loan review program; and (5) review overall liquidity objectives and develop plans and procedures aimed at improving liquidity and reducing reliance on volatile liabilities to fund longer-term assets.  In addition, the Bank may not pay dividends without the prior written consent of each supervisory authority.

 

Since entering into the MOU, the Bank has been actively pursuing the corrective actions required by the MOU in an effort to ensure that the requirements of the MOU are met in a timely manner.  The MOU is characterized by the supervisory authorities as an informal action that is neither published nor made publicly available by the supervisory authorities and is used when circumstances warrant a milder form of action rather than a formal supervisory action.

 

NOTE 10 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Bank has evaluated events and transactions through our filing date for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements, and have determined there are no subsequent events to disclose.

 

17



 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.

 

The following discussion reviews our results of operations and assesses our financial condition.  You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The commentary should be read in conjunction with the discussion of forward-looking statements, the financial statements, and the related notes and the other statistical information included in this report.

 

DISCUSSION OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report contains statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking statements relate to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business of our Company.  Forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors which are beyond our control. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “assume,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “goal,” and “estimate,” as well as similar expressions, are meant to identify such forward-looking statements.  Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the following:

 

 

·

our rapid growth to date and short operating history;

 

·

reduced earnings due to higher credit losses generally and specifically because losses in the sectors of our loan portfolio secured by real estate are greater than expected due to economic factors, including declining real estate values, increasing interest rates, increasing unemployment, or changes in payment behavior or other factors;

 

·

reduced earnings due to higher credit losses because our loans are concentrated by loan type, industry segment, borrower type, or location of the borrower or collateral;

 

·

our reliance on available secondary funding sources such as Federal Home Loan Bank advances, Federal Reserve Bank discount window borrowings, sales of securities and loans, federal funds lines of credit from correspondent banks, and out-of-market time deposits, including in particular brokered deposits, to meet our liquidity needs;

 

·

our ability to raise capital or otherwise improve our capital ratios;

 

·

our ability to comply with the terms of the MOU between the Bank and its supervisory authorities within the timeframes specified;

 

·

the opening of additional full-service branches and the resulting pressure this could cause on our management team;

 

·

significant increases in competitive pressure in the banking and financial services industries;

 

·

changes in the interest rate environment which could reduce anticipated or actual margins;

 

·

changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment;

 

·

general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally and especially in our primary service area, becoming less favorable than expected resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality;

 

·

changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;

 

·

changes in technology;

 

·

changes in deposits flows;

 

·

changes in monetary and tax policies;

 

·

the lack of seasoning of our loan portfolio, especially given our rapid loan growth;

 

·

the amount of our real estate based loans, and the weakness in the commercial real estate market;

 

·

adequacy of the level of our allowance for loan losses;

 

·

the rate of delinquencies and amounts of loans charged-off;

 

·

our efforts to raise capital or otherwise increase our regulatory capital ratios;

 

·

the effects of our efforts to raise capital on our balance sheet, liquidity, capital, and profitability;

 

·

increased funding costs due to market illiquidity, increased competition for funding, and/or regulatory requirements;

 

·

our ability to retain our existing customers, including our deposit relationships;

 

·

adverse changes in asset quality and resulting credit risk-related losses and expenses, including the risk of further impairment to the value of our collateral on loans for which we have already taken specific reserves;

 

·

loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions resulting from terrorist activities or other military actions;

 

·

changes in the securities markets; and

 

·

other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

 

18



 

We have based our forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee you that these expectations will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

These risks are exacerbated by the recent developments in national and international financial markets, and we are unable to predict what effect these uncertain market conditions will have on us.  During 2008 and 2009, the capital and credit markets have experienced extended volatility and disruption.  There can be no assurance that these unprecedented recent developments will not continue to materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our ability to raise capital or other funding for liquidity and business purposes.

 

Overview

 

CommunitySouth Financial Corporation (the “Company”) is a bank holding company headquartered in Easley, South Carolina.  Our subsidiary, CommunitySouth Bank and Trust (the “Bank”), opened for business on January 18, 2005.  In addition to the main office in Easley, the Bank has five branch locations in the upstate region of South Carolina.  We opened our Mauldin branch in the fourth quarter of 2005, our Spartanburg branch in the first quarter of 2006, our Anderson branch in the third quarter of 2006, our Greer branch in the fourth quarter of 2006 and our Greenville branch in the third quarter of 2007.  The Bank provides banking services to domestic markets, principally in the Upstate of South Carolina.  The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC.

 

Like most community banks, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments.  Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest.  Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits.  Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

 

We have approximately $41.5 million of acquisition and development (A&D) loans outstanding at June 30, 2009.  A&D loans are typically comprised of loans to borrowers for real estate to be developed (into properties such as sub-divisions or spec houses).  Normally, these loans are repaid with the proceeds from the sale of the developed property.  Collateral for these types of loans normally consists of real estate.

 

Our outstanding A&D loans are located primarily in the Upstate of South Carolina and Western North Carolina.  The current economic environment in our market area has resulted in a downturn in the real estate market, which has placed greater pressure on our borrowers’ repayment capabilities.  We are experiencing higher levels of loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures.  Further, the downturn in the real estate market has adversely impacted the value of the underlying collateral (real estate) for the A&D loans.  The greater degree of strain on these types of loans and the significance to our overall loan portfolio has caused us to apply a greater degree of scrutiny in analyzing the ultimate collectability of amounts due.  Our analysis has resulted in a significant provision expense in order to meet the estimated allowance for loan loss reserve requirement.

 

Of course, there are risks inherent in all loans, so we maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.  We establish and maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings.  In the following section we have included a detailed discussion of this process.

 

In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other expenses we charge to our customers.  We describe the various components of this non-interest income, as well as our non-interest expense, in the following discussion.

