10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

or

☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ___ to ___.

Commission File Number:  000-17007

REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		PAGE
PART I:
Item 1.	Business	1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	12
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	26
Item 2.	Properties	26
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	26
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	26
PART II:
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	27
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	28
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	73
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	73
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	143
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	143
Item 9B.	Other Information	144
PART III:
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	144
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	144
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	144
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Directors Independence	145
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	145
PART IV:
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	146
Signatures		150

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PART I

Item 1: Business

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

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements can be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of words such as “would be,” “could be,” “should be,” “probability,” “risk,” “target,” “objective,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect” and similar expressions or variations on such expressions.  These forward-looking statements include, among others:  statements of goals, intentions and expectations, statements regarding the impact of accounting pronouncements, statements regarding prospects and business strategy, statements regarding allowance for loan losses, asset quality and market risk and estimates of future costs, benefits and results.

Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  For example, and in addition to the “Risk Factors” discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K, risks and uncertainties can arise with changes in or related to:

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

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

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

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

· changes in interest rates;

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

· deposit flows;

· loan demand;

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

· our securities portfolio and the valuation of our securities;

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

· rapidly changing technology;

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

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

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

General

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Republic Bank

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

Service Area / Market Overview

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

Competition

We face substantial competition from other financial institutions in our service area.  Competitors include Wells Fargo, BB&T, Citizens, PNC, Santander, TD Bank, and Bank of America, as well as many regional and local community banks. In addition, we compete directly with savings banks, savings and loan associations, finance companies, credit unions, mortgage brokers, insurance companies, securities brokerage firms, mutual funds, money market funds, private lenders and other institutions for deposits, commercial loans, mortgages and consumer loans, as well as other services.  Competition among financial institutions is based upon a number of factors, including the quality of services rendered, interest rates offered on deposit accounts, interest rates charged on loans and other credit services, service charges, the convenience of banking facilities, locations and hours of operation and, in the case of loans to larger commercial borrowers, applicable lending limits. Many of the financial institutions with which we compete have greater financial resources than we do, and offer a wider range of deposit and lending products.

Our legal lending limit to one borrower was approximately $34.4 million at December 31, 2018.  Loans above this amount may be made if the excess over the lending limit is participated to other institutions.  We are subject to potential intensified competition from new branches of established banks in the area as well as new banks that could open in our market area.  There are banks and other financial institutions, which serve surrounding areas, and additional out-of-state financial institutions, which currently, or in the future, may compete in our market. We compete to attract deposits and loan applications both from customers of existing institutions and from customers new to our market and we anticipate a continued increase in competition in our service area.

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We believe that an attractive niche exists serving small to medium sized business customers not adequately served by our larger competitors, and we will seek opportunities to build commercial relationships to complement our retail strategy.  We believe small to medium-sized businesses will continue to respond in a positive manner to the attentive and highly personalized service we provide.

Products and Services

We offer a range of competitively priced banking products and services, including consumer and commercial deposit accounts, checking accounts, interest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, savings accounts, sweep accounts, lockbox services and individual retirement accounts and other traditional banking services, secured and unsecured commercial loans, real estate loans, construction and land development loans, automobile loans, home improvement loans, mortgages, home equity and overdraft lines of credit, and other products.  We attempt to offer a high level of personalized service to both our retail and commercial customers.

We also maintain a Small Business Lending team that specializes in the origination of loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to provide much needed credit to small businesses throughout our service area.  This team has developed into one of the top lenders under the SBA program in our region.  For the last several years they have been ranked as one of the top SBA lenders in the tri-state market of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware based on the dollar volume of loan originations.

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

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

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

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

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Store Expansion Plans and Growth Strategy

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

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

Securities Portfolio 

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

Supervision and Regulation

General

Republic, as a Pennsylvania state chartered bank, is not a member of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) and is subject to supervision and regulation by the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. Our bank holding company is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve under the Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHC Act”).  As a bank holding company, our activities and those of Republic are limited to the business of banking and activities closely related or incidental to banking, and we may not directly or indirectly acquire the ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares or substantially all of the assets of any company, including a bank, without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve.

We are subject to extensive requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that may be granted and the interest that may be charged thereon, and limitations on the types of investments that may be made and the types of services that may be offered. Various federal and state consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of Republic. In addition to the impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve attempting to control the money supply and credit availability in order to influence market interest rates and the national economy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

The federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”), enacted in 1999, repealed the key provisions of the Glass Steagall Act so as to permit commercial banks to affiliate with investment banks (securities firms). It also amended the BHC Act to permit qualifying bank holding companies to engage in many types of financial activities that were not permitted for banks themselves and permitted subsidiaries of banks to engage in a broad range of financial activities that were not permitted for themselves.

The result was to permit banking companies to offer a wider range of financial products and services to combine with other types of financial companies, such as securities and insurance companies. The impact of the GLB Act has, however, now been substantially limited by the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations issued by the Federal Reserve thereunder, specifically the so-called “Volcker Rule,” which will limit the ability of banks and their affiliates to invest in, or to engage in, non-banking activities for their own account.

The GLB Act created a new type of bank holding company called a “financial holding company” (“FHC”).  An FHC is authorized to engage in any activity that is “financial in nature or incidental to financial activities” and any activity that the Federal Reserve determines is “complementary to financial activities” and does not pose undue risks to the financial system.  Among other things, “financial in nature” activities include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance underwriting and sales, and certain merchant banking activities.  A bank holding company qualifies to become an FHC if each of its depository institution subsidiaries is “well capitalized,” “well managed,” and has a rating under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) of “satisfactory” or better.  A qualifying bank holding company becomes an FHC by filing with the Federal Reserve an election to become an FHC.  We have not elected to become an FHC.  Bank holding companies that do not qualify or elect to become FHCs will be limited in their activities to those previously permitted by law and regulation.

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In addition, the GLB Act provided significant new protections for the privacy of customer information.  These provisions apply to any company the business of which is engaging in activities permitted for an FHC, even if it is not itself an FHC.  The GLB Act subjected a financial institution to four new requirements regarding non-public information about a customer.  The financial institution must: adopt and disclose a privacy policy; give customers the right to “opt out” of disclosures to non-affiliated parties; not disclose any information to third party marketers; and follow regulatory standards to protect the security and confidentiality of customer information.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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

Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends

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

Federal regulatory authorities have adopted standards for the maintenance of adequate levels of regulatory capital by banks. Adherence to such standards further limits the ability of Republic to pay dividends to us.

Dividend Policy

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

Deposit Insurance and Assessments

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

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

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

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

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

Capital Adequacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legislative and Regulatory Changes

We are heavily regulated by regulatory agencies at the federal and state levels. We, like most of our competitors, have faced and expect to continue to face increased regulation and regulatory and political scrutiny, which creates significant uncertainty for us as well as the financial services industry in general.

Future Legislative and Regulatory Developments

It is conceivable that compliance with current or future legislative and regulatory initiatives could require us to change certain business practices, impose significant additional costs on us, limit the products that we offer, result in a significant loss of revenue, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner, require us to increase our regulatory capital, cause business disruptions, impact the value of assets that we hold or otherwise adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition. The extent of changes imposed by any future regulatory initiatives could make it more difficult for us to comply in a timely manner, which could further limit our operations, increase compliance costs or divert management attention or other resources. The long-term impact of legislative and regulatory initiatives on our business practices and revenues will depend upon the successful implementation of our strategies, consumer behavior, and competitors’ responses to such initiatives, all of which are difficult to predict.  Additionally, we may pursue, through appropriate avenues, legislative and regulatory advocacy to provide our input on possible legislative and regulatory developments.

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

Profitability, Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions

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

Employees

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

Item 1A: Risk Factors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· increased regulation of our industry and  increased compliance costs;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Potential acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute shareholder value.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of our common stock, including securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of our common stock. Our issuance of shares of common stock in the future will dilute the ownership interests of our existing shareholders.

Additionally, the sale of substantial amounts of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock, whether directly by us or by existing common shareholders in the secondary market, the perception that such sales could occur or the availability for future sale of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock could, in turn, materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or equity-related securities.  The convertible trust preferred securities of Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV were converted into 1.7 million shares of our common stock in the years 2017 and 2018.

In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized to designate and issue preferred stock without further shareholder approval, and we may issue other equity securities that are senior to our common stock in the future for a number of reasons, including, without limitation, to support operations and growth, to maintain our capital ratios and to comply with any future changes in regulatory standards.

Our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Market.  During 2018, the average daily trading volume for our common stock was approximately 158,900 shares.  Sales of our common stock may place significant downward pressure on the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, it may be difficult for holders to resell their shares at prices they find attractive, or at all.

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

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

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

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock.  Our Board of Directors intends to follow a policy of retaining earnings for the purpose of increasing our capital for the foreseeable future.

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared from time to time by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion out of funds legally available for that purpose, after debt service payments and payments of dividends required to be paid on our outstanding preferred stock, if any. 

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

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

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, referred to as Section 404, we are required to include in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our management’s report on internal control over financial reporting. While we have reported no material weaknesses in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, we cannot guarantee that we will not have any material weaknesses in the future.

Compliance with the requirements of Section 404 is expensive and time-consuming. If, in the future, we fail to complete this evaluation in a timely manner we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of public confidence in our internal control over financial reporting.  In addition, any failure to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures could cause our current and potential shareholders and customers to lose confidence in our financial reporting and disclosure required under the Exchange Act, which could adversely affect our business.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2: Description of Properties

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

Item 3: Legal Proceedings

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

Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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PART II

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

Market Information

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

Dividend Policy

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

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Item 6: Selected Financial Data

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

⁽¹⁾ A Non-GAAP Disclosure

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

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

Executive Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Non-GAAP Based Financial Measures

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

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

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

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results of Operations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Average Balances and Net Interest Income

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

Average Balances and Net Interest Income

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

⁽¹⁾ Yields on investments are calculated based on amortized cost.

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

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Rate/Volume Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

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

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

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

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

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

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Provision for Loan Losses

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

Non-Interest Income

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

Non-Interest Expenses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· loan growth during 2018 was greater than 20%;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Net Income and Net Income per Common Share

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

Return on Average Assets and Average Equity

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

Results of Operations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

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

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

Provision for Loan Losses

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

Non-Interest Income

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

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Non-Interest Expenses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· loan growth during 2017 was greater than 20%;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Net Income and Net Income per Common Share

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

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Return on Average Assets and Average Equity

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

Financial Condition

December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Loans Held for Sale

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

Loans Receivable

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

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

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Investment Securities

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

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

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

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

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

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Restricted Stock

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

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

Other Real Estate Owned

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

Goodwill

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

Premises and Equipment

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

Deposits

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

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

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

Shareholders’ Equity

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

Investment Securities Portfolio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Loan Portfolio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loan Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

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

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

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

Credit Quality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Allowance for Loan Losses

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1) Includes non-accruing loans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deposits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

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

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

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

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

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

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

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

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

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

Interest Rate Risk Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Net Portfolio Value and Net Interest Income Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capital Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regulatory Capital Requirements

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

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

69

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

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

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

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

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

70

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

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

Liquidity

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

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

71

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

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

Variable Interest Entities

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

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

Effects of Inflation

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

72

Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

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

Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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

73

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 14, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

74

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

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2013.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 14, 2019

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Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2018 and 2017

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

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

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

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Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

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

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

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Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

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

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

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Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

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

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

79

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

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

(See notes to consolidated financial statements)

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Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Nature of Operations

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

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

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

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

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

Risks and Uncertainties and Certain Significant Estimates

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

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

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

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks

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

Investment Securities

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

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

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

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

Restricted Stock

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

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

Mortgage Banking Activities and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

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

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

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

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

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Best Efforts Forward Loan Sale Commitments

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

Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments

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

Goodwill

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

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

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

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Loans Receivable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allowance for Credit Losses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transfers of Financial Assets

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

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

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

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

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

Other Loans Held for Sale

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

Guarantees

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

Premises and Equipment

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

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Other Real Estate Owned

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

Advertising Costs

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

Income Taxes

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

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

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

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

Stock Based Compensation

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

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

Earnings Per Share

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

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

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

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

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

Comprehensive Income

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

Trust Preferred Securities

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

Variable Interest Entities

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

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

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Treasury Stock

Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2014-09

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

ASU 2016-01

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

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ASU 2016-02

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

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

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

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

ASU 2016-09

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

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ASU 2016-13

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

ASU 2016-15

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

ASU 2017-01

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

ASU 2017-04

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

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ASU 2017-08

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

ASU 2017-09

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

ASU 2018-02

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

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ASU 2018-03

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

ASU 2018-07

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

Reclassifications

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

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3. Investment Securities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

101

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

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

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

4. Loans Receivable

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

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

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

102

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

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

5. Allowances for Loan Losses

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

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

103

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

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

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

104

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

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

105

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

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

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

106

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

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

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

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

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

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

107

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

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

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

Troubled Debt Restructurings

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

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

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

108

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Other Real Estate Owned

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

109

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

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

7. Premises and Equipment

A summary of premises and equipment is as follows:

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

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

8. Borrowings

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

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

110

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Deposits

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

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

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

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

10. Income Taxes

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

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

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

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

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

(dollars in thousands)	2018		2017
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for loan losses	$	2,185	$	2,047
Deferred compensation		591		557
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale		3,935		2,789
Realized losses in other than temporary impairment charge		-		65
Foreclosed real estate write-downs		2,351		1,468
Interest income on non-accrual loans		615		525
Net operating loss carryforward		3,541		5,549
Other		1,472		1,266
Total deferred tax assets		14,690		14,266
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred loan costs		1,103		998
Premises and equipment		634		211
Other		619		342
Total deferred tax liabilities		2,356		1,551
Net deferred tax asset	$	12,334	$	12,715

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· loan growth during 2018 was greater than 20%;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

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

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

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

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

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

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12. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Arrangements

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

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

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

Other

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

13. Regulatory Capital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Plan

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

Directors’ and Officers’ Plans

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

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

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15. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Values of Financial Instruments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

			Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Asset Description	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
December 31, 2018
Corporate bonds	$	3,069	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(8.24%)
			Discounted	Conditional Prepayment Rate		(10.31%)
SBA servicing assets	$	4,785	Cash Flows
				Discount Rate		(11.50%)
Impaired loans	$	5,955	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)		11% - 24% (13%) (3)
Other real estate owned	$	1,114	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)		(7%) (3)
December 31, 2017
Corporate bonds	$	3,086	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(5.99%)
Trust preferred securities	$	489	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(8.33%)
			Discounted	Conditional Prepayment Rate		(7.85%)
SBA servicing assets	$	5,243	Cash Flows
				Discount Rate		(10.50%)
Impaired loans	$	7,322	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)		10% - 21% (14%) (3)
			Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)		(22%) (3)
Other real estate owned	$	5,727
			Sales Price	Liquidation expenses (2)		4% - 7% (7%) (3)

(1) Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which include Level 3 inputs that are not identifiable.

(2) Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.

(3) The range and weighted average of qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses are presented as a percent of the appraised value.

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

Fair Value Assumptions

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

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Investment Securities

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

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

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

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

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Carried at Fair Value)

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

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

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

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

Interest Rate Lock Commitments (“IRLC”)

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

Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments

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

Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments

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

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

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

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

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

SBA Servicing Asset (Carried at Fair Value)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. Stock Based Compensation

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

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

The Company utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the estimated fair value of each stock option granted on the date of the grant.  A summary of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:

	2018			2017			2016
Dividend yield(1)		0.0%			0.0%			0.0%
Expected volatility		28.22%	(2)	44.00% to 50.09%		(3)	46.38% to 52.54%		(3)
Risk-free interest rate(4)	2.35% to 2.96%			1.89% to 2.30%			1.23% to 1.82%
Expected life(5)	6.25 years			5.5 to 7.0 years			5.5 to 7.0 years
Assumed forfeiture rate(6)		4.0%			6.0%			10.0%

⁽¹⁾ A dividend yield of 0.0% is utilized because cash dividends have never been paid.

⁽²⁾ The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock price as adjusted for certain historical periods of extraordinary volatility in order to estimate expected volatility.

⁽³⁾ Expected volatility is based on Bloomberg’s five and one-half to seven year volatility calculation for “FRBK” stock.

⁽⁴⁾ The risk-free interest rate is based on the five to seven year Treasury bond.

⁽⁵⁾  The expected life reflects a 1 to 4 year vesting period, the maximum ten year term and review of historical behavior.

⁽⁶⁾  Forfeiture rate is determined through forfeited and expired options as a percentage of options granted over the current three year period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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17. Segment Reporting

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

18. Transactions with Affiliates and Related Parties

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

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

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19. Parent Company Financial Information

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

Balance Sheet

December 31, 2018 and 2017

(Dollars in thousands)

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

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Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income (Loss), and Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

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

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Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

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

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20. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 The following represents summarized unaudited quarterly financial data of the Company for each of the quarters ended during 2018 and 2017.

Summary of Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	For the Quarter Ended
	December 31st			September 30th		June 30th			March 31st
2018
Interest income	$	25,293		$	23,558	$	22,324		$	20,899
Interest expense		5,313			4,412		3,662			2,783
Net interest income		19,980			19,146		18,662			18,116
Provision for loan losses		600			500		800			400
Non-interest income		4,888			5,131		5,768			4,535
Non-interest expense		22,057			20,833		20,729			20,102
Provision for income taxes		54			622		530			372
Net income	$	2,157		$	2,322	$	2,371		$	1,777
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
2017
Interest income	$	19,409		$	17,922	$	17,331		$	16,187
Interest expense		2,542			2,210		2,064			1,968
Net interest income		16,867			15,712		15,267			14,219
Provision for loan losses		400			-		500			-
Non-interest income		5,012			5,778		4,969			4,338
Non-interest expense		21,622			19,165		17,685			16,804
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(2,881	)		4		(8	)		(34	)
Net income	$	2,738		$	2,321	$	2,059		$	1,787
Net income per share (1):
Basic	$	0.05		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
Diluted	$	0.05		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03

(1) Quarterly net income per share does not add to full year net income per share due to rounding.

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21. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) By Component (1)

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- For-Sale Securities			Unrealized Holding Losses on Securities Transferred From Available-For-Sale To Held-To-Maturity			Total
(dollars in thousands)
Balance January 1, 2018	$	(7,150	)	$	(359	)	$	(7,509	)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02		(1,562	)		(78	)		(1,640	)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities		3,927			-			3,927
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		-			(6,855	)		(6,855	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		49			101			150
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		3,976			(6,754	)		(2,778	)
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		2,414			(6,832	)		(4,418	)
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(4,736	)	$	(7,191	)	$	(11,927	)
Balance January 1, 2017	$	(6,831	)	$	(463	)	$	(7,294	)
Unrealized loss on securities		(413	)		-			(413	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		94			104			198
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(319	)		104			(215	)
Balance December 31, 2017	$	(7,150	)	$	(359	)	$	(7,509	)
Balance January 1, 2016	$	(2,562	)	$	(603	)	$	(3,165	)
Unrealized loss on securities		(3,853	)		-			(3,853	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		(416	)		140			(276	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,269	)		140			(4,129	)
Balance December 31, 2016	$	(6,831	)	$	(463	)	$	(7,294	)

(1) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to other comprehensive income.

(2) Reclassification amounts are reported as gains/losses on sales of investment securities, impairment losses, and amortization of net unrealized losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

22. Business Combination

Oak Mortgage Company, LLC

On July 28, 2016, Republic acquired all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Oak Mortgage Company, LLC (“Oak Mortgage”) and, as a result, Oak Mortgage became a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic on that date. The aggregate cash purchase price paid to the Sellers for their limited liability company interests at closing was $7.1 million, $1.0 million of which was deposited in an escrow account to be disbursed one year from closing subject to adjustment for any covered indemnity claims under the Purchase Agreement. Escrow funds were disbursed in the third quarter of 2017. The purchase price was considered final as of December 31, 2017.

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In connection with the Oak Mortgage acquisition, the following table details the consideration paid, the initial estimated fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition, the subsequent adjustments to estimates, the final valuation of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition, and the resulting goodwill recorded (in thousands):

Consideration paid:	Original Estimates		Adjustments to Estimates			Final Valuation
Cash	$	7,136	$	-		$	7,136
Equity instruments		202		-			202
Deferred additional purchase price		500		-			500
Value of consideration	$	7,838	$	-		$	7,838
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,223	$	-		$	1,223
Loans held for sale		20,871		-			20,871
Loans receivable		1,132		-			1,132
Premises and equipment		103		-			103
Derivative assets		1,508		-			1,508
Intangible assets – non compete agreements		104		-			104
Other assets		125		-			125
Total assets		25,066		-			25,066
Liabilities assumed:
Warehouse lines of credit		19,666		-			19,666
Derivative liabilities		412		-			412
Other liabilities		2,042		119			2,161
Total liabilities		22,120		119			22,239
Net assets acquired		2,946		(119	)		2,827
Goodwill resulting from acquisition of Oak Mortgage	$	4,892	$	119		$	5,011

As of December 31, 2016, the estimates of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of Oak Mortgage were finalized.

On an unaudited pro forma basis for the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company would have reported total revenues of $69.4 million and net income of $6.1 million. The pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have occurred had Oak Mortgage been acquired by the Company at the beginning of 2016. The pro forma financial information does not include the impact of possible business model changes, nor does it consider any potential impacts of current market conditions or revenues, expense efficiencies or other factors.

23. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

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

136

The Company’s goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of Oak Mortgage in July 2016 is detailed below:

(dollars in thousands)	Balance December 31, 2017		Additions/ Adjustments		Amortization		Balance December 31, 2018		Amortization Period (in years)
Goodwill	$	5,011	$	-	$	-	$	5,011		Indefinite

(dollars in thousands)	Balance December 31, 2016		Additions/ Adjustments		Amortization			Balance December 31, 2017		Amortization Period (in years)
Goodwill	$	5,011	$	-	$	-		$	5,011		Indefinite
Non-compete agreements		61		-		(61	)		-		1
Total	$	5,072	$	-	$	(61	)	$	5,011

24. Derivatives and Risk Management Activities

Republic did not have any derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, or subject to master netting and collateral agreements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in Republic’s statement of financial condition for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

December 31, 2018	Balance Sheet Presentation	Fair Value		Notional Amount
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Assets	$	410	$	16,966
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		5		1,639
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		10		865
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Liabilities	$	-	$	-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		138		15,327
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		230		18,980

December 31, 2017	Balance Sheet Presentation	Fair Value		Notional Amount
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Assets	$	363	$	16,366
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		5		1,807
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		19		4,566
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Liabilities	$	1	$	424
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		93		14,983
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		195		36,223

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The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in Republic’s statement of income for derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 (in thousands):

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018	Income Statement Presentation	Gain/(Loss)
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	47
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(9	)
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	1
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(45	)
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(35	)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017	Income Statement Presentation	Gain/(Loss)
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	(76	)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(98	)
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(210	)
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	54
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		32
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(157	)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016	Income Statement Presentation	Gain/(Loss)
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	(1,042	)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		77
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		229
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	(32	)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		264
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(38	)

The fair value of Republic’s IRLCs, best efforts forward loan sales commitments, and mandatory forward loan sales commitments are based upon the estimated value of the underlying mortgage loan (determined consistent with “Loans Held for Sale”), adjusted for (1) estimated costs to complete and originate the loan, and (2) the estimated percentage of IRLCs that will result in a closed mortgage loan. The valuation of the IRLCs issued by Republic includes the value of the servicing released premium. Republic sells loans servicing released, and the servicing released premium is included in the market price.

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25. Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 606. As stated in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the implementation of the new standard did not have a material impact on the measurement of recognition of revenue. Management determined that a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings was not deemed necessary. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605.

Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and investments. In addition, certain non-interest income streams such as gains on sales of residential mortgage and SBA loans, income associated with servicing assets, and loan fees, including residential mortgage originations to be sold and prepayment and late fees charged across all loan categories are also not in scope of the new guidance. Topic 606 is applicable to non-interest revenue streams such as service charges on deposit accounts. However, the recognition of these revenue streams did not change significantly upon adoption of Topic 606. Non-interest revenue streams in-scope of Topic 606 are discussed below.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts

Service charges on deposit accounts consist of account analysis fees (i.e., net fees earned on analyzed business and public checking accounts), ATM fees, NSF fees, and other deposit related fees.

The Company’s performance obligation for account analysis fees and monthly services fees is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, over the period in which the service is provided, which is typically one month. Revenue is recognized at month end after the completion of the service period and payment for these service charges on deposit accounts is primarily received through a direct charge to customers’ accounts.

ATM fees, NSF fees, and other deposit related fees are largely transactional based, and therefore, the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, at a point in time. Payment for these service charges are received immediately through a direct charge to customers’ accounts.

For the Company, there are no other material revenue streams within the scope of Topic 606.

The following tables present non-interest income, segregated by revenue streams in-scope and out-of-scope of Topic 606, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Non-interest income
In-scope of Topic 606
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	5,476	$	3,904	$	2,658
Other non-interest income		174		177		335
Non-interest income (in-scope of Topic 606)		5,650		4,081		2,993
Non-interest income (out-of-scope of Topic 606)		14,672		16,016		12,319
Total non-interest income	$	20,322	$	20,097	$	15,312

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Contract Balances

A contract assets balance occurs when an entity performs a service for a customer before the customer pays consideration (resulting in a contract receivable) or before payment is due (resulting in a contract asset). A contract liability balance is an entity’s obligation to transfer a service to a customer for which the entity has already received payment (or payment is due) from the customer. The Company’s non-interest revenue streams are largely based on transaction activity, or standard month-end revenue accruals.  Consideration is often received immediately or shortly after the Company satisfies its performance obligation and revenue is recognized. The Company does not typically enter into long-term contracts with customers, and therefore, does not experience significant contract balances. As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company did not have any significant contract balances.

Contract Acquisition Costs

In connection with the adoption of Topic 606, an entity is required to capitalize, and subsequently amortize as an expense, certain incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if these costs are expected to be recovered. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that an entity incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that it would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained (for example, sales commission). The company utilizes the practical expedient which allows entities to immediately expense contract acquisition costs when the assets that would have resulted from capitalizing these costs would have been amortized in one year or less. Upon adoption of Topic 606, the Company did not capitalize any contract acquisition cost.

140

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Republic First Bancorp, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and our report dated March 14, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

141

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 14, 2019

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Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A: Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 The Company’s management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e), were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Controls

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (“Internal Control”) to determine whether any changes in Internal Control occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that have materially affected or which are reasonably likely to materially affect Internal Control.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter ended December 31, 2018.

Management’s Report on Internal Controls

Management of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2018, based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework 2013, management of the Company has concluded the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(f), as of December 31, 2018.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not an absolute, level of assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

143

BDO, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, as stated in their reports, which are included herein.

Item 9B: Other Information

None

PART III

Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Except as set forth below, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the sections entitled “Board of Directors and Committees” and “Executive Officers and Compensation.”

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The text of the Company’s code of ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.myrepublicbank.com. We intend to disclose any changes in or revision to our code of ethics on our website, if applicable.

Item 11: Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the section entitled “Executive Officers and Compensation.”

Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Except as set forth below, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

144

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2018, with respect to the shares of common stock that may be issued under the Company’s existing equity compensation plans.

Plan Category	Number of Shares to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Number of Shares Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in First Column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders		3,861,650	$	5.96		3,179,213 (1) (2)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		-		-		-
Total		3,861,650	$	5.96		3,179,213 (1)(2)

⁽¹⁾ Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan, as amended and restated in 2005, no additional equity awards were issuable after November 14, 2015.

⁽²⁾ The 2014 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan provides for 2,600,000 shares of common stock plus an annual adjustment to be no less than 10% of the outstanding shares or such lower number as the Board of Directors may determine, to be available for such grants.

Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Board of Directors and Committees.”

Item 14: Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, the section entitled “Information Regarding Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”.

145

PART IV

Item 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) (1) The following financial statements and related documents of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K in Part II – Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”:

a. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017;

b. Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016;

c. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016;

d. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016;

e. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016; and

f. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(a) (2) None

(a) (3) The exhibits filed or furnished, as applicable, as part of this report are listed under Exhibits at subsection (b) of this Item 15.

(b) Exhibits

The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report.

Exhibit Number	Description	Location
3.1	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 10, 2017
3.2	Amended and Restated By-Laws of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.	Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed April 23, 2010  (333-166286)
4.1	The Company will furnish to the SEC upon request copies of the following documents relating to the Company’s Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due 2037:  (i) Indenture dated as of December 27, 2006, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee; (ii) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Republic Capital Trust II, dated as of December 27, 2006; and (iii) Guarantee Agreement dated as of December 27, 2006, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the capital securities of Republic Capital Trust II

146

Exhibit Number	Description	Location
4.2	The Company will furnish to the SEC upon request copies of the following documents relating to the Company’s Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due 2037: (i) Indenture dated as of June 28, 2007, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee; (ii) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Republic Capital Trust III, dated as of June 28, 2007; and (iii) Guarantee Agreement dated as of June 28, 2007, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the capital securities of Republic Capital Trust III
4.3	The Company will furnish to the SEC upon request copies of the following documents relating to the Company’s Fixed Rate Junior Subordinated Convertible Debt Securities due 2038: (i) Indenture dated as of June 10, 2008, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee; (ii) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV, dated as of June 10, 2008; and (iii) Guarantee Agreement dated as of June 10, 2008, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the capital securities of Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV
10.1	Form of Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and among, certain named Executive Officers, Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Republic First Bank*	Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed July 14, 2015
10.2	Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan and Restricted Stock Plan*	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 10, 2008
10.3	Deferred Compensation Plan*	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 16, 2010
10.4	Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreements between Republic First Bank and Certain Directors*	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed November 7, 2008

147

Exhibit Number	Description	Location
10.5	Purchase Agreement among Republic First Bancorp, Inc., Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV, and Purchasers of the Trust IV Capital  Securities	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed November 7, 2008
10.6	Registration Rights Agreement among Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and the Holders of the Trust IV Capital Securities	Incorporated by reference to Form10-Q filed November 7, 2008
10.7	Agreement, dated March 9, 2017, between Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Vernon W. Hill II	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 10, 2017
10.8	Employment Agreement, dated May 10, 2013, by and among Harry D. Madonna, Republic First Bancorp, Inc., and Republic First Bank*	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2013
10.9	First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated March 18, 2015, by and among Harry D. Madonna, Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Republic First Bank*	Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed March 20, 2015
10.10	Form of Option Award*	Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed April 23, 2010 (333-166286)
10.11	Republic First Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan*	Incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed March 26, 2014
10.12	Form of Incentive Stock Option Award – 2014 Equity Incentive Plan*	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 13, 2015
10.13	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award – 2014 Equity Incentive Plan*	Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed March 13, 2015
10.14	Form of Investment Agreement	Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed April 22, 2014
10.15	Limited Liability Company Purchase Agreement dated July 26, 2016 by and among, Republic First Bank d/b/a Republic Bank and Owners of Oak Mortgage Company, LLC	Incorporated by reference to form 8-K filed August 1, 2016
21.1	Subsidiaries of the Company	Filed Herewith
23.1	Consent of BDO USA, LLP	Filed Herewith
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.	Filed Herewith

148

Exhibit Number	Description	Location
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.	Filed Herewith
32.1	Section 1350 Certification of Harry D. Madonna	Furnished Herewith
32.2	Section 1350 Certification of Frank A. Cavallaro	Furnished Herewith
101	The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, (v) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Constitutes a management compensation agreement or arrangement.

(c) All financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the respective financial statements or notes thereto contained herein.

