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

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004


COMMISSION FILE NUMBER   000-33021

GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

               South Carolina                                   57-1126200               
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)     (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

1111 West Poinsett Street
P.O. Box 1029
Greer, SC 29650
   

(864) 877-2000
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)     (Issuer's Telephone Number)





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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes           No  X  

The number of outstanding shares of the issuer’s $5.00 par value common stock as of October 29, 2004 was 2,429,767.


GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED
Index

PART 1        
        
FINANCIAL INFORMATION       
        
Item 1       
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)       

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003              3  
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003              4 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004 and 2003
              5 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004
              6 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003              7 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements             8 
        
Item 2.       
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations              9 
        
Item 3.       
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclolsures About Market Risk           15 
        
Item 4.       
Controls and Procedures           16 
        
PART II       
        
OTHER INFORMATION 
        
Item 1.      Legal Proceedings           16 
Item 2.      Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds           16 
Item 3.      Defaults Upon Senior Securities           16 
Item 4.      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders           16 
Item 5.      Other Information           16 
Item 6.      Exhibits           16 
        
Signatures           17 
        
Index to Exhibits           18 


2


GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands except per share data) September 30,
December 31,
2004
2003
Assets:            
Cash and due from banks   $ 6,020   $ 7,267  
Federal funds sold    1,636    159  
Investment securities:  
  Held to maturity    24,561    17,263  
  Available for sale    51,840    66,760  
Loans    130,496    115,564  
   Less: allowance for loan losses    1,029    1,298  


Net loans    129,467    114,266  
Premises and equipment, net    4,354    3,886  
Real estate held for sale    515    125  
Other assets    5,820    4,407  


Total Assets   $ 224,213   $ 214,133  


Liabilities:          
Deposits          
  Non-interest bearing   $ 23,104   $ 20,311  
  Interest bearing    131,052    132,650  


Total Deposits    154,156    152,961  
   
Notes payable to Federal Home Loan Bank    46,896    40,057  
   
Other liabilities    2,602    1,408  


Total Liabilities    203,654    194,426  
   
Stockholders' Equity:          
Common stock--par value $5 per share, 10,000,000 shares          
authorized, 2,429,767 and 1,615,277 shares issued and          
outstanding at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003,          
respectively    12,148    8,076  
Additional paid in capital    2,496    6,465  
Retained earnings    4,773    4,060  
Accumulated other comprehensive income    1,142    1,106  


Total Stockholders' Equity    20,559    19,707  


Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   $ 224,213   $ 214,133  


          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



3


GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands except per share data) For Three Months
For Nine Months
09/30/04
09/30/03
09/30/04
09/30/03
Interest Income:                    
Loans (including fees)   $ 1,848   $ 1,774   $ 5,238   $ 5,381  
Investment securities:                  
  Taxable    473    286    1,415    979  
  Exempt from federal income tax    352    351    1,101    1,016  
Federal funds sold    4    10    16    31  
Other    21    62    70    118  

                     Total interest income    2,698    2,483    7,840    7,525  
   
Interest Expense:                  
Interest on deposit accounts    523    465    1,557    1,485  
Interest on other borrowings    416    452    1,181    1,327  

                     Total interest expense    939    917    2,738    2,812  
   
                      Net interest income    1,759    1,566    5,102    4,713  
   
Provision for loan losses    94    0    139    10  

      Net interest income after provision for loan losses    1,665    1,566    4,963    4,703  
   
Non-interest income:                  
Service charges for deposit accounts    323    293    942    908  
Other service charges    72    68    196    208  
Gain on sale of investment securities    29    0    110    41  
Other operating income    200    142    515    380  

                   Total non-interest income    624    503    1,763    1,537  
   
Non-interest expenses:                  
Salaries and employee benefits    869    790    2,542    2,310  
Occupancy and equipment    195    207    547    629  
Postage and supplies    56    44    173    180  
Other operating expenses    418    352    1,222    1,125  