 

The Bank is currently restructuring its balance sheet to reduce its risk weighted assets and improve capital ratios.  Since December 31, 2008, the Bank has converted all of its 20% risk weighted securities into 0% risk weighted securities, sold its 100% risk weighted BOLI policies, and implemented a loan reduction policy with regards to the loan portfolio. The Bank is strictly limiting new lending which, combined with normal payoffs and principal amortization, has resulted in a decrease in the loan portfolio of $13.2 million from December 31, 2008 to June 30, 2009. The effect of all of these actions has been to reduce risk weighted assets by $35 million from December 31, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Because the Bank is required to keep a

 

19



 

minimum of 10% capital to risk weighted assets to remain well capitalized, this equates to $3.5 million in capital improvement.

 

Recent Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives to Address Financial and Economic Crises

 

Markets in the United States and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and disruption for more than 12 months.  These circumstances have exerted significant downward pressure on prices of equity securities and virtually all other asset classes, and have resulted in substantially increased market volatility, severely constrained credit and capital markets, particularly for financial institutions, and an overall loss of investor confidence.  Loan portfolio performances have deteriorated at many institutions resulting from, among other factors, a weak economy and a decline in the value of the collateral supporting their loans.  Dramatic slowdowns in the housing industry, due in part to falling home prices and increasing foreclosures and unemployment, have created strains on financial institutions.  Many borrowers are now unable to repay their loans, and the collateral securing these loans has, in some cases, declined below the loan balance.  In response to the challenges facing the financial services sector, several regulatory and governmental actions have recently been announced including:

 

 

·

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”), approved by Congress and signed by President Bush on October 3, 2008, which, among other provisions, allowed the U.S. Treasury to purchase up to $700 billion of mortgages, mortgage-backed securities and certain other financial instruments from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets.  EESA also temporarily raised the basic limit of FDIC deposit insurance from $100,000 to $250,000 through December 31, 2013;

 

 

 

 

·

On October 7, 2008, the FDIC approved a plan to increase the rates banks pay for deposit insurance;

 

 

 

 

·

On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced the creation of a new program, the Troubled Asset Relief Program (the “TARP”) Capital Purchase Program (the “CPP”) that encourages and allows financial institutions to build capital through the sale of senior preferred shares to the U.S. Treasury on terms that are non-negotiable;

 

 

 

 

·

On October 14, 2008, the FDIC announced the creation of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (the “TLGP”), which seeks to strengthen confidence and encourage liquidity in the banking system.  The TLGP has two primary components that are available on a voluntary basis to financial institutions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

·

The Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”), which provides unlimited deposit insurance coverage through December 31, 2009 for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts (typically business checking accounts) and certain funds swept into noninterest-bearing savings accounts.  Institutions participating in the TLGP pay a 10 basis points fee (annualized) on the balance of each covered account in excess of $250,000, while the extra deposit insurance is in place;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·

The Debt Guarantee Program (“DGP”), under which the FDIC guarantees certain senior unsecured debt of FDIC-insured institutions and their holding companies.  The unsecured debt must be issued on or after October 14, 2008 and not later than June 30, 2009, and the guarantee is effective through the earlier of the maturity date or June 30, 2012.  The DGP coverage limit is generally 125% of the eligible entity’s eligible debt outstanding on September 30, 2008 and scheduled to mature on or before June 30, 2009 or, for certain insured institutions, 2% of their liabilities as of September 30, 2008.  Depending on the term of the debt maturity, the nonrefundable DGP fee ranges from 50 to 100 basis points (annualized) for covered debt outstanding until the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012.  The TAGP and DGP are in effect for all eligible entities, unless the entity opted out on or before December 5, 2008.

 

 

 

 

·

On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed into law The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”), more commonly known as the economic stimulus or economic recovery package. ARRA includes a wide variety of programs intended to stimulate the economy and provide for extensive infrastructure, energy, health, and education needs.  In addition, ARRA imposes certain new executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits on all current and future TARP recipients, including our Company, that are in addition to those previously announced by the U.S. Treasury. These new limits are in place until the institution has repaid the Treasury, which is now permitted under ARRA without penalty and without the need to raise new capital, subject to the Treasury’s consultation with the recipient institution’s appropriate regulatory agency.

 

20



 

 

·

On March 23, 2009, the U.S. Treasury, in conjunction with the FDIC and the Federal Reserve, announced the Public-Private Partnership Investment Program for Legacy Assets which consists of two separate plans, addressing two distinct asset groups:

 

 

 

 

 

 

·

The Legacy Loan Program, in which the primary purpose will be to facilitate the sale of troubled mortgage loans by eligible institutions, which include FDIC-insured federal or state banks and savings associations. Eligible assets may not be strictly limited to loans; however, what constitutes an eligible asset will be determined by participating banks, their primary regulators, the FDIC and the Treasury. Additionally, the Loan Program’s requirements and structure will be subject to notice and comment rulemaking, which may take some time to complete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·

The Securities Program, which will be administered by the Treasury, involves the creation of public-private investment funds to target investments in eligible residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities issued before 2009 that originally were rated AAA or the equivalent by two or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, without regard to rating enhancements (collectively, “Legacy Securities”). Legacy Securities must be directly secured by actual mortgage loans, leases or other assets, and may be purchased only from financial institutions that meet TARP eligibility requirements.

 

It is likely that further regulatory actions may arise as the Federal government continues to attempt to address the economic situation.

 

We are participating in both components of the TLGP.  As a result of the enhancements to deposit insurance protection and the expectation that there will be demands on the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund, our deposit insurance costs have increased and will continue to increase significantly throughout 2009.  We have elected not to participate in the CPP.  Regardless of our lack of participation, governmental intervention and new regulations under these programs could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.  The following discussion and analysis describes our performance in this challenging economic environment.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 

Overview

 

Our net loss was $805,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to net loss of $1,390,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008.  Our net loss for the quarter is primarily due to an additional $1.5 million in provision for loan losses.  For the three months ended June 30, 2009, we realized $4,628,000 in interest income, of which $336,000 was from investment activities and $4,292,000 was from loan activities.  For the three months ended June 30, 2008, we realized $5,676,000 in interest income, of which $672,000 was from investment activities and $5,004,000 was from loan activities.  The primary source of funding for our loan portfolio is deposits that are acquired both locally and via the national brokered certificate market.  We incurred interest expense of $1,951,000 and $3,337,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively.  This decrease in our interest expense was a result of a decreased interest rate environment.  We have experienced an increase in our net interest margin to 2.87% from 2.54% for the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The increase was a result of declining deposit costs.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

Our provision for loan losses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $1,500,000 compared to $2,579,000 for the comparable prior year period.  The prior period provision included a specific reserve allocation of $2.5 million for a real estate development project on Lake Keowee, South Carolina.  Net of this specific allocation, the loan loss provision has increased due to continued deterioration in the overall quality of the loan portfolio, which is primarily a result of the downturn in the economy.