149

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Harry D. Madonna
		Harry D. Madonna
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		(principal executive officer)
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Frank A. Cavallaro
		Frank A. Cavallaro
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(principal financial and accounting officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Vernon W. Hill, II
		Vernon W. Hill, II, Chairman of the Board
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Andrew B. Cohen
		Andrew B. Cohen, Director
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Theodore J. Flocco, Jr.
		Theodore J. Flocco, Jr., Director
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Lisa R. Jacobs
		Lisa R. Jacobs, Director
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Harry D. Madonna
		Harry D. Madonna, Director
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Barry L. Spevak
		Barry L. Spevak, Director
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Brian P. Tierney
		Brian P. Tierney, Director
Date:  March 14, 2019	By:	/s/ Harris Wildstein, Esq.
		Harris Wildstein, Esq., Director

150

EX-21.1

Exhibit 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY

Subsidiary Name	Jurisdiction of Organization
Subsidiaries of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
Republic First Bank (dba Republic Bank)	Pennsylvania
Republic Capital Trust II	Delaware
Republic Capital Trust III	Delaware

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Republic First Bancorp, Inc

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-196024 and No. 333-228279) and Form S-8 (No. 333-200868) of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries of our reports dated March 14, 2019, relating to the consolidated financial statements, and the effectiveness of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Form 10-K.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 14, 2019

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Harry D. Madonna, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2019	/s/ Harry D. Madonna
	President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Frank A. Cavallaro, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2019	/s/ Frank A. Cavallaro
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Harry D. Madonna, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

Date: March 14, 2019	/s/ Harry D. Madonna
	President and Chief Executive Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Frank A. Cavallaro, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

Date: March 14, 2019	/s/ Frank A. Cavallaro
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

XML

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 13, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000834285
Trading Symbol	frbk
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		58,825,278
Entity Public Float			$ 411,031,864
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$ 35,685	$ 36,073
Interest bearing deposits with banks	36,788	25,869
Cash and cash equivalents	72,473	61,942
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	321,014	464,430
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $747,323 and $463,799, respectively)	761,563	472,213
Restricted stock, at cost	5,754	1,918
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value	20,887	43,375
Other loans held for sale	5,404	2,325
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $8,615 and $8,599, respectively)	1,427,983	1,153,679
Premises and equipment, net	87,661	74,947
Other real estate owned, net	6,223	6,966
Accrued interest receivable	9,025	7,009
Goodwill	5,011	5,011
Other assets	30,299	28,532
Total Assets	2,753,297	2,322,347
Deposits
Demand - non-interest bearing	519,056	438,500
Demand - interest bearing	1,042,561	807,736
Money market and savings	676,993	700,322
Time deposits	154,257	116,737
Total Deposits	2,392,867	2,063,295
Short-term borrowings	91,422
Accrued interest payable	558	293
Other liabilities	12,002	10,618
Subordinated debt	11,259	21,681
Total Liabilities	2,508,108	2,095,887
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 100,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued 59,318,073 as of December 31, 2018 and 57,518,609 as of December 31, 2017; shares outstanding 58,789,228 as of December 31, 2018 and 56,989,764 as of December 31, 2017	593	575
Additional paid in capital	269,147	256,285
Accumulated deficit	(8,716)	(18,983)
Treasury stock at cost (503,408 shares as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	(3,725)	(3,725)
Stock held by deferred compensation plan (25,437 shares as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	(183)	(183)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11,927)	(7,509)
Total Shareholders’ Equity	245,189	226,460
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 2,753,297	$ 2,322,347

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	$ 747,323	$ 463,799
Loans receivable, allowance for loan losses	$ 8,615	$ 8,599
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	59,318,073	57,518,609
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	58,789,228	56,989,764
Treasury stock (in shares)	503,408	503,408
Stock held by deferred compensation plan (in shares)	25,437	25,437

XML

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest income:
Interest and fees on taxable loans	$ 62,502,000	$ 48,993,000	$ 40,827,000
Interest and fees on tax-exempt loans	1,543,000	1,101,000	960,000
Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities	26,677,000	19,643,000	11,264,000
Interest and dividends on tax-exempt investment securities	505,000	535,000	703,000
Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets	847,000	577,000	473,000
Total interest income	92,074,000	70,849,000	54,227,000
Interest expense:
Demand- interest bearing	7,946,000	3,020,000	2,088,000
Money market and savings	4,898,000	3,160,000	2,639,000
Time deposits	1,588,000	1,238,000	942,000
Other borrowings	1,738,000	1,366,000	1,194,000
Total interest expense	16,170,000	8,784,000	6,863,000
Net interest income	75,904,000	62,065,000	47,364,000
Provision for loan losses	2,300,000	900,000	1,557,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	73,604,000	61,165,000	45,807,000
Non-interest income:
Non-interest income	5,650,000	4,081,000	2,993,000
Gain on sales of SBA loans	3,105,000	3,378,000	4,981,000
Gain (loss) on sale of investment securities	(67,000)	(146,000)	656,000
Net securities impairment losses recognized in earnings			(7,000)
Other non-interest income	174,000	177,000	335,000
Total non-interest income	20,322,000	20,097,000	15,312,000
Non-interest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits	44,082,000	37,959,000	28,602,000
Occupancy	8,046,000	7,156,000	6,109,000
Depreciation and amortization	5,447,000	4,618,000	3,518,000
Legal	985,000	984,000	459,000
Other real estate owned	1,588,000	4,092,000	2,182,000
Appraisal and other loan expenses	1,840,000	1,878,000	866,000
Advertising	1,211,000	1,279,000	811,000
Data processing	3,855,000	3,134,000	2,408,000
Insurance	996,000	982,000	962,000
Professional fees	2,048,000	1,893,000	1,580,000
Automated teller machine expenses	1,868,000	1,264,000	814,000
Regulatory assessments and costs	1,675,000	1,367,000	1,413,000
Taxes, other	796,000	817,000	366,000
Other operating expenses	9,284,000	7,853,000	6,203,000
Total non-interest expense	83,721,000	75,276,000	56,293,000
Income before benefit for income taxes	10,205,000	5,986,000	4,826,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1,578,000	(2,919,000)	(119,000)
Net income	$ 8,627,000	$ 8,905,000	$ 4,945,000
Net income per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.16	$ 0.13
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.12
Loan and Servicing Fees [Member]
Non-interest income:
Non-interest income	$ 1,401,000	$ 1,614,000	$ 1,627,000
Mortgage Banking [Member]
Non-interest income:
Non-interest income	10,233,000	11,170,000	5,062,000
Deposit Account [Member]
Non-interest income:
Non-interest income	$ 5,476,000	$ 3,904,000	$ 2,658,000

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 8,627	$ 8,905	$ 4,945
Other comprehensive , net of tax
Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities (pre-tax $5,364, $(646), and $(6,011), respectively)	3,927	(413)	(3,853)
Reclassification adjustment for securities losses (gains) (pre-tax $67, $146 and $(656), respectively)	49	94	(420)
Reclassification adjustment for impairment charge (pre-tax $-, $- and $7, respectively)			4
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities	3,976	(319)	(4,269)
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	(6,855)
Amortization of net unrealized holding losses during the period (pre-tax $137, $163 and $219, respectively)	101	104	140
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,778)	(215)	(4,129)
Total comprehensive income	$ 5,849	$ 8,690	$ 816

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, pre-tax	$ 5,364,000	$ (646,000)	$ (6,011,000)
Reclassification adjustment for securities losses (gains), pre-tax	67,000	146,000	(656,000)
Reclassification adjustment for impairment charge, pre-tax	0	0	7,000
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, pre-tax	(9,362,000)	0	0
Amortization of net unrealized holding losses to income during the period, pre-tax	$ 137,000	$ 163,000	$ 219,000

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 8,627,000	$ 8,905,000	$ 4,945,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for loan losses	2,300,000	900,000	1,557,000
Write down of other real estate owned	563,000	3,000,000	355,000
Depreciation and amortization	5,447,000	4,618,000	3,518,000
Deferred income taxes	1,527,000	(5,056,000)	(380,000)
Stock based compensation	2,116,000	1,842,000	759,000
Loss (gain) on sale of investment securities	67,000	146,000	(656,000)
Impairment charges on investment securities			7,000
Amortization of premiums on investment securities	2,878,000	2,469,000	1,980,000
Accretion of discounts on retained SBA loans	(1,332,000)	(1,088,000)	(1,364,000)
Fair value adjustments on SBA servicing assets	1,458,000	1,187,000	1,075,000
Proceeds from sales of SBA loans originated for sale	42,726,000	42,269,000	58,107,000
SBA loans originated for sale	(42,700,000)	(37,062,000)	(53,627,000)
Gains on sales of SBA loans originated for sale	(3,105,000)	(3,378,000)	(4,981,000)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans originated for sale	322,264,000	311,187,000	163,414,000
Mortgage loans originated for sale	(291,870,000)	(321,222,000)	(161,717,000)
Fair value adjustment for mortgage loans originated for sale	513,000	(846,000)	(483,000)
Gains on mortgage loans originated for sale	(8,378,000)	(8,128,000)	(3,712,000)
Amortization of intangible assets		61,000	43,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs	6,000	29,000	24,000
Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets	(5,047,000)	(2,330,000)	(2,729,000)
Net increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable and other liabilities	1,570,000	1,513,000	(846,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	39,630,000	(984,000)	5,289,000
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investment securities available for sale	(149,209,000)	(165,065,000)	(207,482,000)
Purchase of investment securities held to maturity	(123,265,000)	(89,350,000)	(294,187,000)
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale	6,439,000	31,197,000	78,585,000
Proceeds from the paydown, maturity, or call of securities available for sale	48,796,000	48,547,000	36,982,000
Proceeds from the paydown, maturity, or call of securities held to maturity	63,565,000	37,315,000	33,160,000
Net (purchase) redemption of restricted stock	(3,836,000)	(552,000)	1,693,000
Net increase in loans	(275,587,000)	(197,965,000)	(89,428,000)
Net proceeds from sale of other real estate owned	495,000	499,000	1,400,000
Net cash paid in acquisition			(5,913,000)
Premises and equipment expenditures	(18,161,000)	(22,525,000)	(14,291,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(450,763,000)	(357,899,000)	(459,481,000)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from stock offering			99,175,000
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options	670,413	646,263	726,157
Net increase in demand, money market and savings deposits	292,053,000	380,052,000	384,786,000
Net increase in time deposits	37,519,000	5,573,000	43,586,000
Increase (repayment) in short-term borrowings	91,422,000		(66,666,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities	421,664,000	386,271,000	461,607,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	10,531,000	27,388,000	7,415,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	61,942,000	34,554,000	27,139,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	72,473,000	61,942,000	34,554,000
Supplemental disclosures
Interest paid	15,905,000	8,935,000	6,664,000
Income taxes paid		75,000	190,000
Non-cash transfers from loans to other real estate owned	315,000	291,000	616,000
Conversion of subordinated debt to common stock	10,094,000	229,000
Transfer of available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity securities	$ 230,094,000

XML

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]		Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 384	$ 152,897	$ (32,833)	$ (3,725)	$ (183)	$ (3,165)	[1]	$ 113,375
Net income			4,945					4,945
Other comprehensive income/loss, net of tax						(4,129)	[1]	(4,129)
Proceeds from shares issued under common stock offering (18,691,589 shares) net of offering costs of $825	187	98,988						99,175
Stock based compensation		759						759
Stock options issued in acquisition		202						202
Options exercised	2	724						726
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	573	253,570	(27,888)	(3,725)	(183)	(7,294)	[1]	215,053
Net income			8,905					8,905
Other comprehensive income/loss, net of tax						(215)	[1]	(215)
Stock based compensation		1,842						1,842
Options exercised	2	644						646
Conversion of subordinated debt to common stock		229						229
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	575	256,285	(18,983)	(3,725)	(183)	(7,509)	[1]	226,460
Net income			8,627					8,627
Other comprehensive income/loss, net of tax						(2,778)	[1]	(2,778)
Stock based compensation		2,116						2,116
Options exercised	2	668						670
Conversion of subordinated debt to common stock	16	10,078						10,094
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02			1,640			(1,640)	[1]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 593	$ 269,147	$ (8,716)	$ (3,725)	$ (183)	$ (11,927)	[1]	$ 245,189

[1] All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to other comprehensive income.

XML

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common Stock [Member]
Proceeds from shares issued under common stock offering (in shares)			18,691,589
Proceeds from shares issued under common stock offering, offering costs			$ 825
Options exercised (in shares)	174,850	197,975	226,275
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Conversion of subordinated debt, shares (in shares)	1,624,614	36,922
Options exercised (in shares)	174,850	197,975	226,275

XML

Note 1 - Nature of Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

1. Nature of Operations

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a

one

-bank holding company organized and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  It is comprised of

one

wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic First Bank, which does business under the name of Republic Bank (“Republic”). Republic is a Pennsylvania state chartered bank that offers a variety of banking services to individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area through its offices and store locations in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, and Gloucester Counties. On

July 28, 2016,

Republic acquired all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Oak Mortgage Company, LLC (“Oak Mortgage”) and, as a result, Oak Mortgage became a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic on that date. Oak Mortgage is headquartered in Marlton, NJ and is licensed to do business in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Florida. On

January 1, 2018,

Oak Mortgage was merged into Republic and restructured as a division with Republic. The Oak Mortgage name is still utilized for marketing and branding purposes. The Company also has

two

unconsolidated subsidiaries, which are statutory trusts established by the Company in connection with its sponsorship of

two

separate issuances of trust preferred securities.

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

The Company and Republic are subject to federal and state regulations governing virtually all aspects of their activities, including but

not

limited to, lines of business, liquidity, investments, the payment of dividends and others. Such regulations and the cost of adherence to such regulations can have a significant impact on earnings and financial condition.

XML

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

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

Risks and Uncertainties and Certain Significant Estimates

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

may

cause significant fluctuations in interest margins.

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

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

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within the Greater Philadelphia region.  Note

3

– Investment Securities discusses the types of investment securities that the Company invests in.  Note

4

– Loans Receivable discusses the types of lending that the Company engages in, as well as loan concentrations.  The Company does

not

have a significant concentration of credit risk with any

one

customer.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with an original maturity of

ninety

days or less and federal funds sold, maturing in

ninety

days or less, to be cash and cash equivalents.

Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks

Republic is required to maintain certain average reserve balances as established by the Federal Reserve Board. The amounts of those balances for the reserve computation periods that include

December 31, 2018

and

2017

were approximately

$51.4

million and

$31.2

million, respectively. These requirements were satisfied through the restriction of vault cash and a balance held by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

Investment Securities

Held to Maturity

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

Available for Sale –

Debt securities that will be held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that

may

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

Investment securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. To determine whether a loss in value is other-than-temporary, management utilizes criteria such as the reasons underlying the decline, the magnitude and duration of the decline, the intent to hold the security and the likelihood of the Company

not

being required to sell the security prior to an anticipated recovery in the fair value. The term “other-than-temporary” is

not

intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value is

not

necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the portion of the decline related to credit impairment is charged to earnings. Impairment charges on bank pooled trust preferred securities of

$7,000

were recognized during the year ended

December 31, 2016

as a result of estimated other-than-temporary impairment. As of

December 31, 2018,

the Company

no

longer holds any bank pooled trust preferred securities.

In

December 2018,

twenty-three

CMOs and

two

MBSs with a fair value of

$230.1

million that were previously classified as available-for-sale were transferred to the held-to-maturity category. The securities were transferred at fair value. Unrealized losses of

$9.4

million associated with the transferred securities will remain in other comprehensive income and be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the securities. At

December 31, 2018,

the total approximated unrealized loss of

$9.8

million remaining to be amortized includes

eleven

securities previously transferred in

July 2014.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock, which represents a required investment in the capital stock of correspondent banks related to available credit facilities, was carried at cost as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017.

As of those dates, restricted stock consisted of investments in the capital stock of the FHLB of Pittsburgh and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”).  The required investment in the capital stock of the FHLB is calculated based on outstanding loan balances and open credit facilities with the FHLB. Excess investments are returned to Republic on a quarterly basis.

At

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

the investment in FHLB stock totaled

$5.6

million and

$1.8

million, respectively. The increase was due primarily to a higher membership stock requirement by FHLB at

December 31, 2018

which resulted in a higher required investment as of that date. At both

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

ACBB stock totaled

$143,000.

Mortgage Banking Activities and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are originated and held until sold to permanent investors. On

July 28, 2016,

management elected to adopt the fair value option in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)

820,

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

, and record loans held for sale at fair value.

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

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

Mortgage loan commitments known as interest rate locks that relate to the origination of a mortgage that will be held for sale upon funding are considered derivative instruments under the derivatives and hedging accounting guidance FASB ASC

815,

Derivatives and Hedging

. Loan commitments that are classified as derivatives are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet as other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income. Outstanding IRLCs are subject to interest rate risk and related price risk during the period from the date of issuance through the date of loan funding, cancellation or expiration. Loan commitments generally range between

30

and

90

days; however, the borrower is

not

obligated to obtain the loan. Republic is subject to fallout risk related to IRLCs, which is realized if approved borrowers choose

not

to close on the loans within the terms of the IRLCs. Republic uses best efforts commitments to substantially eliminate these risks. The valuation of the IRLCs issued by Republic includes the value of the servicing released premium. Republic sells loans where the servicing is released, and the servicing released premium is included in the market price. See Note

24

Derivatives and Risk Management Activities for further detail of IRLCs.

Best Efforts Forward Loan Sale Commitments

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

Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments

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

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is recognized as an asset and is to be reviewed for impairment annually and between annual tests when events and circumstances indicate that impairment

may

have occurred. Impairment is a condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

The Company has

one

reportable segment: Community Banking. The community banking segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of the Bank, as well as, residential mortgage and consumer loan products in the area surrounding its stores. Oak Mortgage was acquired by the Bank on

July 28, 2016

and organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. Oak Mortgage was maintained as a separate legal entity through

December 31, 2017

in order to preserve certain secondary market contracts and regulatory licensing requirements. As such, the Bank deemed Oak Mortgage to be a separate reporting unit as of

July 31, 2017

and performed a Step One Test for Goodwill Impairment in compliance with ASC Topic

350

-

20

as of that date. At that time, via a Step One Test, the fair value of Oak Mortgage was higher than its book value and

no

Step Two analysis was required.

On

January 1, 2018,

Oak Mortgage operations were restructured as a division of Republic and all assets, liabilities, contracts, employees and activity were merged into the Republic. As a result of this restructuring, the Company re-evaluated its reporting unit structure and determined that as of

July 31, 2018

there were

no

longer

two

reporting units but rather a sole reporting unit in Republic Bank. As of

July 31, 2018,

the Company performed a qualitative assessment for its reporting unit to determine if the

one

-step quantitative impairment test was necessary. As part of its qualitative assessment, the Company reviewed regional and national trends in current and expected economic conditions, examining indicators such as GDP growth, interest rates and unemployment rates. The Company also considered its own historical performance, expectations of future performance and other trends specific to the banking industry. Based on its qualitative assessment, the Company determined that there was

no

evidence of impairment on the balance of goodwill. Goodwill totaled

$5.0

million as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

respectively.

Loans Receivable

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

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

Commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans are subject to the underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those underwriting standards for real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow dependent and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Repayment of these loans is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the principal business conducted on the property securing the loan. In addition, the underwriting considers the amount of the principal advanced relative to the property value. Commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans

may

be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or the economy in general. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans based on cash flow estimates, collateral and risk-rating criteria. The Company also utilizes

third

-party experts to provide environmental and market valuations. Substantial effort is required to underwrite, monitor and evaluate commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans.

Construction and land development loans are underwritten based upon a financial analysis of the developers and property owners and construction cost estimates, in addition to independent appraisal valuations. These loans will rely on the value associated with the project upon completion. These cost and valuation amounts used are estimates and

may

be inaccurate. Construction loans generally involve the disbursement of substantial funds over a short period of time with repayment substantially dependent upon the success of the completed project. Sources of repayment of these loans would be permanent financing upon completion or sales of developed property. These loans are closely monitored by onsite inspections and are considered to be of a higher risk than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to general economic conditions, availability of long-term financing, interest rate sensitivity, and governmental regulation of real property.

Consumer and other loans consist of home equity loans and lines of credit and other loans to individuals originated through the Company’s retail network, which are typically secured by personal property or unsecured. Home equity loans and lines of credit often carry additional risk as a result of typically being in a

second

position or lower in the event collateral is liquidated. Consumer loans have

may

also have greater credit risk because of the difference in the underlying collateral, if any. The application of various federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws

may

limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.

Residential mortgage loans are secured by

one

to

four

family dwelling units. This group consists of

first

mortgages and are originated at loan to value ratios of

80%

or less.

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

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

Loans are generally classified as non-accrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of principal or interest for a period of more than

90

days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than

90

days

may

also be classified as non-accrual if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is in doubt. Loans

may

be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment performance of interest and principal by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms. Generally, in the case of non-accrual loans, cash received is applied to reduce the principal outstanding.

Allowance for Credit Losses

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

The allowance for credit losses is an amount that represents management’s estimate of known and inherent losses related to the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. Because the allowance for credit losses is dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other conditions that

may

be beyond Republic’s control, the estimate of the allowance for credit losses could differ materially in the near term.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to loans that are categorized as impaired.  For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for several qualitative factors.  An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio. All identified losses are immediately charged off and therefore

no

portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or group of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment, include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are

not

classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, and the borrower’s prior payment record.  Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

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

For commercial loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through

third

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

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

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Company does

not

separately identify individual residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and other consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a troubled debt restructuring agreement.

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

six

consecutive months after modification. Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are designated as impaired.

The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories. The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments, for commercial and consumer loans. Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Loans classified special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses

may

result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans

not

classified as special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss are rated pass.

In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and

may

require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which

may

not

be currently available to management. Based on management’s comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

Transfers of Financial Assets

The Company accounts for the transfers and servicing financial assets in accordance with ASC

860

, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities

. ASC

860

,

revises the standards for accounting for the securitizations and other transfers of financial assets and collateral.

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (

1

) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (

2

) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (

3

) the Company does

not

maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

A servicing asset related to SBA loans is initially recorded when these loans are sold and the servicing rights are retained. The servicing asset is recorded on the balance sheet and included in other assets. An updated fair value of the servicing asset is obtained from an independent

third

party on a quarterly basis and any necessary adjustments are included in loan and servicing fees on the statement of income. The valuation begins with the projection of future cash flows for each asset based on their unique characteristics, our market-based assumptions for prepayment speeds and estimated losses and recoveries. The present value of the future cash flows are then calculated utilizing our market-based discount ratio assumptions. In all cases, the Company models expected payments for every loan for each quarterly period in order to create the most detailed cash flow stream possible.

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

For more information on the SBA servicing asset including the sensitivity of the current fair value of the SBA loan servicing rights to adverse changes in key assumptions, see Note

15

– Fair Value Measurements and Fair Values of Financial Instruments.

Other Loans Held for Sale

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

Guarantees

The Company accounts for guarantees in accordance with ASC

815

Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others

.  ASC

815

requires a guarantor entity, at the inception of a guarantee covered by the measurement provisions of the interpretation, to record a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee.  The Company has financial and performance letters of credit.  Financial letters of credit require the Company to make payment if the customer’s financial condition deteriorates, as defined in the agreements.   Performance letters of credit require the Company to make payments if the customer fails to perform certain non-financial contractual obligations.  The maximum potential undiscounted amount of future payments of these letters of credit as of

December 31, 2018

is

$13.9

million and they expire as follows:

$12.5

million in

2019

and

$1.4

million in

2020.

  Amounts due under these letters of credit would be reduced by any proceeds that the Company would be able to obtain in liquidating the collateral for the loans, which varies depending on the customer. There was

no

liability for guarantees under standby letters of credit as of

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment (including land) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of furniture and equipment is calculated over the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes, and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The estimated useful lives are

40

years for buildings and

3

to

13

years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or terms of their respective leases, which range from

1

to

30

years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to current operations as incurred, and renewals and major improvements are capitalized.

Other Real Estate Owned

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

Advertising Costs

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

Income Taxes

Income tax accounting guidance results in

two

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

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the evidence available, it is more likely than

not

that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will

not

be realized.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than

not,

based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than

not

means a likelihood of more than

50

percent. The terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-

not

recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than

50

percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or

not

a tax position has met the more-likely-than-

not

recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment.

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

Stock Based Compensation

The Company has a Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“the

2005

Plan”), under which the Company granted options, restricted stock or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, and certain consultants. The

2005

Plan became effective on

November 14, 1995,

and was amended and approved at the Company’s

2005

annual meeting of shareholders. Under the terms of the

2005

Plan,

1.5

million shares of common stock, plus an annual increase equal to the number of shares needed to restore the maximum number of shares that could be available for grant under the

2005

Plan to

1.5

million shares, were available for such grants. As of

December 31, 2018,

the only grants under the

2005

Plan were option grants. The

2005

Plan provided that the exercise price of each option granted equaled the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Options granted pursuant to the

2005

Plan vest within

one

to

four

years and have a maximum term of

10

years. The

2005

Plan terminated on

November 14, 2015

in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the Plan agreement.

On

April 29, 2014

the Company’s shareholders approved the

2014

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the

“2014

Plan”), under which the Company

may

grant options, restricted stock, stock units, or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, independent contractors, and consultants.  Under the terms of the

2014

Plan,

2.6

million shares of common stock, plus an annual adjustment to be

no

less than

10%

of the outstanding shares or such lower number as the Board of Directors

may

determine, are available for such grants. At

December 31, 2018,

the maximum number of common shares issuable under the

2014

Plan was

6.3

million shares. Compensation cost for all option awards is calculated and recognized over the vesting period of the option awards. If the service conditions are

not

met, the Company reverses previously recorded compensation expense upon forfeiture. The Company’s accounting policy election is to recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) consists of

two

separate components: basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common stock equivalents (“CSEs”). CSEs consist of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s stock option plans for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018.

CSEs consisted of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s stock option plans and convertible securities related to trust preferred securities issued in

2008

for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2017.

The convertible securities related to trust preferred securities issued in

2008

fully converted to common stock in

2018.

There was

no

interest expense in

2018

related to the trust preferred securities issuance. In the diluted EPS computation, the after tax interest expense on the trust preferred securities issuance would normally be added back to the net income for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2017

and

2016.

However, the effect of CSEs (convertible securities related to the trust preferred securities only) and the related add back of after tax interest expense was considered anti-dilutive and therefore was

not

included in the EPS calculations.

The calculation of EPS for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

is as follows:

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

The following is a summary of securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per common share in future periods that were

not

included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Anti-dilutive securities
Share based compensation awards		2,813		1,689		1,747
Convertible securities		-		1,625		1,662
Total anti-dilutive securities		2,813		3,314		3,409

Comprehensive Income

The Company presents as a component of comprehensive income the amounts from transactions and other events, which currently are excluded from the consolidated statements of income and are recorded directly to shareholders’ equity. These amounts consist of unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities and amortization of unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity. 

Trust Preferred Securities

The Company has sponsored

two

outstanding issues of corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of a subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation, more commonly known as trust preferred securities. The subsidiary trusts are

not

consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes.  The purpose of the issuances of these securities was to increase capital.  The trust preferred securities qualify as Tier

1

capital for regulatory purposes in amounts up to

25%

of total Tier

1

capital. See Note

7

“Borrowings” for further information regarding the issuances.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company follows the guidance under ASC

810,

Consolidation

, with regard to variable interest entities. ASC

810

clarifies the application of consolidation principles for certain legal entities in which voting rights are

not

effective in identifying the investor with the controlling financial interest. An entity is subject to consolidation under ASC

810

if the investors do

not

have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, are unable to direct the entity’s activities, or are

not

exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns ("variable interest entities"). Variable interest entities within the scope of ASC

810

will be required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is determined to be the party that absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its expected returns, or both.

The Company does

not

consolidate its subsidiary trusts.  ASC

810

precludes consideration of the call option embedded in the preferred securities when determining if the Company has the right to a majority of the trusts’ expected residual returns. The non-consolidation results in the investment in the common securities of the trusts to be included in other assets with a corresponding increase in outstanding debt of

$341,000.

In addition, the income received on the Company’s investment in the common securities of the trusts is included in other income.

 

Treasury Stock

Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU

2014

-

09

In

May 2014,

the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update  (“ASU”)

2014

-

09,

“Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic

660

): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic

606

) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Contracts with Customers (Subtopic

340

-

40

).”

ASU

2014

-

09

implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue.  The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic

605,

Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification.  In

August 2015,

the FASB issued ASU

2015

-

14,

 

Revenue from

 

Contracts with The Company (Topic

606

): Deferral of the Effective Date

. The guidance in this ASU is now effective for annual reporting periods beginning after

December 

15,

2017,

including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.  The core principle of ASU 

2014

-

09

is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company’s revenue is comprised of net interest income and noninterest income. The scope of the guidance explicitly excludes interest income as well as many other revenues for financial assets and liabilities including revenue derived from loans, investment securities, and derivatives. This ASU was effective for the Company on

January 1, 2018.

The Company adopted this ASU on a modified retrospective approach. Since there was

no

net income impact upon adoption of the new guidance, a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings was

not

deemed necessary. The adoption of this ASU did

not

have a material impact to its financial condition, results of operations, and consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note

25:

Revenue Recognition for further disclosure as to the impact of Topic

606.

ASU

2016

-

01

In

January 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

-

01,

 

Financial Instruments - Overall.

 The guidance in this ASU among other things, (

1

) requires equity investments with certain exceptions, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (

2

) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, (

3

) eliminates the requirement for public businesses entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, (

4

) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, (

5

) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the change in fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments, (

6

) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements and (

7

) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities. The guidance in this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2017,

including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance was effective for the Company on

January 1, 2018

and was adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU

No.

2016

-

01

on

January 1, 2018

did

not

have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with (

4

) above, the Company measured the fair value of its loan portfolio as of

December 31, 2018

using an exit price notion (see Note

7

Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

ASU

2016

-

02

In

February 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

-

02,

 

Leases.

 From the Company’s perspective, the new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than

12

months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement for lessees. From the landlord perspective, the new standard requires a lessor to classify leases as either sales-type, finance or operating. A lease will be treated as a sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as a financing. If the lessor doesn’t convey risks and rewards or control, an operating lease results. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2018,

including interim periods within those fiscal years.

In

July 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

11

“Leases (Topic

842

): Targeted Improvements,” which provides lessees the option to apply the new leasing standard to all open leases as of the adoption date. Prior to this ASU issuance, a modified retrospective transition approach was required.

In

December 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

20

"Leases (Topic

842

): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors," which provides lessors a policy election to

not

evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are lessor costs or lessee costs. Additionally, the update requires certain lessors to exclude from variable payments lessor costs paid by lessees directly to

third

parties.

The Company adopted this ASU on

January 1, 2019.

The Company is expected to recognize an ROU asset of approximately

$48.9

million at

January 1, 2019.

The increase in assets is expected to lower capital ratios for the Company by an average of

39

basis points, remaining in compliance with the regulatory definition of well capitalized. The Company does

not

expect material changes to the recognition of operating lease expense in its consolidated statements of income. The Company adopted certain practical expedients available under the new guidance, which will

not

require it to (

1

) reassess whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, (

2

) reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, (

3

) reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, and (

4

) evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are lessor costs. The Company has elected the use-of-hindsight practical expedient. Additionally, the Company elected to apply the new lease guidance at the adoption date, rather than at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

ASU

2016

-

09

In

March 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

-

09

, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

. ASU

2016

-

09

will amend current guidance such that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payment awards will be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement during the period in which they occur. Additionally, excess tax benefits will be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity rather than a financing activity. ASU

2016

-

09

also provides that any entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest, which is the current requirement, or account for forfeitures when they occur. ASU

2016

-

09

was effective

January 1, 2017.

There was

no

material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

ASU

2016

-

13

In

June 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

2016

-

13,

Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic

326

): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.

The ASU requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU, continuing its implementation efforts and reviewing the loss modeling requirements consistent with lifetime expected loss estimates. The Company expects that the new model will include different assumptions used in calculating credit losses, such as estimating losses over the estimated life of a financial asset and will consider expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions. The adoption of this ASU

may

result in an increase to the Company's allowance for loan losses which will depend upon the nature and characteristics of the Company's loan portfolio at the adoption date, as well as the macroeconomic conditions and forecasts at that date. For the Company, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2019.

The Company currently does

not

intend to early adopt this new guidance.

ASU

2016

-

15

In

August 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

2016

-

15,

Statement of Cash Flows (Topic

230

).

The ASU addresses classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance was adopted on

January 1, 2018,

on a retrospective basis. The adoption of

2016

-

15

did

not

result any changes in classifications in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

ASU

2017

-

01

In

January 2017,

the FASB issued ASU

2017

-

01,

Business Combinations (Topic

805

)

. The ASU clarifies the definition of a business in ASC

805.

The FASB issued the ASU in response to stakeholder feedback that the definition of a business in ASC

805

is being applied too broadly. In addition, stakeholders said that analyzing transactions under the current definition is difficult and costly. Concerns about the definition of a business were among the primary issues raised in connection with the Financial Accounting Foundation’s post-implementation review report on FASB Statement

No.

141

(R), Business Combinations (codified in ASC

805

). The amendments in the ASU are intended to make application of the guidance more consistent and cost-efficient. The ASU is effective for public business entities in annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2017,

including interim periods therein. For all other entities, the ASU is effective in annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2018,

and interim periods within annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2019.

The ASU must be applied prospectively on or after the effective date, and

no

disclosures for a change in accounting principle are required at transition. Early adoption is permitted for transactions (i.e., acquisitions or dispositions) that occurred before the issuance date or effective date of the standard if the transactions were

not

reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. Unless the Company enters into a business combination, the impact of the ASU will

not

have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2017

-

04

In

January 2017,

the FASB issued ASU

2017

-

04,

Simplifying the Test For Goodwill Impairment.

The ASU simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step

2

from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if “the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.” For public business entities that are SEC filers, the ASU is effective for annual and any interim impairment tests for periods beginning after

December 15, 2019.

The Company early adopted this ASU on

July 1, 2018

using the simplified method. The adoption of ASU

2017

-

04

did

not

have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2017

-

08

In

March 2017,

the FASB issued ASU

2017

-

08,

Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities,

which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after

December 15, 2018.

For all other entities, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2019,

and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2020.

Earlier application is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the ASU in an interim period, any adjustments must be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The adoption of ASU

2017

-

08

did

not

have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2017

-

09

In

May 2017,

the FASB issued ASU

2017

-

09,

Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting,

which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification in ASC

718.

The ASU also provides that modification accounting is only required if the fair value, vesting conditions, or the classification of the award as equity or a liability changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after

December 15, 2017.

Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for (

1

) public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have

not

yet been issued and (

2

) all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have

not

yet been made available for issuance. The ASU became effective

January 1, 2018

on a prospective basis for awards modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of ASU-

2017

-

09

did

not

have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2018

-

02

In

February 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

02,

 

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

, which allows for reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the

2017

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act described in the "Income Taxes" section below. The amount of the reclassification should include the effect of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate related to items remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The ASU would require an entity to disclose whether it elects to reclassify stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings in the period of adoption and, more generally, a description of the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after

December 15, 2018.

Early adoption of the amendments in this update is permitted for periods for which financial statements have

not

yet been issued or made available for issuance, including in the period the Act was enacted. The Company adopted this ASU on

January 1, 2018,

by recording the reclassification adjustment to its beginning retained earnings in the amount of

$1.6

million. The Company utilized the portfolio approach when releasing tax effects from AOCI for its investment securities.

ASU

2018

-

03

In

February 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

03,

Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic

825

-

10

).

The ASU was issued to clarify certain aspects of ASU

2016

-

01

such as treatment for discontinuations and adjustments for equity securities without a readily determinable market value, forward contracts and purchased options, presentation requirements for certain fair value option liabilities, fair value option liabilities denominated in a foreign currency, and transition guidance for equity securities without a readily determinable fair value. The Company adopted this ASU on

January 1, 2018.

The adoption of this ASU did

not

have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2018

-

07

In

June 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

07,

Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic

718

).

The ASU simplifies the accounting for share based payments granted to non-employees for goods and services. The ASU applies to all share based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services from non-employees to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share based payment awards. With the amended guidance from ASU

2018

-

07,

non-employees share based payments are measured with an estimate of the fair value of the equity of the business is obligated to issue at the grant date (the date that the business and the stock award recipient agree to the terms of the award). Compensation would be recognized in the same period and in the same manner as if the entity had paid cash for goods and services instead of stock. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after

December 15, 2018,

with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU on

January 1, 2019.

The adoption of this ASU did

not

have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

A reclassification has been made to

2017

and

2016

information to conform to the

2018

presentation. The reclassification had

no

effect on the results of operations or shareholders’ equity. Included in the reclassification are

$1.3

million and

$814,000

of automated teller machine expenses from “Other operating expenses” for the years ended

December 31, 2017

and

2016,

respectively.

XML

Note 3 - Investment Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]

3. Investment Securities

A summary of the amortized cost and market value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity at

December 31, 2018

and

2017

is as follows:

	At December 3 1 , 2018
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	197,812	$	567	$	(2,120	)	$	196,259
Agency mortgage-backed securities		39,105		5		(611	)		38,499
Municipal securities		20,807		64		(232	)		20,639
Corporate bonds		62,583		87		(3,396	)		59,274
Asset-backed securities		6,433		-		(90	)		6,343
Total securities available for sale	$	326,740	$	723	$	(6,449	)	$	321,014
U.S. Government agencies	$	107,390	$	-	$	(3,772	)	$	103,618
Collateralized mortgage obligations		500,690		570		(5,793	)		495,467
Agency mortgage-backed securities		153,483		-		(5,245	)		148,238
Total securities held to maturity	$	761,563	$	570	$	(14,810	)	$	747,323

	At December 31, 2017
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	327,972	$	-	$	(7,731	)	$	320,241
Agency mortgage-backed securities		55,664		2		(800	)		54,866
Municipal securities		15,142		20		(62	)		15,100
Corporate bonds		62,670		103		(2,491	)		60,282
Asset-backed securities		13,414		38		-			13,452
Trust preferred securities		725		-		(236	)		489
Total securities available for sale	$	475,587	$	163	$	(11,320	)	$	464,430
U.S. Government agencies	$	112,605	$	50	$	(2,235	)	$	110,420
Collateralized mortgage obligations		215,567		314		(3,970	)		211,911
Agency mortgage-backed securities		143,041		47		(2,620	)		140,468
Other securities		1,000		-		-			1,000
Total securities held to maturity	$	472,213	$	411	$	(8,825	)	$	463,799

The following table presents investment securities by stated maturity at

December 31, 2018.

