SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, acquired assets and assumed liabilities are included with the acquirer's accounts as of the date of acquisition at estimated fair value, with any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including identifiable core deposit intangibles) capitalized as goodwill. In the event that the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the purchase price, an acquisition gain is recorded for the difference in consolidated statements of operations for the period in which the acquisition occurred. The core deposit intangible asset is recognized as an asset apart from goodwill when it arises from contractual or other legal rights or if it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged. In addition, acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs are recognized as period expenses as incurred.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits with banks and federal funds sold. Cash and cash equivalents have maturities of three months or less. Accordingly, the carrying amount of such instruments is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Investment Securities

The Company classifies marketable investment securities as held to maturity, available for sale, or trading. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity. Debt securities are classified as held to maturity where the Company has both the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. These securities are reported at amortized cost. Investment securities available for sale are carried at fair value and consist of debt and equity securities not classified as trading or held to maturity. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available for sale securities are reported as a net amount in other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects. Gains and losses on the sale of available for sale securities are determined using the specific identification method recorded on a trade date basis.

Each held to maturity and available for sale security in a loss position is evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below amortized cost, (2) changes in the earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality, or business prospects of the issuer, (3) the ability of the issuer to make principal and interest payments, (4) changes in the regulatory, economic, or technological environment of the issuer, and (5) changes in the general market condition of either the geographic area or industry in which the issuer operates.

Regardless of these factors, if the Company has developed a plan to sell the security or it is likely that the Company will be forced to sell the security in the near future, then the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and the carrying value of the security is permanently written down to the current fair value with the difference between the new carrying value and the amortized cost charged to earnings. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into the following: (1) the amount representing the credit loss and (2) the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Loans

Loans that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity, are reported at their outstanding principal adjusted for any charge-offs, deferred fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on acquired loans. Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are capitalized and recognized as an adjustment to the yield of the related loan. Interest on loans is recorded based on the principal amount outstanding. The accrual of interest on impaired loans, for all classes, is discontinued when the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is in doubt. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is not in doubt, interest income may be recognized on the cash basis. Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual when they are past due 90 days or more. When a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed and subsequent collections of interest and principal payments are generally applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding. Should the credit quality of a nonaccrual loan improve, the loan can be returned to an accrual status after demonstrating consistent payment history for at least 6 months.

A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when certain modifications are made to the loan terms and concessions are granted to the borrowers due to financial difficulty experienced by those borrowers. In the past, the Company has granted concessions by (1) reduction of the stated interest rate for the remaining original life of the debt or (2) extension of the maturity date at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk. The Company does not generally grant concessions through forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. The Company's policy with respect to accrual of interest on loans restructured in a TDR follows relevant supervisory guidance. That is, if a borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous loan terms and shows capacity to perform under the restructured loan terms, continued accrual of interest at the restructured interest rate is likely. If a borrower was materially delinquent on payments prior to the restructuring but shows the capacity to meet the restructured loan terms, the loan will likely continue as nonaccrual until a period of performance under the modified terms has been established. Lastly, if the borrower does not perform under the restructured terms, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. These loans are closely monitored, and the Company ceases accruing interest on them if the borrowers may not continue performing based on the restructured note terms.

The Company's loan policies, guidelines, and procedures establish the basic guidelines governing its lending operations. They address the types of loans sought, target markets, underwriting, collateral requirements, term, interest rate, yield considerations and compliance with laws and regulations. The loan policies are reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors of the Bank. The summary below provides an overview of the primary types of loans the Company provides, or classes of loans, including a discussion of relevant underwriting guidelines and risk characteristics.

Commercial and Industrial Loans. These loans are typically for working capital, equipment, and business expansion. Commercial and industrial loans are generally secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and owner-occupied real estate. With few exceptions, the Company requires personal guarantees from the principal business owners. Commercial loans are generally originated with one to seven year maturities for working capital and equipment loans and five to seven year maturities with 15 to 25 year amortizations for owner occupied real estate.