                  Total non-interest expenses    1,538    1,393    4,484    4,244  
   
                   Income before income taxes    751    676    2,242    1,996  
   
Provision for income taxes:    143    104    430    362  

                           Net income   $ 608   $ 572   $ 1,812   $ 1,634  

Basic net income per share of common stock   $ .25   $ .24   $ .74   $ .68  

Diluted net income per share of common stock   $ .24   $ .23   $ .74   $ .67  

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



4


GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For Three Months
For Nine Months
09/30/04
09/30/03
09/30/04
09/30/03
 
Net Income     $ 608   $ 572   $ 1,812   $ 1,634  
Other comprehensive                  
income(loss), net of tax:                  
  Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) on                  
  Investment Securities    931    (749 )  104    102  
  Less Reclassification Adjustments for                  
  (Gains)/Losses Included in Net Income    (18 )  0    (68 )  (25 )

                   Subtotal    913    (749 )  36    77  

Comprehensive Income (Loss)   $ 1,521   $ (177 ) $ 1,848   $ 1,711  

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.





5


GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
(Unaudited)

Additional Accumulated Total
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) Common Paid-In Retained Other Comp. Stockholders
Stock
Capital
Earnings
Income
Equity
Balances at 12/31/2003     $ 8,076   $ 6,465   $ 4,060   $ 1,106   $ 19,707  
Net Income            1,812        1,812  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax                36  36
Stock exercised pursuant                      
  to stock option plan    25    78            103  
Stock split (3 for 2)    4,047    (4,047 )            
Cash dividends ($.45 per share)            (1,094 )      (1,094 )
Cash in lieu of fractional
 shares (3 for 2 stock split)
            (5 )      (5 )

Balances at 9/30/2004   $ 12,148   $ 2,496   $ 4,773   $ 1,142   $ 20,559  

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



6


GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

(dollars reported in thousands) For the Nine Months Ended
09/30/04
09/30/03
OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
  Net income   $ 1,812   $ 1,634  
  Cash provided by operating activities      
    Depreciation    326    407  
    Gain on sale of securities    (110 )  (41 )
    Provision for loan losses    139    10  
    Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable    9    (40 )
     Increase in other assets    (1,149 )  (72 )
     Increase in accrued interest payable    376    233  
     Increase (decrease) in other liabilities    796    (104 )

        Net cash provided by operating activities    2,199    2,027  

INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
  Proceeds from the sale of securities    30,437    27,561  
  Purchase of securities    (22,344 )  (38,113 )
  Net (increase) decrease in federal funds sold    (1,477 )  381  
  Purchase of FHLB stock    (304 )  (599 )
  Net (increase) in loans    (15,340 )  (4,797 )
  Purchase of property and equipment    (1,173 )  (134 )

        Net cash used for investing activities    (10,201 )  (15,701 )

FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
  Net increase in deposits    1,195    8,140  
  Net proceeds of notes payable FHLB    6,556    5,340  
  Cash dividends and fractional shares paid    (1,099 )  (563 )
  Proceeds from issuance of stock through options    103    88  

        Net cash provided by financing activities    6,755    13,005  

        Net decrease in cash and due from banks   $(1,247 ) $ (669 )
   
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   $ 7,267   $ 7,368  

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, END OF PERIOD   $ 6,020   $ 6,699  

CASH PAID FOR      
  Income taxes   $ 560   $ 675  

  Interest   $ 2,362   $ 2,580  

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


7


GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

Greer Bancshares Incorporated is a one-bank holding company for Greer State Bank (the “Bank”). The only current activity of the holding company is to hold its investment in the Bank. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the holding company and its subsidiary.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year or any other future interim period.

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2003, which are included in the Form 10-K.

Note 2 – Net Income per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, as adjusted for the assumed exercise of potential common stock options, using the treasury stock method. All share and per share amounts have been restated for the effect of a 3-for-2 stock split declared on January 27, 2004. The weighted average shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003 were 2,428,203 and 2,445,924, respectively (basic) and 2,413,713 and 2,437,394, respectively (diluted).

Note 3 – Accounting Policy

Stock-Based Compensation- On December 31, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation- Transition and Disclosure. This statement amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of that Statement to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity’s accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. Finally, this Statement amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial statements. We intend to continue to account for stock-based compensation based on the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25.