Collateralized mortgage obligations and agency mortgage-backed securities have expected maturities that differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay and, therefore, these securities are classified separately with

no

specific maturity date.

	Available for Sale				Held to Maturity
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	$	2,375	$	2,375	$	-	$	-
After 1 year to 5 years		6,894		6,908		14,116		13,937
After 5 years to 10 years		75,320		71,734		93,274		89,681
After 10 years		5,234		5,239		-		-
Collateralized mortgage obligations		197,812		196,259		500,690		495,467
Agency mortgage-backed securities		39,105		38,499		153,483		148,238
Total	$	326,740	$	321,014	$	761,563	$	747,323

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

The Company’s investment securities portfolio consists primarily of debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies, U.S. government-sponsored agencies, state governments, local municipalities and financial institutions. There were

no

private label mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) or collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”) held in the investment securities portfolio as of

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017. 

There were also

no

MBS or CMO securities that were rated “Alt-A” or “sub-prime” as of those dates.

The fair value of investment securities is impacted by interest rates, credit spreads, market volatility and liquidity conditions. Net unrealized gains and losses in the available for sale portfolio are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. Securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than the amortized cost basis.

The Company regularly evaluates investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position in order to determine if the decline in fair value is other than temporary. Factors considered in the evaluation include the current economic climate, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below cost, the current interest rate environment and the rating of each security. An OTTI loss must be recognized for a debt security in an unrealized loss position if the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than

not

that it will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis. The amount of OTTI loss recognized is equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security that is attributed to credit deterioration. Accounting standards require the evaluation of the expected cash flows to be received to determine if a credit loss has occurred. In the event of a credit loss, that amount must be recognized against income in the current period. The portion of the unrealized loss related to other factors, such as liquidity conditions in the market or the current interest rate environment, is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for investment securities classified available for sale.

There were

no

impairment charges (credit losses) recorded during the years ended

December 31, 2018

and

2017.

Impairment charges on trust preferred securities for the year ended

December 31, 2016

amounted to

$7,000.

At

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

investment securities in the amount of approximately

$710.7

million and

$555.2

million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public deposits and certain other deposits as required by law.

The following table presents a roll-forward of the balance of credit-related impairment losses on securities held at

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

for which a portion of OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income:

(dollars in thousands)	201 8			201 7			201 6
Beginning Balance, January 1 st	$	274		$	937		$	930
Additional credit-related impairment loss on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized		-			-			7
Reductions for securities sold during the period		(274	)		(663	)		-
Ending Balance, December 31 st	$	-		$	274		$	937

The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with the investment portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

	At December 31, 201 8
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	58,883	$	270	$	83,377	$	1,850	$	142,260	$	2,120
Agency mortgage-backed securities		1,134		10		16,768		601		17,902		611
Municipal securities		1,549		7		12,154		225		13,703		232
Corporate bonds		-		-		53,189		3,396		53,189		3,396
Asset backed securities		6,343		90		-		-		6,343		90
Total Available for Sale	$	67,909	$	377	$	165,488	$	6,072	$	233,397	$	6,449

	At December 31, 201 8
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Government agencies	$	5,351	$	26	$	98,267	$	3,746	$	103,618	$	3,772
Collateralized mortgage obligations		44,574		475		173,467		5,318		218,041		5,793
Agency mortgage-backed securities		-		-		119,243		5,245		119,243		5,245
Total Held to Maturity	$	49,925	$	501	$	390,977	$	14,309	$	440,902	$	14,810

	At December 31, 201 7
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	150,075	$	1,565	$	170,166	$	6,166	$	320,241	$	7,731
Agency mortgage-backed securities		29,967		226		21,045		574		51,012		800
Municipal securities		5,742		27		2,656		35		8,398		62
Corporate bonds		-		-		52,509		2,491		52,509		2,491
Asset backed securities		-		-		-		-		-		-
Trust preferred securities		-		-		489		236		489		236
Total Available for Sale	$	185,784	$	1,818	$	246,865	$	9,502	$	432,649	$	11,320

	At December 31, 2017
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Government agencies	$	42,045	$	213	$	59,594	$	2,022	$	101,639	$	2,235
Collateralized mortgage obligations		56,955		767		107,986		3,203		164,941		3,970
Agency mortgage-backed securities		55,170		221		82,479		2,399		137,649		2,620
Total Held to Maturity	$	154,170	$	1,201	$	250,059	$	7,624	$	404,229	$	8,825

Unrealized losses on securities in the investment portfolio amounted to

$21.3

million with a total fair value of

$674.3

million as of

December 31, 2018

compared to unrealized losses of

$20.1

million with a total fair value of

$836.9

million as of

December 31, 2017.

The Company believes the unrealized losses presented in the tables above are temporary in nature and primarily related to market interest rates or limited trading activity in particular type of security rather than the underlying credit quality of the issuers. The Company does

not

believe that these losses are other than temporary and does

not

currently intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell securities in an unrealized loss position prior to maturity or recovery of the amortized cost bases.

       The Company held

fourteen

U.S. Government agency securities,

sixty-four

collateralized mortgage obligations and

twenty-six

agency mortgage-backed securities that were in an unrealized loss position at

December 31, 2018.

Principal and interest payments of the underlying collateral for each of these securities carry minimal credit risk. Management found

no

evidence of OTTI on any of these securities and believes the unrealized losses are due to fluctuations in fair values resulting from changes in market interest rates and are considered temporary as of

December 31, 2018.

       All municipal securities held in the investment portfolio are reviewed on least a quarterly basis for impairment. Each bond carries an investment grade rating by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. In addition, the Company periodically conducts its own independent review on each issuer to ensure the financial stability of the municipal entity. The largest geographic concentration was in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and consisted of either general obligation or revenue bonds backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality. At

December 31, 2018,

the investment portfolio included

nineteen

municipal securities that were in an unrealized loss position. Management believes the unrealized losses were the result of movements in long-term interest rates and are

not

reflective of credit deterioration.

At

December 31, 2018,

the investment portfolio included

one

asset-backed security that was in an unrealized loss position. The asset-backed security held in the investment securities portfolio is a Sallie Mae bond, collateralized by student loans which are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. Management believes the unrealized loss on this security was driven by changes in market interest rates and

not

a result of credit deterioration. At

December 31, 2018,

the investment portfolio also included

seven

corporate bonds that were in an unrealized loss position. Management believes the unrealized losses on these securities were also driven by changes in market interest rates and

not

a result of credit deterioration.

Proceeds associated with the sale of securities available for sale in

2018

were

$6.4

million. Gross losses of

$67,000

were realized on these sales.  The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the year ended

December 31, 2018

amounted to

$18,000.

Included in the

2018

sales activity was the sale of

one

CDO security. Proceeds from the sale of the CDO security totaled

$660,000.

A gross loss of

$66,000

was realized on this sale. The tax benefit applicable to the net loss for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018

amounted to

$17,000.

Management had previously stated that it did

not

intend to sell the CDO security prior to its maturity or the recovery of its cost basis, nor would it be forced to sell this security prior to maturity or recovery of the cost basis.  This statement was made over a period of several years where there was limited trading activity in the pooled trust preferred CDO market resulting in fair market value estimates well below the book values. During

2018,

management received several inquiries regarding the availability of the remaining CDO security and noted an increased level of trading in this type of security. As a result of the increased activity and the level of bids received, management elected to sell the remaining CDO security resulting in a net loss of

$66,000

during

2018.

Proceeds of sales of securities available for sale in

2017

were

$31.2

million. Gross gains of

$652,000

and gross losses of

$798,000

were realized on these sales. The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the year ended

December 31, 2017

amounted to

$52,000.

Included in the

2017

sales activity were the sales of

two

CDO securities. Proceeds from the sale of the CDO securities totaled

$1.5

million. Gross losses of

$798,000

were realized on these sales. The tax benefit applicable to the net losses for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2017

amounted to

$287,000.

As a result of the increased activity and the level of bids received, management elected to sell

two

CDOs resulting in a net loss of

$798,000

during

2017

which was offset by gains on sales of agency mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and corporate bonds.

The Company had proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale in

2016

of

$78.6

million. Gross gains of

$680,000

and gross losses of

$24,000

were realized on these sales. The tax provision applicable to these gross gains in

2016

amounted to approximately

$236,000.

In

December 2018,

twenty-three

CMOs and

two

MBSs with a fair value of

$230.1

million that were previously classified as available-for-sale were transferred to the held-to-maturity category. The securities were transferred at fair value. Unrealized losses of

$9.4

million associated with the transferred securities will remain in other comprehensive income and be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the securities. At

December 31, 2018,

the total approximated unrealized loss of

$9.8

million remaining to be amortized includes

eleven

securities previously transferred in

July 2014.

XML

Note 4 - Loans Receivable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]

4. L oans Receivable

       The following table sets forth the Company’s gross loans by major categories as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

(dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Commercial real estate	$	515,738		$	433,304
Construction and land development		121,042			104,617
Commercial and industrial		200,423			173,343
Owner occupied real estate		367,895			309,838
Consumer and other		91,152			76,183
Residential mortgage		140,364			64,764
Total loans receivable		1,436,614			1,162,049
Deferred costs (fees)		(16	)		229
Allowance for loan losses		(8,615	)		(8,599	)
Net loans receivable	$	1,427,983		$	1,153,679

The Company disaggregates its loan portfolio into groups of loans with similar risk characteristics for purposes of estimating the allowance for loan losses. The Company’s loan groups include commercial real estate, construction and land development, commercial and industrial, owner occupied real estate, consumer, and residential mortgages. The loan groups are also considered classes for purposes of monitoring and assessing credit quality based on certain risk characteristics.

Included in loans are loans due from directors and other related parties of

$13.0

million at

December 31, 2018,

$8.9

million at

December 31, 2017,

and

$7.9

million at

December 31, 2016.  

The Board of Directors approves loans to individual directors to confirm that collateral requirements, terms and rates are comparable to other borrowers and are in compliance with and conform to our underwriting policies. The following presents the activity in amount due from directors and other related parties for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016.

(dollars in thousands)	December 31, 201 8			December 31, 201 7			December 31, 201 6
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,920		$	7,862		$	8,521
Additions		4,812			1,896			-
Repayments		(703	)		(838	)		(659	)
Balance at end of year	$	13,029		$	8,920		$	7,862

XML

Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Allowance for Credit Losses [Text Block]

5. Allowances for Loan Losses

The following tables provide the activity in and ending balances of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio class at and for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016:

(dollars in thousands)	Commercial Real Estate			Construction and Land Development			Commercial and Industrial			Owner Occupied Real Estate			Consumer and Other			Residential Mortgage			Unallocated			Total
Year ended December, 201 8
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance:	$	3,774		$	725		$	1,317		$	1,737		$	573		$	392		$	81		$	8,599
Charge-offs		(1,603	)		-			(151	)		(465	)		(219	)		-			-			(2,438	)
Recoveries		50			-			81			20			3			-			-			154
Provisions		241			52			507			741			220			502			37			2,300
Ending balance	$	2,462		$	777		$	1,754		$	2,033		$	577		$	894		$	118		$	8,615
Year ended December, 201 7
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning Balance:	$	3,254		$	557		$	2,884		$	1,382		$	588		$	58		$	432		$	9,155
Charge-offs		-			-			(1,366	)		(157	)		(53	)		-			-			(1,576	)
Recoveries		54			-			64			-			2			-			-			120
Provisions (credits)		466			168			(265	)		512			36			334			(351	)		900
Ending balance	$	3,774		$	725		$	1,317		$	1,737		$	573		$	392		$	81		$	8,599
Year ended December, 201 6
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning Balance:	$	2,393		$	338		$	2,932		$	2,030		$	295		$	14		$	701		$	8,703
Charge-offs		-			(60	)		(143	)		(1,052	)		(11	)		(10	)		-			(1,276	)
Recoveries		6			-			163			-			2			-			-			171
Provisions (credits)		855			279			(68	)		404			302			54			(269	)		1,557
Ending balance	$	3,254		$	557		$	2,884		$	1,382		$	588		$	58		$	432		$	9,155

     The following tables provide a summary of the allowance for loan losses and balance of loans receivable by loan class and by impairment method as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

(dollars in thousands)	Commercial Real Estate		Construction and Land Development		Commercial and Industrial		Owner Occupied Real Estate		Consumer and Other		Residential Mortgage		Unallocated		Total
December 31, 201 8
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	295	$	-	$	867	$	217	$	94	$	-	$	-	$	1,473
Collectively evaluated for impairment		2,167		777		887		1,816		483		894		118		7,142
Total allowance for loan losses	$	2,462	$	777	$	1,754	$	2,033	$	577	$	894	$	118	$	8,615
Loans receivable:
Loans evaluated individually	$	10,947	$	-	$	3,662	$	2,560	$	861	$	-	$	-	$	18,030
Loans evaluated collectively		504,791		121,042		196,761		365,335		90,291		140,364		-		1,418,584
Total loans receivable	$	515,738	$	121,042	$	200,423	$	367,895	$	91,152	$	140,364	$	-	$	1,436,614

(dollars in thousands)	Commercial Real Estate		Construction and Land Development		Commercial and Industrial		Owner Occupied Real Estate		Consumer and Other		Residential Mortgage		Unallocated		Total
December 31, 201 7
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,964	$	-	$	374	$	235	$	217	$	-	$	-	$	2,790
Collectively evaluated for impairment		1,810		725		943		1,502		356		392		81		5,809
Total allowance for loan losses	$	3,774	$	725	$	1,317	$	1,737	$	573	$	392	$	81	$	8,599
Loans receivable:
Loans evaluated individually	$	15,415	$	-	$	4,501	$	3,798	$	1,002	$	-	$	-	$	24,716
Loans evaluated collectively		417,889		104,617		168,842		306,040		75,181		64,764		-		1,137,333
Total loans receivable	$	433,304	$	104,617	$	173,343	$	309,838	$	76,183	$	64,764	$	-	$	1,162,049

A loan is considered impaired, when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.  Impaired loans include nonperforming loans, but also include internally classified accruing loans. The following table summarizes information with regard to impaired loans by loan portfolio class as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

	December 31, 201 8						December 31, 201 7
( dollars in thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate	$	6,332	$	6,337	$	-	$	9,264	$	9,268	$	-
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		1,655		5,418		-		2,756		6,674		-
Owner occupied real estate		1,905		2,013		-		2,595		2,743		-
Consumer and other		710		1,082		-		655		981		-
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	10,602	$	14,850	$	-	$	15,270	$	19,666	$	-
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate	$	4,615	$	5,498	$	295	$	6,151	$	6,165	$	1,964
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		2,007		2,195		867		1,745		1,752		374
Owner occupied real estate		655		704		217		1,203		1,206		235
Consumer and other		151		158		94		347		379		217
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	7,428	$	8,555	$	1,473	$	9,446	$	9,502	$	2,790
Total:
Commercial real estate	$	10,947	$	11,835	$	295	$	15,415	$	15,433	$	1,964
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		3,662		7,613		867		4,501		8,426		374
Owner occupied real estate		2,560		2,717		217		3,798		3,949		235
Consumer and other		861		1,240		94		1,002		1,360		217
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	18,030	$	23,405	$	1,473	$	24,716	$	29,168	$	2,790

The following table presents additional information regarding the Company’s impaired loans for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016:

	Years Ended December 31,
	201 8				201 7				201 6
(dollars in thousands)	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate	$	10,429	$	288	$	9,579	$	366	$	12,033	$	264
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		58		-
Commercial and industrial		3,341		52		2,270		37		1,828		42
Owner occupied real estate		2,275		58		1,894		58		642		10
Consumer and other		658		21		801		21		858		16
Residential mortgage		-		-		26		1		26		1
Total	$	16,703	$	419	$	14,570	$	483	$	15,445	$	333
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate	$	3,076	$	-	$	6,490	$	14	$	4,455	$	52
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		12		-
Commercial and industrial		1,862		6		2,517		68		3,357		74
Owner occupied real estate		969		25		1,390		32		2,104		31
Consumer and other		191		1		420		10		322		12
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	6,098	$	32	$	10,817	$	124	$	10,250	$	169
Total:
Commercial real estate	$	13,505	$	288	$	16,069	$	380	$	16,488	$	316
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		70		-
Commercial and industrial		5,203		58		4,787		105		5,185		116
Owner occupied real estate		3,244		83		3,284		90		2,746		41
Consumer and other		849		22		1,221		31		1,180		28
Residential mortgage		-		-		26		1		26		1
Total	$	22,801	$	451	$	25,387	$	607	$	25,695	$	502

The total average recorded investment on the Company’s impaired loans for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

were

$22.8

million,

$25.4

million, and

$25.7

million, respectively, and the related interest income recognized for those dates was

$451,000,

$607,000,

and

$502,000,

respectively.

The performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio is also monitored by analyzing the age of the loans receivable as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the past due status as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

(dollars in thousands)	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans Receivable		Loans Receivable > 90 Days  and Accruing
At December 31, 201 8
Commercial real estate	$	339	$	921	$	4,631	$	5,891	$	509,847	$	515,738	$	-
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		121,042		121,042		-
Commercial and industrial		280		-		3,661		3,941		196,482		200,423		-
Owner occupied real estate		-		653		1,188		1,841		366,054		367,895		-
Consumer and other		214		-		861		1,075		90,077		91,152		-
Residential mortgage		302		-		-		302		140,062		140,364		-
Total	$	1,135	$	1,574	$	10,341	$	13,050	$	1,423,564	$	1,436,614	$	-

(dollars in thousands)	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans Receivable		Loans Receivable > 90 Days  and Accruing
At December 31 , 201 7
Commercial real estate	$	-	$	-	$	8,963	$	8,963	$	424,341	$	433,304	$	-
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		104,617		104,617		-
Commercial and industrial		969		-		2,895		3,864		169,479		173,343		-
Owner occupied real estate		-		-		2,136		2,136		307,702		309,838		-
Consumer and other		144		-		851		995		75,188		76,183		-
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		64,764		64,764		-
Total	$	1,113	$	-	$	14,845	$	15,958	$	1,146,091	$	1,162,049	$	-

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate pass rating and the classified ratings of special mention, substandard and doubtful within our internal risk rating system as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

(dollars in thousands)	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
At December 31, 201 8 :
Commercial real estate	$	510,186	$	921	$	4,631	$	-	$	515,738
Construction and land development		121,042		-		-		-		121,042
Commercial and industrial		196,751		10		3,382		280		200,423
Owner occupied real estate		364,032		1,303		2,560		-		367,895
Consumer and other		90,291		-		861		-		91,152
Residential mortgage		140,240		124		-		-		140,364
Total	$	1,422,542	$	2,358	$	11,434	$	280	$	1,436,614

(dollars in thousands)	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
At December 31, 201 7 :
Commercial real estate	$	423,382	$	959	$	8,963	$	-	$	433,304
Construction and land development		104,617		-		-		-		104,617
Commercial and industrial		168,702		140		4,221		280		173,343
Owner occupied real estate		306,040		-		3,798		-		309,838
Consumer and other		75,181		-		1,002		-		76,183
Residential mortgage		64,637		127		-		-		64,764
Total	$	1,142,559	$	1,226	$	17,984	$	280	$	1,162,049

The following table shows non-accrual loans by class as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

(dollars in thousands)	December 31, 201 8		December 31, 201 7
Commercial real estate	$	4,631	$	8,963
Construction and land development		-		-
Commercial and industrial		3,661		2,895
Owner occupied real estate		1,188		2,136
Consumer and other		861		851
Residential mortgage		-		-
Total	$	10,341	$	14,845

If these loans were performing under their original contractual rate, interest income on such loans would have increased approximately

$498,000,

$590,000,

and

$1.0

million, for

2018,

2017,

and

2016,

respectively.  

Troubled Debt Restructurings

A modification to the contractual terms of a loan which results in a concession to a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulty is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). The concessions made in a TDR are those that would

not

otherwise be considered for a borrower or collateral with similar risk characteristics. A TDR is typically the result of efforts to minimize potential losses that

may

be incurred during loan workouts, foreclosure, or repossession of collateral at a time when collateral values are declining. Concessions include a reduction in interest rate below current market rates, a material extension of time to the loan term or amortization period, partial forgiveness of the outstanding principal balance, acceptance of interest only payments for a period of time, or a combination of any of these conditions.

The following table summarizes information with regard to outstanding troubled debt restructurings at

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

(dollars in thousands)	Number of Loans		Accrual Status		Non- Accrual Status		Total TDRs
December 31, 201 8
Commercial real estate		1	$	6,316	$	-	$	6,316
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		3		-		1,224		1,224
Owner occupied real estate		1		-		242		242
Consumer and other		-		-		-		-
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-
Total		5	$	6,316	$	1,466	$	7,782
December 31, 201 7
Commercial real estate		1	$	6,452	$	-	$	6,452
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		3		1,175		349		1,524
Owner occupied real estate		1		242		-		242
Consumer and other		-		-		-		-
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-
Total		5	$	7,869	$	349	$	8,218

All TDRs are considered impaired and are therefore individually evaluated for impairment in the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. Some TDRs

may

not

ultimately result in the full collection of principal and interest as restructured and could lead to potential incremental losses. These potential incremental losses would be factored into our estimate of the allowance for loan losses. The level of any subsequent defaults will likely be affected by future economic conditions.

There were

no

loan modifications made during the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018

that met the criteria of a TDR.

The Company modified

one

commercial and industrial loan during the

twelve

month period ended

December 31, 2017.

In accordance with the modified terms of the commercial and industrial loan, the principal balance of

$975,000

was converted from a line of credit to a term loan with a

five

year maturity.

The Company modified

one

owner occupied real estate loan during the

twelve

month period ended

December 31, 2017.

In accordance with the modified terms of the owner occupied loan of

$245,000,

certain concessions have been granted, including a reduction in the interest rate and an extension of the maturity date of the loan.

The Company modified

one

commercial real estate loan in the amount of

$6.5

million during the

twelve

month period ended

December 31, 2017

that met the criteria of a TDR. This loan was transferred to non-accrual status during the

second

quarter of

2015

as a result of delinquency caused by tenant vacancies. The Company restructured the loan based on new leases obtained by the borrower. In accordance with the modified terms of the loan, certain concessions have been granted, including a reduction in the interest rate. In addition, the principal was increased by

$421,000.

As a result of current payments for

six

consecutive months, the loan was returned to accrual status in the

third

quarter of

2017.

There were

no

loan modifications made during the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2016

that met the criteria of a TDR.

After a loan is determined to be a TDR, we continue to track its performance under the most recent restructured terms. There were

three

TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the year ended

December 31, 2018.

There were

no

TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the years ended

December 31, 2017

and

2016.

There were

no

residential mortgages in the process of foreclosure as of

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

respectively. Other real estate owned relating to residential real estate was

$0

and

$42,000

at

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

respectively.

XML

Note 6 - Other Real Estate Owned

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Other Real Estate Owned [Text Block]

6. Other Real Estate Owned

       Other real estate owned consists of properties acquired as a result of foreclosures or deeds in-lieu-of foreclosure. Costs relating to the development or improvement of assets are capitalized, and costs relating to holding the property are charged to expense. As of

December 31, 2018

the balance of OREO is comprised of

six

commercial and construction properties.

The following table presents a reconciliation of other real estate owned for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016:

(dollars in thousands)	December 31 , 201 8			December 31, 201 7			December 31, 201 6
Beginning Balance, January 1 st	$	6,966		$	10,174			11,313
Additions		315			291			616
Valuation adjustments		(563	)		(3,000	)		(355	)
Dispositions		(495	)		(499	)		(1,400	)
Ending Balance	$	6,223		$	6,966			10,174

XML

Note 7 - Premises and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

7 . Premises and Equipment

A summary of premises and equipment is as follows:

(dollars in thousands)	December 31, 201 8			December 31, 201 7
Land	$	15,957		$	12,711
Buildings		49,204			40,519
Leasehold improvements		20,396			20,477
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		21,430			18,521
Construction in progress		8,041			4,961
		115,028			97,189
Less accumulated depreciation		(27,367	)		(22,242	)
Net premises and equipment	$	87,661		$	74,947

Depreciation expense on premises and equipment amounted to approximately

$5.4

million,

$4.6

million, and

$3.5

million in

2018,

2017,

and

2016,

respectively. The construction in progress balance of

$8.0

million mainly represents costs incurred for the selection and development of future store locations.  Of this balance,

$2.7

million represents land purchased and land deposits for

seven

future store locations. Contractual construction commitments related to future store locations were

$8.0

million as of

December 31, 2018.

XML

Note 8 - Borrowings

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

8. Borrowings

Republic has a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Pittsburgh with a maximum borrowing capacity of

$717.1

million as of

December 31, 2018.

As of

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

there were

no

fixed term borrowings against this line of credit. As of

December 31, 2018,

we had overnight borrowings of

$91.4

million at a rate of

2.65%

against this line of credit. There were

no

overnight borrowings outstanding as of

December 31, 2017.

As of

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

FHLB had issued letters of credit, on Republic’s behalf, totaling

$100.0

million and

$75.0

million, respectively, against its available credit line, primarily to be used as collateral for public deposits. There were

no

fixed term advances outstanding at any month-end during

2018

and

2017.

  At

December 31, 2018,

$1.0

billion of loans collateralized the overnight advance and the letter of credit. The maximum amount of overnight borrowings outstanding at any month-end was

$206.9

million in

2018

and

$82.9

million in

2017.

Republic also has a line of credit in the amount of

$10.0

million available for the purchase of federal funds through the Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”). At

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

Republic had

no

amount outstanding against the line at ACBB. There were

no

overnight advances on this line at any month end in

2018

and

2017.

Republic also established a line of credit with Zions Bank in the amount of

$15.0

million to assist in managing our liquidity position during the year ended

December 31, 2018.

At

December 31, 2018,

Republic had

no

amount outstanding against the line at Zions Bank. There were

no

overnight balances on this line at any month end in

2018.

Subordinated debt and corporation-obligated-mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior obligations of the corporation:

The Company has sponsored

two

outstanding issues of corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of a subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation, more commonly known as trust preferred securities. The subsidiary trusts are

not

consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes.  The purpose of the issuances of these securities was to increase capital.  The trust preferred securities qualify as Tier

1

capital for regulatory purposes in an amount up to

25%

of total Tier

1

capital.

In

December 2006,

Republic Capital Trust II (“Trust II”) issued

$6.0

million of trust preferred securities to investors and

$0.2

million of common securities to the Company.  Trust II purchased

$6.2

million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company due

2037,

and the Company used the proceeds to call the securities of Republic Capital Trust I (“Trust I”).  The debentures supporting Trust II have a variable interest rate, adjustable quarterly, at

1.73%

over the

3

-month Libor.  The Company

may

call the securities on any interest payment date after

five

years without a prepayment penalty.

On

June 28, 2007,

the Company caused Republic Capital Trust III (“Trust III”), through a pooled offering, to issue

$5.0

million of trust preferred securities to investors and

$0.2

million common securities to the Company.  Trust III purchased

$5.2

million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company due

2037,

which have a variable interest rate, adjustable quarterly, at

1.55%

over the

3

month Libor.  The Company has the ability to call the securities on any interest payment date without a prepayment penalty.

On

June 10, 2008,

the Company caused Republic First Bancorp Capital Trust IV (“Trust IV”) to issue

$10.8

million of convertible trust preferred securities as part of the Company’s strategic capital plan.  The securities were purchased by various investors, including Vernon W. Hill, II, founder and chairman (retired) of Commerce Bancorp and, since

December 5, 2016,

chairman of the Company.  This investor group also included a family trust of Harry D. Madonna, president and chief executive officer of Republic First Bancorp, Inc, and Theodore J. Flocco, Jr., who, since the investment, has been elected to the Company’s Board of Directors and serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Trust IV also issued

$0.3

million of common securities to the Company.  Trust IV purchased

$11.1

million of junior subordinated debentures due

2038,

which paid interest at an annual rate of

8.0%

and were callable after the

fifth

year under certain terms and conditions. The trust preferred securities of Trust IV were convertible into approximately

1.7

million shares of common stock of the Company, based on a conversion price of

$6.50

per share of Company common stock. One independent director converted

$240,000

of trust preferred securities into

37,000

shares of common stock in

2017.

On

January 31, 2018,

the Company notified the existing holders of Trust IV of its intent to fully redeem these securities in accordance with the Optional Redemption terms included in the Indenture Agreement. The securities were redeemed on

March 31, 2018

at a price equal to the outstanding principal amount. The holders had the option to convert these securities into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time until the end of the last business day preceding the redemption date. During the

first

quarter of

2018,

$10.1

million of trust preferred securities were converted into

1.6

million shares of common stock. After redemption of the remaining securities on

March 31 2018,

Trust IV was dissolved.

Deferred issuance costs included in subordinated debt were

$82,000

and

$555,000

at

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

respectively. Amortization of deferred issuance costs were

$6,000,

$29,000,

and

$24,000

for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016,

respectively. Deferred issuance costs in the amount of

$467,000

were recorded against additional paid in capital during the

first

quarter of

2018

as a result of the conversion of trust preferred securities into common stock in accordance with ASC

470

-

20.

XML

Note 9 - Deposits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Text Block]

9. Deposits

The following is a breakdown, by contractual maturities of the Company’s certificates of deposit for the years

2019

through

2023.

(dollars in thousands)	201 9		20 20		20 2 1		20 2 2		20 2 3		Thereafter		Total
Certificates of Deposit	$	94,022	$	57,138	$	1,135	$	958	$	1,004	$	-	$	154,257

Certificates of deposit of

$250,000

or more totaled

$104.6

million and

$57.5

million at

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

respectively.

Deposits of related parties totaled

$102.7

million and

$107.1

million at

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

respectively. Brokered deposits totaled

$18.6

million and

$18.4

million at

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

respectively. Overdrafts totaled

$277,000

and

$132,000

at

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

respectively.

XML

Note 10 - Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

10. Income Taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

consists of the following:

(dollars in thousands)	201 8			20 1 7			20 1 6
Current
Federal	$	-		$	2,137		$	261
State		51			-			-
Deferred
Federal		2,006			(5,056	)		(380	)
State		(479	)		-			-
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	1,578		$	(2,919	)	$	(119	)

The following table reconciles the difference between the actual tax provision and the amount per the statutory federal income tax rate of

21.0%

for the year ended

December 31, 2018

and

35.0%

for the years ended

December 31, 2017,

and

2016.

(dollars in thousands)	201 8			20 1 7			20 1 6
Tax provision computed at federal statutory rate	$	2,143		$	2,095		$	1,689
State income tax, net of federal benefit		(340	)		-			-
Tax exempt interest		(430	)		(573	)		(582	)
Deferred tax only items		199			-			-
Effect of change in tax rate		-			7,661			-
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustment		-			(12,214	)		(1,508	)
Other		6			112			282
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	1,578		$	(2,919	)	$	(119	)

The significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax asset as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017

are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)	201 8		201 7
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for loan losses	$	2,185	$	2,047
Deferred compensation		591		557
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale		3,935		2,789
Realized losses in other than temporary impairment charge		-		65
Foreclosed real estate write-downs		2,351		1,468
Interest income on non-accrual loans		615		525
Net operating loss carryforward		3,541		5,549
Other		1,472		1,266
Total deferred tax assets		14,690		14,266
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred loan costs		1,103		998
Premises and equipment		634		211
Other		619		342
Total deferred tax liabilities		2,356		1,551
Net deferred tax asset	$	12,334	$	12,715

The Company’s net deferred tax asset decreased to

$12.3

million at

December 31, 2018

compared to

$12.7

million at

December 31, 2017.

The Company began recognizing an increased provision for federal and state income taxes during the

first

quarter of

2018

after reversing our deferred tax asset valuation allowance during the

fourth

quarter of

2017.

The company initially recorded a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in

2011

and continued to carry this allowance after determining that some portion of the deferred tax asset balance

may

not

be realized within its life cycle based on the weight of available evidence. Adjustments to the valuation allowance resulted in the recognition of a minimal provision for income taxes in each period until its reversal in

2017.

The effective tax rates for the year ended

December 31, 2018

and

2017

were

15%

and

27%,

excluding the adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance and offsets for the impact of the new tax legislation.

The

$12.3

million net deferred tax asset as of

December 31, 2018

is comprised of

$3.5

million currently recognizable through net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) and

$8.8

million attributable to several items associated with temporary timing differences which will reverse at some point in the future to provide a net reduction in tax liabilities. The Company’s largest future reversal relates to its unrealized losses on securities available for sale, which totaled

$3.9

million as of

December 31, 2018.

The Company evaluates the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis or more frequently, if necessary, in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC

740,

in particular, applying the criteria set forth therein to determine whether it is more likely than

not

(i.e. a likelihood of more than

50%

) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will

not

be realized within its life cycle, based on the weight of available evidence.  If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than

not

that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will

not

be realized in future periods a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded.  These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence.

In conducting the deferred tax asset analysis, the Company believes it is important to consider the unique characteristics of an industry or business.  In particular, characteristics such as business model, level of capital and reserves held by financial institutions and their ability to absorb potential losses are important distinctions to be considered for bank holding companies like the Company. In addition, it is also important to consider that NOLs for federal income tax purposes can generally be carried back

two

years and carried forward for a period of

twenty

years, for NOLs created prior to

January 1, 2018. 

The Company has a federal NOL in the amount of

$16.9

million which will begin to expire after

December 31, 2030

through

December 31, 2031

if

not

utilized prior to that date. In order to realize our deferred tax assets, we must generate sufficient taxable income in future years prior to expiration.

In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company carefully weighed both positive and negative evidence currently available. Judgment is required when considering the relative impact of such evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence must be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified.

Positive evidence evaluated when considering the need for a valuation allowance included:

● the annual improvement in pre-tax earnings during the four year period ended December 31, 2018;

● strong growth in interest-earning assets is expected to continue and is supported by the capital raise completed during the fourth quarter of 2016;

● deposit growth in the stores opened since the inception of the “Power of Red is Back” growth and expansion strategy in 2014 has met or exceeded expectations;

● loan growth during 2018 was greater than 20%;

● the acquisition of a residential mortgage lending team (Oak Mortgage Company) completed in July 2016 continues to supplement earnings growth;

● the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets along with other credit quality metrics continue to improve; and

● a cumulative loss has not been recorded in recent years.

Negative evidence evaluated when considering the need for a valuation allowance included:

● profitability metrics including return on average assets and return on average equity remain below industry standards;

● the Bank’s net interest margin declined during 2018 as a result of the challenging interest rate environment; and

● past earnings have been heavily dependent upon the success of the SBA Lending Team which has recently experienced reduced loan volumes and the recently acquired Mortgage Division which can be significantly impacted by a changing interest rate environment and other various economic factors.

The ongoing success of the Company’s growth and expansion strategy, along with the successful integration of the mortgage company and the limited exposure remaining with current asset quality issues put the Company in a position to rely on projections of future taxable income when evaluating the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Based on the guidance provided in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic

740

(ASC

740

), the Company believed that the positive evidence considered at

December 31, 2017

outweighed the negative evidence and that it was more likely than

not

that all of the Company’s deferred tax assets would be realized within their life cycle. Therefore, a valuation allowance was

not

required at

December 31, 2017

and a

$10.6

million benefit for income taxes was recorded in the

fourth

quarter of

2017

to reflect the reversal of the valuation allowance.

