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

Form 10-K

Commission file number: 000-28344

First Community Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

803-951-2265
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

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

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 o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o    No ý

         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 past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

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

         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. Yes o    No ý

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

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

         As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $19,486,083 based on the closing sale price of $6.90 on June 30, 2009, as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market. 3,257,490 shares of the issuer's common stock were issued and outstanding as of March 29, 2010.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This report, including information included or incorporated by reference in this document, contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other matters, the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business of our Company. Forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors which are beyond our control. The words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "assume," "believe," "intend," "plan," "forecast," "goal," and "estimate," as well as similar expressions, are meant to identify such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the following:

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



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restrictions or conditions imposed by our regulators on our operations may make it more difficult for us to achieve our goals;



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



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changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment;



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



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high concentrations of real estate-based loans collateralized by real estate in a weak commercial real estate market;



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



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changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;



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changes in technology;



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changes in deposit flows;



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the adequacy of our level of allowance for loan loss;



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



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the rates of loan growth;



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



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changes in monetary and tax policies;



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



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changes in the securities markets; and

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•

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

These risks are exacerbated by the developments over the last 24 months in national and international financial markets, and we are unable to predict what effect these uncertain market conditions will have on the Company. During 2008 and 2009 the capital and credit markets have experienced unprecedented levels of extended volatility and disruption. There can be no assurance that these unprecedented developments will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

PART I

Item 1.    Business.

General

        First Community Corporation, a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, was incorporated under the laws of South Carolina in 1994 primarily to own and control all of the capital stock of First Community Bank, N.A., which commenced operations in August 1995. On October 1, 2004, we completed our acquisition of DutchFork Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Newberry Federal Savings Bank. During the second quarter of 2006, we completed our acquisition of DeKalb Bankshares, Inc., the holding company for The Bank of Camden. On September 15, 2008, we completed the acquisition of two financial planning and investment advisory firms, EAH Financial Group and Pooled Resources, LLC. We engage in a commercial banking business from our main office in Lexington, South Carolina and our 11 full-service offices located in Lexington (two), Forest Acres, Irmo, Cayce-West Columbia, Gilbert, Chapin, Northeast Columbia, Prosperity, Newberry and Camden. We offer a wide-range of traditional banking products and services for professionals and small-to medium-sized businesses, including consumer and commercial, mortgage, brokerage and investment, and insurance services. We also offer online banking to our customers. Our stock trades on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol FCCO.

        The company is not an accelerated filer as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. As a result, the company qualifies for the extended compliance period with respect to the accountants report on management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting required by PCAOB Auditing Standards No. 5.

Location and Service Area

        The bank is engaged in a general commercial and retail banking business, emphasizing the needs of small-to-medium sized businesses, professional concerns and individuals, primarily in Richland, Lexington, Kershaw and Newberry Counties of South Carolina and the surrounding areas.

        Richland County, Lexington County, Kershaw County and Newberry County are located in the geographic center of the state of South Carolina. Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is located within and divided between Richland and Lexington counties. Columbia can be reached via three interstate highways: I-20, I-26, and I-77. Columbia is served by several airlines as well as by passenger and freight rail service. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, Richland, Lexington, Kershaw and Newberry Counties, which include the primary service areas for the existing twelve sites of the bank, had estimated populations in 2008 of 364,001, 248,518, 58,901 and 37,823, respectively

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        The principal components of the economy within our market area are service industries, government, and wholesale and retail trade. The largest employers in the area, each of which employs in excess of 3,000 people, include Fort Jackson Army Base, the University of South Carolina, Palmetto Health Alliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield and SCANA Corporation. The area has experienced steady growth over the past 10 years and we expect that the area, as well as the service industry needed to support it, will to continue to grow. For 2008, Richland, Lexington, Kershaw and Newberry Counties had estimated median household incomes of $49,653, $52,515, $44,446 and $43,570, respectively, compared to $44,695 for South Carolina as a whole. Markets in the United States, including our market areas, have experienced extreme volatility and disruption for more than 18 months. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the United States entered an economic recession in December 2007. Our operations have been significantly impacted by prevailing economic conditions, competition, and the monetary, fiscal, and regulatory policies of governmental agencies.