Commercial Real Estate Loans. These loans are secured principally by leased apartments, retail centers, and commercial office and industrial buildings, acquired by the borrower for both investment and owner-occupied purposes. The Company generally requires the personal guaranty of the principal business owners on all such loans. The real estate collateral is a secondary source of repayment. Commercial real estate loans are generally originated with three to seven year maturities with up to 25 year amortizations.

Construction Loans. These loans are generally originated with one to 5 year maturities and may have an amortization feature that could extend up to 25 years once the properties are stabilized. The Company's primary focus on one-to-four family residential construction loans is to borrowers who are the primary end users or to builders in situations in which the home is pre-sold to the end user and the loan is repaid when the end user secures a permanent mortgage. These loans are generally originated with maturities up to 1.5 years in length. Construction loans to home builders for speculative residential homes are not a focus for the Company. In many cases, home builders do require a speculative component to their lending facilities; however, credit exposure is controlled through the covenants relating to the home builder's speculative-to-sold ratio. Any loans made in this product would be to well-established home builders with an excellent track record who are focused on delivering commodity-style housing. Through its Builder Finance division, the Company lends to home builders in its markets who have demonstrated a favorable record of performance and profitable operations. The Company's loan policies require personal guarantees of the principal business owners.

Consumer Loans, Home Equity Lines of Credit and Residential Real Estate Loans. Consumer loans include automobile loans, boat and recreational vehicle financing, home equity and home improvement loans, and miscellaneous secured and unsecured personal loans. Residential real estate loans are made for purchasing and refinancing one-to-four family properties. The Company also offers construction-to-permanent loans for one-to-four family properties. These loans are generally sold to investors when construction is complete and the loan converts to permanent financing. The Company offers fixed and variable rate options on consumer loans but generally limits the maximum term to 5 to 7 years for non-real estate secured loans.

Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans

Loans acquired in a transfer, including business combinations, where there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that we will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments, are accounted for as purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans. Where possible, PCI loans with common risk characteristics are grouped into pools at acquisition. For PCI loan pools, the excess of the cash flows initially expected to be collected over the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date (i.e., the accretable yield) is accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the PCI loans using the effective yield method, provided that the timing and the amount of future cash flows is reasonably estimable. Accordingly, such loans are not classified as nonaccrual and they are considered to be accruing because their interest income relates to the accretable yield recognized under accounting for PCI loans and not to contractual interest payments. The difference between the contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition, considering the impact of prepayments, is referred to as the nonaccretable difference.

Subsequent to acquisition, estimates of cash flows expected to be collected are updated each reporting period based on updated assumptions regarding default rates, loss severities, and other factors that are reflective of current market conditions. If the Company has probable decreases in pool-level cash flows expected to be collected, the provision for loan losses is charged, resulting in an increase to the ALLL. If the Company has probable and significant increases in pool-level cash flows expected to be collected, the Company will first reverse any previously established ALLL and then increase interest income as a prospective yield adjustment over the remaining life of the loan pool. The impact of changes in variable interest rates is recognized prospectively as adjustments to interest income.

Non-PCI Loans

Non-PCI loans are recorded at fair value at acquisition, and the related fair value discount or premium is recognized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of each loan using the interest method.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The ALLL and related provision are calculated for the Company's two portfolio categories: PCI loans and non-PCI loans. The following description of the Company's ALLL methodology primarily relates to non-PCI loans. The evaluation of PCI loans for impairment follows a different methodology which is described above. The ALLL is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Balances are charged against the ALLL when the collectability of principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ALLL. The ALLL is maintained at a level based on management's best estimate of probable credit losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the ALLL on at least a quarterly basis.