The net deferred tax asset balance was

$12.3

million as of

December 31, 2018

and

$12.7

million as of

December 31, 2017. 

The Company recorded a partial valuation allowance related to the deferred tax asset balance in the amount of

$12.2

million as of

December 31, 2016.

The deferred tax asset will continue to be analyzed on a quarterly basis for changes affecting realizability. 

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than

not,

based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination.  The Company has

not

identified any uncertain tax position as of

December 31, 2018.

No

interest or penalties have been recorded for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016.

The Internal Revenue Service has completed its audits of the Company’s federal tax returns for all tax years through

December 31, 2014.

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is

not

currently conducting any income tax audits. The Company’s federal income tax returns filed subsequent to

2015

remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

XML

Note 11 - Financial Instruments With Off-balance Sheet Risk

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Instruments With Off-balance Sheet Risk [Text Block]

11. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the financial statements.

Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss due to the failure of the other parties to a financial instrument to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. The maximum exposure to credit loss under commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. The Company uses the same underwriting standards and policies in making credit commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk are commitments to extend credit of approximately

$286.4

million and

$264.3

million and standby letters of credit of approximately

$13.9

million and

$12.6

million at

December 

31,

2018

and

2017,

respectively. Commitments often expire without being drawn upon. Of the

$286.4

million of commitments to extend credit at

December 

31,

2018,

substantially all were variable rate commitments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is

no

violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and many require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do

not

necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but

may

include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued that guarantee the performance of a customer to a

third

party. The credit risk and collateral policy involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan commitments. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but

may

include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.  Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of such collateral would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees.  The current amount of liability as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017

for guarantees under standby letters of credit issued is

not

material. 

XML

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Arrangements

As of

December 31, 2018,

the Company had entered into non-cancelable leases expiring on various dates through

December 31, 2058. 

Certain leases include escalation clauses that will require increasing cash payments over the term of the lease.  The leases are accounted for as operating leases. The minimum annual rental payments required under these leases are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year Ended	Amount
2019	$	4,124
2020		4,128
2021		2,879
2022		2,590
2023		1,916
Thereafter		36,036
Total	$	51,673

The Company incurred rent expense of

$4.4

million,

$4.0

million, and

$3.4

million for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016,

respectively.

Other

The Company and Republic are from time to time a party (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits that are in the normal course of business. While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management is of the opinion that the liability of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will

not

have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Republic.

XML

Note 13 - Regulatory Capital

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Text Block]

13. Regulatory Capital

Dividend payments by Republic to the Company are subject to the Pennsylvania Banking Code of

1965

(the “Banking Code”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDIA”). Under the Banking Code,

no

dividends

may

be paid except from “accumulated net earnings” (generally, undivided profits). Under the FDIA, an insured bank

may

pay

no

dividends if the bank is in arrears in the payment of any insurance assessment due to the FDIC. Under current banking laws, Republic would be limited to

$48.5

million of dividends plus an additional amount equal to its net profit for

2019,

up to the date of any such dividend declaration. However, dividends would be further limited in order to maintain capital ratios.

State and Federal regulatory authorities have adopted standards for the maintenance of adequate levels of capital by Republic. Federal banking agencies impose

four

minimum capital requirements on the Company’s risk-based capital ratios based on total capital, Tier

1

capital, CET

1

capital, and a leverage capital ratio. The risk-based capital ratios measure the adequacy of a bank’s capital against the riskiness of its assets and off-balance sheet activities. Failure to maintain adequate capital is a basis for “prompt corrective action” or other regulatory enforcement action. In assessing a bank’s capital adequacy, regulators also consider other factors such as interest rate risk exposure; liquidity, funding and market risks; quality and level or earnings; concentrations of credit; quality of loans and investments; risks of any nontraditional activities; effectiveness of bank policies; and management’s overall ability to monitor and control risks.

The following table presents the Company’s and Republic’s capital regulatory ratios calculated based on Basel III guidelines at

December 31, 2018

and

2017:

(dollars in thousands)	Actual					Minimum Capital Adequacy					Minimum Capital Adequacy with Capital Buffer					To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
At December 31, 201 8 :
Total risk based capital
Republic	$	231,610		13.26	%	$	139,722		8.00	%	$	172,489		9.875	%	$	174,652		10.00	%
Company		262,964		15.03	%		140,009		8.00	%		172,824		9.875	%		-		-	%
Tier one risk based capital
Republic		222,995		12.77	%		104,791		6.00	%		137,539		7.875	%		139,722		8.00	%
Company		254,349		14.53	%		105,007		6.00	%		137,821		7.875	%		-		-	%
CET 1 risk based capital
Republic		222,995		12.77	%		78,594		4.50	%		111,341		6.375	%		113,524		6.50	%
Company		243,349		13.90	%		78,755		4.50	%		111,570		6.375	%		-		-	%
Tier one leveraged capital
Republic		222,995		8.21	%		108,685		4.00	%		108,685		4.00	%		135,857		5.00	%
Company		254,349		9.35	%		108,800		4.00	%		108,800		4.00	%		-		-	%
At December 31, 201 7 :
Total risk based capital
Republic	$	187,732		12.57	%	$	119,446		8.00	%	$	138,109		9.25	%	$	149,307		10.00	%
Company		249,510		16.70	%		119,521		8.00	%		138,197		9.25	%		-		-	%
Tier one risk based capital
Republic		179,133		12.00	%		89,584		6.00	%		108,248		7.25	%		119,446		8.00	%
Company		240,911		16.13	%		89,641		6.00	%		108,316		7.25	%		-		-	%
CET 1 risk based capital
Republic		179,133		12.00	%		67,188		4.50	%		85,852		5.75	%		97,050		6.50	%
Company		220,433		14.75	%		67,231		4.50	%		85,906		5.75	%		-		-	%
Tier one leveraged capital
Republic		179,133		7.91	%		90,531		4.00	%		90,531		4.00	%		113,164		5.00	%
Company		240,911		10.64	%		90,586		4.00	%		90,586		4.00	%		-		-	%

Management believes that Republic met, as of

December 31, 2018,

all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. As of

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

the FDIC categorized Republic as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.  There are

no

calculations or events since that notification that management believes have changed Republic’s category.

Under the capital rules, risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing common equity Tier

1,

Tier

1,

and total risk-based capital, respectively, by risk-weighted assets.  Assets and off-balance sheet credit equivalents are assigned to

one

of several categories of risk-weights, based primarily on relative risk.  Under the Federal Reserve’s rules, Republic is required to maintain a minimum common equity Tier

1

capital ratio requirement of

4.5%,

a minimum Tier

1

capital ratio requirement of

6%,

a minimum total capital requirement of

8%

and a minimum leverage ratio requirement of

4%.

  Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier

1

capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements in an amount greater than

2.5%

of total risk-weighted assets.  The capital conservation buffer, which is composed of common equity tier

1

capital, began on

January 1, 2016

at the

0.625%

level and has been phased in over a

three

year period (increasing by that amount on each

January 1,

until it reaches

2.5%

on

January 1, 2019). 

Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to common equity tier

1

capital began on

January 1, 2015

and have been phased-in over a

three

-year period (beginning at

40%

on

January 1, 2015

and an additional

20%

per year thereafter.

The following table shows the required capital ratios with the conversation buffer over the phase-in period.

	Basel III Community Banks Minimum Capital Ratio Requirements
	2016			2017			2018			2019
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)		5.125	%		5.750	%		6.375	%		7.000	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)		6.625	%		7.250	%		7.875	%		8.500	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)		8.625	%		9.250	%		9.875	%		10.500	%

The Company believes that, as of

December 31, 2018,

all capital adequacy requirements are met under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if all such requirements were currently in effect.

XML

Note 14 - Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

14.  Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Plan

The Company has a defined contribution plan pursuant to the provision of

401

(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan covers all full-time employees who meet age and service requirements. The plan provides for elective employee contributions with a matching contribution from the Company limited to

4%

of total salary. The total expense charged to Republic, and included in salaries and employee benefits relating to the plan, was

$1.1

million in

2018,

$927,000

in

2017,

and

$627,000

in

2016.

Directors’ and Officers’ Plans

The Company has agreements that provide for an annuity payment upon the retirement or death of certain directors and officers, ranging from

$15,000

to

$25,000

per year for

ten

years. The agreements were modified for most participants in

2001,

to establish a minimum age of

65

to qualify for the payments. All participants are fully vested. The accrued benefits under the plan amounted to

$1.1

million at

December 31, 2018

and

$1.2

million at

December 31, 2017,

which is included in other liabilities. The expense for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016,

totaled

$18,000,

$24,000,

and

$31,000,

respectively, which is included in salaries and employee benefits. The Company funded the plan through the purchase of certain life insurance contracts. The aggregate cash surrender value of these contracts (owned by the Company) was

$2.5

million at

December 

31,

2018

and

$2.4

million at

December 31, 2017

and is included in other assets.

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain officers and directors. The plan permits certain participants to make elective contributions to their accounts, subject to applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.  In addition, the Company

may

make discretionary contributions to participant accounts.  Company contributions are subject to vesting, and generally vest

three

years after the end of the plan year to which the contribution applies, subject to acceleration of vesting upon certain changes in control (as defined in the plan) and to forfeiture upon termination for cause (as defined in the plan).  Participant accounts are adjusted to reflect contributions and distributions, and income, gains, losses, and expenses as if the accounts had been invested in permitted investments selected by the participants, including Company common stock.  The plan provides for distributions upon retirement and, subject to applicable limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, limited hardship withdrawals.  As of both

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

$1.2

million in benefits had vested and the accrued benefits are included in other liabilities. A reduction in expense of

$15,000

was recognized for the deferred compensation plan during

2018.

Expense recognized for the deferred compensation plan for

2017

and

2016

was

$28,000

and

$88,000,

respectively, and is included in salaries and employee benefits. Although the plan is an unfunded plan, and does

not

require the Company to segregate any assets, the Company has purchased shares of Company common stock in anticipation of its obligation to pay benefits under the plan.  Such shares are classified in the financial statements as stock held by deferred compensation plan.  

No

purchases were made in

2018,

2017,

and

2016.

 As of

December 31, 2018,

approximately

25,437

shares of Company common stock were classified as stock held by deferred compensation plan.

XML

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

1

5

.  Fair Value Measurements and Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are

not

necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective year-ends and have

not

been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates

may

be different than the amounts reported at each year-end.

The Company follows the guidance issued under ASC

820,

Fair Value Measurement,

which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and identifies required disclosures on fair value measurements.

ASC

820

establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level

1

measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level

3

measurements).  The

three

levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC

820

are as follows:

Level

1

: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level

2

: Quoted prices in markets that are

not

active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level

3

: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported with little or

no

market activity).

An asset or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

For financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017

were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)	Total		(Level 1) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		(Level 2) Significant Other Observable Inputs		(Level 3) Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 3 1 , 201 8
Assets:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	196,259	$	-	$	196,259	$	-
Agency mortgage-backed securities		38,499		-		38,499		-
Municipal securities		20,639		-		20,639		-
Corporate bonds		59,274		-		56,205		3,069
Asset-backed securities		6,343		-		6,343		-
Securities Available for Sale	$	321,014	$	-	$	317,945	$	3,069
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	$	20,887	$	-	$	20,887	$	-
SBA Servicing Assets		4,785		-		-		4,785
Interest Rate Lock Commitments		410		-		410		-
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments		5		-		5		-
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments		10		-		10		-
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Lock Commitments		-		-		-		-
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments		138		-		138		-
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments		230		-		230		-
December 31, 201 7
Assets:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	320,241	$	-	$	320,241	$	-
Agency mortgage-backed securities		54,866		-		54,866		-
Municipal securities		15,100		-		15,100		-
Corporate bonds		60,282		-		57,196		3,086
Asset-backed securities		13,452		-		13,452		-
Trust Preferred Securities		489		-		-		489
Securities Available for Sale	$	464,430	$	-	$	460,855	$	3,575
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	$	43,375	$	-	$	43,375	$	-
SBA Servicing Assets		5,243		-		-		5,243
Interest Rate Lock Commitments		363		-		363		-
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments		5		-		5		-
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments		19		-		19		-
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Lock Commitments		1		-		1		-
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments		93		-		93		-
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments		195		-		195		-

The following table presents an analysis of the activity in the SBA servicing assets for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016:

(dollars in thousands)	201 8			201 7			201 6
Beginning balance, January 1 st	$	5,243		$	5,352			4,886
Additions		1,000			1,078			1,541
Fair value adjustments		(1,458	)		(1,187	)		(1,075	)
Ending balance, December 31 st	$	4,785		$	5,243			5,352

Fair value adjustments are recorded as loan and servicing fees on the statement of income. Servicing fee income,

not

including fair value adjustments, totaled

$2.0

million,

$1.8

million, and

$1.8

million for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016,

respectively. Total loans in the amount of

$204.4

million at

December 31, 2018

and

$204.9

million at

December 31, 2017

were serviced for others.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the securities available for sale measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level

3

) for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016:

	Year Ended December 31, 201 8						Year Ended December 31, 201 7					Year Ended December 31, 201 6
Level 3 Investments Only (dollars in thousands)	Trust Preferred Securities			Corporate Bonds			Trust Preferred Securities			Corporate Bonds		Trust Preferred Securities			Corporate Bonds
Balance, January 1,	$	489		$	3,086		$	1,820		$	2,971	$	1,883		$	2,834
Security transferred to Level 3 measurement		-			-			-			-		-			-
Unrealized (losses) gains		237			(17	)		1,006			115		(56	)		137
Paydowns					-			-			-		-			-
Proceeds from sales		(660	)		-			(1,539	)		-		-			-
Realized losses		(66	)		-			(798	)		-		-			-
Impairment charges on Level 3		-			-			-			-		(7	)		-
Balance, December 31,	$	-		$	3,069		$	489		$	3,086	$	1,820		$	2,971

For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

respectively, were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)	Total		(Level 1) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		(Level 2) Significan t Other Observable Inputs		(Level 3) Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2018:
Impaired loans	$	5,955	$	-	$	-	$	5,955
Other real estate owned		1,114		-		-		1,114
December 31, 2017:
Impaired loans	$	7,322	$	-	$	-	$	7,322
Other real estate owned		5,727		-		-		5,727

The table below presents additional quantitative information about Level

3

assets measured at fair value (dollars in thousands):

	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Asset Description	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
December 3 1 , 2018
Corporate bonds	$	3,069	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(8.24%)
SBA servicing assets	$	4,785	Discounted Cash Flows	Conditional Prepayment Rate		(10.31%)
				Discount Rate		(11.50%)
Impaired loans	$	5,955	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)	11%	-	24%	(13%) (3)
Other real estate owned	$	1,114	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)		(7%)		(3)
December 31, 201 7
Corporate bonds	$	3,086	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(5.99%)
Trust preferred securities	$	489	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(8.33%)
SBA servicing assets	$	5,243	Discounted Cash Flows	Conditional Prepayment Rate		(7.85%)
				Discount Rate		(10.50%)
Impaired loans	$	7,322	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)	10%	-	21%	(14%) (3)
Other real estate owned	$	5,727	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)		(22%)		(3)
			Sales Price	Liquidation expenses (2)	4%	-	7%	(7%) (3)

( 1 )	Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which include Level 3 inputs that are not identifiable.
( 2 )	Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.
( 3 )	The range and weighted average of qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses are presented as a percent of the appraised value.

           The significant unobservable inputs for impaired loans and other real estate owned are the appraised value or an agreed upon sales price. These values are adjusted for estimated costs to sell which are incremental direct costs to transact a sale such as broker commissions, legal fees, closing costs and title transfer fees. The costs must be considered essential to the sale and would

not

have been incurred if the decision to sell had

not

been made. The costs to sell are based on costs associated with the Company’s actual sales of other real estate owned which are assessed annually.

Fair Value Assumptions

The following information should

not

be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies

may

not

be meaningful. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at

December 31, 2018

and

December 

31,

2017:

Investment Securities

The fair value of securities available for sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 

1

), or matrix pricing (Level

2

), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.  For certain securities, which are

not

traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments, are generally based on available market evidence (Level

3

).  In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.  Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level

3

investments.  Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) were used to support fair values of certain Level

3

investments.

The types of instruments valued based on matrix pricing in active markets include all of the Company’s U.S. government and agency securities, corporate bonds, asset backed securities, and municipal obligations held in the investment securities portfolio. Such instruments are generally classified within Level

2

of the fair value hierarchy. As required by ASC

820

-

10,

the Company does

not

adjust the matrix pricing for such instruments.

Level

3

is for positions that are

not

traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, and

may

be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with such adjustment generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Subsequent to inception, management only changes Level

3

inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending

third

-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows. Republic has

one

Level

3

investment classified as available for sale which is a single corporate bond.

The corporate bond included in Level

3

was transferred from Level

2

in

2010

and is

not

actively traded. Impairment would depend on the repayment ability of the underlying issuer, which is assessed through a detailed quarterly review of the issuer’s financial statements. The issuer is a “well capitalized” financial institution as defined by federal banking regulations and has demonstrated the ability to raise additional capital, when necessary, through the public capital markets. The fair value of this corporate bond is estimated by obtaining a price of a comparable floating rate debt instrument through Bloomberg.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Carried at Fair Value)

The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined by obtaining prices at which they could be sold in the principal market at the measurement date and are classified within Level

2

of the fair value hierarchy. Republic elected to adopt the fair value option for its mortgage loans held for sale portfolio in order to more accurately reflect their economic value. Interest income on loans held for sale, totaled

$1.2

million and

$976,000

for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

respectively, are included in interest and fees in the statements of income.

The following table reflects the difference between the carrying amount of mortgage loans held for sale, measured at fair value and the aggregate unpaid principal amount that Republic is contractually entitled to receive at maturity as of

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017 (

dollars in thousands):

	Carrying Amount		Aggregate Unpaid Principal Balance		Excess Carrying Amount Over Aggregate Unpaid Principal Balance
December 31, 2018	$	20,887	$	20,071	$	816
December 31, 2017	$	43,375	$	42,046	$	1,329

Changes in the excess carrying amount over aggregate unpaid principal balance are recorded in the statement of income in mortgage banking income. Republic did

not

have any mortgage loans held for sale recorded at fair value that were

90

or more days past due and on non-accrual at

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments (“IRLC”)

The Company determines the value of IRLC’s by comparing the market price to the price locked in with the customer, adding fees or points to be collected at closing, subtracting commissions to be paid at closing, and subtracting estimated remaining loan origination costs to the bank based on the processing status of the loan, The Company also considers pull-through as it determines the fair value of IRLC’S Factors that affect pull-through rates include the origination channel, current mortgage interest rates in the market versus the interest rate incorporated in the IRLC, the purpose of the mortgage (purchase versus financing), the stage of completion of the underlying application and underwriting process, and the time remaining until the IRLC expires. IRLCs are classified within Level

2

of the valuation hierarchy.

Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments

Best efforts forward loan sales commitments are classified within Level

2

of the valuation hierarchy. Best efforts forward loan sales commitments fix the forward sales price that will be realized upon the sale of mortgage loans into the secondary market. Best efforts forward loan sales commitments are entered into for loans at the time the borrower commitment is made. These best efforts forward loan sales commitments are valued using the committed price to the counterparty against the current market price of the interest rate lock commitment or mortgage loan held for sale.

Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments

Fair values for mandatory forward loan sales commitments are based on fair values of the underlying mortgage loans and the probability of such commitments being exercised. Due to the observable inputs used by Republic, best efforts mandatory loan sales commitments are classified within Level

2

of the valuation hierarchy.

Impaired Loans (Carried at Lower of Cost or Fair Value)

Impaired loans are those that the Company has measured impairment based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. Fair value is generally determined based upon independent

third

party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds. These assets are included as Level

3

fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The fair value consists of the loan balances less any valuation allowance. The valuation allowance amount is calculated as the difference between the recorded investment in a loan and the present value of expected future cash flows or it is calculated based on discounted collateral values if the loans are collateral dependent.

Other Real Estate Owned (Carried at Lower of Cost or Fair Value)

These assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is determined through valuations periodically performed by

third

-party appraisers, and the real estate is carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Any declines in the fair value of the real estate properties below the initial cost basis are recorded through a valuation expense. At

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

these assets are carried at current fair value and classified within Level

3

of the fair value hierarchy.

SBA Servicing Asset (Carried at Fair Value)

The SBA servicing asset is initially recorded when loans are sold and the servicing rights are retained and recorded on the balance sheet.  An updated fair value is obtained from an independent

third

party on a quarterly basis and adjustments are presented as loan and servicing fees on the statement of income. The valuation begins with the projection of future cash flows for each asset based on their unique characteristics, the Company’s market-based assumptions for prepayment speeds and estimated losses and recoveries.  The present value of the future cash flows are then calculated utilizing the Company’s market-based discount ratio assumptions.  In all cases, the Company models expected payments for every loan for each quarterly period in order to create the most detailed cash flow stream possible. 

The Company uses assumptions and estimates in determining the impairment of the SBA servicing asset. These assumptions include prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved and comparable to assumptions used by participants to value and bid serving rights available for sale in the market. At

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

the sensitivity of the current fair value of the SBA loan servicing rights to immediate

10%

and

20%

adverse changes in key assumptions are included in the accompanying table.

(dollars in thousands)	December 3 1 , 2018			December 31, 2017
SBA Servicing Asset
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset	$	4,785		$	5,243
Composition of SBA Loans Serviced for Others
Fixed-rate SBA loans		2	%		2	%
Adjustable-rate SBA loans		98	%		98	%
Total		100	%		100	%
Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years)	20.4			20.5
Prepayment Speed		10.31	%		7.85	%
Effect on fair value of a 10% increase	$	(170	)	$	(171	)
Effect on fair value of a 20% increase		(330	)		(333	)
Weighted Average Discount Rate		11.50	%		10.50	%
Effect on fair value of a 10% increase	$	(186	)	$	(211	)
Effect on fair value of a 20% increase		(359	)		(407	)

The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should

not

be considered to be predictive of future performance. As indicated, changes in value based on adverse changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in value

may

not

be linear. Also in this table, the effect of an adverse variation in a particular assumption on the value of the SBA servicing rights is calculated without changing any other assumption. While in reality, changes in

one

factor

may

magnify or counteract the effect of the change.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments (Disclosed at notional amounts)

Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments (lending commitments and letters of credit) are based on fees currently charged in the market to enter into similar agreements, taking into account, the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at

December 31, 2018

were as follows:

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 201 8
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significan t Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance Sheet Data
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	72,473	$	72,473	$	72,473	$	-	$	-
Investment securities available for sale		321,014		321,014		-		317,945		3,069
Investment securities held to maturity		761,563		747,323		-		747,323		-
Restricted stock		5,754		5,754		-		5,754		-
Loans held for sale		26,291		26,291		-		20,887		5,404
Loans receivable, net		1,427,983		1,410,945		-		-		1,410,945
SBA servicing assets		4,785		4,785		-		-		4,785
Accrued interest receivable		9,025		9,025		-		9,025		-
Interest rate lock commitments		410		410		-		410		-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments		5		5		-		5		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments		10		10		-		10		-
Financial liabilities:
Deposits
Demand, savings and money market	$	2,238,610	$	2,238,610	$	-	$	2,238,610	$	-
Time		154,257		152,989		-		152,989		-
Subordinated debt		11,259		8,279		-		-		8,279
Accrued interest payable		558		558		-		558		-
Interest rate lock commitments		-		-		-		-		-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments		138		138		-		138		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments		230		230		-		230		-
Off-Balance Sheet Data
Commitments to extend credit		-		-		-		-		-
Standby letters-of-credit		-		-		-		-		-

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at

December 31, 2017

were as follows:

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 201 7
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance Sheet Data
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,942	$	61,942	$	61,942	$	-	$	-
Investment securities available for sale		464,430		464,430		-		460,855		3,575
Investment securities held to maturity		472,213		463,799		-		463,799		-
Restricted stock		1,918		1,918		-		1,918		-
Loans held for sale		45,700		45,714		-		43,375		2,339
Loans receivable, net		1,153,679		1,120,305		-		-		1,120,305
SBA servicing assets		5,243		5,243		-		-		5,243
Accrued interest receivable		7,009		7,009		-		7,009		-
Interest rate lock commitments		363		363		-		363		-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments		5		5		-		5		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments		19		19		-		19		-
Financial liabilities:
Deposits
Demand, savings and money market	$	1,946,558	$	1,946,558	$	-	$	1,946,558	$	-
Time		116,737		115,673		-		115,673		-
Subordinated debt		21,681		18,458		-		-		18,458
Accrued interest payable		293		293		-		293		-
Interest rate lock commitments		1		1		-		1		-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments		93		93		-		93		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments		195		195		-		195		-
Off-Balance Sheet Data
Commitments to extend credit		-		-		-		-		-
Standby letters-of-credit		-		-		-		-		-

XML

Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

1

6

. Stock Based Compensation

The Company has a Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“the

2005

Plan”), under which the Company granted options, restricted stock or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, and certain consultants. The

2005

Plan became effective on

November 14, 1995,

and was amended and approved at the Company’s

2005

annual meeting of shareholders. Under the terms of the

2005

Plan,

1.5

million shares of common stock, plus an annual increase equal to the number of shares needed to restore the maximum number of shares that could be available for grant under the

2005

Plan to

1.5

million shares, were available for such grants. As of

December 31, 2018,

the only grants under the

2005

Plan were option grants. The

2005

Plan provided that the exercise price of each option granted equaled the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Options granted pursuant to the

2005

Plan vest within

one

to

four

years and have a maximum term of

10

years. The

2005

Plan terminated on

November 14, 2015

in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the Plan agreement.

On

April 29, 2014

the Company’s shareholders approved the

2014

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the

“2014

Plan”), under which the Company

may

grant options, restricted stock, stock units, or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, independent contractors, and consultants.  Under the terms of the

2014

Plan,

2.6

million shares of common stock, plus an annual adjustment to be

no

less than

10%

of the outstanding shares or such lower number as the Board of Directors

may

determine, are available for such grants. At

December 31, 2018,

the maximum number of common shares issuable under the

2014

Plan was

6.3

million shares. During the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018,

1,106,800

options were granted under the

2014

Plan with a fair value of

$3,030,999.

During

2018,

options to purchase the Company’s common stock were granted to certain employees and directors. The exercise price for the options granted was equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The options issued are subject to a

one

to

four

year vesting period and expire after

ten

years.

The Company utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the estimated fair value of each stock option granted on the date of the grant. A summary of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for

2018,

2017,

and

2016

is as follows:

	201 8			201 7			201 6
Dividend yield (1)		0.0%			0.0%			0.0%
Expected volatility		28.22%	(2)	44.00%	to	50.09% (3)	46.38%	to	52.54% (3)
Risk-free interest rate (4 )	2.35%	to	2.96%	1.89%	to	2.30%	1.23%	to	1.82%
Expected life (in years) (5 )		6.25		5.5	to	7.0	5.5	to	7.0
Assumed forfeiture rate (6 )		4.0%			6.0%			10.0%

(

1

)

A dividend yield of

0.0%

is utilized because cash dividends have never been paid.

(

2

)

The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock price as adjusted for certain historical periods of extraordinary volatility in order to estimate expected volatility.

(

3

)

Expected volatility is based on Bloomberg’s

five

and

one

-half to

seven

year volatility calculation for “FRBK” stock.

(

4

)

The risk-free interest rate is based on the

five

to

seven

year Treasury bond.

(

5

)

The expected life reflects a

1

to

4

year vesting period, the maximum

ten

year term and review of historical behavior.

(

6

)

Forfeiture rate is determined through forfeited and expired options as a percentage of options granted over the current

three

year period.

During

2018,

753,864

options vested as compared to

529,624

options in

2017

and

519,050

options in

2016.

 Expense is recognized ratably over the period required to vest. At

December 31, 2018,

the intrinsic value of the

3,861,650

options outstanding was

$4.3

million, while the intrinsic value of the

1,899,487

exercisable (vested) options was

$3.6

million. During

2018,

76,125

options were forfeited with a weighted average grant date fair value of

$235,000.

Information regarding stock based compensation for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

is set forth below:

	201 8		201 7		201 6
Stock based compensation expense recognized	$	2,116,000	$	1,842,000	$	759,000
Number of unvested stock options		1,962,163		1,659,102		1,283,226
Fair value of unvested stock options	$	5,550,820	$	4,587,565	$	2,184,773
Amount remaining to be recognized as expense	$	3,406,394	$	2,508,314	$	1,104,424

The remaining amount of

$3.4

million will be recognized ratably as expense through

December 2022.

A summary of stock option activity under the Plan as of

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

is as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	201 8					201 7					201 6
	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of year		3,005,825		$	4.98		2,332,900		$	3.70		1,947,725		$	3.56
Granted		1,106,800			8.34		916,000			8.03		661,750			4.06
Exercised		(174,850	)		3.83		(197,975	)		3.26		(226,275	)		3.21
Forfeited		(76,125	)		6.80		(45,100	)		7.95		(50,300	)		5.21
Outstanding, end of year		3,861,650		$	5.96		3,005,825		$	4.98		2,332,900		$	3.70
Options exercisable at year-end		1,899,487		$	4.53		1,346,723		$	3.55		1,049,674		$	3.70
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year				$	2.85				$	3.75				$	1.80

     A summary of stock option exercises and related proceeds during the years end

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

is as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	201 8		201 7		201 6
Number of options exercised		174,850		197,975		226,275
Cash received	$	670,413	$	646,263	$	726,157
Intrinsic value	$	814,855	$	991,957	$	739,699
Tax benefit	$	12,288	$	81,589	$	-

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at

December 31, 2018:

Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices			Number Outstanding		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$1.55	to	$3.53		518,200		3.5	$	2.52		508,200	$	2.50
$3.55	to	$3.95		663,050		5.5		3.62		526,312		3.64
$3.99	to	$7.85		737,225		6.2		4.50		435,850		4.55
$8.00	to	$9.50		1,943,175		8.5		8.23		429,125		8.00
				3,861,650			$	5.96		1,899,487	$	4.53

A roll-forward of non-vested options during the year ended

December 31, 2018

is as follows:

	Number of Share s			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested, beginning of year		1,659,102		$	2.77
Granted		1,106,800			2.85
Vested		(753,864	)		2.92
Forfeited		(49,875	)		2.94
Nonvested, end of year		1,962,163		$	2.83

XML

Note 17 - Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

1

7

. Segment Reporting

The Company has

one

reportable segment: community banking. The community banking segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of Republic, as well as, residential mortgage and consumer loan products in the area surrounding its stores. Mortgage loans in Delaware and Florida are primarily made to local customers that have

second

homes (vacation) in Delaware and Florida. We do

not

have loan production offices in those states.

XML

Note 18 - Transactions With Affiliates and Related Parties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

1

8

. Transactions with Affiliate

s and Related Parties

The Company made payments to related parties in the amount of

$685,000,

$653,000,

and

$1.0

million during

2018,

2017,

and

2016,

respectively. The disbursements made during

2018,

2017,

and

2016

include

$400,000,

$361,000,

and

$450,000,

respectively, in fees for marketing, graphic design, architectural and project management services paid to InterArch, a company owned by the spouse of Vernon W. Hill, II. Mr. Hill is the Chairman of the Company, and beneficially owns

8.1%

of the common shares currently outstanding. The Company paid

$165,000,

$172,000

and

$194,000

during

2018,

2017,

and

2016

to Glassboro Properties, LLC related to a land lease agreement for its Glassboro store. Mr. Hill has an ownership interest in Glassboro Properties LLC, a commercial real estate firm. Prior to his appointment as Chairman in

December 2016,

Mr. Hill acted as a consultant for the Company and was paid

$250,000

annually for his services.

The Company paid

$120,000

during

2018,

2017

and

2016

to Brian Communications for public relations services in addition to reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses and other reimbursable costs. Brian Tierney, a member of the Board of Directors, is the CEO of Brian Communications, a strategic communications agency.

XML

Note 19 - Parent Company Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]

1

9

. Parent Company Financial Information

The following financial statements for Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (Parent Company) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the other notes related to the consolidated financial statements.

Balance Sheet

December 31,

201

8

and

201

7

(Dollars in thousands)

	December 31, 201 8		December 31, 201 7
ASSETS
Cash	$	27,722	$	60,309
Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust holding junior obligations of the corporation		341		676
Investment in subsidiaries		220,864		181,256
Other assets		7,572		5,931
Total Assets	$	256,499	$	248,172
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER S ’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Accrued expenses	$	51	$	31
Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation		11,259		21,681
Total Liabilities		11,310		21,712
Shareholders’ Equity
Total Shareholders’ Equity		245,189		226,460
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	256,499	$	248,172

Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income (Loss),

and Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the years ended

December 31,

201

8

,

201

7

,

and

201

6

(Dollars in thousands)

	201 8			201 7			201 6
Interest income	$	13		$	37		$	35
Total income		13			37			35
Trust preferred interest expense		441			1,225			1,160
Other expenses		4,972			1,424			717
Total expenses		5,413			2,649			1,877
Net loss before taxes		(5,400	)		(2,612	)		(1,842	)
Benefit for income taxes		(1,640	)		(914	)		(645	)
Loss before undistributed income of subsidiaries		(3,760	)		(1,698	)		(1,197	)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		12,387			10,603			6,142
Net income	$	8,627		$	8,905		$	4,945
Net income	$	8,627		$	8,905		$	4,945
Total other comprehensive loss		(2,778	)		(215	)		(4,129	)
T otal comprehensive income (loss)	$	5,849		$	8,690		$	816
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of year	$	226,460		$	215,053		$	113,375
Shares issued under common stock offering		-			-			99,175
Stock based compensation		2,116			1,842			759
Stock options issued in acquisition		-			-			202
Exercise of stock options		670			646			726
Conversion of subordinated debt to common shares		10,094			229			-
Net income		8,627			8,905			4,945
Total other comprehensive loss		(2,778	)		(215	)		(4,129	)
Shareholders’ equity, end of year	$	245,189		$	226,460		$	215,053

Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended

December 31,

201

8

,

201

7

,

and

201

6

(Dollars in thousands)

	201 8			201 7			201 6
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	8,627		$	8,905		$	4,945
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Share based compensation		2,116			1,842			961
Amortization of debt issuance costs		6			29			24
Increase in other assets		(1,639	)		(1,342	)		(716	)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities		20			(179	)		190
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		(12,387	)		(10,603	)		(6,142	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(3,257	)		(1,348	)		(738	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiary		(30,000	)		-			(40,203	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(30,000	)		-			(40,203	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from stock offering		-			-			99,175
Exercise of stock options		670			646			726
Net cash provided by financing activities		670			646			99,901
Increase (decrease) in cash		(32,587	)		(702	)		58,960
Cash, beginning of period		60,309			61,011			2,051
Cash, end of period	$	27,722		$	60,309		$	61,011

XML

Note 20 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

20

. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

The following represents summarized unaudited quarterly financial data of the Company for each of the quarters ended during

2018

and

2017.