Banking Services

        We offer a full range of deposit services that are typically available in most banks and thrift institutions, including checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings accounts and other time deposits of various types, ranging from daily money market accounts to longer-term certificates of deposit. The transaction accounts and time certificates are tailored to our principal market area at rates competitive to those offered in the area. In addition, we offer certain retirement account services, such as Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs"). All deposit accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to the maximum amount allowed by law (currently, $250,000, subject to aggregation rules, and such limit expiring on December 31, 2013). In addition on October 14, 2008, the FDIC announced its temporary Transaction Account Guarantee Program ("TAGP"), which provides full coverage for transaction deposit accounts (earning less than .50%) at FDIC-Insured institutions that agree to participate in the program. We have agreed to participate in this program. This unlimited insurance coverage is temporary and will remain in effect for participating institutions until June 30, 2010. We solicit these accounts from individuals, businesses, associations and organizations, and governmental authorities.

        We also offer a full range of commercial and personal loans. Commercial loans include both secured and unsecured loans for working capital (including inventory and receivables), business expansion (including acquisition of real estate and improvements), and the purchase of equipment and machinery. Consumer loans include secured and unsecured loans for financing automobiles, home improvements, education, and personal investments. We also make real estate construction and acquisition loans. We originate fixed and variable rate mortgage loans substantially all of which are closed in the name of a third party, which are sold into the secondary market. Our lending activities are subject to a variety of lending limits imposed by federal law. While differing limits apply in certain circumstances based on the type of loan or the nature of the borrower (including the borrower's relationship to the bank), in general we are subject to a loans-to-one-borrower limit of an amount equal to 15% of the bank's unimpaired capital and surplus, or 25% of the unimpaired capital and surplus if the excess over 15% is approved by the board of directors of the bank and is fully secured by readily marketable collateral. We may not make any loans to any director, officer, employee, or 10% shareholder of the company or the bank unless the loan is approved by our board of directors and is made on terms not more favorable to such person than would be available to a person not affiliated with the bank.

        Other bank services include internet banking, cash management services, safe deposit boxes, travelers checks, direct deposit of payroll and social security checks, and automatic drafts for various accounts. We offer non-deposit investment products and other investment brokerage services through a registered representative with an affiliation through LPL Financial. We are associated with Jeannie, Star, and Plus networks of automated teller machines and Mastermoney debit cards that may be used

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by our customers throughout South Carolina and other regions. We also offer VISA and MasterCard credit card services through a correspondent bank as our agent.

        We currently do not exercise trust powers, but can begin to do so with the prior approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC").

Competition

        The banking business is highly competitive. We compete as a financial intermediary with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and money market mutual funds operating in Richland, Lexington, Kershaw and Newberry Counties and elsewhere. As of June 30, 2009, there were 27 financial institutions operating approximately 205 offices in Lexington, Richland, Kershaw and Newberry Counties. The competition among the various financial institutions is based upon a variety of factors, including interest rates offered on deposit accounts, interest rates charged on loans, credit and service charges, the quality of services rendered, the convenience of banking facilities and, in the case of loans to large commercial borrowers, relative lending limits. Size gives larger banks certain advantages in competing for business from large corporations. These advantages include higher lending limits and the ability to offer services in other areas of South Carolina. As a result, we do not generally attempt to compete for the banking relationships of large corporations, but concentrate our efforts on small-to-medium sized businesses and individuals. We believe we have competed effectively in this market by offering quality and personal service.

Employees

        As of December 31, 2009, we had 140 full-time employees. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

        Both the company and the bank are subject to extensive state and federal banking laws and regulations that impose specific requirements or restrictions on and provide for general regulatory oversight of virtually all aspects of our operations. These laws and regulations are generally intended to protect depositors, not shareholders. The following summary is qualified by reference to the statutory and regulatory provisions discussed. Changes in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on our business and prospects. Our operations may be affected by legislative changes and the policies of various regulatory authorities. We cannot predict the effect that fiscal or monetary policies, economic control, or new federal or state legislation may have on our business and earnings in the future.