 

Non-interest Income

 

We had non-interest income of $441,000 and $376,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Mortgage origination fee income for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $243,000.  We had $172,000 in mortgage origination fee income in the second quarter of 2008.

 

21



 

Non-interest Expense

 

We incurred non-interest expense of $2,837,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Included in the expense was $1,363,000 of salaries and employee benefits, $249,000 of data processing expense, $74,000 of professional fees expense, $60,000 of advertising expense, $20,000 of expense related to office supplies, $38,000 of telephone expense and $271,000 of assessments related to FDIC.  Legislation has recently passed that imposed a one time FDIC insurance premium that equated to a $178,000 one time charge to the Bank in 2009.  This was expensed in June 2009 and will be paid September 30, 2009.   The non-interest expense incurred in the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $2,233,000.  Included in the expense was $1,228,000 of salaries and employee benefits, $177,000 of data processing expense, $54,000 of professional fee expense, $28,000 of advertising expense, $19,000 of expense related to office supplies, $33,000 of telephone expense and $54,000 of assessments related to FDIC.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, we incurred other fixed asset expenses of $182,000 in depreciation and $36,000 in equipment maintenance and rental.  For the three months ended June 30, 2008, we incurred other fixed asset expenses of $180,000 in depreciation and $39,000 in equipment maintenance and rental.  We incurred $168,000 and $158,000 in occupancy expense related to all of our office locations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

The increase in non-interest expense is the result of the increased administrative expenses including FDIC assessments, advertising, professional fees, and data processing, resulting from an increase in customer volume.

 

Six Months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 

Overview

 

Our net loss was $841,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to net loss of $1,049,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  Our net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2009 is primarily due to an additional $2.8 million in provision for loan losses.  For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we realized $9,560,000 in interest income, of which $899,000 was from investment activities and $8,661,000 was from loan activities.  For the six months ended June 30, 2008, we realized $11,900,000 in interest income, of which $1,402,000 was from investment activities and $10,498,000 was from loan activities.  The primary source of funding for our loan portfolio is deposits that are acquired both locally and via the national brokered certificate market.  We incurred interest expense of $4,031,000 and $6,990,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively.  This decrease in our interest expense was a result of a decreased interest rate environment.  We have experienced an increase in our net interest margin to 2.96% from 2.68% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Rate/Volume Analysis

Net interest income can be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates and changing volumes.  The following tables set forth the effect which the varying levels of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the applicable rates have had on changes in the net interest income for the periods presented.

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 vs. 2008

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) Due to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate /

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Volume

 

Rate

 

Volume

 

Total

 

Interest Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans

 

$

201

 

$

(1,999

)

$

(38

)

$

(1,836

)

Investment securities (1)

 

2

 

(316

)

(1

)

(315

)

Federal funds

 

2

 

(189

)

(2

)

(189

)

Total Interest Income

 

$

205

 

$

(2,504

)

$

(41

)

$

(2,340

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

$

170

 

$

194

 

$

92

 

$

456

 

Other borrowings

 

(53

)

(3,389

)

27

 

(3,415

)

Total Interest Expense

 

$

117

 

$

(3,195

)

$

119

 

$

(2,959

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

 

$

88

 

$

691

 

$

(160

)

$

619

 

 


(1)  For the purpose of this table, the investment securities include marketable and non-marketable securities.

 

22



 

Average Balances, Income and Expenses and Rate

 

The following table sets forth, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, information related to the Company’s average balance sheet and its average yields on earning assets and average costs of interest-bearing liabilities.  Such yields are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities.  Average balances have been derived from the daily balances throughout the periods indicated.

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

 

 

 

Average

 

Income /

 

Yield/

 

Average

 

Income /

 

Yield /

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Balance

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

Balance

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans (1)

 

$

315,912

 

$

8,661

 

5.53

%

$

309,990

 

$

10,498

 

6.83

%

Investment securities (2)

 

48,353

 

881

 

3.67

%

48,264

 

1,195

 

4.99

%

Federal funds sold and other

 

11,809

 

18

 

0.31

%

11,678

 

207

 

3.57

%

Total earning assets

 

376,074

 

9,560

 

5.13

%

369,932

 

11,900

 

6.49

%

Cash and due from banks

 

7,217

 

 

 

 

 

5,361

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment

 

4,579

 

 

 

 

 

4,996

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

9,384

 

 

 

 

 

10,450

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

(8,240

)

 

 

 

 

(4,252

)

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

391,456

 

 

 

 

 

$

386,487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase agreements

 

$

30,000

 

486

 

3.27

%

$

27,033

 

307

 

2.29

%

Federal funds purchased

 

441

 

1

 

0.46

%

283

 

2

 

1.43

%

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

 

10,856

 

72

 

1.34

%

3,846

 

46

 

2.41

%

Note Payable

 

497

 

7

 

2.84

%

95

 

2

 

4.25

%

Subordinated Debt

 

4,325

 

247

 

11.50

%

 

 

%

Interest-bearing transaction accounts

 

18,534

 

107

 

1.16

%

15,892

 

108

 

1.37

%

Savings deposits

 

15,981

 

118

 

1.49

%

21,506

 

201

 

1.88

%

Time deposits

 

256,027

 

2,993

 