Summary of Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	For the Quarter Ended
	December 31 st			September 30 th		June 30 th			March 31 st
201 8
Interest income	$	25,293		$	23,558	$	22,324		$	20,899
Interest expense		5,313			4,412		3,662			2,783
Net interest income		19,980			19,146		18,662			18,116
Provision for loan losses		600			500		800			400
Non-interest income		4,888			5,131		5,768			4,535
Non-interest expense		22,057			20,833		20,729			20,102
Provision for income taxes		54			622		530			372
Net income	$	2,157		$	2,322	$	2,371		$	1,777
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
201 7
Interest income	$	19,409		$	17,922	$	17,331		$	16,187
Interest expense		2,542			2,210		2,064			1,968
Net interest income		16,867			15,712		15,267			14,219
Provision for loan losses		400			-		500			-
Non-interest income		5,012			5,778		4,969			4,338
Non-interest expense		21,622			19,165		17,685			16,804
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(2,881	)		4		(8	)		(34	)
Net income	$	2,738		$	2,321	$	2,059		$	1,787
Net income per share (1) :
Basic	$	0.05		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
Diluted	$	0.05		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03

( 1 ) Quarterly net income per share does not add to full year net income per share due to rounding.

XML

Note 21 - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) By Component (1)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

2

1

.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) By Component

(

1

)

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of taxes, for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016.

	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- For-Sale Securities			Unrealized Holding Losses on Securities Transferred From Available-For-Sale To Held-To-Maturity			Total
(dollars in thousands)
Balance January 1, 2018	$	(7,150	)	$	(359	)	$	(7,509	)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02		(1,562	)		(78	)		(1,640	)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities		3,927			-			3,927
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		-			(6,855	)		(6,855	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		49			101			150
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		3,976			(6,754	)		(2,778	)
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		2,414			(6,832	)		(4,418	)
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(4,736	)	$	(7,191	)	$	(11,927	)
Balance January 1, 2017	$	(6,831	)	$	(463	)	$	(7,294	)
Unrealized loss on securities		(413	)		-			(413	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		94			104			198
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(319	)		104			(215	)
Balance December 31, 2017	$	(7,150	)	$	(359	)	$	(7,509	)
Balance January 1, 2016	$	(2,562	)	$	(603	)	$	(3,165	)
Unrealized loss on securities		(3,853	)		-			(3,853	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		(416	)		140			(276	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,269	)		140			(4,129	)
Balance December 31, 2016	$	(6,831	)	$	(463	)	$	(7,294	)

( 1 ) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to other comprehensive income.

( 2 ) Reclassification amounts are reported as gains/losses on sales of investment securities, impairment losses, and amortization of net unrealized losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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Note 22 - Business Combination

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

22.

Business Combination

Oak Mortgage Company, LLC

On

July 28, 2016,

Republic acquired all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Oak Mortgage Company, LLC (“Oak Mortgage”) and, as a result, Oak Mortgage became a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic on that date. The aggregate cash purchase price paid to the Sellers for their limited liability company interests at closing was

$7.1

million,

$1.0

million of which was deposited in an escrow account to be disbursed

one

year from closing subject to adjustment for any covered indemnity claims under the Purchase Agreement. Escrow funds were disbursed in the

third

quarter of

2017.

The purchase price was considered final as of

December 31, 2017.

In connection with the Oak Mortgage acquisition, the following table details the consideration paid, the initial estimated fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition, the subsequent adjustments to estimates, the final valuation of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition, and the resulting goodwill recorded (in thousands):

Consideration paid:	Original Estimates		Adjustments to Estimates			Final Valuation
Cash	$	7,136	$	-		$	7,136
Equity instruments		202		-			202
Deferred additional purchase price		500		-			500
Value of consideration	$	7,838	$	-		$	7,838
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,223	$	-		$	1,223
Loans held for sale		20,871		-			20,871
Loans receivable		1,132		-			1,132
Premises and equipment		103		-			103
Derivative assets		1,508		-			1,508
Intangible assets – non compete agreements		104		-			104
Other assets		125		-			125
Total assets		25,066		-			25,066
Liabilities assumed:
Warehouse lines of credit		19,666		-			19,666
Derivative liabilities		412		-			412
Other liabilities		2,042		119			2,161
Total liabilities		22,120		119			22,239
Net assets acquired		2,946		(119	)		2,827
Goodwill resulting from acquisition of Oak Mortgage	$	4,892	$	119		$	5,011

As of

December 31, 2016,

the estimates of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of Oak Mortgage were finalized.

On an unaudited pro forma basis for the year ended

December 31, 2016,

the Company would have reported total revenues of

$69.4

million and net income of

$6.1

million. The pro forma information does

not

necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have occurred had Oak Mortgage been acquired by the Company at the beginning of

2016.

The pro forma financial information does

not

include the impact of possible business model changes, nor does it consider any potential impacts of current market conditions or revenues, expense efficiencies or other factors.

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Note 23 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

23

. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

The Company completed an annual impairment test for goodwill as of

July 31, 2018

and

2017.

Future impairment testing will be conducted as of

July 31

on an annual basis, unless a triggering event occurs in the interim that would suggest impairment, in which case it would be tested as of the date of the triggering event. During the year ended

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

there was

no

goodwill impairment recorded. There can be

no

assurance that future impairment assessments or tests will

not

result in a charge to earnings.

The Company’s goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of Oak Mortgage in

July 2016

is detailed below:

(dollars in thousands)	Balance December 31, 201 7		Additions/ Adjustments		Amortization		Balance December 3 1, 2018		Amortization Period (in years)
Goodwill	$	5,011	$	-	$	-	$	5,011		Indefinite

(dollars in thousands)	Balance December 31, 201 6		Additions/ Adjustments		Amortization			Balance December 3 1 , 201 7		Amortization Period (in years)
Goodwill	$	5,011	$	-	$	-		$	5,011		Indefinite
Non-compete agreements		61		-		(61	)		-		1
Total	$	5,072	$	-	$	(61	)	$	5,011

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Note 24 - Derivatives and Risk Management Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

24

. Derivatives and Risk Management Activities

Republic did

not

have any derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, or subject to master netting and collateral agreements for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018

and

2017.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in Republic’s statement of financial condition for derivatives

not

designated as hedging instruments as of

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017 (

in thousands):

December 31, 201 8	Balance Sheet Presentation	Fair Value		Notional Amount
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Assets	$	410	$	16,966
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		5		1,639
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		10		865
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Liabilities	$	-	$	-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		138		15,327
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		230		18,980

December 31, 201 7	Balance Sheet Presentation	Fair Value		Notional Amount
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Assets	$	363	$	16,366
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		5		1,807
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		19		4,566
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Liabilities	$	1	$	424
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		93		14,983
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		195		36,223

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in Republic’s statement of income for derivative instruments

not

designated as hedging instruments for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

(in thousands):

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 201 8	Income Statement Presentation	Gain/(Loss)
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	47
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(9	)
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	1
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(45	)
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(35	)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 201 7	Income Statement Presentation	Gain/(Loss)
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	(76	)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(98	)
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(210	)
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	54
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		32
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(157	)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016	Income Statement Presentation	Gain/(Loss)
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	(1,042	)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		77
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		229
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Mortgage banking income	$	(32	)
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		264
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Mortgage banking income		(38	)

The fair value of Republic’s IRLCs, best efforts forward loan sales commitments, and mandatory forward loan sales commitments are based upon the estimated value of the underlying mortgage loan (determined consistent with “Loans Held for Sale”), adjusted for (

1

) estimated costs to complete and originate the loan, and (

2

) the estimated percentage of IRLCs that will result in a closed mortgage loan. The valuation of the IRLCs issued by Republic includes the value of the servicing released premium. Republic sells loans servicing released, and the servicing released premium is included in the market price.

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Note 25 - Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]

25

.

Revenue Recognition

On

January 1, 2018,

the Company adopted ASU

2014

-

09

“

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

”

(Topic

606

)

and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic

606.

As stated in Note

2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,

the implementation of the new standard did

not

have a material impact on the measurement of recognition of revenue. Management determined that a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings was

not

deemed necessary. Results for reporting periods beginning

January 1, 2018

are presented under Topic

606,

while prior period amounts were

not

adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic

605.

Topic

606

does

not

apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and investments. In addition, certain non-interest income streams such as gains on sales of residential mortgage and SBA loans, income associated with servicing assets, and loan fees, including residential mortgage originations to be sold and prepayment and late fees charged across all loan categories are also

not

in scope of the new guidance. Topic

606

is applicable to non-interest revenue streams such as service charges on deposit accounts. However, the recognition of these revenue streams did

not

change significantly upon adoption of Topic

606.

Non-interest revenue streams in-scope of Topic

606

are discussed below.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts

Service charges on deposit accounts consist of account analysis fees (i.e., net fees earned on analyzed business and public checking accounts), ATM fees, NSF fees, and other deposit related fees.

The Company’s performance obligation for account analysis fees and monthly services fees is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, over the period in which the service is provided, which is typically

one

month. Revenue is recognized at month end after the completion of the service period and payment for these service charges on deposit accounts is primarily received through a direct charge to customers’ accounts.

ATM fees, NSF fees, and other deposit related fees are largely transactional based, and therefore, the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, at a point in time. Payment for these service charges are received immediately through a direct charge to customers’ accounts.

For the Company, there are

no

other material revenue streams within the scope of Topic

606.

The following tables present non-interest income, segregated by revenue streams in-scope and out-of-scope of Topic

606,

for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016.

	Twelve Months Ended December 31 ,
(dollars in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Non-interest income
In-scope of Topic 606
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	5,476	$	3,904	$	2,658
Other non-interest income		174		177		335
Non-interest income (in-scope of Topic 606)		5,650		4,081		2,993
Non-interest income (out-of-scope of Topic 606)		14,672		16,016		12,319
Total non-interest income	$	20,322	$	20,097	$	15,312

Contract Balances

A contract assets balance occurs when an entity performs a service for a customer before the customer pays consideration (resulting in a contract receivable) or before payment is due (resulting in a contract asset). A contract liability balance is an entity’s obligation to transfer a service to a customer for which the entity has already received payment (or payment is due) from the customer. The Company’s non-interest revenue streams are largely based on transaction activity, or standard month-end revenue accruals. Consideration is often received immediately or shortly after the Company satisfies its performance obligation and revenue is recognized. The Company does

not

typically enter into long-term contracts with customers, and therefore, does

not

experience significant contract balances. As of

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016,

the Company did

not

have any significant contract balances.

Contract Acquisition Costs

In connection with the adoption of Topic

606,

an entity is required to capitalize, and subsequently amortize as an expense, certain incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if these costs are expected to be recovered. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that an entity incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that it would

not

have incurred if the contract had

not

been obtained (for example, sales commission). The company utilizes the practical expedient which allows entities to immediately expense contract acquisition costs when the assets that would have resulted from capitalizing these costs would have been amortized in

one

year or less. Upon adoption of Topic

606,

the Company did

not

capitalize any contract acquisition cost.

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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic. The Company follows accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).  The FASB sets accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) that are followed to ensure consistent reporting of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated. Events occurring subsequent to the date of the balance sheet have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.  

Risks and Uncertainties and Certain Significant Estimates [Policy Text Block]

Risks and Uncertainties and Certain Significant Estimates

The earnings of the Company depend primarily on the earnings of Republic. The earnings of Republic are heavily dependent upon the level of net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Accordingly, the Company’s results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding Republic’s exposure to changes in the interest rate environment. Prepayments on residential real estate mortgage and other fixed rate loans and mortgage-backed securities vary significantly and

may

cause significant fluctuations in interest margins.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates are made by management in determining the allowance for loan losses, carrying values of other real estate owned, assessment of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of investment securities, fair value of financial instruments, and the realization of deferred income tax assets. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing these estimates.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within the Greater Philadelphia region.  Note

3

– Investment Securities discusses the types of investment securities that the Company invests in.  Note

4

– Loans Receivable discusses the types of lending that the Company engages in, as well as loan concentrations.  The Company does

not

have a significant concentration of credit risk with any

one

customer.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with an original maturity of

ninety

days or less and federal funds sold, maturing in

ninety

days or less, to be cash and cash equivalents.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks

Republic is required to maintain certain average reserve balances as established by the Federal Reserve Board. The amounts of those balances for the reserve computation periods that include

December 31, 2018

and

2017

were approximately

$51.4

million and

$31.2

million, respectively. These requirements were satisfied through the restriction of vault cash and a balance held by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investment Securities

Held to Maturity

– Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and are carried at their remaining unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts.  Premiums are amortized and discounts are accreted using the interest method over the estimated remaining term of the underlying security.

Available for Sale –

Debt securities that will be held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that

may

be sold in response to changes in market interest or prepayment rates, needs for liquidity, and changes in the availability of and in the yield of alternative investments, are classified as available for sale.  These assets are carried at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from operations and are reported net of tax as a separate component of other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are reported in the consolidated statements of income and determined using the adjusted cost of the specific security sold on the trade date.

Investment securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. To determine whether a loss in value is other-than-temporary, management utilizes criteria such as the reasons underlying the decline, the magnitude and duration of the decline, the intent to hold the security and the likelihood of the Company

not

being required to sell the security prior to an anticipated recovery in the fair value. The term “other-than-temporary” is

not

intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value is

not

necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the portion of the decline related to credit impairment is charged to earnings. Impairment charges on bank pooled trust preferred securities of

$7,000

were recognized during the year ended

December 31, 2016

as a result of estimated other-than-temporary impairment. As of

December 31, 2018,

the Company

no

longer holds any bank pooled trust preferred securities.

In

December 2018,

twenty-three

CMOs and

two

MBSs with a fair value of

$230.1

million that were previously classified as available-for-sale were transferred to the held-to-maturity category. The securities were transferred at fair value. Unrealized losses of

$9.4

million associated with the transferred securities will remain in other comprehensive income and be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the securities. At

December 31, 2018,

the total approximated unrealized loss of

$9.8

million remaining to be amortized includes

eleven

securities previously transferred in

July 2014.

Restricted Stock [Policy Text Block]

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock, which represents a required investment in the capital stock of correspondent banks related to available credit facilities, was carried at cost as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017.

As of those dates, restricted stock consisted of investments in the capital stock of the FHLB of Pittsburgh and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”).  The required investment in the capital stock of the FHLB is calculated based on outstanding loan balances and open credit facilities with the FHLB. Excess investments are returned to Republic on a quarterly basis.

At

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

the investment in FHLB stock totaled

$5.6

million and

$1.8

million, respectively. The increase was due primarily to a higher membership stock requirement by FHLB at

December 31, 2018

which resulted in a higher required investment as of that date. At both

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017,

ACBB stock totaled

$143,000.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Mortgage Banking Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Mortgage Banking Activities and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are originated and held until sold to permanent investors. On

July 28, 2016,

management elected to adopt the fair value option in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)

820,

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

, and record loans held for sale at fair value.

Mortgage loans held for sale originated on or subsequent to the election of the fair value option, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair value is determined on a recurring basis by utilizing quoted prices from dealers in such securities. Changes in fair value are reflected in mortgage banking income in the statements of income. Direct loan origination costs are recognized when incurred and are included in non-interest expense in the statements of income.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

Mortgage loan commitments known as interest rate locks that relate to the origination of a mortgage that will be held for sale upon funding are considered derivative instruments under the derivatives and hedging accounting guidance FASB ASC

815,

Derivatives and Hedging

. Loan commitments that are classified as derivatives are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet as other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income. Outstanding IRLCs are subject to interest rate risk and related price risk during the period from the date of issuance through the date of loan funding, cancellation or expiration. Loan commitments generally range between

30

and

90

days; however, the borrower is

not

obligated to obtain the loan. Republic is subject to fallout risk related to IRLCs, which is realized if approved borrowers choose

not

to close on the loans within the terms of the IRLCs. Republic uses best efforts commitments to substantially eliminate these risks. The valuation of the IRLCs issued by Republic includes the value of the servicing released premium. Republic sells loans where the servicing is released, and the servicing released premium is included in the market price. See Note

24

Derivatives and Risk Management Activities for further detail of IRLCs.

Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block]

Best Efforts Forward Loan Sale Commitments

Best efforts forward loan sale commitments are commitments to sell individual mortgage loans at a fixed price to an investor at a future date. Best efforts forward loan sale commitments are accounted for as derivatives and carried at fair value, determined as the amount that would be necessary to settle the derivative financial instrument at the balance sheet date. Gross derivative assets and liabilities are recorded as other assets and other liabilities with changes in fair value during the period recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income.

Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments

Mandatory forward loan sales commitments are based on fair values of the underlying mortgage loans and the probability of such commitments being exercised. Mandatory forward loan sale commitments are accounted for as derivatives and carried at fair value, determined as the amount that would be necessary to settle the derivative financial instrument at the balance sheet date. Gross derivative assets and liabilities are recorded as other assets and other liabilities with changes in fair value during the period recorded as mortgage banking income and included in non-interest income in the statements of income.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is recognized as an asset and is to be reviewed for impairment annually and between annual tests when events and circumstances indicate that impairment

may

have occurred. Impairment is a condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

The Company has

one

reportable segment: Community Banking. The community banking segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of the Bank, as well as, residential mortgage and consumer loan products in the area surrounding its stores. Oak Mortgage was acquired by the Bank on

July 28, 2016

and organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. Oak Mortgage was maintained as a separate legal entity through

December 31, 2017

in order to preserve certain secondary market contracts and regulatory licensing requirements. As such, the Bank deemed Oak Mortgage to be a separate reporting unit as of

July 31, 2017

and performed a Step One Test for Goodwill Impairment in compliance with ASC Topic

350

-

20

as of that date. At that time, via a Step One Test, the fair value of Oak Mortgage was higher than its book value and

no

Step Two analysis was required.

On

January 1, 2018,

Oak Mortgage operations were restructured as a division of Republic and all assets, liabilities, contracts, employees and activity were merged into the Republic. As a result of this restructuring, the Company re-evaluated its reporting unit structure and determined that as of

July 31, 2018

there were

no

longer

two

reporting units but rather a sole reporting unit in Republic Bank. As of

July 31, 2018,

the Company performed a qualitative assessment for its reporting unit to determine if the

one

-step quantitative impairment test was necessary. As part of its qualitative assessment, the Company reviewed regional and national trends in current and expected economic conditions, examining indicators such as GDP growth, interest rates and unemployment rates. The Company also considered its own historical performance, expectations of future performance and other trends specific to the banking industry. Based on its qualitative assessment, the Company determined that there was

no

evidence of impairment on the balance of goodwill. Goodwill totaled

$5.0

million as of

December 31, 2018

and

2017,

respectively.

Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Loans Receivable

The loans receivable portfolio is segmented into commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, owner occupied real estate loans, construction and land development loans, consumer and other loans, and residential mortgages. Consumer loans consist of home equity loans and other consumer loans.

Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating historical and projected profitability and cash flow to determine the borrower’s ability to repay their obligation as agreed. Commercial and industrial loans are made primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral supporting the loan facility. Accordingly, the repayment of a commercial and industrial loan depends primarily on the creditworthiness of the borrower (and any guarantors), while liquidation of collateral is a secondary and often insufficient source of repayment.

Commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans are subject to the underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those underwriting standards for real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow dependent and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Repayment of these loans is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the principal business conducted on the property securing the loan. In addition, the underwriting considers the amount of the principal advanced relative to the property value. Commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans

may

be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or the economy in general. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans based on cash flow estimates, collateral and risk-rating criteria. The Company also utilizes

third

-party experts to provide environmental and market valuations. Substantial effort is required to underwrite, monitor and evaluate commercial real estate and owner occupied real estate loans.

Construction and land development loans are underwritten based upon a financial analysis of the developers and property owners and construction cost estimates, in addition to independent appraisal valuations. These loans will rely on the value associated with the project upon completion. These cost and valuation amounts used are estimates and

may

be inaccurate. Construction loans generally involve the disbursement of substantial funds over a short period of time with repayment substantially dependent upon the success of the completed project. Sources of repayment of these loans would be permanent financing upon completion or sales of developed property. These loans are closely monitored by onsite inspections and are considered to be of a higher risk than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to general economic conditions, availability of long-term financing, interest rate sensitivity, and governmental regulation of real property.

Consumer and other loans consist of home equity loans and lines of credit and other loans to individuals originated through the Company’s retail network, which are typically secured by personal property or unsecured. Home equity loans and lines of credit often carry additional risk as a result of typically being in a

second

position or lower in the event collateral is liquidated. Consumer loans have

may

also have greater credit risk because of the difference in the underlying collateral, if any. The application of various federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws

may

limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.

Residential mortgage loans are secured by

one

to

four

family dwelling units. This group consists of

first

mortgages and are originated at loan to value ratios of

80%

or less.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by unearned income and an allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is calculated based upon the principal amounts outstanding. The Company defers and amortizes certain origination and commitment fees, and certain direct loan origination costs over the contractual life of the related loan. This results in an adjustment of the related loans yield.

The Company accounts for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts related to loans purchased based upon the effective interest method. If a loan prepays in full before the contractual maturity date, any unamortized premiums, discounts or fees are recognized immediately as an adjustment to interest income.

Loans are generally classified as non-accrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of principal or interest for a period of more than

90

days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than

90

days

may

also be classified as non-accrual if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is in doubt. Loans

may

be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment performance of interest and principal by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms. Generally, in the case of non-accrual loans, cash received is applied to reduce the principal outstanding.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments would represent management’s estimate of losses inherent in its unfunded loan commitments and would be recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, if necessary. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to operations. Loans are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectability of the loan principal is unlikely. Recoveries on loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for credit losses is an amount that represents management’s estimate of known and inherent losses related to the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. Because the allowance for credit losses is dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other conditions that

may

be beyond Republic’s control, the estimate of the allowance for credit losses could differ materially in the near term.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to loans that are categorized as impaired.  For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for several qualitative factors.  An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio. All identified losses are immediately charged off and therefore

no

portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or group of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.

In estimating the allowance for credit losses, management considers current economic conditions, past loss experience, diversification of the loan portfolio, delinquency statistics, results of internal loan reviews and regulatory examinations, borrowers’ perceived financial and managerial strengths, the adequacy of underlying collateral, if collateral dependent, or present value of future cash flows, and other relevant and qualitative risk factors.  These qualitative risk factors include:

1 ) Lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices.

2 ) National, regional and local economic and business conditions as well as the condition of various segments.

3 ) Nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans.

4 ) Experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff.

5 ) Volume and severity of past due, classified and nonaccrual loans as well as other loan modifications.

6 ) Quality of the Company’s loan review system, and the degree of oversight by the Company’s Board of Directors.

7 ) Existence and effect of any concentration of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations.

8 ) Effect of external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements.

Each factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. Adjustments to the factors are supported through documentation of changes in conditions in a narrative accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment, include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are

not

classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, and the borrower’s prior payment record.  Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

An allowance for loan losses is established for an impaired loan if its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. The estimated fair values of substantially all of the Company’s impaired loans are measured based on the estimated fair value of the loan’s collateral.

For commercial loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through

third

-party appraisals. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.

For commercial and industrial loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable agings or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Company does

not

separately identify individual residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and other consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a troubled debt restructuring agreement.

Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Company grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve a temporary reduction in interest rate or an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date. Non-accrual troubled debt restructurings are restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for

six

consecutive months after modification. Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are designated as impaired.

The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories. The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments, for commercial and consumer loans. Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Loans classified special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses

may

result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans

not

classified as special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss are rated pass.

In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and

may

require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which

may

not

be currently available to management. Based on management’s comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Transfers of Financial Assets

The Company accounts for the transfers and servicing financial assets in accordance with ASC

860

, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities

. ASC

860

,

revises the standards for accounting for the securitizations and other transfers of financial assets and collateral.

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (

1

) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (

2

) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (

3

) the Company does

not

maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

A servicing asset related to SBA loans is initially recorded when these loans are sold and the servicing rights are retained. The servicing asset is recorded on the balance sheet and included in other assets. An updated fair value of the servicing asset is obtained from an independent

third

party on a quarterly basis and any necessary adjustments are included in loan and servicing fees on the statement of income. The valuation begins with the projection of future cash flows for each asset based on their unique characteristics, our market-based assumptions for prepayment speeds and estimated losses and recoveries. The present value of the future cash flows are then calculated utilizing our market-based discount ratio assumptions. In all cases, the Company models expected payments for every loan for each quarterly period in order to create the most detailed cash flow stream possible.

The Company uses various assumptions and estimates in determining the impairment of the SBA servicing asset. These assumptions include prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved and comparable to assumptions used by participants to value and bid serving rights available for sale in the market.

For more information on the SBA servicing asset including the sensitivity of the current fair value of the SBA loan servicing rights to adverse changes in key assumptions, see Note

15

– Fair Value Measurements and Fair Values of Financial Instruments.

Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Held-for-sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Loans Held for Sale

Other loans held for sale consist of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans that the Company intends to sell after origination and are reflected at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. When the sale of the loan occurs, the premium received is combined with the estimated present value of future cash flows on the related servicing asset and recorded as a Gain on the Sale of SBA loans which is categorized as non-interest income. Subsequent fees collected for servicing of the sold portion of a loan are combined with fair value adjustments to the SBA servicing asset and recorded as a net amount in Loan and Servicing Fees, which is also categorized as non-interest income.

Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block]

Guarantees

The Company accounts for guarantees in accordance with ASC

815

Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others

.  ASC

815

requires a guarantor entity, at the inception of a guarantee covered by the measurement provisions of the interpretation, to record a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee.  The Company has financial and performance letters of credit.  Financial letters of credit require the Company to make payment if the customer’s financial condition deteriorates, as defined in the agreements.   Performance letters of credit require the Company to make payments if the customer fails to perform certain non-financial contractual obligations.  The maximum potential undiscounted amount of future payments of these letters of credit as of

December 31, 2018

is

$13.9

million and they expire as follows:

$12.5

million in

2019

and

$1.4

million in

2020.

  Amounts due under these letters of credit would be reduced by any proceeds that the Company would be able to obtain in liquidating the collateral for the loans, which varies depending on the customer. There was

no

liability for guarantees under standby letters of credit as of

December 31, 2018

and

December 31, 2017.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment (including land) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of furniture and equipment is calculated over the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes, and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The estimated useful lives are

40

years for buildings and

3

to

13

years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or terms of their respective leases, which range from

1

to

30

years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to current operations as incurred, and renewals and major improvements are capitalized.

Real Estate, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned consists of assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure.  They are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis.  Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less the cost to sell.  Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in net expenses from other real estate owned.

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs

It is the Company’s policy to expense advertising costs in the period in which they are incurred.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

Income tax accounting guidance results in

two

components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the evidence available, it is more likely than

not

that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will

not

be realized.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than

not,

based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than

not

means a likelihood of more than

50

percent. The terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-

not

recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than

50

percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or

not

a tax position has met the more-likely-than-

not

recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes, if any, as a component of the provision for income taxes.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock Based Compensation

The Company has a Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“the

2005

Plan”), under which the Company granted options, restricted stock or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, and certain consultants. The

2005

Plan became effective on

November 14, 1995,

and was amended and approved at the Company’s

2005

annual meeting of shareholders. Under the terms of the

2005

Plan,

1.5

million shares of common stock, plus an annual increase equal to the number of shares needed to restore the maximum number of shares that could be available for grant under the

2005

Plan to

1.5

million shares, were available for such grants. As of

December 31, 2018,

the only grants under the

2005

Plan were option grants. The

2005

Plan provided that the exercise price of each option granted equaled the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Options granted pursuant to the

2005

Plan vest within

one

to

four

years and have a maximum term of

10

years. The

2005

Plan terminated on

November 14, 2015

in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the Plan agreement.

On

April 29, 2014

the Company’s shareholders approved the

2014

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the

“2014

Plan”), under which the Company

may

grant options, restricted stock, stock units, or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, independent contractors, and consultants.  Under the terms of the

2014

Plan,

2.6

million shares of common stock, plus an annual adjustment to be

no

less than

10%

of the outstanding shares or such lower number as the Board of Directors

may

determine, are available for such grants. At

December 31, 2018,

the maximum number of common shares issuable under the

2014

Plan was

6.3

million shares. Compensation cost for all option awards is calculated and recognized over the vesting period of the option awards. If the service conditions are

not

met, the Company reverses previously recorded compensation expense upon forfeiture. The Company’s accounting policy election is to recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) consists of

two

separate components: basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common stock equivalents (“CSEs”). CSEs consist of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s stock option plans for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2018.

CSEs consisted of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s stock option plans and convertible securities related to trust preferred securities issued in

2008

for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2017.

The convertible securities related to trust preferred securities issued in

2008

fully converted to common stock in

2018.

There was

no

interest expense in

2018

related to the trust preferred securities issuance. In the diluted EPS computation, the after tax interest expense on the trust preferred securities issuance would normally be added back to the net income for the

twelve

months ended

December 31, 2017

and

2016.

However, the effect of CSEs (convertible securities related to the trust preferred securities only) and the related add back of after tax interest expense was considered anti-dilutive and therefore was

not

included in the EPS calculations.

The calculation of EPS for the years ended

December 31, 2018,

2017,

and

2016

is as follows:

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2018		2017		2016
Net income - basic and diluted	$	8,627	$	8,905	$	4,945
Weighted average shares outstanding		58,358		56,933		39,281
Net income per share – basic	$	0.15	$	0.16	$	0.13
Weighted average shares outstanding (including dilutive CSEs)		59,407		58,250		39,865
Net income per share – diluted	$	0.15	$	0.15	$	0.12

The following is a summary of securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per common share in future periods that were

not

included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Anti-dilutive securities
Share based compensation awards		2,813		1,689		1,747
Convertible securities		-		1,625		1,662
Total anti-dilutive securities		2,813		3,314		3,409

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income

The Company presents as a component of comprehensive income the amounts from transactions and other events, which currently are excluded from the consolidated statements of income and are recorded directly to shareholders’ equity. These amounts consist of unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities and amortization of unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity. 

Trust Preferred Securities [Policy Text Block]

Trust Preferred Securities

The Company has sponsored

two

outstanding issues of corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of a subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation, more commonly known as trust preferred securities. The subsidiary trusts are

not

consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes.  The purpose of the issuances of these securities was to increase capital.  The trust preferred securities qualify as Tier

1

capital for regulatory purposes in amounts up to

25%

of total Tier

1

capital. See Note

7

“Borrowings” for further information regarding the issuances.

Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Variable Interest Entities

The Company follows the guidance under ASC

810,

Consolidation

, with regard to variable interest entities. ASC

810

clarifies the application of consolidation principles for certain legal entities in which voting rights are

not

effective in identifying the investor with the controlling financial interest. An entity is subject to consolidation under ASC

810

if the investors do

not

have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, are unable to direct the entity’s activities, or are

not

exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns ("variable interest entities"). Variable interest entities within the scope of ASC

810

will be required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is determined to be the party that absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its expected returns, or both.

The Company does

not

consolidate its subsidiary trusts.  ASC

810

precludes consideration of the call option embedded in the preferred securities when determining if the Company has the right to a majority of the trusts’ expected residual returns. The non-consolidation results in the investment in the common securities of the trusts to be included in other assets with a corresponding increase in outstanding debt of

$341,000.

In addition, the income received on the Company’s investment in the common securities of the trusts is included in other income.

Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

 

Treasury Stock

Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU

2014

-

09

In

May 2014,

the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update  (“ASU”)

2014

-

09,

“Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic

660

): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic

606

) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Contracts with Customers (Subtopic

340

-

40

).”

ASU

2014

-

09

implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue.  The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic

605,

Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification.  In

August 2015,

the FASB issued ASU

2015

-

14,

 

Revenue from

 

Contracts with The Company (Topic

606

): Deferral of the Effective Date

. The guidance in this ASU is now effective for annual reporting periods beginning after

December 

15,

2017,

including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.  The core principle of ASU 

2014

-

09

is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company’s revenue is comprised of net interest income and noninterest income. The scope of the guidance explicitly excludes interest income as well as many other revenues for financial assets and liabilities including revenue derived from loans, investment securities, and derivatives. This ASU was effective for the Company on

January 1, 2018.

The Company adopted this ASU on a modified retrospective approach. Since there was

no

net income impact upon adoption of the new guidance, a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings was

not

deemed necessary. The adoption of this ASU did

not

have a material impact to its financial condition, results of operations, and consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note

25:

Revenue Recognition for further disclosure as to the impact of Topic

606.

ASU

2016

-

01

In

January 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

-

01,

 

Financial Instruments - Overall.

 The guidance in this ASU among other things, (

1

) requires equity investments with certain exceptions, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (

2

) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, (

3

) eliminates the requirement for public businesses entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, (

4

) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, (

5

) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the change in fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments, (

6

) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements and (

7

) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities. The guidance in this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2017,

including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance was effective for the Company on

January 1, 2018

and was adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU

No.

2016

-

01

on

January 1, 2018

did

not

have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with (

4

) above, the Company measured the fair value of its loan portfolio as of

December 31, 2018

using an exit price notion (see Note

7

Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

ASU

2016

-

02

In

February 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

-

02,

 

Leases.

 From the Company’s perspective, the new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than

12

months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement for lessees. From the landlord perspective, the new standard requires a lessor to classify leases as either sales-type, finance or operating. A lease will be treated as a sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as a financing. If the lessor doesn’t convey risks and rewards or control, an operating lease results. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2018,

including interim periods within those fiscal years.

In

July 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

11

“Leases (Topic

842

): Targeted Improvements,” which provides lessees the option to apply the new leasing standard to all open leases as of the adoption date. Prior to this ASU issuance, a modified retrospective transition approach was required.

In

December 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

20

"Leases (Topic

842

): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors," which provides lessors a policy election to

not

evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are lessor costs or lessee costs. Additionally, the update requires certain lessors to exclude from variable payments lessor costs paid by lessees directly to

third

parties.

The Company adopted this ASU on

January 1, 2019.

The Company is expected to recognize an ROU asset of approximately

$48.9

million at

January 1, 2019.

The increase in assets is expected to lower capital ratios for the Company by an average of

39

basis points, remaining in compliance with the regulatory definition of well capitalized. The Company does

not

expect material changes to the recognition of operating lease expense in its consolidated statements of income. The Company adopted certain practical expedients available under the new guidance, which will

not

require it to (

1

) reassess whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, (

2

) reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, (

3

) reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, and (

4

) evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are lessor costs. The Company has elected the use-of-hindsight practical expedient. Additionally, the Company elected to apply the new lease guidance at the adoption date, rather than at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

ASU

2016

-

09

In

March 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

-

09

, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

. ASU

2016

-

09

will amend current guidance such that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payment awards will be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement during the period in which they occur. Additionally, excess tax benefits will be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity rather than a financing activity. ASU

2016

-

09

also provides that any entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest, which is the current requirement, or account for forfeitures when they occur. ASU

2016

-

09

was effective

January 1, 2017.

There was

no

material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

ASU

2016

-

13

In

June 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

2016

-

13,

Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic

326

): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.