For the periods ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003, stock based compensation expense, net of tax, is deemed immaterial to pro forma income. Therefore, tables are not included with this current filing period.


8


Item 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        This report contains “forward-looking statements” relating to, without limitation, future economic performance, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and projections of revenues and other financial items that are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. The words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “may,” and “intend,” as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, and our operating performance is subject to various risks and uncertainties that are discussed in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation:

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

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

  o changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment;

  o the level of allowance for loan losses;

  o the rate of delinquencies and amounts of charge-offs;

  o the rates of loan growth;

  o adverse changes in asset quality and resulting credit risk-related losses and expenses;

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

  o changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;

  o changes in technology;

  o changes in monetary and tax policies;

  o loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions resulting from terrorist activities;

  o changes in the securities markets; and

  o other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



9


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview
The following discussion describes our results of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2003 as well as results for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and also analyzes our financial condition as of September 30, 2004 as compared to December 31, 2003. Like most community banks, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments. Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, most of which are interest-bearing. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

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

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

The following discussion and analysis also identifies significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements. We encourage you to read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes and the other statistical information also included in this report.

The Company reported consolidated net income of $608,000, or $.24 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared to $572,000, or $.23 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, an increase of 6.3%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 net income was $1,812,000, compared with $1,634,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of 10.9%.

Interest Income, Interest Expense and Net Interest Income
The Company’s total interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 was $2,698,000, compared to $2,483,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $215,000, or 8.7%. Total interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $7,840,000 compared to $7,525,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $315,000, or 4.2%. Interest and fees on loans is the largest component of total interest income and increased $74,000, or 4.2%, to $1,848,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared to $1,774,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. The increase is due primarily to an increase of approximately $14.6 million in average loans outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2004. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, interest and fees on loans decreased $143,000, or 2.7%, to $5,238,000, compared to $5,381,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The decline in interest and fees on loans is a result of the continued low interest rate environment, which led to a decline of 57 basis points in the average weighted rate of the loan portfolio from the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Interest income on investment securities increased by $521,000 and $188,000 for the nine months and three months periods, respectively. The increase was due to an increase of approximately $10.6 million in average investment securities from the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The average yield on the Company’s loan


10


portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 was 5.58% and 5.53%, respectively, compared to 5.79% and 6.10%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, reflecting the continued low interest rate environment.

The Company’s total interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $939,000, compared to $917,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $22,000, or 2.4%. Total interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $2,738,000, compared to $2,812,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, a decrease of $74,000, or 2.6%. The largest component of the Company’s interest expense is interest expense on deposits. For the three months ended September 30, 2004, interest expense on deposits was $523,000, compared to $465,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $58,000, or 12.5%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, interest expense on deposits was $1,557,000, compared to $1,485,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $72,000, or 4.8%. The increase in interest expense on deposits is attributable to the growth in deposits experienced in the past twelve months. Average total deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 were $158,562,000, compared to $137,815,000 for the same period in 2003. The increase in interest expense on deposits was offset to a large extent by the fact the Company’s cost of funds on interest-bearing deposits declined to 2.21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to 2.37% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Even though interest expense on deposits increased during these periods, total interest expenses decreased because of a decrease in interest expense on other borrowings. Interest expense on other borrowings is comprised of interest paid on borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and federal funds purchased. For the three months ended September 30, 2004, interest expense on other borrowings was $416,000, compared to $452,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, a difference of $36,000, or 8.0%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, interest expense on other borrowings was $1,181,000, compared to $1,327,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, a difference of $146,000, or 11.0%. The decrease in interest expense on other borrowings is a result of the positive effects of an interest rate swap transaction entered into by the Bank in August 2003, through which the Bank swapped fixed interest rate payments for lower adjustable rate payments. During 2004 the net effect of the interest rate swaps has been to reduce the Company’s interest expense by $202,000.