2.36

%

255,458

 

6,324

 

4.99

%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

336,661

 

4,031

 

2.41

%

324,113

 

6,990

 

4.35

%

Demand deposits

 

22,416

 

 

 

 

 

23,403

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest and other liabilities

 

1,214

 

 

 

 

 

4,793

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

360,291

 

 

 

 

 

352,309

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

31,165

 

 

 

 

 

34,178

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

391,456

 

 

 

 

 

$

386,487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income

 

 

 

$

5,529

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,910

 

 

 

Net interest spread

 

 

 

 

 

2.72

%

 

 

 

 

2.14

%

Net interest margin

 

 

 

 

 

2.96

%

 

 

 

 

2.68

%

 


(1)          There were $22.8 million and $6.9 million of loans in non-accrual status as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The effect of fees collected on loans for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 totaled $91,000 and $113,000, respectively, and increased the annualized yield on loans by 6 basis points from 5.47% for June 30, 2009 and by 7 basis points from 6.76% for June 30, 2008.  The effect of such fees on the annualized yield on earning assets was an increase of 5 basis points from 5.08% for June 30, 2009 and an increase of 6 basis points from 6.43% for June 30, 2008.  The effects of such fees on net interest spread were an increase of 5 basis points from 2.67% for June 30, 2009 and an increase of 6 basis points from 2.08% for June 30, 2008.  The effects of such fees on net interest margin were an increase of 4 basis points from 2.92% for June 30, 2009 and an increase of 7 basis points from 2.61% for June 30, 2008.

 

(2)      For the purpose of this table, the investment securities include marketable and non-marketable securities.

 

23



 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

Our provision for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $2,805,000 compared to $2,704,000 for the comparable prior year period. Charges to our provision for loan losses have remained stable compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. The prior period provision included a specific reserve allocation of $2.5 million for a real estate development project on Lake Keowee, SC.  Net of this specific allocation, the loan loss provision has increased due to continued deterioration in the overall quality of the loan portfolio, which is primarily a result of the downturn in the economy.

 

Non-interest Income

 

We had non-interest income of $1,255,000 and $771,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Mortgage origination fee income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $305,000.  We had $335,000 in mortgage origination fee income in the first two quarters of 2008.  The decrease is due to our decreased volume in mortgage loan originations due to the current economic conditions and departmental restructuring.  We also had a gain on sale of available for sale securities of $520,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

 

Non-interest Expense

 

We incurred non-interest expense of $5,253,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Included in the expense was $2,603,000 of salaries and employee benefits, $471,000 of data processing expense, $165,000 of professional fees expense, $97,000 of advertising expense, $42,000 of expense related to office supplies, $75,000 of telephone expense and $367,000 of assessments related to FDIC.  Legislation has recently passed that imposed a one time FDIC insurance premium that equated to a $178,000 one time charge to the Bank in 2009.  This was expensed in June 2009 and will be paid September 30, 2009.  The non-interest expense incurred in the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $4,550,000.  Included in the expense was $2,463,000 of salaries and employee benefits, $367,000 of data processing expense, $132,000 of professional fee expense, $39,000 of advertising expense, $47,000 of expense related to office supplies, $70,000 of telephone expense and $107,000 of assessments related to FDIC.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we incurred other fixed asset expenses of $361,000 in depreciation and $79,000 in equipment maintenance and rental.  For the six months ended June 30, 2008, we incurred other fixed asset expenses of $361,000 in depreciation and $86,000 in equipment maintenance and rental.  We incurred $339,000 and $320,000 in occupancy expense related to all of our office locations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

The increase in non-interest expense is the result of the increased administrative expenses including FDIC assessments, advertising, professional fees, and data processing, resulting from an increase in customer volume.

 

Assets and Liabilities

 

General

 

At June 30, 2009, total assets decreased 0.3% to $386.8 million as compared to $387.8 million at December 31, 2008.  Gross loans decreased $13.8 million, or 4.3%, during the first six months of 2009.  As described below, federal funds sold increased to $21.1 million at June 30, 2009 compared to $4.6 million at December 31, 2008.  Cash and cash equivalents increased $21.2 million, or 214.9%, since December 31, 2008.  As described below, deposits increased $26.8 million, or 9.0%, during the first six months of 2009.  At June 30, 2009, shareholders’ equity was $27.3 million.

 

Investment Securities

 

Investments available for sale decreased by $4.9 million, or 10.27%, since December 31, 2008 due to portfolio restructuring.

 

Other Investments

 

Other investments decreased by $206,000 since December 31, 2008 due to the sale of FHLB stock.  All of the FHLB stock is used to collateralize advances from the FHLB.

 

24



 

Loans

 

Since loans typically provide higher interest yields than other types of interest earning assets, we allocate the majority of our earning assets to our loan portfolio.  Gross loans decreased by $13.8 million, or 4.3%, during the first six months of 2009.  Loan demand has slowed during the first two quarters of 2009 due to general economic conditions and the real estate market, along with management’s decision to shrink the size of the Bank’s loan portfolio, to help improve the Bank’s risk based capital ratios. We expect this trend to continue during the next quarter.

 

Balances within major loan categories are as follows:

 

(dollar amounts in thousands)

 

June 30, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

Real estate - construction

 

$

97,378

 

$

129,777

 

Real estate - mortgage

 

178,518

 

154,838

 

Commercial and industrial

 

28,685

 

33,303

 

Consumer and other

 

2,506

 

2,989

 

Total loans, gross

 

307,087

 

320,907

 

Less allowance for loan losses

 

(9,688

)

(8,088

)

Total loans, net

 

$

297,399

 

$

312,819

 

 

We discontinue accrual of interest on a loan when we conclude it is doubtful that we will be able to collect principal and/or interest from the borrower.  We reach this conclusion by taking into account factors such as the borrower’s financial condition, economic and business conditions, and the results of our previous collection efforts.  Generally, we place a delinquent loan in non-accrual status when the loan becomes 90 days or more past due.  When we place a loan in non-accrual status, we reverse all interest which has been accrued on the loan but remains unpaid and we deduct this interest from earnings as a reduction of reported interest income.  We do not accrue any additional interest on the loan balance until we conclude the collection of both principal and interest is reasonably certain.  At June 30, 2009, there were $22.8 million in loans that were non-accruing and $1.9 million in loans that were 30 days past due, excluding non-accrual loans.  At December 31, 2008, there were $9.9 million in loans that were non-accruing and $2.4 million in loans that were 30 days past due, excluding non-accrual loans.