The ASU requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU, continuing its implementation efforts and reviewing the loss modeling requirements consistent with lifetime expected loss estimates. The Company expects that the new model will include different assumptions used in calculating credit losses, such as estimating losses over the estimated life of a financial asset and will consider expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions. The adoption of this ASU

may

result in an increase to the Company's allowance for loan losses which will depend upon the nature and characteristics of the Company's loan portfolio at the adoption date, as well as the macroeconomic conditions and forecasts at that date. For the Company, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2019.

The Company currently does

not

intend to early adopt this new guidance.

ASU

2016

-

15

In

August 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

2016

-

15,

Statement of Cash Flows (Topic

230

).

The ASU addresses classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance was adopted on

January 1, 2018,

on a retrospective basis. The adoption of

2016

-

15

did

not

result any changes in classifications in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

ASU

2017

-

01

In

January 2017,

the FASB issued ASU

2017

-

01,

Business Combinations (Topic

805

)

. The ASU clarifies the definition of a business in ASC

805.

The FASB issued the ASU in response to stakeholder feedback that the definition of a business in ASC

805

is being applied too broadly. In addition, stakeholders said that analyzing transactions under the current definition is difficult and costly. Concerns about the definition of a business were among the primary issues raised in connection with the Financial Accounting Foundation’s post-implementation review report on FASB Statement

No.

141

(R), Business Combinations (codified in ASC

805

). The amendments in the ASU are intended to make application of the guidance more consistent and cost-efficient. The ASU is effective for public business entities in annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2017,

including interim periods therein. For all other entities, the ASU is effective in annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2018,

and interim periods within annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2019.

The ASU must be applied prospectively on or after the effective date, and

no

disclosures for a change in accounting principle are required at transition. Early adoption is permitted for transactions (i.e., acquisitions or dispositions) that occurred before the issuance date or effective date of the standard if the transactions were

not

reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. Unless the Company enters into a business combination, the impact of the ASU will

not

have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2017

-

04

In

January 2017,

the FASB issued ASU

2017

-

04,

Simplifying the Test For Goodwill Impairment.

The ASU simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step

2

from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if “the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.” For public business entities that are SEC filers, the ASU is effective for annual and any interim impairment tests for periods beginning after

December 15, 2019.

The Company early adopted this ASU on

July 1, 2018

using the simplified method. The adoption of ASU

2017

-

04

did

not

have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2017

-

08

In

March 2017,

the FASB issued ASU

2017

-

08,

Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities,

which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after

December 15, 2018.

For all other entities, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2019,

and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2020.

Earlier application is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the ASU in an interim period, any adjustments must be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The adoption of ASU

2017

-

08

did

not

have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2017

-

09

In

May 2017,

the FASB issued ASU

2017

-

09,

Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting,

which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification in ASC

718.

The ASU also provides that modification accounting is only required if the fair value, vesting conditions, or the classification of the award as equity or a liability changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after

December 15, 2017.

Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for (

1

) public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have

not

yet been issued and (

2

) all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have

not

yet been made available for issuance. The ASU became effective

January 1, 2018

on a prospective basis for awards modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of ASU-

2017

-

09

did

not

have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2018

-

02

In

February 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

02,

 

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

, which allows for reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the

2017

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act described in the "Income Taxes" section below. The amount of the reclassification should include the effect of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate related to items remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The ASU would require an entity to disclose whether it elects to reclassify stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings in the period of adoption and, more generally, a description of the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after

December 15, 2018.

Early adoption of the amendments in this update is permitted for periods for which financial statements have

not

yet been issued or made available for issuance, including in the period the Act was enacted. The Company adopted this ASU on

January 1, 2018,

by recording the reclassification adjustment to its beginning retained earnings in the amount of

$1.6

million. The Company utilized the portfolio approach when releasing tax effects from AOCI for its investment securities.

ASU

2018

-

03

In

February 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

03,

Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic

825

-

10

).

The ASU was issued to clarify certain aspects of ASU

2016

-

01

such as treatment for discontinuations and adjustments for equity securities without a readily determinable market value, forward contracts and purchased options, presentation requirements for certain fair value option liabilities, fair value option liabilities denominated in a foreign currency, and transition guidance for equity securities without a readily determinable fair value. The Company adopted this ASU on

January 1, 2018.

The adoption of this ASU did

not

have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and consolidated financial statements.

ASU

2018

-

07

In

June 2018,

the FASB issued ASU

2018

-

07,

Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic

718

).

The ASU simplifies the accounting for share based payments granted to non-employees for goods and services. The ASU applies to all share based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services from non-employees to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share based payment awards. With the amended guidance from ASU

2018

-

07,

non-employees share based payments are measured with an estimate of the fair value of the equity of the business is obligated to issue at the grant date (the date that the business and the stock award recipient agree to the terms of the award). Compensation would be recognized in the same period and in the same manner as if the entity had paid cash for goods and services instead of stock. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after

December 15, 2018,

with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU on

January 1, 2019.

The adoption of this ASU did

not

have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

A reclassification has been made to

2017

and

2016

information to conform to the

2018

presentation. The reclassification had

no

effect on the results of operations or shareholders’ equity. Included in the reclassification are

$1.3

million and

$814,000

of automated teller machine expenses from “Other operating expenses” for the years ended

December 31, 2017

and

2016,

respectively.

XML

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2018		2017		2016
Net income - basic and diluted	$	8,627	$	8,905	$	4,945
Weighted average shares outstanding		58,358		56,933		39,281
Net income per share – basic	$	0.15	$	0.16	$	0.13
Weighted average shares outstanding (including dilutive CSEs)		59,407		58,250		39,865
Net income per share – diluted	$	0.15	$	0.15	$	0.12

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]

(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Anti-dilutive securities
Share based compensation awards		2,813		1,689		1,747
Convertible securities		-		1,625		1,662
Total anti-dilutive securities		2,813		3,314		3,409

XML

Note 3 - Investment Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]

	At December 3 1 , 2018
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	197,812	$	567	$	(2,120	)	$	196,259
Agency mortgage-backed securities		39,105		5		(611	)		38,499
Municipal securities		20,807		64		(232	)		20,639
Corporate bonds		62,583		87		(3,396	)		59,274
Asset-backed securities		6,433		-		(90	)		6,343
Total securities available for sale	$	326,740	$	723	$	(6,449	)	$	321,014
U.S. Government agencies	$	107,390	$	-	$	(3,772	)	$	103,618
Collateralized mortgage obligations		500,690		570		(5,793	)		495,467
Agency mortgage-backed securities		153,483		-		(5,245	)		148,238
Total securities held to maturity	$	761,563	$	570	$	(14,810	)	$	747,323

	At December 31, 2017
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	327,972	$	-	$	(7,731	)	$	320,241
Agency mortgage-backed securities		55,664		2		(800	)		54,866
Municipal securities		15,142		20		(62	)		15,100
Corporate bonds		62,670		103		(2,491	)		60,282
Asset-backed securities		13,414		38		-			13,452
Trust preferred securities		725		-		(236	)		489
Total securities available for sale	$	475,587	$	163	$	(11,320	)	$	464,430
U.S. Government agencies	$	112,605	$	50	$	(2,235	)	$	110,420
Collateralized mortgage obligations		215,567		314		(3,970	)		211,911
Agency mortgage-backed securities		143,041		47		(2,620	)		140,468
Other securities		1,000		-		-			1,000
Total securities held to maturity	$	472,213	$	411	$	(8,825	)	$	463,799

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]

	Available for Sale				Held to Maturity
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	$	2,375	$	2,375	$	-	$	-
After 1 year to 5 years		6,894		6,908		14,116		13,937
After 5 years to 10 years		75,320		71,734		93,274		89,681
After 10 years		5,234		5,239		-		-
Collateralized mortgage obligations		197,812		196,259		500,690		495,467
Agency mortgage-backed securities		39,105		38,499		153,483		148,238
Total	$	326,740	$	321,014	$	761,563	$	747,323

Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	201 8			201 7			201 6
Beginning Balance, January 1 st	$	274		$	937		$	930
Additional credit-related impairment loss on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized		-			-			7
Reductions for securities sold during the period		(274	)		(663	)		-
Ending Balance, December 31 st	$	-		$	274		$	937

Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

	At December 31, 201 8
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	58,883	$	270	$	83,377	$	1,850	$	142,260	$	2,120
Agency mortgage-backed securities		1,134		10		16,768		601		17,902		611
Municipal securities		1,549		7		12,154		225		13,703		232
Corporate bonds		-		-		53,189		3,396		53,189		3,396
Asset backed securities		6,343		90		-		-		6,343		90
Total Available for Sale	$	67,909	$	377	$	165,488	$	6,072	$	233,397	$	6,449

	At December 31, 201 8
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Government agencies	$	5,351	$	26	$	98,267	$	3,746	$	103,618	$	3,772
Collateralized mortgage obligations		44,574		475		173,467		5,318		218,041		5,793
Agency mortgage-backed securities		-		-		119,243		5,245		119,243		5,245
Total Held to Maturity	$	49,925	$	501	$	390,977	$	14,309	$	440,902	$	14,810

	At December 31, 201 7
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	150,075	$	1,565	$	170,166	$	6,166	$	320,241	$	7,731
Agency mortgage-backed securities		29,967		226		21,045		574		51,012		800
Municipal securities		5,742		27		2,656		35		8,398		62
Corporate bonds		-		-		52,509		2,491		52,509		2,491
Asset backed securities		-		-		-		-		-		-
Trust preferred securities		-		-		489		236		489		236
Total Available for Sale	$	185,784	$	1,818	$	246,865	$	9,502	$	432,649	$	11,320

	At December 31, 2017
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Government agencies	$	42,045	$	213	$	59,594	$	2,022	$	101,639	$	2,235
Collateralized mortgage obligations		56,955		767		107,986		3,203		164,941		3,970
Agency mortgage-backed securities		55,170		221		82,479		2,399		137,649		2,620
Total Held to Maturity	$	154,170	$	1,201	$	250,059	$	7,624	$	404,229	$	8,825

XML

Note 4 - Loans Receivable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Commercial real estate	$	515,738		$	433,304
Construction and land development		121,042			104,617
Commercial and industrial		200,423			173,343
Owner occupied real estate		367,895			309,838
Consumer and other		91,152			76,183
Residential mortgage		140,364			64,764
Total loans receivable		1,436,614			1,162,049
Deferred costs (fees)		(16	)		229
Allowance for loan losses		(8,615	)		(8,599	)
Net loans receivable	$	1,427,983		$	1,153,679

Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	December 31, 201 8			December 31, 201 7			December 31, 201 6
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,920		$	7,862		$	8,521
Additions		4,812			1,896			-
Repayments		(703	)		(838	)		(659	)
Balance at end of year	$	13,029		$	8,920		$	7,862

XML

Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	Commercial Real Estate			Construction and Land Development			Commercial and Industrial			Owner Occupied Real Estate			Consumer and Other			Residential Mortgage			Unallocated			Total
Year ended December, 201 8
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance:	$	3,774		$	725		$	1,317		$	1,737		$	573		$	392		$	81		$	8,599
Charge-offs		(1,603	)		-			(151	)		(465	)		(219	)		-			-			(2,438	)
Recoveries		50			-			81			20			3			-			-			154
Provisions		241			52			507			741			220			502			37			2,300
Ending balance	$	2,462		$	777		$	1,754		$	2,033		$	577		$	894		$	118		$	8,615
Year ended December, 201 7
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning Balance:	$	3,254		$	557		$	2,884		$	1,382		$	588		$	58		$	432		$	9,155
Charge-offs		-			-			(1,366	)		(157	)		(53	)		-			-			(1,576	)
Recoveries		54			-			64			-			2			-			-			120
Provisions (credits)		466			168			(265	)		512			36			334			(351	)		900
Ending balance	$	3,774		$	725		$	1,317		$	1,737		$	573		$	392		$	81		$	8,599
Year ended December, 201 6
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning Balance:	$	2,393		$	338		$	2,932		$	2,030		$	295		$	14		$	701		$	8,703
Charge-offs		-			(60	)		(143	)		(1,052	)		(11	)		(10	)		-			(1,276	)
Recoveries		6			-			163			-			2			-			-			171
Provisions (credits)		855			279			(68	)		404			302			54			(269	)		1,557
Ending balance	$	3,254		$	557		$	2,884		$	1,382		$	588		$	58		$	432		$	9,155

(dollars in thousands)	Commercial Real Estate		Construction and Land Development		Commercial and Industrial		Owner Occupied Real Estate		Consumer and Other		Residential Mortgage		Unallocated		Total
December 31, 201 8
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	295	$	-	$	867	$	217	$	94	$	-	$	-	$	1,473
Collectively evaluated for impairment		2,167		777		887		1,816		483		894		118		7,142
Total allowance for loan losses	$	2,462	$	777	$	1,754	$	2,033	$	577	$	894	$	118	$	8,615
Loans receivable:
Loans evaluated individually	$	10,947	$	-	$	3,662	$	2,560	$	861	$	-	$	-	$	18,030
Loans evaluated collectively		504,791		121,042		196,761		365,335		90,291		140,364		-		1,418,584
Total loans receivable	$	515,738	$	121,042	$	200,423	$	367,895	$	91,152	$	140,364	$	-	$	1,436,614

(dollars in thousands)	Commercial Real Estate		Construction and Land Development		Commercial and Industrial		Owner Occupied Real Estate		Consumer and Other		Residential Mortgage		Unallocated		Total
December 31, 201 7
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,964	$	-	$	374	$	235	$	217	$	-	$	-	$	2,790
Collectively evaluated for impairment		1,810		725		943		1,502		356		392		81		5,809
Total allowance for loan losses	$	3,774	$	725	$	1,317	$	1,737	$	573	$	392	$	81	$	8,599
Loans receivable:
Loans evaluated individually	$	15,415	$	-	$	4,501	$	3,798	$	1,002	$	-	$	-	$	24,716
Loans evaluated collectively		417,889		104,617		168,842		306,040		75,181		64,764		-		1,137,333
Total loans receivable	$	433,304	$	104,617	$	173,343	$	309,838	$	76,183	$	64,764	$	-	$	1,162,049

Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	December 31, 201 8						December 31, 201 7
( dollars in thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate	$	6,332	$	6,337	$	-	$	9,264	$	9,268	$	-
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		1,655		5,418		-		2,756		6,674		-
Owner occupied real estate		1,905		2,013		-		2,595		2,743		-
Consumer and other		710		1,082		-		655		981		-
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	10,602	$	14,850	$	-	$	15,270	$	19,666	$	-
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate	$	4,615	$	5,498	$	295	$	6,151	$	6,165	$	1,964
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		2,007		2,195		867		1,745		1,752		374
Owner occupied real estate		655		704		217		1,203		1,206		235
Consumer and other		151		158		94		347		379		217
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	7,428	$	8,555	$	1,473	$	9,446	$	9,502	$	2,790
Total:
Commercial real estate	$	10,947	$	11,835	$	295	$	15,415	$	15,433	$	1,964
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		3,662		7,613		867		4,501		8,426		374
Owner occupied real estate		2,560		2,717		217		3,798		3,949		235
Consumer and other		861		1,240		94		1,002		1,360		217
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	18,030	$	23,405	$	1,473	$	24,716	$	29,168	$	2,790

	Years Ended December 31,
	201 8				201 7				201 6
(dollars in thousands)	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate	$	10,429	$	288	$	9,579	$	366	$	12,033	$	264
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		58		-
Commercial and industrial		3,341		52		2,270		37		1,828		42
Owner occupied real estate		2,275		58		1,894		58		642		10
Consumer and other		658		21		801		21		858		16
Residential mortgage		-		-		26		1		26		1
Total	$	16,703	$	419	$	14,570	$	483	$	15,445	$	333
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate	$	3,076	$	-	$	6,490	$	14	$	4,455	$	52
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		12		-
Commercial and industrial		1,862		6		2,517		68		3,357		74
Owner occupied real estate		969		25		1,390		32		2,104		31
Consumer and other		191		1		420		10		322		12
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	6,098	$	32	$	10,817	$	124	$	10,250	$	169
Total:
Commercial real estate	$	13,505	$	288	$	16,069	$	380	$	16,488	$	316
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		70		-
Commercial and industrial		5,203		58		4,787		105		5,185		116
Owner occupied real estate		3,244		83		3,284		90		2,746		41
Consumer and other		849		22		1,221		31		1,180		28
Residential mortgage		-		-		26		1		26		1
Total	$	22,801	$	451	$	25,387	$	607	$	25,695	$	502

Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans Receivable		Loans Receivable > 90 Days  and Accruing
At December 31, 201 8
Commercial real estate	$	339	$	921	$	4,631	$	5,891	$	509,847	$	515,738	$	-
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		121,042		121,042		-
Commercial and industrial		280		-		3,661		3,941		196,482		200,423		-
Owner occupied real estate		-		653		1,188		1,841		366,054		367,895		-
Consumer and other		214		-		861		1,075		90,077		91,152		-
Residential mortgage		302		-		-		302		140,062		140,364		-
Total	$	1,135	$	1,574	$	10,341	$	13,050	$	1,423,564	$	1,436,614	$	-

(dollars in thousands)	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans Receivable		Loans Receivable > 90 Days  and Accruing
At December 31 , 201 7
Commercial real estate	$	-	$	-	$	8,963	$	8,963	$	424,341	$	433,304	$	-
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-		104,617		104,617		-
Commercial and industrial		969		-		2,895		3,864		169,479		173,343		-
Owner occupied real estate		-		-		2,136		2,136		307,702		309,838		-
Consumer and other		144		-		851		995		75,188		76,183		-
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-		64,764		64,764		-
Total	$	1,113	$	-	$	14,845	$	15,958	$	1,146,091	$	1,162,049	$	-

Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
At December 31, 201 8 :
Commercial real estate	$	510,186	$	921	$	4,631	$	-	$	515,738
Construction and land development		121,042		-		-		-		121,042
Commercial and industrial		196,751		10		3,382		280		200,423
Owner occupied real estate		364,032		1,303		2,560		-		367,895
Consumer and other		90,291		-		861		-		91,152
Residential mortgage		140,240		124		-		-		140,364
Total	$	1,422,542	$	2,358	$	11,434	$	280	$	1,436,614

(dollars in thousands)	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
At December 31, 201 7 :
Commercial real estate	$	423,382	$	959	$	8,963	$	-	$	433,304
Construction and land development		104,617		-		-		-		104,617
Commercial and industrial		168,702		140		4,221		280		173,343
Owner occupied real estate		306,040		-		3,798		-		309,838
Consumer and other		75,181		-		1,002		-		76,183
Residential mortgage		64,637		127		-		-		64,764
Total	$	1,142,559	$	1,226	$	17,984	$	280	$	1,162,049

Schedule of Financing Receivables, Non Accrual Status [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	December 31, 201 8		December 31, 201 7
Commercial real estate	$	4,631	$	8,963
Construction and land development		-		-
Commercial and industrial		3,661		2,895
Owner occupied real estate		1,188		2,136
Consumer and other		861		851
Residential mortgage		-		-
Total	$	10,341	$	14,845

Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	Number of Loans		Accrual Status		Non- Accrual Status		Total TDRs
December 31, 201 8
Commercial real estate		1	$	6,316	$	-	$	6,316
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		3		-		1,224		1,224
Owner occupied real estate		1		-		242		242
Consumer and other		-		-		-		-
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-
Total		5	$	6,316	$	1,466	$	7,782
December 31, 201 7
Commercial real estate		1	$	6,452	$	-	$	6,452
Construction and land development		-		-		-		-
Commercial and industrial		3		1,175		349		1,524
Owner occupied real estate		1		242		-		242
Consumer and other		-		-		-		-
Residential mortgage		-		-		-		-
Total		5	$	7,869	$	349	$	8,218

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Note 6 - Other Real Estate Owned (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Other Real Estate, Roll Forward [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	December 31 , 201 8			December 31, 201 7			December 31, 201 6
Beginning Balance, January 1 st	$	6,966		$	10,174			11,313
Additions		315			291			616
Valuation adjustments		(563	)		(3,000	)		(355	)
Dispositions		(495	)		(499	)		(1,400	)
Ending Balance	$	6,223		$	6,966			10,174

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Note 7 - Premises and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	December 31, 201 8			December 31, 201 7
Land	$	15,957		$	12,711
Buildings		49,204			40,519
Leasehold improvements		20,396			20,477
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		21,430			18,521
Construction in progress		8,041			4,961
		115,028			97,189
Less accumulated depreciation		(27,367	)		(22,242	)
Net premises and equipment	$	87,661		$	74,947

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Note 9 - Deposits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Scheduled Maturities of Time Deposits [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	201 9		20 20		20 2 1		20 2 2		20 2 3		Thereafter		Total
Certificates of Deposit	$	94,022	$	57,138	$	1,135	$	958	$	1,004	$	-	$	154,257

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Note 10 - Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	201 8			20 1 7			20 1 6
Current
Federal	$	-		$	2,137		$	261
State		51			-			-
Deferred
Federal		2,006			(5,056	)		(380	)
State		(479	)		-			-
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	1,578		$	(2,919	)	$	(119	)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	201 8			20 1 7			20 1 6
Tax provision computed at federal statutory rate	$	2,143		$	2,095		$	1,689
State income tax, net of federal benefit		(340	)		-			-
Tax exempt interest		(430	)		(573	)		(582	)
Deferred tax only items		199			-			-
Effect of change in tax rate		-			7,661			-
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustment		-			(12,214	)		(1,508	)
Other		6			112			282
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	1,578		$	(2,919	)	$	(119	)

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	201 8		201 7
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for loan losses	$	2,185	$	2,047
Deferred compensation		591		557
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale		3,935		2,789
Realized losses in other than temporary impairment charge		-		65
Foreclosed real estate write-downs		2,351		1,468
Interest income on non-accrual loans		615		525
Net operating loss carryforward		3,541		5,549
Other		1,472		1,266
Total deferred tax assets		14,690		14,266
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred loan costs		1,103		998
Premises and equipment		634		211
Other		619		342
Total deferred tax liabilities		2,356		1,551
Net deferred tax asset	$	12,334	$	12,715

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Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

Year Ended	Amount
2019	$	4,124
2020		4,128
2021		2,879
2022		2,590
2023		1,916
Thereafter		36,036
Total	$	51,673

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Note 13 - Regulatory Capital (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	Actual					Minimum Capital Adequacy					Minimum Capital Adequacy with Capital Buffer					To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
At December 31, 201 8 :
Total risk based capital
Republic	$	231,610		13.26	%	$	139,722		8.00	%	$	172,489		9.875	%	$	174,652		10.00	%
Company		262,964		15.03	%		140,009		8.00	%		172,824		9.875	%		-		-	%
Tier one risk based capital
Republic		222,995		12.77	%		104,791		6.00	%		137,539		7.875	%		139,722		8.00	%
Company		254,349		14.53	%		105,007		6.00	%		137,821		7.875	%		-		-	%
CET 1 risk based capital
Republic		222,995		12.77	%		78,594		4.50	%		111,341		6.375	%		113,524		6.50	%
Company		243,349		13.90	%		78,755		4.50	%		111,570		6.375	%		-		-	%
Tier one leveraged capital
Republic		222,995		8.21	%		108,685		4.00	%		108,685		4.00	%		135,857		5.00	%
Company		254,349		9.35	%		108,800		4.00	%		108,800		4.00	%		-		-	%
At December 31, 201 7 :
Total risk based capital
Republic	$	187,732		12.57	%	$	119,446		8.00	%	$	138,109		9.25	%	$	149,307		10.00	%
Company		249,510		16.70	%		119,521		8.00	%		138,197		9.25	%		-		-	%
Tier one risk based capital
Republic		179,133		12.00	%		89,584		6.00	%		108,248		7.25	%		119,446		8.00	%
Company		240,911		16.13	%		89,641		6.00	%		108,316		7.25	%		-		-	%
CET 1 risk based capital
Republic		179,133		12.00	%		67,188		4.50	%		85,852		5.75	%		97,050		6.50	%
Company		220,433		14.75	%		67,231		4.50	%		85,906		5.75	%		-		-	%
Tier one leveraged capital
Republic		179,133		7.91	%		90,531		4.00	%		90,531		4.00	%		113,164		5.00	%
Company		240,911		10.64	%		90,586		4.00	%		90,586		4.00	%		-		-	%

Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements with Conversion Buffers [Table Text Block]

	Basel III Community Banks Minimum Capital Ratio Requirements
	2016			2017			2018			2019
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)		5.125	%		5.750	%		6.375	%		7.000	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)		6.625	%		7.250	%		7.875	%		8.500	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)		8.625	%		9.250	%		9.875	%		10.500	%

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	Total		(Level 1) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		(Level 2) Significant Other Observable Inputs		(Level 3) Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 3 1 , 201 8
Assets:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	196,259	$	-	$	196,259	$	-
Agency mortgage-backed securities		38,499		-		38,499		-
Municipal securities		20,639		-		20,639		-
Corporate bonds		59,274		-		56,205		3,069
Asset-backed securities		6,343		-		6,343		-
Securities Available for Sale	$	321,014	$	-	$	317,945	$	3,069
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	$	20,887	$	-	$	20,887	$	-
SBA Servicing Assets		4,785		-		-		4,785
Interest Rate Lock Commitments		410		-		410		-
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments		5		-		5		-
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments		10		-		10		-
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Lock Commitments		-		-		-		-
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments		138		-		138		-
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments		230		-		230		-
December 31, 201 7
Assets:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	320,241	$	-	$	320,241	$	-
Agency mortgage-backed securities		54,866		-		54,866		-
Municipal securities		15,100		-		15,100		-
Corporate bonds		60,282		-		57,196		3,086
Asset-backed securities		13,452		-		13,452		-
Trust Preferred Securities		489		-		-		489
Securities Available for Sale	$	464,430	$	-	$	460,855	$	3,575
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	$	43,375	$	-	$	43,375	$	-
SBA Servicing Assets		5,243		-		-		5,243
Interest Rate Lock Commitments		363		-		363		-
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments		5		-		5		-
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments		19		-		19		-
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Lock Commitments		1		-		1		-
Best Efforts Forward Loan Sales Commitments		93		-		93		-
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments		195		-		195		-

Schedule of Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	201 8			201 7			201 6
Beginning balance, January 1 st	$	5,243		$	5,352			4,886
Additions		1,000			1,078			1,541
Fair value adjustments		(1,458	)		(1,187	)		(1,075	)
Ending balance, December 31 st	$	4,785		$	5,243			5,352

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31, 201 8						Year Ended December 31, 201 7					Year Ended December 31, 201 6
Level 3 Investments Only (dollars in thousands)	Trust Preferred Securities			Corporate Bonds			Trust Preferred Securities			Corporate Bonds		Trust Preferred Securities			Corporate Bonds
Balance, January 1,	$	489		$	3,086		$	1,820		$	2,971	$	1,883		$	2,834
Security transferred to Level 3 measurement		-			-			-			-		-			-
Unrealized (losses) gains		237			(17	)		1,006			115		(56	)		137
Paydowns					-			-			-		-			-
Proceeds from sales		(660	)		-			(1,539	)		-		-			-
Realized losses		(66	)		-			(798	)		-		-			-
Impairment charges on Level 3		-			-			-			-		(7	)		-
Balance, December 31,	$	-		$	3,069		$	489		$	3,086	$	1,820		$	2,971

Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	Total		(Level 1) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		(Level 2) Significan t Other Observable Inputs		(Level 3) Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2018:
Impaired loans	$	5,955	$	-	$	-	$	5,955
Other real estate owned		1,114		-		-		1,114
December 31, 2017:
Impaired loans	$	7,322	$	-	$	-	$	7,322
Other real estate owned		5,727		-		-		5,727

Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]

	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Asset Description	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
December 3 1 , 2018
Corporate bonds	$	3,069	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(8.24%)
SBA servicing assets	$	4,785	Discounted Cash Flows	Conditional Prepayment Rate		(10.31%)
				Discount Rate		(11.50%)
Impaired loans	$	5,955	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)	11%	-	24%	(13%) (3)
Other real estate owned	$	1,114	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)		(7%)		(3)
December 31, 201 7
Corporate bonds	$	3,086	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(5.99%)
Trust preferred securities	$	489	Discounted Cash Flows	Discount Rate		(8.33%)
SBA servicing assets	$	5,243	Discounted Cash Flows	Conditional Prepayment Rate		(7.85%)
				Discount Rate		(10.50%)
Impaired loans	$	7,322	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)	10%	-	21%	(14%) (3)
Other real estate owned	$	5,727	Appraised Value of Collateral (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)		(22%)		(3)
			Sales Price	Liquidation expenses (2)	4%	-	7%	(7%) (3)

Fair Value Option, Disclosures [Table Text Block]

	Carrying Amount		Aggregate Unpaid Principal Balance		Excess Carrying Amount Over Aggregate Unpaid Principal Balance
December 31, 2018	$	20,887	$	20,071	$	816
December 31, 2017	$	43,375	$	42,046	$	1,329

Schedule of Sensitivity Analysis of Fair Value, Transferor's Interests in Transferred Financial Assets [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	December 3 1 , 2018			December 31, 2017
SBA Servicing Asset
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset	$	4,785		$	5,243
Composition of SBA Loans Serviced for Others
Fixed-rate SBA loans		2	%		2	%
Adjustable-rate SBA loans		98	%		98	%
Total		100	%		100	%
Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years)	20.4			20.5
Prepayment Speed		10.31	%		7.85	%
Effect on fair value of a 10% increase	$	(170	)	$	(171	)
Effect on fair value of a 20% increase		(330	)		(333	)
Weighted Average Discount Rate		11.50	%		10.50	%
Effect on fair value of a 10% increase	$	(186	)	$	(211	)
Effect on fair value of a 20% increase		(359	)		(407	)

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 201 8
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significan t Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance Sheet Data
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	72,473	$	72,473	$	72,473	$	-	$	-
Investment securities available for sale		321,014		321,014		-		317,945		3,069
Investment securities held to maturity		761,563		747,323		-		747,323		-
Restricted stock		5,754		5,754		-		5,754		-
Loans held for sale		26,291		26,291		-		20,887		5,404
Loans receivable, net		1,427,983		1,410,945		-		-		1,410,945
SBA servicing assets		4,785		4,785		-		-		4,785
Accrued interest receivable		9,025		9,025		-		9,025		-
Interest rate lock commitments		410		410		-		410		-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments		5		5		-		5		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments		10		10		-		10		-
Financial liabilities:
Deposits
Demand, savings and money market	$	2,238,610	$	2,238,610	$	-	$	2,238,610	$	-
Time		154,257		152,989		-		152,989		-
Subordinated debt		11,259		8,279		-		-		8,279
Accrued interest payable		558		558		-		558		-
Interest rate lock commitments		-		-		-		-		-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments		138		138		-		138		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments		230		230		-		230		-
Off-Balance Sheet Data
Commitments to extend credit		-		-		-		-		-
Standby letters-of-credit		-		-		-		-		-

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 201 7
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance Sheet Data
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,942	$	61,942	$	61,942	$	-	$	-
Investment securities available for sale		464,430		464,430		-		460,855		3,575
Investment securities held to maturity		472,213		463,799		-		463,799		-
Restricted stock		1,918		1,918		-		1,918		-
Loans held for sale		45,700		45,714		-		43,375		2,339
Loans receivable, net		1,153,679		1,120,305		-		-		1,120,305
SBA servicing assets		5,243		5,243		-		-		5,243
Accrued interest receivable		7,009		7,009		-		7,009		-
Interest rate lock commitments		363		363		-		363		-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments		5		5		-		5		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments		19		19		-		19		-
Financial liabilities:
Deposits
Demand, savings and money market	$	1,946,558	$	1,946,558	$	-	$	1,946,558	$	-
Time		116,737		115,673		-		115,673		-
Subordinated debt		21,681		18,458		-		-		18,458
Accrued interest payable		293		293		-		293		-
Interest rate lock commitments		1		1		-		1		-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments		93		93		-		93		-
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments		195		195		-		195		-
Off-Balance Sheet Data
Commitments to extend credit		-		-		-		-		-
Standby letters-of-credit		-		-		-		-		-

XML

Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	201 8			201 7			201 6
Dividend yield (1)		0.0%			0.0%			0.0%
Expected volatility		28.22%	(2)	44.00%	to	50.09% (3)	46.38%	to	52.54% (3)
Risk-free interest rate (4 )	2.35%	to	2.96%	1.89%	to	2.30%	1.23%	to	1.82%
Expected life (in years) (5 )		6.25		5.5	to	7.0	5.5	to	7.0
Assumed forfeiture rate (6 )		4.0%			6.0%			10.0%

Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]

	201 8		201 7		201 6
Stock based compensation expense recognized	$	2,116,000	$	1,842,000	$	759,000
Number of unvested stock options		1,962,163		1,659,102		1,283,226
Fair value of unvested stock options	$	5,550,820	$	4,587,565	$	2,184,773
Amount remaining to be recognized as expense	$	3,406,394	$	2,508,314	$	1,104,424

Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	201 8					201 7					201 6
	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of year		3,005,825		$	4.98		2,332,900		$	3.70		1,947,725		$	3.56
Granted		1,106,800			8.34		916,000			8.03		661,750			4.06
Exercised		(174,850	)		3.83		(197,975	)		3.26		(226,275	)		3.21
Forfeited		(76,125	)		6.80		(45,100	)		7.95		(50,300	)		5.21
Outstanding, end of year		3,861,650		$	5.96		3,005,825		$	4.98		2,332,900		$	3.70
Options exercisable at year-end		1,899,487		$	4.53		1,346,723		$	3.55		1,049,674		$	3.70
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year				$	2.85				$	3.75				$	1.80

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Options, Exercises [Table Text Block]

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	201 8		201 7		201 6
Number of options exercised		174,850		197,975		226,275
Cash received	$	670,413	$	646,263	$	726,157
Intrinsic value	$	814,855	$	991,957	$	739,699
Tax benefit	$	12,288	$	81,589	$	-

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]

Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices			Number Outstanding		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$1.55	to	$3.53		518,200		3.5	$	2.52		508,200	$	2.50
$3.55	to	$3.95		663,050		5.5		3.62		526,312		3.64
$3.99	to	$7.85		737,225		6.2		4.50		435,850		4.55
$8.00	to	$9.50		1,943,175		8.5		8.23		429,125		8.00
				3,861,650			$	5.96		1,899,487	$	4.53

Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number of Share s			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested, beginning of year		1,659,102		$	2.77
Granted		1,106,800			2.85
Vested		(753,864	)		2.92
Forfeited		(49,875	)		2.94
Nonvested, end of year		1,962,163		$	2.83

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Note 19 - Parent Company Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]

	December 31, 201 8		December 31, 201 7
ASSETS
Cash	$	27,722	$	60,309
Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust holding junior obligations of the corporation		341		676
Investment in subsidiaries		220,864		181,256
Other assets		7,572		5,931
Total Assets	$	256,499	$	248,172
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER S ’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Accrued expenses	$	51	$	31
Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation		11,259		21,681
Total Liabilities		11,310		21,712
Shareholders’ Equity
Total Shareholders’ Equity		245,189		226,460
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	256,499	$	248,172

Statements of Operations Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Changes in Shareholders Equity [Table Text Block]