For non-PCI loans, the evaluation of the adequacy of the ALLL includes both loans evaluated collectively for impairment and loans evaluated individually for impairment. For loans evaluated collectively for impairment, loans are grouped based on common risk characteristics which include loan type and risk grade. Historical loss rates are calculated based on the historical probability of default ("PD") and loss given default ("LGD") for each loan grouping. PDs represent the likelihood that a loan will default within a one year period of time, and LGDs represent the estimated magnitude of loss the Company will incur if a loan defaults. A loan is considered to be in default if it becomes 90 days or more past due, meets the criteria for nonaccrual status, or incurs a charge-off. Historical loss rates are developed with four years of trailing default and loss data. These historical loss rates are then combined with certain qualitative factors to determine the ALLL reserve rates for each loan grouping. Qualitative factors include consideration of certain internal and external factors, such as loan delinquency levels and trends, loan growth, loan portfolio composition and concentrations, local and national economic conditions, the loan review function, and other factors management deems relevant to the ALLL calculation.

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company enhanced its ALLL methodology by transitioning to the PD/LGD approach to calculating historical loss rates by loan grouping, as previously described. In prior periods, the Company calculated historical loss rates by loan type and then weighted these loss rates across its risk grade scale. Both methods use historical loss rates to calculate reserves on loans evaluated collectively for impairment, but the Company believes the enhanced PD/LGD approach provides a more precise and consistent estimate of loan losses across the risk grade scale based on actual default data. The enhanced ALLL calculation did not have a material impact on the total ALLL as of June 30, 2015 or on the provision for loan losses in the second quarter of 2015. However, the enhanced ALLL methodology did change the allocation of ALLL across certain loan classes, particularly commercial and industrial and construction loans. The Company held other significant inputs into the ALLL model consistent, such as the loan groupings for collective evaluation and the application of qualitative factors. There were no changes to the Company's evaluation of individually impaired loans.

The Company utilizes an internal grading system to assign the degree of inherent risk on each loan in the portfolio. The risk grade is initially assigned by the lending officer and reviewed by the credit administration function. The internal risk grading system is reviewed and tested periodically by the loan review function. The Company's allowance for loan loss model uses the internal loan grading system to segment each category of loans by risk grade. Calculated loss rates are weighted more heavily for higher risk loans.

A loan is considered individually impaired when, based on current information and events, if it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. These loans are evaluated individually for impairment if they exceed a quantitative threshold at the borrower level or have been modified in a TDR. Reserves, or charge-offs, on individually impaired loans that are collateral dependent are based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less an estimate of selling costs, while reserves, or charge-offs, on loans that are not collateral dependent are based on either an observable market price, if available, or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate. The Company evaluates loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard or special mention to determine whether or not they are individually impaired. This evaluation includes several factors, including review of the loan payment status and the borrower’s financial condition and operating results such as cash flows, operating income or loss, etc. As of of December 31, 2016, the quantitative threshold was $500, compared to $250 at December 31, 2015, the increase having resulted from balance sheet growth following the NBBC Merger.

The evaluation of the ALLL is inherently subjective, and management uses the best information available to establish this estimate. However, if factors such as economic conditions differ substantially from assumptions, or if amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans vary substantially from the estimates, future adjustments to the ALLL may be necessary. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ALLL. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the ALLL based on their judgments about all relevant information available to them at the time of their examination. Any adjustments to original estimates are made in the period in which the factors and other considerations indicate that adjustments to the ALLL are necessary.

Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are classified as held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Upon closing, these loans are sold to mortgage loan investors under pre-arranged terms. Origination fees are recognized upon the sale and are included in non-interest income. Related to the mortgage business, the Company enters into interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell mortgages to investors. Interest rate lock commitments are used to manage interest rate risk associated with the fixed rate loan commitments, and forward sale commitments are entered into with investors to manage the interest rate risk associated with the customer interest rate lock commitments, both of which are considered derivative financial instruments. The period of time between the issuance of a loan commitment and the closing and sale of the loan generally ranges from 10 to 60 days. Interest rate lock commitments and forward sale commitments are derivative instruments and are carried at fair value. These derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. The fair value of interest rate lock commitments is based on current secondary market pricing and is included in other assets on the balance sheet. The fair value of the forward sale commitments is based on changes in the value of the commitment, principally because of changes in interest rates, and is included on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets or other liabilities. Changes in fair value for these instruments are reflected in non-interest income on the income statement. Gains and losses from sales of the mortgage loans are recognized when the Company ultimately sells the loans, and such gains and losses are also recorded in non-interest income. An asset is recorded for the value of the servicing rights and is amortized over the remaining life of the loan on the effective interest method. The servicing asset is included in other assets and the amortization of the servicing asset is included in non-interest expense. Servicing fees are recorded in non-interest income.