        The following discussion is not intended to be a complete list of all the activities regulated by the banking laws or of the impact of such laws and regulations on our operations. It is intended only to briefly summarize some material provisions.

First Community Corporation

        We own 100% of the outstanding capital stock of the bank, and therefore we are considered to be a bank holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "Bank Holding Company Act"). As a result, we are primarily subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (the "Federal Reserve") under the Bank Holding Company Act and its regulations promulgated there under. Moreover, as a bank holding company of a bank located in South Carolina, we also are subject to the South Carolina Banking and Branching Efficiency Act.

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        Permitted Activities.    Under the Bank Holding Company Act, a bank holding company is generally permitted to engage in, or acquire direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in, the following activities:

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banking or managing or controlling banks;



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furnishing services to or performing services for our subsidiaries; and



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any activity that the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking.

        Activities that the Federal Reserve has found to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking include:

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factoring accounts receivable;



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making, acquiring, brokering or servicing loans and usual related activities;



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leasing personal or real property;



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operating a non-bank depository institution, such as a savings association;



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trust company functions;



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financial and investment advisory activities;



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conducting discount securities brokerage activities;



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underwriting and dealing in government obligations and money market instruments;



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providing specified management consulting and counseling activities;



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performing selected data processing services and support services;



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acting as agent or broker in selling credit life insurance and other types of insurance in connection with credit transactions; and



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performing selected insurance underwriting activities.

        As a bank holding company, we also can elect to be treated as a "financial holding company," which would allow us to engage in a broader array of activities. In sum, a financial holding company can engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complimentary to financial activities, including insurance underwriting, sales and brokerage activities, providing financial and investment advisory services, underwriting services and limited merchant banking activities. We have not sought financial holding company status, but may elect such status in the future as our business matures. If we were to elect in writing for financial holding company status, each insured depository institution we control would have to be well capitalized, well managed and have at least a satisfactory rating under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") (discussed below).

        The Federal Reserve has the authority to order a bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any of these activities or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when it has reasonable cause to believe that the bank holding company's continued ownership, activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of it or any of its bank subsidiaries.

        Change in Control.    In addition, and subject to certain exceptions, the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, together with regulations promulgated there under, require Federal Reserve approval prior to any person or company acquiring "control" of a bank holding company. Control is conclusively presumed to exist if an individual or company acquires 25% or more of any class of voting securities of a bank holding company. Following the relaxing of these restrictions

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by the Federal Reserve in September 2008, control will be rebuttably presumed to exist if a person acquires more than 33% of the total equity of a bank or bank holding company, of which it may own, control or have the power to vote not more than 15% of any class of voting securities.

        Source of Strength.    In accordance with Federal Reserve Board policy, we are expected to act as a source of financial strength to the bank and to commit resources to support the bank in circumstances in which we might not otherwise do so. If the bank were to become "under-capitalized (see below First Community Bank, N.A.—Prompt Corrective Action"), we would be required to provide a guarantee of the bank's plan to return to capital adequacy. Additionally, under the Bank Holding Company Act, the Federal Reserve Board may require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a non-bank subsidiary, other than a non-bank subsidiary of a bank, upon the Federal Reserve's determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness or stability of any depository institution subsidiary of a bank holding company. Federal bank regulatory authorities have additional discretion to require a bank holding company to divest itself of any bank or non-bank subsidiaries if the agency determines that divestiture may aid the depository institution's financial condition. Further, any loans by a bank holding company to a subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and certain other indebtedness of the subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank at a certain level would be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority payment.