 

The increase of $12.9 million in non-performing loans from December 31, 2008 to June 30, 2009 is related primarily to continued deterioration in the Bank’s overall acquisition and development (A&D) loan portfolio. The number of loans on non-accrual status increased from 30 at December 31, 2008 to 64 at June 30, 2009. The average non-accrual loan balance is $330,000 and $356,000 as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, respectively.  At June 30, 2009, 93% of the non-accrual loans were secured by real estate and $2.7 million of the allowance for loan loss has been specifically allocated to these relationships. This increase in non-performing loans is a direct result of the poor economic environment, as noted below, taking a toll on numerous borrowers’ ability to pay as scheduled. At this time, management is unable to determine the length of the economic downturn and therefore unable to determine the ultimate impact on the Bank’s A&D portfolio.

 

We have approximately $41.5 of A&D loans outstanding at June 30, 2009.  A&D loans are typically comprised of loans to borrowers for real estate to be developed (into properties such as sub-divisions or spec houses).  Normally, these loans are repaid with the proceeds from the sale of the developed property.  Collateral for these types of loans normally consists of real estate.

 

Our outstanding A&D loans are located primarily in the Upstate of South Carolina and Western North Carolina.  The current economic environment in our market area has resulted in a downturn in the real estate market, which has placed greater pressure on our borrowers’ repayment capabilities.  We are experiencing higher levels of loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures.  Further, the downturn in the real estate market has adversely impacted the value of the underlying collateral (real estate) for the A&D loans.  The greater degree of strain on these types of loans and the significance to our overall loan portfolio has caused us to apply a greater degree of scrutiny in analyzing the ultimate collectability of amounts due.  Our analysis has resulted in a significant provision expense in order to meet the estimated allowance for loan loss reserve requirement.  Nevertheless, given the current economic environment, there is a risk of further impairment to the value of our collateral on these loans, which would require even further increases to our allowance for loan losses and in the corresponding expense charged to our provision for loan losses.

 

25



 

Impaired Loans

 

The Company identifies impaired loans through its normal internal loan review process.  Loans on the Company’s potential problem loan list are considered potentially impaired loans.  These loans are evaluated in determining whether all outstanding principal and interest are expected to be collected.  Loans are not considered impaired if a minimal payment delay occurs and all amounts due, including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay, are expected to be collected.  Management has determined that the Company had $23.1 million and $13.2 million in impaired loans at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

Potential Problem Loans

 

Potential problem loans are loans that are not included in impaired loans (non-accrual loans or loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing), but about which management has become aware of information about possible credit problems of the borrowers that causes concern about their ability to comply with current repayment terms.  At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had identified $18.1 million and $4.4 million, respectively, of potential problem loans through its internal review procedures.  The results of this internal review process are considered in determining management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Company has developed policies and procedures for evaluating the overall quality of its credit portfolio and the timely identification of potential problem loans.  On a quarterly basis, the Company’s Board of Directors reviews and approves the appropriate level for the Company’s allowance for loan losses based upon management’s recommendations, the results of the internal monitoring and reporting system, and an analysis of economic conditions in its market.

 

Additions to the allowance for loan losses, which are expensed through the provision for loan losses on the Company’s income statement, are made periodically to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level based on management’s analysis of the estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  Loan losses and recoveries are charged or credited directly to the allowance.  The amount of the provision is a function of the level of loans outstanding, the level of non-performing loans, historical loan loss experience, the amount of loan losses actually charged against the reserve during a given period, and current and anticipated economic conditions.

 

The Company’s allowance for loan losses is based upon judgments and assumptions about risk elements in the portfolio, future economic conditions, and other factors affecting borrowers.  The process includes identification and analysis of loss potential in various portfolio segments utilizing a credit risk grading process and specific reviews and evaluations of significant problem credits.  However, there is no precise method of estimating credit losses, since any estimate of loan losses is necessarily subjective and the accuracy depends on the outcome of future events.  In addition, due to our rapid growth over the past several years and our limited operating history, a large portion of the loans in our loan portfolio was originated recently.  In general, loans do not begin to show signs of credit deterioration or default until they have been outstanding for some period of time, a process referred to as seasoning.  As a result, a portfolio of more mature loans will usually behave more predictably than a newer portfolio.  Because our loan portfolio is relatively new, the current level of delinquencies and defaults may not be representative of the level that will prevail when the portfolio becomes more seasoned, which may be higher than current levels.  If charge-offs in future periods increase, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which would decrease our net income and possibly our capital.

 

In addition, the current downturn in the real estate market has resulted in an increase in loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures, and we believe these trends are likely to continue.  In some cases, this downturn has resulted in a significant impairment to the value of our collateral and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure, and there is a risk that this trend will continue.  The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended.  If real estate values continue to decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for loan losses.  Based on present information and an ongoing evaluation, management considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate to meet presently known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio.  Management’s judgment about the adequacy of the allowance is based upon a number of assumptions about future events which it believes to be reasonable but which may or may not be accurate.  Thus, there can be no assurance that charge-offs in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses or that additional increases in the allowance for loan losses will not be required, especially considering the overall weakness in the commercial real estate market in our market areas.  The Company does not allocate the allowance for loan losses to specific categories of loans but evaluates the adequacy on an overall portfolio basis utilizing a risk grading system.

 

26



 

Although impaired loans have increased $12.9 million since December 31, 2008, the loan provision for the six months ended June 30, 2009 only increased $100,000 to $2.8 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. However, while the current year provision is designated for overall portfolio deterioration, the prior year period contained a specific provision of $2.5 million for a single real estate development project on Lake Keowee, South Carolina.