Net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on assets and the interest paid for the liabilities used to fund those assets, measures the spread earned on lending and investing activities and is the primary contributor to the Company’s earnings. Net interest income before provision for loan losses increased $193,000, or 12.3%, to $1,759,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared to $1,566,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, net interest income before provision for loan losses increased $389,000, or 8.3%, to $5,102,000, compared to $4,713,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in net interest income was primarily the result of the effects of the interest rate swap transaction previously discussed. The Company’s balance sheet is asset sensitive (which means assets reprice faster than liabilities), largely due to the amount of variable rate loans in the loan portfolio. Balance sheets that are asset sensitive typically produce more earnings as interest rates rise.

Provision for Loan Losses
The Company has developed policies and procedures for evaluating the overall quality of its credit portfolio and the timely identification of potential problem credits. On a quarterly basis, the Bank’s Loan Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and approves the appropriate level for the Bank’s allowance for loan losses based upon management’s recommendations, the results of the internal monitoring and reporting system, and a review of historical statistical data for both the Bank and other financial institutions.


11


The Bank’s allowance for loan losses is based upon judgments and assumptions of risk elements in the portfolio and other factors affecting borrowers. The process includes identification and analysis of loss potential in various portfolio segments utilizing a credit risk grading process and specific reviews and evaluations of significant problem credits. In addition, management monitors the overall portfolio quality through observable trends in delinquency, charge-offs, and general conditions in the service area. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the effectiveness of our monitoring and analysis system are also reviewed periodically by the banking regulators and our internal auditors.

The provision for loan losses charged to operations during the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $94,000, compared to no provision being made for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The provision charged for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $139,000, compared to $10,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The provision for loan losses was significantly lower in the first nine months of 2003 due to the Company’s loan loss reserve model indicating that no additional loan loss reserve was needed. This determination was a result of several factors, including the lack of growth in the loan portfolio during this period and the recovery, during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003, of a previously charged-off loan of approximately $125,000. The Company’s loan portfolio has grown by $14,900,000 during the first nine months of 2004, and provisions have been made based on the results of the loan loss reserve models used by management. See the discussion below under “Allowance for Loan Losses”.

Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income increased $121,000, or 24.1%, to $624,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared to $503,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, non-interest income increased $226,000, or 14.7%, to $1,763,000, compared to $1,537,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Service charges for deposit accounts is the largest component of non-interest income and increased $30,000, or 10.2%, to $323,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $293,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. This increase can be attributed to an increase in the number of deposit accounts. Gains on the sale of securities were $110,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $41,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, and were $29,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2003.

Non-Interest Expense
Total non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2004 increased $145,000, or 10.4%, to $1,538,000, compared to $1,393,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. Total non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased $240,000, or 5.7%, to $4,484,000, compared to $4,244,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The largest component of non-interest expense, salaries and employee benefits, increased $79,000, or 10.0%, to $869,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $790,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, salaries and employee benefits increased $232,000, or 10.0%, to $2,542,000, compared to $2,310,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in salaries and benefits is attributable to annual salary adjustments and the addition of personnel to support the growth of the Company. Occupancy and equipment expense decreased $12,000, or 5.8%, to $195,000, compared to $207,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, occupancy and equipment expense decreased $82,000, or 13%, to $547,000, compared to $629,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The decline is attributed to data processing equipment becoming fully depreciated in late 2003, and the savings experienced after the elimination of certain maintenance agreements on equipment. The Company’s effective tax rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was 19.2%, primarily as a result of having an average of $33,356,000 invested in tax exempt municipal securities.


12


BALANCE SHEET REVIEW

Loans
Outstanding loans represent the largest component of earning assets at 58.3% of total earning assets as of September 30, 2004. Gross loans totaled $130,496,000 as of September 30, 2004, which is an increase of $14,932,000, or 12.9%, over the total as of December 31, 2003, which was $115,564,000. The increase was due to an increase in loan demand in the Bank’s market area, as well as an increase in participation loans with other banks.