The Company provides loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) for the purchase of businesses, business startups, business expansion, equipment, and working capital. All SBA loans are underwritten and documented as prescribed by the SBA. SBA loans are generally fully amortizing and have maturity dates and amortizations of up to 25 years. The portion of SBA loans originated that are guaranteed and intended for sale on the secondary market are classified as held for sale and are carried at fair value. The loan participations are sold and the servicing rights are retained. At the time of the sale, an asset is recorded for the value of the servicing rights and is amortized over the remaining life of the loan on the effective interest method. The servicing asset is included in other assets and the amortization of the servicing asset is included in non-interest expense. Servicing fees are recorded in non-interest income. A gain is recorded for any premium paid in excess of the carrying value of the net assets transferred in the sale and is also included in non-interest income. The portion of SBA loans that are retained are also adjusted for a retained discount to reflect the effective interest rate on the retained unguaranteed portion of the loans. The net value of the retained loans is included in the appropriate loan classification for disclosure purposes. These loans are primarily commercial real estate or commercial and industrial.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Stock

As a requirement for membership, the Company has invested in common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). This investment is carried at cost and is periodically evaluated for impairment.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Other components of premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets, which range from 37 to 40 years for buildings and three to ten years for furniture, software, and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred, and additions and improvements to premises and equipment are capitalized. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gains or losses are reflected in earnings.

Premises and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Assets to be disposed of are transferred to other real estate owned and are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain current and former employees and directors. These policies are recorded in other assets at their cash surrender value, or the amount that could be realized by surrendering the policies. Income from these policies and changes in the net cash surrender value are recorded in non-interest income.

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed assets include repossessed assets and other real estate owned. Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell upon foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed, and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations and valuation adjustments are included in net expenses from foreclosed assets.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are determined by application to temporary differences of the tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes will become payable or receivable. Temporary differences are differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. A valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax assets if the Company determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

The Company retains servicing rights on mortgage loans sold to investors ("MSR"). MSRs are initially recognized at fair value in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or market. MSRs are amortized in proportion to, and over the estimated period, that net servicing income is expected to be received based on estimates of net cash flows on the loans serviced. The amount and timing of estimated future net cash flows are updated based on actual results and updated projections. MSRs are separated into pools based on common risk characteristics of the underlying loans, and impairment is evaluated at least quarterly at the pool level. If impairment exists at the pool level, the MSR is written down through a valuation allowance and is charged against mortgage banking income.

SBA Servicing Asset

All sales of SBA-guaranteed loans are executed on a servicing retained basis, and the Company retains the rights and obligations to service the loans. The standard sale structure under the SBA Secondary Participation Guaranty Agreement provides for the Company to retain a portion of the cash flow from the interest payment received on the loan. This cash flow is commonly known as a servicing spread. SBA regulations require the lender to retain a minimum 100 basis points in servicing spread for any guaranteed loan sold for a premium. The minimum servicing spread is further defined as a minimum service fee of 40 basis points and a minimum premium protection fee of 60 basis points. The servicing spread is recognized as a servicing asset to the extent the spread exceeds adequate compensation for the servicing function. Industry practice recognizes adequate compensation for servicing SBA loans as the minimum service fee of 40 basis points. The fair value of the servicing asset is measured at the discounted present value of the premium protection fee over the expected life of the related loan using appropriate discount rates and prepayment assumptions based on industry statistics. SBA servicing assets are initially recognized at fair value and amortized over the expected life of the related loans as a reduction of the servicing income recognized from the servicing spread.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) in transactions accounted for as business combinations. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. The goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31 of each year. For 2016, the results of the first step of the goodwill impairment test provided no indication of potential impairment. Goodwill will continue to be monitored for triggering events that may indicate impairment prior to the next scheduled annual impairment test.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Other intangible assets, which consist of core deposit intangibles, are being amortized over seven to ten-year periods using an accelerated method.