 

Deposits

 

Our primary source of funds for loans and investments is our deposits.  We have chosen to obtain a portion of our certificates of deposit from areas outside of our market, which are brokered deposits. The deposits obtained outside of our market area generally have been below those being offered for comparable certificates of deposit in our local market. Because of this, even though brokered deposits are interest sensitive, they have been considered a desirable source of funds. We cannot be assured that we will continue to have access to such funds. See further discussion in the liquidity section. As of June 30, 2009, total deposits had increased by $26.8 million, or 9.0%, from December 31, 2008.  The largest percentage increase was in brokered deposits, which increased $16.6 million, or 8.9%, from December 31, 2008 to June 30, 2009. This was due to the replacement of FHLB advances as noted below.

 

Balances within the major deposit categories are as follows:

 

(dollar amounts in thousands)

 

June 30, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

Non-interest bearing demand

 

$

22,439

 

$

22,162

 

Interest bearing demand

 

22,779

 

16,449

 

Savings

 

17,437

 

14,461

 

Time deposits less than $100,000

 

31,760

 

32,112

 

Time deposits of $100,000 or over

 

26,153

 

25,161

 

Brokered deposits

 

202,920

 

186,298

 

Total deposits

 

$

323,488

 

$

296,643

 

 

During the period between December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, as brokered deposits matured, the Bank moved all brokered deposits from 3 month maturities into 15 to 18 month maturities in order to lock in funding sources. This extension of maturities removed the possibility of funding issues related to brokered deposits for the next 15 months. Given the current economic environment, management believes this was prudent liquidity management. At the time, due to downward market rate changes, this funding design resulted in a slight decrease in interest expense related to brokered deposits. The average cost of brokered funds in the quarter ending June 30, 2009 was 1.97%.

 

Maturities of Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 or More (Including Brokered Deposits)

 

 

 

 

 

After

 

After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three

 

Six

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within

 

Through

 

Through

 

After

 

 

 

 

 

Three

 

Six

 

Twelve

 

Twelve

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Months

 

Months

 

Months

 

Months

 

Total

 

June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokered deposits

 

$

6,879

 

$

 

$

21,269

 

$

174,772

 

$

202,920

 

Other certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more

 

6,831

 

11,338

 

7,008

 

977

 

26,153

 

Total

 

$

13,710

 

$

11,338

 

$

28,777

 

$

175,749

 

$

229,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokered deposits

 

$

186,298

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

186,298

 

Other certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more

 

1,782

 

11,231

 

10,494

 

1,655

 

25,162

 

Total

 

$

188,080

 

$

11,231

 

$

10,494

 

$

1,655

 

$

211,460

 

 

Of the Company’s time deposits of $100,000 or over as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 5.98% and 88.95% are scheduled maturities within three months, respectively. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 23.50% and 99.22%, respectively, of the Company’s time deposits of $100,000 or over had maturities within twelve months.

 

27



 

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)

 

Advances from FHLB are a source of funding that the Bank uses depending on the current level of deposits and the availability of collateral to secure FHLB borrowings.  At June 30, 2009, the Bank had no outstanding advances from FHLB. The Bank replaced $25 million of outstanding FHLB advances with an average maturity of two months and average cost of 1.49% as of December 31, 2008 with brokered certificates of deposit with an average maturity of 14 months and cost of 2.25% as of June 30, 2009 in order to extend maturities and remove the risk of the borrowings being called.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

At June 30, 2009, the Bank had sold $30.0 million of securities under agreements to repurchase with brokers with a weighted average rate of 3.24% and an average maturity of 84 months.  The maximum amount outstanding at any month-end was $30.0 million.  These agreements were secured with approximately $36.1 million of investment securities.

 

Subordinated Debt

 

At June 30, 2009, the Company had subordinated debt totaling $4.3 million.  The subordinated notes were sold during the third quarter of 2008 to a limited number of purchasers in a private offering, bear an interest rate of 11.5%, are callable after September 30, 2011, at a premium, and mature in 2018. The subordinated debt has been structured to fully count as Tier 2 regulatory capital on a consolidated basis.

 

Liquidity

 

Liquidity  is the  ability  to  meet  current  and  future  obligations  through liquidation or maturity of existing  assets or the  acquisition of  liabilities.  We manage both assets and liabilities to achieve appropriate levels of liquidity.  Cash, federal funds and investments available for sale are our primary sources of asset liquidity. These funds provide a cushion against short-term fluctuations in cash flow from both deposits and loans.  Historically, individual and commercial deposits have been our primary source of funds for credit activities. These include brokered deposits, which comprised 63% of our deposit base as of June 30, 2009. These have proven to be a reliable source of funds. However, access to the brokered deposit market could be curtailed if the Bank were to fall to a “less than well capitalized” status unless we are able to obtain FDIC approval to renew the brokered deposits, which is unlikely given the current regulatory environment. This would not have any liquidity impact in the short term due to the extended maturities of the brokered deposits, but it could cause long term funding issues. If access to the brokered deposit market were to become unavailable, the Bank would be required to replace those funds with the combination of FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Discount Window borrowings and local deposits. The Federal Reserve and FHLB borrowings would require pledging additional collateral. At this time, we believe these are viable alternatives. The Bank is currently reducing the loan portfolio which is helping to increase liquidity. Loans have decreased by $13.8 million from December 31, 2008 to June 30, 2009 primarily due to payoffs and amortization. We expect this trend to continue during the coming year. See the section entitled “Overview” for more information on the risk weighted asset restructuring policy. Deposit balances, net of brokered deposits, have increased $10.2 million from December 31, 2008 to June 30, 2009. We expect this trend to continue due to our change in focus from loan growth to deposit growth. However, this cannot be assured. We anticipate that our funding cost and funding mix will remain stable.