Adjustable rate loans totaled 69.63% of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2004, compared to 64.2% as of December 31, 2003. The growth in adjustable rate loans allows the Company to be in a favorable position when interest rates begin to rise; however, the significant percentage of variable rate loans in the portfolio has lowered the average weighted rate of the portfolio in the present low interest rate environment.

The Company’s loan portfolio consists primarily of residential mortgage loans, commercial loans and consumer loans. Substantially all of these loans are to borrowers located in South Carolina and are concentrated in the Company’s local market area.

Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2004 was $1,029,000, or .79%, of gross loans outstanding, compared to $1,298,000, or 1.12%, of gross loans outstanding at December 31, 2003. The decline in the reserve is the result of loan losses being charged against the reserve in the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The allowance for loan losses is based upon a board-approved loan loss modeling system, which includes the prior loss experience of the Company. In addition, there are internal reviews and evaluations of the Company’s loan portfolio for the purpose of identifying potential problem loans, external reviews by federal and state banking examiners, management’s consideration of current economic conditions, and other relevant risk factors in evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. We monitor the level of loan loss reserves on an–ongoing basis. Our evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant change. Our losses will undoubtedly vary from our estimates, and there is a possibility that charge-offs in future periods will exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time. If delinquencies and defaults increase, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

At September 30, 2004 the Company had $1,149,000 in non-accruing loans, no restructured loans, $1,059,000 loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest and $515,000 in Other Real Estate Owned. This compares to $1,249,000 in non-accruing loans, no restructured loans, no loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest and no Other Real Estate Owned at December 31, 2003. Non-performing loans consisted of $625,000 in mortgage loans, $1,542,000 in commercial loans and $41,000 in consumer loans at September 30, 2004. Non-performing assets and other real estate owned as a percentage of average assets were .99% and 0.62% at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Net charge-offs for the first nine months of 2004 were $413,000, the majority of which related to one loan relationship. As a percentage of non-performing loans, the allowance for loan losses was 47% and 104% as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. We anticipate a significant portion of the loans classified as non-accrual will be recovered, although there can be no assurances that this will occur.


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Securities
The investment portfolio is an important contributor to the earnings of the Company. While liquidity needs are important, the Company strives to maintain a portfolio that provides the necessary liquidity needs of the Company yet maximizes income consistent with the ability of the Company’s capital structure to accept nominal amounts of investment risk. During recent years when loan demand has not been as strong, the Company has utilized the investment portfolio as a means for investing “excess” funds for higher yields, instead of accepting low overnight investment rates. As of September 30, 2004, investment securities totaled $76,401,000, or 34.1%, of total earning assets. Investment securities decreased $7,622,000, or 9%, from $84,023,000 as of December 31, 2003. The decline in investment securities resulted from the sale of approximately $5,700,000 in securities to assist with funding of the growth in the loan portfolio, as well as $3,500,000 in securities that were called.

At September 30, 2004 the Company’s investment securities classified as Available for Sale had an amortized cost of $47,283,000 and a market value of $49,139,000 for an unrealized gain of $1,856,000. Investment securities classified as Held to Maturity had an amortized cost of $24,561,000. This compares to an amortized cost of $64,961,000 and a market value of $66,760,000 for an unrealized gain of $1,799,000 as of December 31, 2003 for those investment securities classified as Available for Sale. Investment securities classified as Held to Maturity had an amortized cost of $17,263,000 as of December 31, 2003.

Cash and Due From Banks
The Company’s cash and due from banks decreased $1,247,000, or 17.2 %, to $6,020,000 at September 30, 2004, compared to $7,267,000 at December 31, 2003. Balances in due from bank accounts vary depending on the settlement of cash letters and other transactions.

Deposits
The Company receives its primary source of funding for loans and investments from its deposits. Total deposits increased $1,195,000, or 0.8%, to $154,156,000 as of September 30, 2004 compared to $152,961,000 as of December 31, 2003.

The Company had brokered deposits totaling $8.9 million and $6 million as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

At September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, interest-bearing deposits comprised 85.0% and 86.7% of total deposits, respectively. The Company takes into consideration liquidity needs, direction and level of interest rates and market conditions when pricing deposits.