Purchased Accounts Receivable

The Company previously invested in short-term receivables, which were purchased on an exchange, using qualified intermediaries. The investments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet, and income from purchased accounts receivables is reported in non-interest income on the consolidated statement of income. The Company suspended its purchase accounts receivable program during 2016. In the event management concludes that collection of a purchased receivable is uncertain, the receivable balance is adjusted to its estimated recoverable value through a charge to earnings. See Note F for further information regarding the Company's purchased accounts receivable.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company's interest rate risk management strategy incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments, specifically interest rate swaps and caps. The Company also utilizes interest rate lock commitments and forward sale commitments, which are considered derivative instruments, in its mortgage banking operations. The accounting policies for these mortgage banking derivatives are described in "Loans Held for Sale." The interest rate swaps and caps are expected to be highly effective and have been designated as cash flow hedges. Therefore, changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income until the related cash flows from the hedged item are recognized in earnings. For the interest rate caps, the initial fair value of the premium paid is allocated and recognized in the same future period that the hedged forecasted transaction impacts earnings.

For cash flow hedges, ineffectiveness may be recognized to the extent that changes in value of the derivative instruments do not perfectly offset changes in the value of the hedged item. If the hedge ceases to be highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. If a derivative instrument qualifying as a cash flow hedge is terminated or the designation removed, the realized or then unrealized gain or loss is recognized in earnings over the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. Immediate recognition in earnings is required if it is probable that the hedged cash flows will not occur.

The Company only transacts with derivative counterparties with strong credit standings and requires liquid collateral to secure credit exposure. Due to these factors, the fair value of derivatives with derivative counterparties is primarily based on the interest rate mark of each trade.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and directors. Compensation cost is measured as the fair value of these awards on their date of grant. An option pricing model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used as the fair value of restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period for stock options awards and as the restriction period for restricted stock awards.

Compensation cost is recognized on a pro rata basis for stock warrants previously granted to certain employees, officers and directors of Piedmont. Compensation cost was measured as the fair value of these awards on their date of grant. A Monte Carlo option pricing model was utilized to estimate the fair value of Piedmont’s stock warrants issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the vesting period.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company follows the fair value hierarchy which gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (observable inputs) and the lowest priority to management’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). For assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, the Company’s policy is to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements.

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Available-for-sale investment securities and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans, loans held for sale, impaired loans and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are grouped in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. An adjustment to the pricing method used within either Level 1 or Level 2 inputs could generate a fair value measurement that effectively falls to a lower level in the hierarchy. These levels are described as follows:


•	Level 1 – Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets.


•	Level 2 – Valuations for assets and liabilities that can be obtained from readily available pricing sources via independent providers for market transactions involving similar assets or liabilities. The Company’s principal market for these securities is the secondary institutional markets, and valuations are based on observable market data in those markets.


•	Level 3 – Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities.

The determination of where an asset or liability falls in the fair value hierarchy requires significant judgment. The Company evaluates its hierarchy disclosures at each reporting period and based on various factors, it is possible that an asset or liability may be classified differently from quarter to quarter. However, management expects that changes in classifications between levels will be rare.

Per Share Results

Basic and diluted net income per share are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock options and warrants were exercised, resulting in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the net income of the Company.

Basic and diluted net income per share have been computed based upon net income available to common shareholders as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding or assumed to be outstanding as summarized below.