 

The level of liquidity is measured by the cash, cash equivalents and securities available for sale-to-total assets ratio, which was at 8.41% at June 30, 2009. We anticipate that this will increase with the combination of deposit growth and shrinkage of assets.

 

In addition to our on balance sheet sources of funds, we also rely on off-balance sheet lines of credit. At June 30, 2009, we had lines of credit with unrelated banks totaling $14.5 million.  These lines, $9.5 million of which are unsecured, are available on a one-to-seven day basis for general corporate purposes.  These lines may be terminated at any time based on our financial condition, although we believe that not to be the case. As members of the FHLB, we have credit availability of up to 15% of the Bank’s total assets. Advances under this credit facility are subject to qualifying collateral. Advances may be terminated and called at any time by the FHLB, although we believe that not to be the case. We also have credit availability through the Federal Reserve Discount Window.  As of June 30, 2009, $23.9 million was available, based on qualifying collateral. Availability of the Federal Reserve Discount Window may be terminated at any time by the Federal Reserve, although we believe that not to be the case.

 

We believe our liquidity sources are adequate to meet our short and long term operating needs.

 

28



 

Impact of Off-Balance Sheet Instruments

 

Through the operations of our Bank, we have made contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities.  These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money to our customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time.  At June 30, 2009, we had issued commitments to extend credit of $24.6 million through various types of lending arrangements.  We evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower.  Collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial and residential real estate.  We manage the credit risk on these commitments by subjecting them to normal underwriting and risk management processes.  The following table summarizes our off-balance-sheet financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:

 

(dollar amounts in thousands)

 

June 30, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments to extend credit

 

$

23,155

 

$

36,260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of credit

 

$

1,412

 

$

3,488

 

 

Capital Resources

 

Total shareholders’ equity decreased from $28.5 million at December 31, 2008 to $27.3 million at June 30, 2009.  The decrease is principally due to the net unrealized losses on securities available for sale of $449,000 (net of income taxes) and to the net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2009 of $841,000.

 

The FRB and bank regulatory agencies require bank holding companies and financial institutions to maintain capital at adequate levels based on a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 100%.  FRB guidelines contain an exemption from the capital requirements for “small bank holding companies,” which in 2006 were amended to cover most bank holding companies with less than $500 million in total assets that do not have a material amount of debt or equity securities outstanding registered with the SEC.  Although our class of common stock is registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act, we believe that because our stock is not listed on any exchange or otherwise actively traded, the Federal Reserve Board will interpret its new guidelines to mean that we qualify as a small bank holding company.  Nevertheless, our Bank remains subject to these capital requirements.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.  Regardless, our Bank is “well capitalized” under these minimum capital requirements as set per bank regulatory agencies.

 

Under the capital adequacy guidelines, regulatory capital is classified into two tiers.  These guidelines require an institution to maintain a certain level of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets.  Tier 1 capital consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, minus certain intangible assets.  In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100% based on the risks believed to be inherent in the type of asset.  Tier 2 capital consists of Tier 1 capital plus the general reserve for loan losses, subject to certain limitations.  We are also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on total average assets, which is known as the Tier 1 leverage ratio.

 

The Bank is also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on quarterly average assets, which is known as the leverage ratio.  Only the strongest banks are allowed to maintain capital at the minimum requirement of 3%.  All others are subject to maintaining ratios at least 1% to 2% above the minimum.

 

29



 

The Bank exceeded the regulatory capital requirements at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 as set forth in the following table (dollars in thousands).

 

 

 

June 30, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Amount

 

Ratio

 

Amount

 

Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)

 

$

29,352

 

9.46

%

$

30,836

 

8.92

%

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)

 

33,304

 

10.73

 

35,205

 

10.18

 

Tier 1 capital (to average assets)

 

29,352

 

7.57

 

30,836

 

7.98

 

 

The Bank’s capital ratios have improved primarily through balance sheet restructuring as noted in the Overview section.

 

The Company did apply for TARP as outlined above in the Recent Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives to Address Financial and Economic Crises section. However, after consideration of requirements, the Company withdrew its application. The Bank is seeking to continue to improve its capital ratios through the restructuring of its balance sheet, reduction of classified assets and investigation of external capital sources.

 

Recent Regulatory Developments

 

On June 29, 2009, the Bank entered into a MOU with the Commissioner of Banking of the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions and the Regional Director of the FDIC’s Atlanta Regional Office.  The MOU requires the Bank to, among other things, (1) submit a capital plan to the supervisory authorities for maintaining a “well-capitalized” designation; (2) develop specific plans and proposals for the reduction and improvement of assets which are subject to adverse classification and past due loans; (3) implement a plan to decrease the concentration of commercial real estate loans; (4) develop and implement an improved loan review program; and (5) review overall liquidity objectives and develop plans and procedures aimed at improving liquidity and reducing reliance on volatile liabilities to fund longer-term assets.  In addition, the Bank may not pay dividends without the prior written consent of each supervisory authority.

 

Since entering into the MOU, the Bank has been actively pursuing the corrective actions required by the MOU in an effort to ensure that the requirements of the MOU are met in a timely manner.  The MOU is characterized by the supervisory authorities as an informal action that is neither published nor made publicly available by the supervisory authorities and is used when circumstances warrant a milder form of action rather than a formal supervisory action.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices within the banking industry in the preparation of our financial statements.  Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements in Item 1.

 

Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by us that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities.  We consider these accounting policies to be critical accounting policies.  The judgment and assumptions we use are based on historical experience and other factors, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions we make, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates that could have a material impact on the carrying values of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.

 

We believe the allowance for loan losses is the critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.  Some of the more critical judgments supporting the amount of our allowance for loan losses include judgments about the credit worthiness of borrowers, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, the assumptions about cash flows, the determination of loss factors for estimating credit losses, the impact of current events, and conditions, and other factors impacting the level of probable inherent losses.  Under different conditions or using different assumptions, the actual amount of credit losses incurred by us may be different from management’s estimates provided in our consolidated financial statements.  Refer to the portion of this discussion that addresses our allowance for loan losses for a more complete discussion of our processes and methodology for determining our allowance for loan losses.