Borrowings
The Company’s borrowings are comprised of federal funds purchased and both short-term and long-term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. At September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Company did not have any federal funds purchased. Notes payable to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta increased $6,839,000, or 17.0%, to $46,896,000 as of September 30, 2004 compared to $40,057,000 as of December 31, 2003. The increased borrowings were used to fund the growth of the balance sheet. The weighted rate of interest for Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances was 4.20% and 4.42% as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. The weighted maturity for Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances was 4.63 years and 5.47 years as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity represents the ability of a company to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss, and the ability to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves monitoring our sources and uses of funds in order to meet our day-to-day cash flow requirements while maximizing profits. Liquidity management is made more complicated because different balance sheet components are subject to varying degrees of management control. For example, the timing of maturities of our investment portfolio is fairly predictable and subject to a high degree of control at the time investment decisions are made. However, net deposit inflows and outflows are far less predictable and are not subject to the same degree of control. Liquidity is also a measure of the Company’s ability to provide funds to meet the needs of depositors and borrowers. The Company’s primary goal is to meet these needs at all times. In addition to these basic cash needs, the Company must meet liquidity requirements created by daily operations and regulatory requirements. Liquidity requirements of the Company are met primarily through two categories of funding, core deposits and borrowings. Core deposits include checking and savings accounts, as well as retail certificates of deposit less than $100,000. These are considered to be a relatively stable component of the Company’s mix of liabilities since they are generally the result of stable consumer and commercial banking relationships. At September 30, 2004 core deposits totaled $116.8 million, or 76%, of the Company’s total deposits, compared to $120.4 million, or 78.7%, of the Company’s total deposits as of December 31, 2003.

Greer Bancshares Incorporated, the parent holding company, has very limited liquidity needs and requires liquidity to pay limited operating expenses and dividends. For the nine-month period ending September 30, 2004, the Company had received $1,329,000 in dividends from its banking subsidiary, and management believes its liquidity sources are adequate at this time. In addition, management does not know of any trends that may result in the Company’s liquidity increasing or decreasing materially. The Company exceeded all of its capital requirements as of September 30, 2004.

Item 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. The Company’s market risk arises principally from interest rate risk inherent in its lending, deposit, and borrowing activities. Management actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk exposure. Although the Company manages certain other risks, such as credit quality and liquidity risk, in the normal course of business, management considers interest rate risk to be its most significant market risk and the risk that could potentially have the largest material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Other types of market risks, such as foreign currency risk and commodity price risk, do not arise in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.

The primary objective of asset and liability management at the Company is to manage interest rate risk and achieve reasonable stability in net interest income throughout interest rate cycles. This is achieved by maintaining the proper balance of rate-sensitive earning assets and rate-sensitive interest-bearing liabilities. The relationship of rate-sensitive earning assets to rate-sensitive interest-bearing liabilities is the principal factor in projecting the effect that fluctuating interest rates will have on future net interest income. Rate-sensitive assets and liabilities are those that can be re-priced to current market rates within a relatively short time period. Management monitors the rate sensitivity of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities over the entire life of these instruments, but places particular emphasis on the first year. At September 30, 2004, on a cumulative basis through 12 months, rate-sensitive assets exceeded rate-sensitive liabilities by $27.4 million. This asset-sensitive position is primarily attributable to the portion of the Company’s loan portfolio that re-prices with changes in the prime lending rate and the increase in mortgage-backed securities, which have significant cash flow in the next twelve months.


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Item 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2004. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that these proceedings will not result in a material loss to the Company.

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None

Item 5.   Other Information
None

Item 6.   Exhibits

Exhibits

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

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

32            Section 1350 Certifications.


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SIGNATURES

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

GREER BANCSHARES INCORPORATED


Dated:  November 12, 2004 /s/  R. Dennis Hennett                    
R. Dennis Hennett
Chief Executive Officer


Dated:  November 12, 2004 /s/  J. Richard Medlock, Jr.             
J. Richard Medlock, Jr.
Sr. Vice President & Chief Financial Officer






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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number and Description

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

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

32            Section 1350 Certifications.





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