	Year ended December 31,
	2016	2015	2014

Weighted average number of common shares	48,137,433	31,610,733	20,500,519
Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants	99,784	85,075	4,623
Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares	48,237,217	31,695,808	20,505,142

Anti-dilutive stock options	5,068	31,403	49,474
Anti-dilutive stock warrants	—	—	91,178

As of December 31, 2016, there were 51,725,827 shares of Voting Common Stock and no shares of Non-Voting Common Stock outstanding.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges to the extent that the hedges were effective. Details on the components of accumulated other comprehensive income are outlined in Note S of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Management has determined that the Company has a single operating segment, which is providing general commercial banking and financial services to individuals and businesses located in North Carolina and South Carolina, and to customers in various states through its SBA lending program. The Company's various products and services are those generally offered by community banks, and the allocation of resources is based on the overall performance of the company versus individual regions, branches, products and services.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-18: Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). The new guidance clarifies the classification within the statement of cash flows for certain transactions, including debt extinguishment costs, zero-coupon debt, contingent consideration related to business combinations, insurance proceeds, equity method distributions and beneficial interests in securitizations. The guidance also clarifies that cash flows with aspects of multiple classes of cash flows or that cannot be separated by source or use should be classified based on the activity that is likely to be the predominant source or use of cash flows for the item. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13: Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with an expected credit loss methodology and requires consideration of a broader range of information to determine credit loss estimates. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses. Purchased credit impaired loans will receive an allowance account at the acquisition date that represents a component of the purchase price allocation. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, with such allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its consolidated financial statements. Due to the pending merger with F.N.B. Corporation discussed in Note C, implementation activities are on hold.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09: Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The new guidance eliminates the concept of APIC pools for stock-based awards and requires that the related excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance also allows entities to make a one-time policy election to account for forfeitures when they occur, instead of accruing compensation cost based on the number of awards expected to vest. Additionally, the new guidance changes the requirement for an award to qualify for equity classification by permitting tax withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rate instead of the minimum statutory tax rate. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06: Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). The new guidance clarifies the requirements for assessing whether contingent call or put options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts, which is used to determine whether the embedded derivative should be separated from the host contract and accounted for separately as a derivative. An entity performing the assessment will be required to assess the embedded call or put options solely in accordance with the pre-existing four-step decision sequence. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842). The new guidance requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities related to certain operating leases on the balance sheet. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures by lessees and contains targeted changes to accounting by lessors. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Due to the pending merger with F.N.B. Corporation discussed in Note C, implementation activities are on hold.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01: Financial Instruments - Overall (Topic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The new guidance addresses the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16: Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement Period Adjustments. The new guidance requires acquirers to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts (that are identified during the measurement period) in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The new guidance also requires such amounts to be disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. The Company early adopted this guidance effective September 30, 2015. The adoption of this guidance was not material to the consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03: Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require a reporting entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and are to be applied retrospectively. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $588 of debt issuance costs that were included in other assets. These costs were reclassified to reduce the carrying amount of the related debt liability on the effective date.

In November 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2014-17: Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). The amendments in this Update provide the option for acquired entities to apply pushdown accounting in their stand-alone financial statements when a change-in-control event takes place. This election may be made at each change-in-control event, and allows entities to apply pushdown accounting in a subsequent period if not applied in the period in which the change-in-control event took place. The amendments in this Update were effective upon issue on November 18, 2014, allowing entities to apply the provisions to future change-in-control events or to its most recent change-in-control event. Adoption of this Update did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-14, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The amendments in this Update require a reporting entity to derecognize a mortgage loan and recognize a separate other receivable upon foreclosure if certain conditions are met. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The amendments in this Update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of this Update did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860). The amendments in this Update change the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting. The guidance also requires separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. This Update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of this Update did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this Update provide a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This Update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The amendments in this Update are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. Adoption of this Update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The amendments in this Update clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. The amendments in this Update are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of this Update did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. The amendments in this Update permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The amendments in this Update are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of this Update did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.