	201 8			201 7			201 6
Interest income	$	13		$	37		$	35
Total income		13			37			35
Trust preferred interest expense		441			1,225			1,160
Other expenses		4,972			1,424			717
Total expenses		5,413			2,649			1,877
Net loss before taxes		(5,400	)		(2,612	)		(1,842	)
Benefit for income taxes		(1,640	)		(914	)		(645	)
Loss before undistributed income of subsidiaries		(3,760	)		(1,698	)		(1,197	)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		12,387			10,603			6,142
Net income	$	8,627		$	8,905		$	4,945
Net income	$	8,627		$	8,905		$	4,945
Total other comprehensive loss		(2,778	)		(215	)		(4,129	)
T otal comprehensive income (loss)	$	5,849		$	8,690		$	816
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of year	$	226,460		$	215,053		$	113,375
Shares issued under common stock offering		-			-			99,175
Stock based compensation		2,116			1,842			759
Stock options issued in acquisition		-			-			202
Exercise of stock options		670			646			726
Conversion of subordinated debt to common shares		10,094			229			-
Net income		8,627			8,905			4,945
Total other comprehensive loss		(2,778	)		(215	)		(4,129	)
Shareholders’ equity, end of year	$	245,189		$	226,460		$	215,053

Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]

	201 8			201 7			201 6
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	8,627		$	8,905		$	4,945
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Share based compensation		2,116			1,842			961
Amortization of debt issuance costs		6			29			24
Increase in other assets		(1,639	)		(1,342	)		(716	)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities		20			(179	)		190
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		(12,387	)		(10,603	)		(6,142	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(3,257	)		(1,348	)		(738	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiary		(30,000	)		-			(40,203	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(30,000	)		-			(40,203	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from stock offering		-			-			99,175
Exercise of stock options		670			646			726
Net cash provided by financing activities		670			646			99,901
Increase (decrease) in cash		(32,587	)		(702	)		58,960
Cash, beginning of period		60,309			61,011			2,051
Cash, end of period	$	27,722		$	60,309		$	61,011

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Note 20 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

	For the Quarter Ended
	December 31 st			September 30 th		June 30 th			March 31 st
201 8
Interest income	$	25,293		$	23,558	$	22,324		$	20,899
Interest expense		5,313			4,412		3,662			2,783
Net interest income		19,980			19,146		18,662			18,116
Provision for loan losses		600			500		800			400
Non-interest income		4,888			5,131		5,768			4,535
Non-interest expense		22,057			20,833		20,729			20,102
Provision for income taxes		54			622		530			372
Net income	$	2,157		$	2,322	$	2,371		$	1,777
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
201 7
Interest income	$	19,409		$	17,922	$	17,331		$	16,187
Interest expense		2,542			2,210		2,064			1,968
Net interest income		16,867			15,712		15,267			14,219
Provision for loan losses		400			-		500			-
Non-interest income		5,012			5,778		4,969			4,338
Non-interest expense		21,622			19,165		17,685			16,804
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(2,881	)		4		(8	)		(34	)
Net income	$	2,738		$	2,321	$	2,059		$	1,787
Net income per share (1) :
Basic	$	0.05		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03
Diluted	$	0.05		$	0.04	$	0.04		$	0.03

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Note 21 - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) By Component (1) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- For-Sale Securities			Unrealized Holding Losses on Securities Transferred From Available-For-Sale To Held-To-Maturity			Total
(dollars in thousands)
Balance January 1, 2018	$	(7,150	)	$	(359	)	$	(7,509	)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02		(1,562	)		(78	)		(1,640	)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities		3,927			-			3,927
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		-			(6,855	)		(6,855	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		49			101			150
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		3,976			(6,754	)		(2,778	)
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		2,414			(6,832	)		(4,418	)
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(4,736	)	$	(7,191	)	$	(11,927	)
Balance January 1, 2017	$	(6,831	)	$	(463	)	$	(7,294	)
Unrealized loss on securities		(413	)		-			(413	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		94			104			198
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(319	)		104			(215	)
Balance December 31, 2017	$	(7,150	)	$	(359	)	$	(7,509	)
Balance January 1, 2016	$	(2,562	)	$	(603	)	$	(3,165	)
Unrealized loss on securities		(3,853	)		-			(3,853	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)		(416	)		140			(276	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,269	)		140			(4,129	)
Balance December 31, 2016	$	(6,831	)	$	(463	)	$	(7,294	)

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Note 22 - Business Combination (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

Consideration paid:	Original Estimates		Adjustments to Estimates			Final Valuation
Cash	$	7,136	$	-		$	7,136
Equity instruments		202		-			202
Deferred additional purchase price		500		-			500
Value of consideration	$	7,838	$	-		$	7,838
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,223	$	-		$	1,223
Loans held for sale		20,871		-			20,871
Loans receivable		1,132		-			1,132
Premises and equipment		103		-			103
Derivative assets		1,508		-			1,508
Intangible assets – non compete agreements		104		-			104
Other assets		125		-			125
Total assets		25,066		-			25,066
Liabilities assumed:
Warehouse lines of credit		19,666		-			19,666
Derivative liabilities		412		-			412
Other liabilities		2,042		119			2,161
Total liabilities		22,120		119			22,239
Net assets acquired		2,946		(119	)		2,827
Goodwill resulting from acquisition of Oak Mortgage	$	4,892	$	119		$	5,011

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Note 23 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]

(dollars in thousands)	Balance December 31, 201 7		Additions/ Adjustments		Amortization		Balance December 3 1, 2018		Amortization Period (in years)
Goodwill	$	5,011	$	-	$	-	$	5,011		Indefinite

(dollars in thousands)	Balance December 31, 201 6		Additions/ Adjustments		Amortization			Balance December 3 1 , 201 7		Amortization Period (in years)
Goodwill	$	5,011	$	-	$	-		$	5,011		Indefinite
Non-compete agreements		61		-		(61	)		-		1
Total	$	5,072	$	-	$	(61	)	$	5,011

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Note 24 - Derivatives and Risk Management Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Position [Table Text Block]

December 31, 201 8	Balance Sheet Presentation	Fair Value		Notional Amount
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Assets	$	410	$	16,966
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		5		1,639
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		10		865
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Liabilities	$	-	$	-
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		138		15,327
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		230		18,980

December 31, 201 7	Balance Sheet Presentation	Fair Value		Notional Amount
Asset derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Assets	$	363	$	16,366
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		5		1,807
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Assets		19		4,566
Liability derivatives:
IRLC’s	Other Liabilities	$	1	$	424
Best efforts forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		93		14,983
Mandatory forward loan sales commitments	Other Liabilities		195		36,223

Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]

<div style="display: inline; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 10pt"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-right: 5%; margin-left: 18pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; text-indent: 0px; min-; min-width: 700px;"> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom;"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; width: 51.6%;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </div> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Twelve Months Ended December 31, 201</div><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">8</div></div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt; width: 32.4%; border-bottom: thin solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Income Statement</div></div> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Presentation</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Gain/(Loss)</div></div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding-bottom: 1px;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom;"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Asset derivatives:</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="text-align: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">IRLC’s</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:0pt;margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">$</td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">47</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Best efforts forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">-</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Mandatory forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(9</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Liability derivatives:</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="text-align: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">IRLC’s</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">$</td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">1</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Best efforts forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(45</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Mandatory forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(35</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> </table></div><div style="display: inline; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 10pt"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-right: 5%; margin-left: 18pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; text-indent: 0px; min-; min-width: 700px;"> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom;"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; width: 51.6%;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </div> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Twelve Months Ended December 31, 201</div><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">7</div></div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt; width: 32.4%; border-bottom: thin solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Income Statement</div></div> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Presentation</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Gain/(Loss)</div></div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding-bottom: 1px;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom;"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Asset derivatives:</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="text-align: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">IRLC’s</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:0pt;margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">$</td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(76</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Best efforts forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(98</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Mandatory forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(210</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Liability derivatives:</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="text-align: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">IRLC’s</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">$</td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">54</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Best efforts forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">32</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Mandatory forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(157</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> </table></div><div style="display: inline; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 10pt"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-right: 5%; margin-left: 18pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; text-indent: 0px; min-; min-width: 700px;"> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom;"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; width: 51.6%;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </div> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016</div></div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt; width: 32.4%; border-bottom: thin solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Income Statement</div></div> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Presentation</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Gain/(Loss)</div></div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding-bottom: 1px;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom;"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Asset derivatives:</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="text-align: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">IRLC’s</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:0pt;margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">$</td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(1,042</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Best efforts forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">77</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Mandatory forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">229</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">Liability derivatives:</div></div> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="text-align: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"> </div></td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">IRLC’s</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">$</td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(32</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Best efforts forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">264</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);"> <td style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style=" font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Mandatory forward loan sales commitments</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;"> </div><div style=" font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;text-align:center;">Mortgage banking income</div> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </td> <td style="width: 13%; text-align: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;"><div style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font-style: normal;">(38</div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 1%; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt;">)</td> </tr> </table></div>

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Note 25 - Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes Tables

Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]

	Twelve Months Ended December 31 ,
(dollars in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Non-interest income
In-scope of Topic 606
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	5,476	$	3,904	$	2,658
Other non-interest income		174		177		335
Non-interest income (in-scope of Topic 606)		5,650		4,081		2,993
Non-interest income (out-of-scope of Topic 606)		14,672		16,016		12,319
Total non-interest income	$	20,322	$	20,097	$	15,312

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) shares in Millions			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Apr. 29, 2014 shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($)
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total			$ 51,400,000	$ 51,400,000	$ 31,200,000
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Total						$ 7,000
Available-For-Sale Securities Transferred to Held-To-Maturity, Value			230,100,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, after Tax				3,927,000	(413,000)	(3,853,000)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax			6,449,000	6,449,000	11,320,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock			5,600,000	$ 5,600,000	1,800,000
Number of Reporting Units				1
Goodwill, Ending Balance			$ 5,011,000	$ 5,011,000	5,011,000	5,011,000
Loan to Value Ratio			80.00%	80.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period				10 years
Maximum Percentage of Capital Permitted to Invest in Trust Preferred Securities			25.00%	25.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities			$ 341,000	$ 341,000
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
ATM Expenses				1,868,000	1,264,000	$ 814,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income				1,640,000
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]			$ (1,640,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset							$ 48,900,000
The 2005 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant | shares			1.5	1.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period				10 years
The 2014 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant | shares			6.3	6.3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized | shares		2.6
Minimum Percentage of Outstanding Shares as Annual Adjustment		10.00%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				1 year
Minimum [Member] | The 2005 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				4 years
Maximum [Member] | The 2005 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				4 years
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life				40 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life				3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life				13 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life				1 year
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life				30 years
Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted			$ 13,900,000	$ 13,900,000
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value			0	0	0
Performance Guarantee Expiring in 2019 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value			12,500,000	12,500,000
Performance Guarantee Expiring in 2020 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value			1,400,000	1,400,000
Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (ACBB) [Member]
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock			$ 143,000	143,000	143,000
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Available-For-Sale Securities Transferred to Held-To-Maturity, Number			23
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax			$ 2,120,000	2,120,000	$ 7,731,000
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by Private Enterprises [Member]
Available-For-Sale Securities Transferred to Held-To-Maturity, Number			2
Available-For-Sale Securities Transferred to Held-To-Maturity [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, after Tax			$ (9,400,000)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax			$ 9,800,000	$ 9,800,000

[1] All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to other comprehensive income.

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Calculation of EPS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income - basic and diluted	$ 2,157		$ 2,322		$ 2,371		$ 1,777		$ 2,738		$ 2,321		$ 2,059		$ 1,787		$ 8,627	$ 8,905	$ 4,945
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)																	58,358	56,933	39,281
Net income per share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.05	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.15	$ 0.16	$ 0.13
Weighted average shares outstanding (including dilutive CSEs) (in shares)																	59,407	58,250	39,865
Net income per share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.05	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.12

[1] Quarterly net income per share does not add to full year net income per share due to rounding.

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Anti-dilutive Securities (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)	2,813	3,314	3,409
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)	2,813	1,689	1,747
Convertible Debt Securities [Member]
Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)		1,625	1,662

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Note 3 - Investment Securities (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses		$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Restricted	$ 710,700,000	710,700,000	555,200,000
Securities, Continuous Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	21,300,000	21,300,000	20,100,000
Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	674,300,000	674,300,000	836,900,000
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Total		6,439,000	31,197,000	78,585,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses		67,000	798,000	24,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax, Total		(18,000)	(52,000)	236,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains			652,000	680,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Transfer, Amount	230,100,000	230,100,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Transferred to Held-to-maturity, before Tax	9,400,000	(9,362,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized Loss Associated with Transferred Securities	$ 9,800,000	$ 9,800,000
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by Private Enterprises [Member]
Number of Securities in Investment Portfolio	0	0	0
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by Private Enterprises [Member] | Subprime [Member]
Number of Securities in Investment Portfolio	0	0	0
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by Private Enterprises [Member] | AltA [Member]
Number of Securities in Investment Portfolio	0	0	0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Total	14	14
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Number of Securities in Investment Portfolio	0	0	0
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Total	64	64
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Total		$ 660,000	$ 1,500,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses		66,000	798,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax, Total		$ (17,000)	$ (287,000)
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Subprime [Member]
Number of Securities in Investment Portfolio	0	0	0
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | AltA [Member]
Number of Securities in Investment Portfolio	0	0	0
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Total	26	26
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Total	19	19
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Total	1	1
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Total	7	7

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Note 3 - Investment Securities - Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment securities available for sale, at amortized cost	$ 326,740	$ 475,587
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized gains	723	163
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(6,449)	(11,320)
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	321,014	464,430
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost	761,563	472,213
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized gains	570	411
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized losses	(14,810)	(8,825)
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	747,323	463,799
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Investment securities available for sale, at amortized cost	197,812	327,972
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized gains	567
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(2,120)	(7,731)
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	196,259	320,241
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost	500,690	215,567
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized gains	570	314
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized losses	(5,793)	(3,970)
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	495,467	211,911
Agency Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Investment securities available for sale, at amortized cost	39,105	55,664
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized gains	5	2
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(611)	(800)
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	38,499	54,866
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost	153,483	143,041
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized gains		47
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized losses	(5,245)	(2,620)
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	148,238	140,468
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Investment securities available for sale, at amortized cost	20,807	15,142
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized gains	64	20
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(232)	(62)
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	20,639	15,100
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment securities available for sale, at amortized cost	62,583	62,670
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized gains	87	103
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(3,396)	(2,491)
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	59,274	60,282
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Investment securities available for sale, at amortized cost	6,433	13,414
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized gains		38
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(90)
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	6,343	13,452
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Investment securities available for sale, at amortized cost		725
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized gains
Investment securities available for sale, gross unrealized losses		(236)
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value		489
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost	107,390	112,605
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized gains		50
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized losses	(3,772)	(2,235)
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	$ 103,618	110,420
Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost		1,000
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized gains
Investment securities held to maturity, gross unrealized losses
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value		$ 1,000

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Note 3 - Investment Securities - Investment Securities by Contractual Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Due in 1 year or less, available for sale, amortized cost	$ 2,375
Due in 1 year or less, available for sale, fair value	2,375
Due in 1 year or less, held to maturity, amortized cost
Due in 1 year or less, held to maturity, fair value
After 1 year to 5 years, available for sale, amortized cost	6,894
After 1 year to 5 years, available for sale, fair value	6,908
After 1 year to 5 years, held to maturity, amortized cost	14,116
After 1 year to 5 years, held to maturity, fair value	13,937
After 5 years to 10 years, available for sale, amortized cost	75,320
After 5 years to 10 years, available for sale, fair value	71,734
After 5 years to 10 years, held to maturity, amortized cost	93,274
After 5 years to 10 years, held to maturity, fair value	89,681
After 10 years, available for sale, amortized cost	5,234
After 10 years, available for sale, fair value	5,239
After 10 years, held to maturity, amortized cost
After 10 years, held to maturity, fair value
Total, available for sale, amortized cost	326,740	$ 475,587
Total, available for sale, fair value	321,014	464,430
Total, held to maturity, amortized cost	761,563	472,213
Total, held to maturity, fair value	747,323	463,799
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
No specific maturity date, available for sale, amortized cost	197,812
No specific maturity date, available for sale, fair value	196,259
No specific maturity date, held to maturity, amortized cost	500,690
No specific maturity date, held to maturity, fair value	495,467
Total, available for sale, amortized cost	197,812	327,972
Total, available for sale, fair value	196,259	320,241
Total, held to maturity, amortized cost	500,690	215,567
Total, held to maturity, fair value	495,467	$ 211,911
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
No specific maturity date, available for sale, amortized cost	39,105
No specific maturity date, available for sale, fair value	38,499
No specific maturity date, held to maturity, amortized cost	153,483
No specific maturity date, held to maturity, fair value	$ 148,238

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Note 3 - Investment Securities - Credit-related Impairment Losses on Securities (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Balance	$ 274,000	$ 937,000	$ 930,000
Additional credit-related impairment loss on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	0	0	7,000
Reductions for securities sold during the period	(274,000)	(663,000)
Balance		$ 274,000	$ 937,000

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Note 3 - Investment Securities - Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	$ 67,909	$ 185,784
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	377	1,818
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	165,488	246,865
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	6,072	9,502
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	233,397	432,649
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	6,449	11,320
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	49,925	154,170
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	501	1,201
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	390,977	250,059
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	14,309	7,624
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	440,902
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	14,810
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	58,883	150,075
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	270	1,565
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	83,377	170,166
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	1,850	6,166
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	142,260	320,241
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	2,120	7,731
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	44,574	56,955
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	475	767
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	173,467	107,986
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	5,318	3,203
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	218,041	164,941
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	5,793	55,170
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	5,351	42,045
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	26	213
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	98,267	59,594
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	3,746
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	103,618
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	3,772
Agency Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	1,134	29,967
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	10	226
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	16,768	21,045
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	601	574
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	17,902	51,012
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	611	800
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	119,243
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	5,245
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	119,243
Held to maturity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	5,245
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	1,549	5,742
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	7	27
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	12,154	2,656
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	225	35
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	13,703	8,398
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	232	62
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	53,189	52,509
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	3,396	2,491
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	53,189	52,509
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	3,396	2,491
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	6,343
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	90
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	6,343
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses	$ 90
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value		489
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses		236
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, fair value		489
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, unrealized losses		$ 236

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Note 4 - Loans Receivable (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties, Ending Balance	$ 13,029	$ 8,920	$ 7,862	$ 8,521

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Note 4 - Loans Receivable - Gross Loans by Major Categories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loans receivable	$ 1,436,614	$ 1,162,049
Deferred costs (fees)	(16)	229
Allowance for loan losses	(8,615)	(8,599)
Net loans receivable	1,427,983	1,153,679
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	515,738	433,304
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	121,042	104,617
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	200,423	173,343
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member]
Loans receivable	367,895	309,838
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	91,152	76,183
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	$ 140,364	$ 64,764

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Note 4 - Loans Receivable - Related Party Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Balance at beginning of year	$ 8,920	$ 7,862	$ 8,521
Additions	4,812	1,896
Repayments	(703)	(838)	(659)
Balance at end of year	$ 13,029	$ 8,920	$ 7,862

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Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment, Total	$ 22,801,000	$ 25,387,000	$ 25,695,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method, Total	451,000	607,000	502,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Impaired, Interest Lost on Nonaccrual Loans	$ 498,000	590,000	$ 1,000,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	0		0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	$ 7,782,000	8,218,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Increase in Principal Balance		$ 421,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts	3	0	0
Mortgage Loans in Process of Foreclosure, Amount	$ 0	$ 0
Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure	6,223,000	6,966,000
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment, Total	5,203,000	4,787,000	$ 5,185,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	1,224,000	$ 1,524,000
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Converted From Line of Credit to Term Loan With Five Year Maturity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts		1
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment		$ 975,000
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment, Total	3,244,000	3,284,000	2,746,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	242,000	$ 242,000
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member] | Contractual Interest Rate Reduction and Extended Maturity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts		1
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment		$ 245,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment, Total	13,505,000	16,069,000	16,488,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	6,316,000	$ 6,452,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Increase in Principal Balance and Reduction in Interest Rate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts		1
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		$ 6,500,000
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment, Total		26,000	$ 26,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment
Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure	$ 0	$ 42,000

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Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses - Activity in Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Beginning balance				$ 8,599				$ 9,155	$ 8,599	$ 9,155	$ 8,703
Charge-offs									(2,438)	(1,576)	(1,276)
Recoveries									154	120	171
Provision for loan losses	$ 600	$ 500	$ 800	400	$ 400		$ 500		2,300	900	1,557
Ending balance	8,615				8,599				8,615	8,599	9,155
Allowance for loan losses, individually evaluated for impairment												$ 1,473	$ 2,790
Allowance for loan losses, collectively evaluated for impairment												7,142	5,809
Total allowance for loan losses	8,615			8,599	8,599			9,155	8,599	8,599	9,155	8,615	8,599
Loans evaluated individually												18,030	24,716
Loans evaluated collectively												1,418,584	1,137,333
Total loans receivable												1,436,614	1,162,049
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Beginning balance				3,774				3,254	3,774	3,254	2,393
Charge-offs									(1,603)
Recoveries									50	54	6
Provision for loan losses									241	466	855
Ending balance	2,462				3,774				2,462	3,774	3,254
Allowance for loan losses, individually evaluated for impairment												295	1,964
Allowance for loan losses, collectively evaluated for impairment												2,167	1,810
Total allowance for loan losses	2,462			3,774	3,774			3,254	3,774	3,774	3,254	2,462	3,774
Loans evaluated individually												10,947	15,415
Loans evaluated collectively												504,791	417,889
Total loans receivable												515,738	433,304
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member]
Beginning balance				725				557	725	557	338
Charge-offs											(60)
Recoveries
Provision for loan losses									52	168	279
Ending balance	777				725				777	725	557
Allowance for loan losses, individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance for loan losses, collectively evaluated for impairment												777	725
Total allowance for loan losses	777			725	725			557	725	725	557	777	725
Loans evaluated individually
Loans evaluated collectively												121,042	104,617
Total loans receivable												121,042	104,617
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Beginning balance				1,317				2,884	1,317	2,884	2,932
Charge-offs									(151)	(1,366)	(143)
Recoveries									81	64	163
Provision for loan losses									507	(265)	(68)
Ending balance	1,754				1,317				1,754	1,317	2,884
Allowance for loan losses, individually evaluated for impairment												867	374
Allowance for loan losses, collectively evaluated for impairment												887	943
Total allowance for loan losses	1,754			1,317	1,317			2,884	1,317	1,317	2,884	1,754	1,317
Loans evaluated individually												3,662	4,501
Loans evaluated collectively												196,761	168,842
Total loans receivable												200,423	173,343
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member]
Beginning balance				1,737				1,382	1,737	1,382	2,030
Charge-offs									(465)	(157)	(1,052)
Recoveries									20
Provision for loan losses									741	512	404
Ending balance	2,033				1,737				2,033	1,737	1,382
Allowance for loan losses, individually evaluated for impairment												217	235
Allowance for loan losses, collectively evaluated for impairment												1,816	1,502
Total allowance for loan losses	2,033			1,737	1,737			1,382	1,737	1,737	1,382	2,033	1,737
Loans evaluated individually												2,560	3,798
Loans evaluated collectively												365,335	306,040
Total loans receivable												367,895	309,838
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Beginning balance				573				588	573	588	295
Charge-offs									(219)	(53)	(11)
Recoveries									3	2	2
Provision for loan losses									220	36	302
Ending balance	577				573				577	573	588
Allowance for loan losses, individually evaluated for impairment												94	217
Allowance for loan losses, collectively evaluated for impairment												483	356
Total allowance for loan losses	577			573	573			588	573	573	588	577	573
Loans evaluated individually												861	1,002
Loans evaluated collectively												90,291	75,181
Total loans receivable												91,152	76,183
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member]
Beginning balance				392				58	392	58	14
Charge-offs											(10)
Recoveries
Provision for loan losses									502	334	54
Ending balance	894				392				894	392	58
Allowance for loan losses, individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance for loan losses, collectively evaluated for impairment												894	392
Total allowance for loan losses	894			392	392			58	392	392	58	894	392
Loans evaluated individually
Loans evaluated collectively												140,364	64,764
Total loans receivable												140,364	64,764
Unallocated Financing Receivables [Member]
Beginning balance				81				432	81	432	701
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Provision for loan losses									37	(351)	(269)
Ending balance	118				81				118	81	432
Allowance for loan losses, individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance for loan losses, collectively evaluated for impairment												118	81
Total allowance for loan losses	$ 118			$ 81	$ 81			$ 432	$ 81	$ 81	$ 432	118	81
Loans evaluated individually
Loans evaluated collectively
Total loans receivable

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Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses - Impaired Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
With no related allowance - Recorded investment	$ 10,602	$ 15,270
With no related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	14,850	19,666
With related allowance - Recroded investment	7,428	9,446
With related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	8,555	9,502
Related allowance	1,473	2,790
Recorded investment	18,030	24,716
Unpaid principal balance	23,405	29,168
With no related allowance recorded - Average recorded investment	16,703	14,570	$ 15,445
With no related allowance recorded - Interest income recognized	419	483	333
With related allowance - Average recorded investment	6,098	10,817	10,250
With related allowance - Interest income recognized	32	124	169
Average recorded investment	22,801	25,387	25,695
Interest income recognized	451	607	502
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
With no related allowance - Recorded investment	6,332	9,264
With no related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	6,337	9,268
With related allowance - Recroded investment	4,615	6,151
With related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	5,498	6,165
Related allowance	295	1,964
Recorded investment	10,947	15,415
Unpaid principal balance	11,835	15,433
With no related allowance recorded - Average recorded investment	10,429	9,579	12,033
With no related allowance recorded - Interest income recognized	288	366	264
With related allowance - Average recorded investment	3,076	6,490	4,455
With related allowance - Interest income recognized		14	52
Average recorded investment	13,505	16,069	16,488
Interest income recognized	288	380	316
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member]
With no related allowance - Recorded investment
With no related allowance - Unpaid principal balance
With related allowance - Recroded investment
With related allowance - Unpaid principal balance
Related allowance
Recorded investment
Unpaid principal balance
With no related allowance recorded - Average recorded investment			58
With no related allowance recorded - Interest income recognized
With related allowance - Average recorded investment			12
With related allowance - Interest income recognized
Average recorded investment			70
Interest income recognized
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
With no related allowance - Recorded investment	1,655	2,756
With no related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	5,418	6,674
With related allowance - Recroded investment	2,007	1,745
With related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	2,195	1,752
Related allowance	867	374
Recorded investment	3,662	4,501
Unpaid principal balance	7,613	8,426
With no related allowance recorded - Average recorded investment	3,341	2,270	1,828
With no related allowance recorded - Interest income recognized	52	37	42
With related allowance - Average recorded investment	1,862	2,517	3,357
With related allowance - Interest income recognized	6	68	74
Average recorded investment	5,203	4,787	5,185
Interest income recognized	58	105	116
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member]
With no related allowance - Recorded investment	1,905	2,595
With no related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	2,013	2,743
With related allowance - Recroded investment	655	1,203
With related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	704	1,206
Related allowance	217	235
Recorded investment	2,560	3,798
Unpaid principal balance	2,717	3,949
With no related allowance recorded - Average recorded investment	2,275	1,894	642
With no related allowance recorded - Interest income recognized	58	58	10
With related allowance - Average recorded investment	969	1,390	2,104
With related allowance - Interest income recognized	25	32	31
Average recorded investment	3,244	3,284	2,746
Interest income recognized	83	90	41
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
With no related allowance - Recorded investment	710	655
With no related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	1,082	981
With related allowance - Recroded investment	151	347
With related allowance - Unpaid principal balance	158	379
Related allowance	94	217
Recorded investment	861	1,002
Unpaid principal balance	1,240	1,360
With no related allowance recorded - Average recorded investment	658	801	858
With no related allowance recorded - Interest income recognized	21	21	16
With related allowance - Average recorded investment	191	420	322
With related allowance - Interest income recognized	1	10	12
Average recorded investment	849	1,221	1,180
Interest income recognized	22	31	28
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member]
With no related allowance - Recorded investment
With no related allowance - Unpaid principal balance
With related allowance - Recroded investment
With related allowance - Unpaid principal balance
Related allowance
Recorded investment
Unpaid principal balance
With no related allowance recorded - Average recorded investment		26	26
With no related allowance recorded - Interest income recognized		1	1
With related allowance - Average recorded investment
With related allowance - Interest income recognized
Average recorded investment		26	26
Interest income recognized		$ 1	$ 1

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Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses - Past Due Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loans receivable, total past due	$ 13,050	$ 15,958
Loans receivable, current	1,423,564	1,146,091
Loans receivable	1,436,614	1,162,049
Loans receivable greater than 90 days and accruing
Financing Receivables, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	1,135	1,113
Financing Receivables, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	1,574
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	10,341	14,845
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	5,891	8,963
Loans receivable, current	509,847	424,341
Loans receivable	515,738	433,304
Loans receivable greater than 90 days and accruing
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	339
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	921
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	4,631	8,963
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due
Loans receivable, current	121,042	104,617
Loans receivable	121,042	104,617
Loans receivable greater than 90 days and accruing
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	3,941	3,864
Loans receivable, current	196,482	169,479
Loans receivable	200,423	173,343
Loans receivable greater than 90 days and accruing
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	280	969
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	3,661	2,895
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	1,841	2,136
Loans receivable, current	366,054	307,702
Loans receivable	367,895	309,838
Loans receivable greater than 90 days and accruing
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member] | Financing Receivables, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member] | Financing Receivables, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	653
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	1,188	2,136
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	1,075	995
Loans receivable, current	90,077	75,188
Loans receivable	91,152	76,183
Loans receivable greater than 90 days and accruing
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	214	144
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	861	851
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	302
Loans receivable, current	140,062	64,764
Loans receivable	140,364	64,764
Loans receivable greater than 90 days and accruing
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due	302
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Loans receivable, total past due

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Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses - Loans by Internal Risk Rating (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loans receivable	$ 1,436,614	$ 1,162,049
Pass [Member]
Loans receivable	1,422,542	1,142,559
Special Mention [Member]
Loans receivable	2,358	1,226
Substandard [Member]
Loans receivable	11,434	17,984
Doubtful [Member]
Loans receivable	280	280
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	515,738	433,304
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans receivable	510,186	423,382
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans receivable	921	959
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans receivable	4,631	8,963
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans receivable
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	121,042	104,617
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans receivable	121,042	104,617
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans receivable
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans receivable
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans receivable
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	200,423	173,343
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans receivable	196,751	168,702
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans receivable	10	140
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans receivable	3,382	4,221
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans receivable	280	280
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member]
Loans receivable	367,895	309,838
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans receivable	364,032	306,040
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans receivable	1,303
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans receivable	2,560	3,798
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans receivable
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	91,152	76,183
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans receivable	90,291	75,181
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans receivable
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans receivable	861	1,002
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans receivable
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable	140,364	64,764
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans receivable	140,240	64,637
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans receivable	124	127
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans receivable
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans receivable

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Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses - Non-accrual Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Non-accrual loans	$ 10,341	$ 14,845
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Non-accrual loans	4,631	8,963
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member]
Non-accrual loans
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Non-accrual loans	3,661	2,895
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member]
Non-accrual loans	1,188	2,136
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Non-accrual loans	861	851
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member]
Non-accrual loans

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Note 5 - Allowances for Loan Losses - Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Number of Loans	5	5
Troubled debt restructurings, accrual status	$ 6,316	$ 7,869
Troubled debt restructurings, non-accrual status	1,466	349
Troubled debt restructurings	$ 7,782	$ 8,218
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Number of Loans	1	1
Troubled debt restructurings, accrual status	$ 6,316	$ 6,452
Troubled debt restructurings, non-accrual status
Troubled debt restructurings	$ 6,316	$ 6,452
Construction and Land Development Portfolio Segment [Member]
Number of Loans
Troubled debt restructurings, accrual status
Troubled debt restructurings, non-accrual status
Troubled debt restructurings
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Number of Loans	3	3
Troubled debt restructurings, accrual status		$ 1,175
Troubled debt restructurings, non-accrual status	1,224	349
Troubled debt restructurings	$ 1,224	$ 1,524
Owner Occupied Real Estate [Member]
Number of Loans	1	1
Troubled debt restructurings, accrual status		$ 242
Troubled debt restructurings, non-accrual status	242
Troubled debt restructurings	$ 242	$ 242
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Number of Loans
Troubled debt restructurings, accrual status
Troubled debt restructurings, non-accrual status
Troubled debt restructurings
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member]
Number of Loans
Troubled debt restructurings, accrual status
Troubled debt restructurings, non-accrual status
Troubled debt restructurings

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Note 6 - Other Real Estate Owned - Reconciliation of Other Real Estate Owned (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Beginning Balance	$ 6,966	$ 10,174	$ 11,313
Additions	315	291	616
Valuation adjustments	(563)	(3,000)	(355)
Dispositions	(495)	(499)	(1,400)
Ending Balance	$ 6,223	$ 6,966	$ 10,174

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Note 7 - Premises and Equipment (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Depreciation, Total	$ 5,400	$ 4,600	$ 3,500
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance	115,028	97,189
Construction in Progress Land Purchased	$ 2,700
Number of Specific Store Locations	7
Cost of Completion	$ 8,000
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance	$ 8,041	$ 4,961

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Note 7 - Premises and Equipment - Premises and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Premises and equipment	$ 115,028	$ 97,189
Less accumulated depreciation	(27,367)	(22,242)
Net premises and equipment	87,661	74,947
Land [Member]
Premises and equipment	15,957	12,711
Building [Member]
Premises and equipment	49,204	40,519
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Premises and equipment	20,396	20,477
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Premises and equipment	21,430	18,521
Construction in Progress [Member]
Premises and equipment	$ 8,041	$ 4,961

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Note 8 - Borrowings (Details Textual) - USD ($)			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 10, 2008	Jun. 28, 2007	Dec. 31, 2006	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt, Total					$ 91,422,000
Maximum Percentage of Capital Permitted to Invest in Trust Preferred Securities					25.00%
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	$ 300,000						$ 99,175,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs					6,000	29,000	$ 24,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Conversion of Debt Securities, Deferred Issuance Costs				$ 467,000
Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total					82,000	$ 555,000
Trust Preferred Securities [Member]
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued				1,600,000
Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount				$ 10,100,000
Director [Member]
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued						37,000
Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount						$ 240,000
Republic Capital Trust II [Member]
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Trust Preferred Securities, Total			$ 6,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock			200,000
Republic Capital Trust II [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Subordinated Long-term Debt			$ 6,200,000
Republic Capital Trust II [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.73%
Republic Capital Trust III [Member]
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Trust Preferred Securities, Total		$ 5,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock		200,000
Republic Capital Trust III [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Subordinated Long-term Debt		$ 5,200,000
Republic Capital Trust III [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.55%
Republic Capital Trust IV [Member]
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Trust Preferred Securities, Total	10,800,000
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued							1,700,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price							$ 6.50
Republic Capital Trust IV [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Subordinated Long-term Debt	$ 11,100,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.00%
Correspondent Bank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					10,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit, Total					0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period					0	0
Zions Bank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					15,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit, Total					0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period					0
Overnight Advances [Member]
Collateralized Financings, Total					1,000,000,000
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					717,100,000
Long-term Line of Credit, Total					0	0
Short-term Debt, Total					$ 91,400,000	0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End					2.65%
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount					$ 100,000,000	75,000,000
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh [Member] | Overnight Advances [Member]
Long-term Line of Credit, Total					0	0
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Activity for Year, Maximum Outstanding at any Month End					$ 206,900,000	$ 82,900,000