 

Some of the more critical judgments supporting the amount of our allowance for loan losses include judgments about the creditworthiness of borrowers, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, cash flow assumptions, the determination of loss factors for estimating credit losses, the impact of current events, and other factors impacting the level of probable

 

30



 

inherent losses.  Under different conditions or using different assumptions, the actual amount of credit losses incurred by us may be different from management’s estimates provided in our consolidated financial statements.  Please see “Allowance for Loan Losses” for a more complete discussion of our processes and methodology for determining our allowance for loan losses.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses represents an amount that we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is a process that requires considerable judgment. Our judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans; the quality, mix and size of our overall loan portfolio; economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay; the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans; our historical loan loss experience; and a review of specific problem loans. We adjust the amount of the allowance periodically based on changing circumstances as a component of the provision for loan losses. We charge recognized losses against the allowance and add subsequent recoveries back to the allowance.

 

We calculate the allowance for loan losses for specific types of loans (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) and evaluate the adequacy on an overall portfolio basis utilizing our credit grading system which we apply to each loan.  We combine our estimates of the reserves needed for each component of the portfolio, including loans analyzed on a pool basis and loans analyzed individually.  The allowance is divided into two portions: (1) an amount for specific allocations on significant individual credits and (2) a general reserve amount.

 

Specific Reserve

 

We analyze individual loans within the portfolio and make allocations to the allowance based on each individual loan’s specific factors and other circumstances that affect the collectability of the credit in accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” Significant individual credits classified as doubtful or substandard/special mention within our credit grading system require both individual analysis and specific allocation.

 

Loans in the substandard category are characterized by deterioration in quality exhibited by any number of well-defined weaknesses requiring corrective action such as declining or negative earnings trends and declining or inadequate liquidity.  Loans in the doubtful category exhibit the same weaknesses found in the substandard loan; however, the weaknesses are more pronounced.  These loans, however, are not yet rated as loss because certain events may occur which could salvage the debt such as injection of capital, alternative financing, or liquidation of assets.

 

In these situations where a loan is determined to be impaired (primarily because it is probable that all principal and interest due according to the terms of the loan agreement will not be collected as scheduled), the loan is excluded from the general reserve calculations described below and is assigned a specific reserve.  We calculate specific reserves on those impaired loans exceeding $250,000.  These reserves are based on a thorough analysis of the most probable source of repayment which is usually the liquidation of the underlying collateral, but may also include discounted future cash flows or, in rare cases, the market value of the loan itself.

 

Generally, for larger collateral dependent loans, current market appraisals are ordered to estimate the current fair value of the collateral.  However, in situations where a current market appraisal is not available, management uses the best available information (including recent appraisals for similar properties, communications with qualified real estate professionals, information contained in reputable trade publications and other observable market data) to estimate the current fair value.  The estimated costs to sell the subject property are then deducted from the estimated fair value to arrive at the “net realizable value” of the loan and to determine the specific reserve on each impaired loan reviewed.  The credit risk management group periodically reviews the fair value assigned to each impaired loan and adjusts the specific reserve accordingly.

 

General Reserve

 

We calculate our general reserve based on a percentage allocation for each of the categories of the following unclassified loan types such as:  real estate, commercial, consumer, A&D/construction and mortgage.  We apply our historical trend loss factors to each category and adjust these percentages for qualitative or environmental factors, as discussed below.  The general estimate is then added to the specific allocations made to determine the amount of the total allowance for loan losses.

 

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We also maintain a general reserve in accordance with December 2006 regulatory interagency guidance in our assessment of the loan loss allowance.  This general reserve considers qualitative or environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses including, but not limited to:  changes in delinquent loan trends, trends in risk grades and net chargeoffs, concentrations of credit, trends in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, general and local economic trends, collateral valuations, the experience and depth of lending management and staff, lending policies and procedures, the quality of loan review systems, and other external factors.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2009.  There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.  There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

 

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

Not Applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders.

 

There was one matter submitted to a vote of security holders during the three months ended June 30, 2009 at our annual meeting of shareholders held on May 19, 2009.

 

Proposal #1 — Election of Class II Directors

 

Our board of directors is divided into three classes with each class to be as nearly equal in number as possible.  The three classes of directors have staggered terms, so that the terms of only approximately one-third of the board members will expire at each annual meeting of shareholders.  The current Class I directors are C. Allan Ducker, III, W. Michael Riddle, R. Wesley Hammond and David W. Edwards.  The current Class II directors are David A. Miller, David L. Brotherton, Arnold J. Ramsey and J. Neal Workman, Jr.  The current Class III directors are G. Dial DuBose, Joanne Rogers, B. Lynn Spencer, Daniel E. Youngblood and John W. Hobbs.

 

The Class II directors were up for reelection at this year’s annual meeting held on May 19, 2009.  Each of the existing Class II directors were re-elected at the annual meeting for a three-year term expiring at the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders.  For Mr. Miller, 2,798,984 votes were cast in favor of his reelection as director with 14,721 abstained.  For Mr. Brotherton, 2,797,365 votes were cast in favor of his reelection as director with 16,340 abstained.  For Mr. Ramsey, 2,686,180 votes were cast in favor of his reelection as director with 127,525 abstained. For Mr. Workman, 2,798,984 votes were cast in favor of his election as a director with 14,721 abstained.  The terms of the Class III directors will expire at the 2010 annual shareholders meeting, and the terms of the Class I directors will expire at the 2011 annual shareholders meeting.

 

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Item 5. Other Information.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer.

 

 

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer.

 

 

32

Section 1350 Certifications.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Date: August 14, 2009

By:

/s/ C. Allan Ducker, III

 

C. Allan Ducker, III

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Date: August 14, 2009

By:

/s/ John W. Hobbs

 

John W. Hobbs

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

 

Number

 

Description

 

 

 

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer.

 

 

 

32

 

Section 1350 Certifications.

 

35