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Note 9 - Deposits (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Time Deposits, at or Above FDIC Insurance Limit	$ 104,600,000	$ 57,500,000
Related Party Deposit Liabilities	102,700,000	107,100,000
Brokered Deposits	18,600,000	18,400,000
Bank Overdrafts	$ 277,000	$ 132,000

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Note 9 - Deposits - Contractual Maturities of the Certificates of Deposit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Certificates of Deposit, 2019	$ 94,022
Certificates of Deposit, 2020	57,138
Certificates of Deposit, 2021	1,135
Certificates of Deposit, 2022	958
Certificates of Deposit, 2023	1,004
Certificates of Deposit, thereafter
Certificates of Deposit	$ 154,257	$ 116,737

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Note 10 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent			21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net Deferred Tax Asset Before Valuation Allowance	$ 12,715	$ 12,715	$ 12,334	$ 12,715
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total			15.00%	27.00%
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total	5,549	5,549	$ 3,541	$ 5,549
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability		8,800
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross	2,789	2,789	3,935	2,789
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Total	0	$ 0		0	$ 12,200
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance	$ 10,600
Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Current			0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense, Total			$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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Note 10 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Federal		$ 2,137	$ 261
State	51
Federal	2,006	(5,056)	(380)
State	(479)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 1,578	$ (2,919)	$ (119)

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Note 10 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Tax provision computed at federal statutory rate									$ 2,143	$ 2,095	$ 1,689
State income tax, net of federal benefit									(340)
Tax exempt interest									(430)	(573)	(582)
Deferred tax only items									199
Effect of change in tax rate										7,661
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustment										(12,214)	(1,508)
Other									6	112	282
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 54	$ 622	$ 530	$ 372	$ (2,881)	$ 4	$ (8)	$ (34)	$ 1,578	$ (2,919)	$ (119)

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Note 10 - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for loan losses	$ 2,185	$ 2,047
Deferred compensation	591	557
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale	3,935	2,789
Realized losses in other than temporary impairment charge		65
Foreclosed real estate write-downs	2,351	1,468
Interest income on non-accrual loans	615	525
Net operating loss carryforward	3,541	5,549
Other	1,472	1,266
Total deferred tax assets	14,690	14,266
Deferred loan costs	1,103	998
Premises and equipment	634	211
Other	619	342
Total deferred tax liabilities	2,356	1,551
Net deferred tax asset	$ 12,334	$ 12,715

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Note 11 - Financial Instruments With Off-balance Sheet Risk (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Liability	$ 13.9	$ 12.6
Commitments to Extend Credit [Member]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Liability	$ 286.4	$ 264.3

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Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net, Total	$ 4.4	$ 4.0	$ 3.4

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Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies - Minimum Annual Rental Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
2019	$ 4,124
2020	4,128
2021	2,879
2022	2,590
2023	1,916
Thereafter	36,036
Total	$ 51,673

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Note 13 - Regulatory Capital (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2015
Amount Available for Dividend Distribution without Affecting Capital Adequacy Requirements	$ 48.5
Common Equity Tier One Risk Based Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	4.50%	4.50%
Tier One Risk Based Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	6.00%	6.00%
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	8.00%	8.00%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Average Assets	4.00%	4.00%
Capital Conservation Buffer	2.50%		0.625%
Common Equity Tier 1, Deductions and Other Adjustments, Initial				40.00%
Common Equity Tier 1, Deductions and Other Adjustments, Phase 2				80.00%
Subsidiaries [Member]
Common Equity Tier One Risk Based Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	4.50%	4.50%
Tier One Risk Based Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	6.00%	6.00%
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	8.00%	8.00%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Average Assets	4.00%	4.00%

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Note 13 - Regulatory Capital - Capital Regulatory Ratios (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital	$ 262,964	$ 249,510
Capital to risk-weighted assets	15.03%	16.70%
Capital required for capital adequacy	$ 140,009	$ 119,521
Capital required for capital adequacy to risk-weighted assets	8.00%	8.00%
Capital required for capital adequacy, with capital buffer	$ 172,824	$ 138,197
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	9.875%	9.25%	8.625%
Capital required to be well capitalized
Capital required to be well capitalized to risk-weighted assets
Tier one risk-based capital	$ 254,349	$ 240,911
Tier one risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets	14.53%	16.13%
Tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy	$ 105,007	$ 89,641
Tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy to risk-weighted assets	6.00%	6.00%
Tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy, with capital buffer	$ 137,821	$ 108,316
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	7.875%	7.25%	6.625%
Tier one risk-based capital required to be well capitalized
Tier one risk-based capital required to be well capitalized to risk-weighted assets
Common equity tier one risk-based capital	$ 243,349	$ 220,433
Common equity tier one risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets	13.90%	14.75%
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy	$ 78,755	$ 67,231
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy to risk-weighted assets	4.50%	4.50%
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy, with capital buffer	$ 111,570	$ 85,906
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)	6.375%	5.75%	5.125%
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required to be well capitalized
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required to be well capitalized to risk-weighted assets
Tier one leverage capital	$ 254,349	$ 240,911
Tier one leverage capital to average assets	9.35%	10.64%
Tier one leverage capital required for capital adequacy	$ 108,800	$ 90,586
Tier one leverage capital required for capital adequacy to risk average assets	4.00%	4.00%
Tier one leverage capital required for capital adequacy, with capital buffer	$ 108,800	$ 90,586
Tier one leverage capitalrequired for capital adequacy to average assets, with capital buffer	4.00%	4.00%
Tier one leverage capitalrequired to be well capitalized
Tier one leverage capitalrequired to be well capitalized to average assets
Subsidiaries [Member]
Capital	$ 231,610	$ 187,732
Capital to risk-weighted assets	13.26%	12.57%
Capital required for capital adequacy	$ 139,722	$ 119,446
Capital required for capital adequacy to risk-weighted assets	8.00%	8.00%
Capital required for capital adequacy, with capital buffer	$ 172,489	$ 138,109
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	9.875%	9.25%
Capital required to be well capitalized	$ 174,652	$ 149,307
Capital required to be well capitalized to risk-weighted assets	10.00%	10.00%
Tier one risk-based capital	$ 222,995	$ 179,133
Tier one risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets	12.77%	12.00%
Tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy	$ 104,791	$ 89,584
Tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy to risk-weighted assets	6.00%	6.00%
Tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy, with capital buffer	$ 137,539	$ 108,248
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	7.875%	7.25%
Tier one risk-based capital required to be well capitalized	$ 139,722	$ 119,446
Tier one risk-based capital required to be well capitalized to risk-weighted assets	8.00%	8.00%
Common equity tier one risk-based capital	$ 222,995	$ 179,133
Common equity tier one risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets	12.77%	12.00%
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy	$ 78,594	$ 67,188
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy to risk-weighted assets	4.50%	4.50%
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required for capital adequacy, with capital buffer	$ 111,341	$ 85,852
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)	6.375%	5.75%
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required to be well capitalized	$ 113,524	$ 97,050
Common equity tier one risk-based capital required to be well capitalized to risk-weighted assets	6.50%	6.50%
Tier one leverage capital	$ 222,995	$ 179,133
Tier one leverage capital to average assets	8.21%	7.91%
Tier one leverage capital required for capital adequacy	$ 108,685	$ 90,531
Tier one leverage capital required for capital adequacy to risk average assets	4.00%	4.00%
Tier one leverage capital required for capital adequacy, with capital buffer	$ 108,685	$ 90,531
Tier one leverage capitalrequired for capital adequacy to average assets, with capital buffer	4.00%	4.00%
Tier one leverage capitalrequired to be well capitalized	$ 135,857	$ 113,164
Tier one leverage capitalrequired to be well capitalized to average assets	5.00%	5.00%

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Note 13 - Regulatory Capital - Required Capital Ratios with Conversion Buffers (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)		6.375%	5.75%	5.125%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)		7.875%	7.25%	6.625%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)		9.875%	9.25%	8.625%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Common equity tier 1 capital (CET1)	7.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	8.50%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	10.50%

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Note 14 - Benefit Plans (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	$ 1,100,000	$ 927,000	$ 627,000
Annuity Payment, Maximum Contractual Term	10 years
Retirement Age to Be Attained to Receive Postretirement Benefits	65
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan	$ 1,100,000	1,200,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost), Total	$ 18,000	24,000	31,000
Deferred Compensation Plan, Benefits, Number of Years to Vest	3 years
Deferred Compensation Plan, Amount Vested	$ 1,200,000	1,200,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual, Expense Reduction	$ 15,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense		$ 28,000	$ 88,000
Deferred Compensation Plan, Shares Acquired | shares	0	0	0
Deferred Compensation Plan, Shares Held | shares	25,437	25,437
Other Assets [Member]
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	$ 2,500,000	$ 2,400,000
Minimum [Member]
Annual Annuity Payments	15,000
Maximum [Member]
Annual Annuity Payments	$ 25,000

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 5,650,000	$ 4,081,000	$ 2,993,000
Servicing Asset, Total	$ 204,400,000	$ 204,900,000
SBA Servicing Assets [Member]
Sensitivity Analysis of Fair Value, Transferor's Interests in Transferred Financial Assets, Impact of 10 Percent Adverse Change in Key Assumptions, Percent	10.00%	10.00%
Sensitivity Analysis of Fair Value, Transferor's Interests in Transferred Financial Assets, Impact of 20 Percent Adverse Change in Key Assumptions	20.00%	20.00%
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Mortgages Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0
Interest and Fees [Member]
Interest and Fee Income, Loans Held-for-sale, Mortgages	1,200,000	976,000
Shareholder Service [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 2,000,000	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,800,000

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Financial Assets Measured at on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total, available for sale, fair value	$ 321,014		$ 464,430
SBA Servicing Assets	4,785		5,243	$ 5,352	$ 4,886
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	196,259		320,241
Agency Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	38,499		54,866
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	20,639		15,100
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	59,274		60,282
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	6,343		13,452
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value			489
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	321,014		464,430
Mortgages Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	20,887		43,375
SBA Servicing Assets	4,785		5,243
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Mortgages Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure
SBA Servicing Assets
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	317,945		460,855
Mortgages Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	20,887		43,375
SBA Servicing Assets
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	3,069		3,575
Mortgages Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure
SBA Servicing Assets	4,785		5,243
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	196,259		320,241
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	196,259		320,241
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Agency Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	38,499		54,866
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Agency Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Agency Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	38,499		54,866
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Agency Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	20,639		15,100
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	20,639		15,100
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	59,274		60,282
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	56,205		57,196
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	3,069		3,086
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	6,343		13,452
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value	6,343		13,452
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative Asset	410		363
Derivative Liability			1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivative Asset
Derivative Liability
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative Asset	410		363
Derivative Liability			1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivative Asset
Derivative Liability
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative Asset	5		5
Derivative Liability	138		93
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivative Asset
Derivative Liability
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative Asset	5		5
Derivative Liability	138		93
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivative Asset
Derivative Liability
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative Asset	10		19
Derivative Liability	230		195
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivative Asset
Derivative Liability
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative Asset	10		19
Derivative Liability	230		195
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivative Asset
Derivative Liability
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value		$ 489
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total, available for sale, fair value		$ 489

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - SBA Servicing Assets Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Balance	$ 5,243	$ 5,352	$ 4,886
Additions	1,000	1,078	1,541
Fair value adjustments	(1,458)	(1,187)	(1,075)
Balance	$ 4,785	$ 5,243	$ 5,352

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Balance	$ 489	$ 1,820	$ 1,883
Security transferred to Level 3 measurement
Unrealized (losses) gains	237	1,006	(56)
Paydowns
Proceeds from sales	(660)	(1,539)
Realized losses	(66)	(798)
Impairment charges on Level 3			(7)
Balance		489	1,820
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Balance	3,086	2,971	2,834
Security transferred to Level 3 measurement
Unrealized (losses) gains	(17)	115	137
Paydowns
Proceeds from sales
Realized losses
Impairment charges on Level 3
Balance	$ 3,069	$ 3,086	$ 2,971

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Impaired loans	$ 5,955	$ 7,322
Other real estate owned	1,114	5,727
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Impaired loans
Other real estate owned
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Impaired loans
Other real estate owned
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Impaired loans	5,955	7,322
Other real estate owned	$ 1,114	$ 5,727

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Assets (Details) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value		$ 3,069	$ 3,086
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member]
Securities, unobservable input		(0.0824)	(0.0599)
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | SBA Servicing Assets [Member]
Fair Value		$ 4,785	$ 5,243
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | SBA Servicing Assets [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member]
SBA servicing assets, unobservable input		(0.115)	(0.105)
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | SBA Servicing Assets [Member] | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate [Member]
SBA servicing assets, unobservable input		(0.1031)	(0.0785)
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value			$ 489
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member]
Securities, unobservable input			(0.0833)
Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Impaired Loans [Member]
Fair Value	[1]	$ 5,955	$ 7,322
Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Impaired Loans [Member] | Measurement Input, Liquidation Expenses [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Impaired loans, unobservable input	[2],[3]	0.11	0.1
Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Impaired Loans [Member] | Measurement Input, Liquidation Expenses [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Impaired loans, unobservable input	[2],[3]	0.24	0.21
Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Impaired Loans [Member] | Measurement Input, Liquidation Expenses [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Impaired loans, unobservable input	[3]	(0.13)	(0.14)
Appraised Value of Collateral [Member] | Other Real Estate Owned [Member]
Fair Value	[1]	$ 1,114
Appraised Value of Collateral [Member] | Other Real Estate Owned [Member] | Measurement Input, Liquidation Expenses [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Other real estate owned, unobservable input	[2],[3]		0.04
Appraised Value of Collateral [Member] | Other Real Estate Owned [Member] | Measurement Input, Liquidation Expenses [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Other real estate owned, unobservable input	[2],[3]	(0.07)	0.07
Appraised Value of Collateral [Member] | Other Real Estate Owned [Member] | Measurement Input, Liquidation Expenses [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Other real estate owned, unobservable input	[2],[3]		(0.07)
Sales Price Valuation Technique [Member] | Other Real Estate Owned [Member]
Fair Value			$ 5,727
Sales Price Valuation Technique [Member] | Other Real Estate Owned [Member] | Measurement Input, Liquidation Expenses [Member]
Other real estate owned, unobservable input	[2],[3]		(0.22)

[1] Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which include Level 3 inputs that are not identifiable.

[2] Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.

[3] The range and weighted average of qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses are presented as a percent of the appraised value.

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Aggregate Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 20,071	$ 42,046
Excess Carrying Amount Over Aggregate Unpaid Principle Balance	816	1,329
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Carrying Amount	$ 20,887	$ 43,375

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - SBA Servicing Assets Sensitivity Analysis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset	$ 4,785	$ 5,243	$ 5,352	$ 4,886
Composition of SBA loans serviced for others	100.00%	100.00%
Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years) (Year)	20 years 146 days	20 years 182 days
Prepayment Speed	10.31%	7.85%
Effect on fair value of a 10% increase	$ (170)	$ (171)
Effect on fair value of a 20% increase	$ (330)	$ (333)
Weighted Average Discount Rate	11.50%	10.50%
Effect on fair value of a 10% increase	$ (186)	$ (211)
Effect on fair value of a 20% increase	$ (359)	$ (407)
Fixed Rate SBA Loans [Member]
Composition of SBA loans serviced for others	2.00%	2.00%
Adjustable Rate SBA Loans [Member]
Composition of SBA loans serviced for others	98.00%	98.00%

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Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	$ 321,014	$ 464,430
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	747,323	463,799
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset	4,785	5,243	$ 5,352	$ 4,886
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	72,473	61,942
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	321,014	464,430
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	761,563	472,213
Restricted stock	5,754	1,918
Loans held for sale	26,291	45,700
Loans receivable, net	1,427,983	1,153,679
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset	4,785	5,243
Accrued interest receivable	9,025	7,009
Demand, savings and money market	2,238,610	1,946,558
Time	154,257	116,737
Subordinated debt	11,259	21,681
Accrued interest payable	558	293
Commitments to extend credit
Standby letters-of-credit
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	410	363
Derivative liability		1
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	5	5
Derivative liability	138	93
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	10	19
Derivative liability	230	195
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	72,473	61,942
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	321,014	464,430
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	747,323	463,799
Restricted stock	5,754	1,918
Loans held for sale	26,291	45,714
Loans receivable, net	1,410,945	1,120,305
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset	4,785	5,243
Accrued interest receivable	9,025	7,009
Demand, savings and money market	2,238,610	1,946,558
Time	152,989	115,673
Subordinated debt	8,279	18,458
Accrued interest payable	558	293
Commitments to extend credit
Standby letters-of-credit
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	410	363
Derivative liability		1
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	5	5
Derivative liability	138	93
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	10	19
Derivative liability	230	195
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	72,473	61,942
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value
Restricted stock
Loans held for sale
Loans receivable, net
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset
Accrued interest receivable
Demand, savings and money market
Time
Subordinated debt
Accrued interest payable
Commitments to extend credit
Standby letters-of-credit
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset
Derivative liability
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset
Derivative liability
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset
Derivative liability
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	317,945	460,855
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value	747,323	463,799
Restricted stock	5,754	1,918
Loans held for sale	20,887	43,375
Loans receivable, net
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset
Accrued interest receivable	9,025	7,009
Demand, savings and money market	2,238,610	1,946,558
Time	152,989	115,673
Subordinated debt
Accrued interest payable	558	293
Commitments to extend credit
Standby letters-of-credit
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	410	363
Derivative liability		1
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	5	5
Derivative liability	138	93
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset	10	19
Derivative liability	230	195
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	3,069	3,575
Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value
Restricted stock
Loans held for sale	5,404	2,339
Loans receivable, net	1,410,945	1,120,305
Fair Value of SBA Servicing Asset	4,785	5,243
Accrued interest receivable
Demand, savings and money market
Time
Subordinated debt	8,279	18,458
Accrued interest payable
Commitments to extend credit
Standby letters-of-credit
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset
Derivative liability
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset
Derivative liability
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative asset
Derivative liability

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Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		1,106,800	916,000	661,750
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Aggregate		$ 3,030,999
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares		753,864
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance		3,861,650	3,005,825	2,332,900	1,947,725
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number		1,899,487	1,346,723	1,049,674
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period		76,125	45,100	50,300
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options		$ 3,406,394	$ 2,508,314	$ 1,104,424
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		4 years
The 2014 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant		6,300,000
Minimum Percentage of Outstanding Shares as Annual Adjustment	10.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares		753,864	529,624	519,050
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance		3,861,650
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value		$ 4,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number		1,899,487
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		$ 3,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period		76,125
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Amount		$ 235,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options		$ 3,400,000
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		1 year
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Term Calculation		5 years 182 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Term Calculation		5 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		4 years
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Term Calculation		7 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Term Calculation		7 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Stock Options and Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant		1,500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Stock Options and Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		1 year
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Stock Options and Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		4 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | The 2014 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	2,600,000	6,300,000
Minimum Percentage of Outstanding Shares as Annual Adjustment	10.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		1,106,800

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Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - Valuation Assumptions (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	[1],[2]	28.22%
Expected life (Year)	[3]	6 years 91 days
Assumed forfeiture rate	[4]	4.00%	6.00%	10.00%
Minimum [Member]
Expected volatility	[1],[2]		44.00%	46.38%
Risk-free interest rate	[5]	2.35%	1.89%	1.23%
Expected life (Year)	[3]		5 years 182 days	5 years 182 days
Maximum [Member]
Expected volatility	[1],[2]		50.093%	52.543%
Risk-free interest rate	[5]	2.96%	2.30%	1.82%
Expected life (Year)	[3]		7 years	7 years

[1] Expected volatility is based on Bloomberg's five and one-half to seven year volatility calculation for "FRBK" stock.

[2] The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company&#8217;s common stock price as adjusted for certain historical periods of extraordinary volatility in order to estimate expected volatility.

[3] The expected life reflects a 1 to 4 year vesting period, the maximum ten year term and review of historical behavior.

[4] Forfeiture rate is determined through forfeited and expired options as a percentage of options granted over the current three year period.

[5] The risk-free interest rate is based on the five to seven year Treasury bond.

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Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock based compensation expense recognized	$ 2,116,000	$ 1,842,000	$ 759,000
Number of unvested stock options (in shares)	1,962,163	1,659,102	1,283,226
Fair value of unvested stock options	$ 5,550,820	$ 4,587,565	$ 2,184,773
Amount remaining to be recognized as expense	$ 3,406,394	$ 2,508,314	$ 1,104,424

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Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Outstanding, beginning of year, shares (in shares)	3,005,825	2,332,900	1,947,725
Outstanding, beginning of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.98	$ 3.70	$ 3.56
Granted, number of shares (in shares)	1,106,800	916,000	661,750
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.34	$ 8.03	$ 4.06
Exercised, shares (in shares)	(174,850)	(197,975)	(226,275)
Exercise, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.83	$ 3.26	$ 3.21
Forfeited, shares (in shares)	(76,125)	(45,100)	(50,300)
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.80	$ 7.95	$ 5.21
Outstanding, end of year, shares (in shares)	3,861,650	3,005,825	2,332,900
Outstanding, end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 5.96	$ 4.98	$ 3.70
Options exercisable at year-end, shares (in shares)	1,899,487	1,346,723	1,049,674
Options exercisable at year-end, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.53	$ 3.55	$ 3.70
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 2.85	$ 3.75	$ 1.80

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Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - Stock Option Exercises (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Options exercised (in shares)	174,850	197,975	226,275
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options	$ 670,413	$ 646,263	$ 726,157
Intrinsic value	814,855	991,957	739,699
Tax benefit	$ 12,288	$ 81,589

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Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - Options Outstanding (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 $ / shares shares
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	3,861,650
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 5.96
Options exercisable (in shares) | shares	1,899,487
Options exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.53
Range 1 [Member]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	1.55
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 3.53
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	518,200
Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual life (Year)	3 years 182 days
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.52
Options exercisable (in shares) | shares	508,200
Options exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.50
Range 2 [Member]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	3.55
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 3.95
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	663,050
Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual life (Year)	5 years 182 days
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.62
Options exercisable (in shares) | shares	526,312
Options exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.64
Range 3 [Member]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	3.99
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 7.85
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	737,225
Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual life (Year)	6 years 73 days
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.50
Options exercisable (in shares) | shares	435,850
Options exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.55
Range 4 [Member]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	8
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 9.50
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,943,175
Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual life (Year)	8 years 182 days
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.23
Options exercisable (in shares) | shares	429,125
Options exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 8

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Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - Roll-forward of Non-vested Options (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Nonvested, beginning year, number of shares (in shares)	1,659,102	1,283,226
Nonvested, beginning of year, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 2.77
Granted, number of shares (in shares)	1,106,800	916,000	661,750
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 2.85	$ 3.75	$ 1.80
Vested, number of shares (in shares)	(753,864)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 2.92
Forfeited, number of shares (in shares)	(49,875)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 2.94
Nonvested, end of year, number of shares (in shares)	1,962,163	1,659,102	1,283,226
Nonvested, end of year, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 2.83	$ 2.77

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Note 17 - Segment Reporting (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Number of Reportable Segments	1

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Note 18 - Transactions With Affiliates and Related Parties (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$ 685,000	$ 653,000	$ 1,000,000
Glassboro Properties, LLC. [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	165,000	172,000	194,000
Purchase of Marketing and Graphic Design Services [Member] | InterArch [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$ 400,000	361,000	450,000
Vernon W Hill [Member]
Major Shareholder Ownership Percentage	8.10%
Consulting Arrangement [Member] | Vernon W Hill [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction			250,000
Public Relations Services [Member] | Brian Communications [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$ 120,000	$ 120,000	$ 120,000

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Note 19 - Parent Company Financial Information - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other assets	$ 30,299	$ 28,532
Total Assets	2,753,297	2,322,347
Total Liabilities	2,508,108	2,095,887
Shareholders’ Equity
Total Shareholders’ Equity	245,189	226,460	$ 215,053	$ 113,375
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	2,753,297	2,322,347
Parent Company [Member]
Cash	27,722	60,309
Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust holding junior obligations of the corporation	341	676
Investment in subsidiaries	220,864	181,256
Other assets	7,572	5,931
Total Assets	256,499	248,172
Accrued expenses	51	31
Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures of the corporation	11,259	21,681
Total Liabilities	11,310	21,712
Shareholders’ Equity
Total Shareholders’ Equity	245,189	226,460	$ 215,053	$ 113,375
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 256,499	$ 248,172

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Note 19 - Parent Company Financial Information - Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income (Loss), and Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest income	$ 19,980	$ 19,146	$ 18,662	$ 18,116	$ 16,867	$ 15,712	$ 15,267	$ 14,219	$ 75,904	$ 62,065	$ 47,364
Net loss before taxes									10,205	5,986	4,826
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	54	622	530	372	(2,881)	4	(8)	(34)	1,578	(2,919)	(119)
Net income	2,157	$ 2,322	$ 2,371	1,777	2,738	$ 2,321	$ 2,059	1,787	8,627	8,905	4,945
Other comprehensive income/loss, net of tax									(2,778)	(215)	(4,129)
Total comprehensive income (loss)									5,849	8,690	816
Balance				226,460				215,053	226,460	215,053	113,375
Proceeds from shares issued under common stock offering (18,691,589 shares) net of offering costs of $825											99,175
Stock based compensation									2,116	1,842	759
Stock options issued in acquisition											202
Options exercised									670	646	726
Conversion of subordinated debt to common shares									10,094	229
Balance	245,189				226,460				245,189	226,460	215,053
Parent Company [Member]
Interest income									13	37	35
Total income									13	37	35
Trust preferred interest expense									441	1,225	1,160
Other expenses									4,972	1,424	717
Total expenses									5,413	2,649	1,877
Net loss before taxes									(5,400)	(2,612)	(1,842)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									(1,640)	(914)	(645)
Loss before undistributed income of subsidiaries									(3,760)	(1,698)	(1,197)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries									12,387	10,603	6,142
Net income									8,627	8,905	4,945
Other comprehensive income/loss, net of tax									(2,778)	(215)	(4,129)
Total comprehensive income (loss)									5,849	8,690	816
Balance				$ 226,460				$ 215,053	226,460	215,053	113,375
Proceeds from shares issued under common stock offering (18,691,589 shares) net of offering costs of $825											99,175
Stock based compensation									2,116	1,842	759
Stock options issued in acquisition											202
Options exercised									670	646	726
Conversion of subordinated debt to common shares									10,094	229
Balance	$ 245,189				$ 226,460				$ 245,189	$ 226,460	$ 215,053

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Note 19 - Parent Company Financial Information - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jun. 10, 2008	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income		$ 2,157,000	$ 2,322,000	$ 2,371,000	$ 1,777,000	$ 2,738,000	$ 2,321,000	$ 2,059,000	$ 1,787,000	$ 8,627,000	$ 8,905,000	$ 4,945,000
Share based compensation										2,116,000	1,842,000	759,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs										6,000	29,000	24,000
Net cash used in operating activities										39,630,000	(984,000)	5,289,000
Net cash used in investing activities										(450,763,000)	(357,899,000)	(459,481,000)
Net proceeds from stock offering	$ 300,000											99,175,000
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options										670,413	646,263	726,157
Net cash provided by financing activities										421,664,000	386,271,000	461,607,000
Increase (decrease) in cash										10,531,000	27,388,000	7,415,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year					61,942,000				34,554,000	61,942,000	34,554,000	27,139,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year		72,473,000				61,942,000				72,473,000	61,942,000	34,554,000
Parent Company [Member]
Net income										8,627,000	8,905,000	4,945,000
Share based compensation										2,116,000	1,842,000	961,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs										6,000	29,000	24,000
Increase in other assets										(1,639,000)	(1,342,000)	(716,000)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities										20,000	(179,000)	190,000
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries										(12,387,000)	(10,603,000)	(6,142,000)
Net cash used in operating activities										(3,257,000)	(1,348,000)	(738,000)
Investment in subsidiary										(30,000,000)		(40,203,000)
Net cash used in investing activities										(30,000,000)		(40,203,000)
Net proceeds from stock offering												99,175,000
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options										670,000	646,000	726,000
Net cash provided by financing activities										670,000	646,000	99,901,000
Increase (decrease) in cash										(32,587,000)	(702,000)	58,960,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year					$ 60,309,000				$ 61,011,000	60,309,000	61,011,000	2,051,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year		$ 27,722,000				$ 60,309,000				$ 27,722,000	$ 60,309,000	$ 61,011,000

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Note 20 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Summary of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest income	$ 25,293		$ 23,558		$ 22,324		$ 20,899		$ 19,409		$ 17,922		$ 17,331		$ 16,187		$ 92,074	$ 70,849	$ 54,227
Interest expense	5,313		4,412		3,662		2,783		2,542		2,210		2,064		1,968		16,170	8,784	6,863
Interest income	19,980		19,146		18,662		18,116		16,867		15,712		15,267		14,219		75,904	62,065	47,364
Provision for loan losses	600		500		800		400		400				500				2,300	900	1,557
Total non-interest income	4,888		5,131		5,768		4,535		5,012		5,778		4,969		4,338		20,322	20,097	15,312
Non-interest expense	22,057		20,833		20,729		20,102		21,622		19,165		17,685		16,804		83,721	75,276	56,293
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	54		622		530		372		(2,881)		4		(8)		(34)		1,578	(2,919)	(119)
Net income	$ 2,157		$ 2,322		$ 2,371		$ 1,777		$ 2,738		$ 2,321		$ 2,059		$ 1,787		$ 8,627	$ 8,905	$ 4,945
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.05	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.15	$ 0.16	$ 0.13
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.05	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.12

[1] Quarterly net income per share does not add to full year net income per share due to rounding.

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Note 21 - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) By Component (1) - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Balance		$ 226,460		$ 215,053		$ 113,375
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities		3,976		(319)		(4,269)
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		(6,855)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(2,778)		(215)		(4,129)
Balance		245,189		226,460		215,053
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance	[1]	(7,150)		(6,831)		(2,562)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02	[1]	(1,562)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities		3,927	[1]	(413)	[1]	(3,853)
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)	[1],[2]	49		94		(416)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	3,976		(319)		(4,269)
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	2,414
Balance	[1]	(4,736)		(7,150)		(6,831)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) on Securities Transferred from Available-for-Sale to Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Balance	[1]	(359)		(463)		(603)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02	[1]	(78)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities			[1]		[1]
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		(6,855)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)	[1],[2]	101		104		140
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(6,754)		104		140
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(6,832)
Balance	[1]	(7,191)		(359)		(463)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance	[1]	(7,509)		(7,294)		(3,165)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02	[1]	(1,640)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities		3,927	[1]	(413)	[1]	(3,853)
Net unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		(6,855)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (2)	[1],[2]	150		198		(276)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(2,778)		(215)		(4,129)
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(4,418)
Balance	[1]	$ (11,927)		$ (7,509)		$ (7,294)

[1] All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to other comprehensive income.

[2] Reclassification amounts are reported as gains/losses on sales of investment securities, impairment losses, and amortization of net unrealized losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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Note 22 - Business Combination (Details Textual) - Oak Mortgage [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 7,136	$ 7,136
Escrow Deposit	$ 1,000
Period Before Escrow Disbursement	1 year
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue			$ 69,400
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)			$ 6,100

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Note 22 - Business Combination - Consideration Paid and Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		5 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill		$ 5,011	$ 5,011	$ 5,011
Oak Mortgage [Member]
Cash	$ 7,136	7,136
Equity instruments	202	202
Deferred additional purchase price	500	500
Value of consideration	7,838	7,838
Cash and cash equivalents	1,223	1,223
Loans held for sale	20,871	20,871
Loans receivable	1,132	1,132
Premises and equipment	103	103
Derivative assets	1,508	1,508
Intangible assets – non compete agreements	104	104
Other assets	125	125
Total assets	25,066	25,066
Warehouse lines of credit	19,666	19,666
Derivative liabilities	412	412
Other liabilities	2,042	2,161
Other liabilities, adjustments		119
Total liabilities	22,120	22,239
Total liabilities, adjustments		119
Net assets acquired	2,946	2,827
Net assets acquired, adjustments		(119)
Goodwill	$ 4,892	5,011
Goodwill resulting from acquisition of Oak Mortgage, adjustments		$ 119

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Note 23 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill	$ 5,011	$ 5,011
Goodwill, additions/adjustments	0	0
Goodwill	5,011	5,011	$ 5,011
Non-compete agreements		61
Non-compete agreements, additions/adjustments		0
Amortization		(61)	(43)
Non-compete agreements			61
Non-compete agreements, amortization period (Year)		1 year
Total	$ 5,011	$ 5,072
Additions/adjustments		0
Total		$ 5,011	$ 5,072

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Note 24 - Derivatives and Risk Management Activities (Details Textual) xbrli-pure in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held, Total	0	0

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Note 24 - Derivatives and Risk Management Activities - Amounts Recorded in Statement of Financial Condition (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Assets [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	$ 5	$ 5
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	1,639	1,807
Other Assets [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	10	19
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	865	4,566
Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	410	363
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	16,966	16,366
Derivative Liability, Fair Value		1
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount		424
Other Liabilities [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	138	93
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	15,327	14,983
Other Liabilities [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	230	195
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	18,980	$ 36,223
Other Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount

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Note 24 - Derivatives and Risk Management Activities - Derivative Instrument Gain (Loss) Recorded in Statement of Income (Details) - Mortgage Banking Income [Member] - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member] | Liability Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Gain (Loss), Net	$ (45)	$ 32	$ 264
Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member] | Liability Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Gain (Loss), Net	(35)	(157)	(38)
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Liability Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Gain (Loss), Net	1	54	(32)
Asset Derivatives [Member] | Best Efforts Forward Loan sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative Gain (Loss), Net		(98)	77
Asset Derivatives [Member] | Mandatory Forward Loan Sales Commitments [Member]
Derivative Gain (Loss), Net	(9)	(210)	229
Asset Derivatives [Member] | Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Derivative Gain (Loss), Net	$ 47	$ (76)	$ (1,042)

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Note 25 - Revenue Recognition (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Contract Acquisition Costs [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net, Total	$ 0

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Note 25 - Revenue Recognition - Non-interest Income Segregated by Revenue Streams (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Non-interest income									$ 5,650	$ 4,081	$ 2,993
Non-interest income (out-of-scope of Topic 606)									14,672	16,016	12,319
Total non-interest income	$ 4,888	$ 5,131	$ 5,768	$ 4,535	$ 5,012	$ 5,778	$ 4,969	$ 4,338	20,322	20,097	15,312
Deposit Account [Member]
Non-interest income									5,476	3,904	2,658
Other Non-interest Income From Customers [Member]
Non-interest income									$ 174	$ 177	$ 335