        Capital Requirements.    The Federal Reserve Board imposes certain capital requirements on the bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act, including a minimum leverage ratio and a minimum ratio of "qualifying" capital to risk-weighted assets. These requirements are essentially the same as those that apply to the bank and are described below under "First Community Bank, N.A.—Capital Regulations." Subject to our capital requirements and certain other restrictions, we are able to borrow money to make a capital contribution to the bank, and these loans may be repaid from dividends paid from the bank to the company. Our ability to pay dividends depends on, among other things, the bank's ability to pay dividends to us, which is subject to regulatory restrictions as described below in "First Community Bank, N.A.—Dividends." We are also able to raise capital for contribution to the bank by issuing securities without having to receive regulatory approval, subject to compliance with federal and state securities laws.

        South Carolina State Regulation.    As a South Carolina bank holding company under the South Carolina Banking and Branching Efficiency Act, we are subject to limitations on sale or merger and to regulation by the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions (the "S.C. Board"). We are not required to obtain the approval of the S.C. Board prior to acquiring the capital stock of a national bank, but we must notify them at least 15 days prior to doing so. We must receive the Board's approval prior to engaging in the acquisition of a South Carolina state chartered bank or another South Carolina bank holding company.

First Community Bank, N.A.

        The bank operates as a national banking association incorporated under the laws of the United States and subject to examination by the OCC. Deposits in the bank are insured by the FDIC up to a maximum amount, which is currently $250,000 for each depositor, subject to aggregation rules, through December 31, 2013. The bank is participating in the FDIC's Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program ("TLGP") (discussed below in greater detail) which, in part, fully insures non-interest bearing transaction accounts. The OCC and the FDIC regulate or monitor virtually all areas of the bank's operations, including:

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security devices and procedures;

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adequacy of capitalization and loss reserves;



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loans;



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investments;



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borrowings;



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deposits;



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mergers;



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issuances of securities;



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payment of dividends;



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interest rates payable on deposits;



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interest rates or fees chargeable on loans;



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establishment of branches;



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corporate reorganizations;



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maintenance of books and records; and



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adequacy of staff training to carry on safe lending and deposit gathering practices.

        The OCC requires that the bank maintain specified capital ratios of capital to assets and imposes limitations on the bank's aggregate investment in real estate, bank premises, and furniture and fixtures. Two categories of regulatory capital are used in calculating these ratios—Tier 1 capital and total capital. Tier 1 capital generally includes common equity, retained earnings, a limited amount of qualifying preferred stock, and qualifying minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries, reduced by goodwill and certain other intangible assets, such as core deposit intangibles, and certain other assets. Total capital generally consists of Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital, which includes the allowance for loan losses, preferred stock that did not qualify as Tier 1 capital, certain types of subordinated debt and a limited amount of other items.

        The bank is required to calculate three ratios: the ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, the ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets, and the "leverage ratio," which is the ratio of Tier 1 capital to assets on a non-risk-adjusted basis. For the two ratios of capital to risk-weighted assets, certain assets, such as cash and U.S. Treasury securities, have a zero risk weighting. Others, such as commercial and consumer loans, have a 100% risk weighting. Some assets, notably purchase-money loans secured by first-liens on residential real property, are risk-weighted at 50%. Assets also include amounts that represent the potential funding of off-balance sheet obligations such as loan commitments and letters of credit. These potential assets are assigned to risk categories in the same manner as funded assets. The total assets in each category are multiplied by the appropriate risk weighting to determine risk-adjusted assets for the capital calculations.

        The minimum capital ratios for both the company and the bank are generally 8% for total capital, 4% for Tier 1 capital and 4% for leverage. To be eligible to be classified as "well capitalized," the bank must generally maintain a total capital ratio of 10% or more, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% or more, and a leverage ratio of 5% or more. Certain implications of the regulatory capital classification system is discussed in greater detail below. However, the OCC may require the bank to maintain capital ratios in excess of the minimum thresholds to be well capitalized stated above.

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        Prompt Corrective Action.    The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA") established a "prompt corrective action" program in which every bank is placed in one of five regulatory categories, depending primarily on its regulatory capital levels. The OCC and the other federal banking regulators are permitted to take increasingly severe action as a bank's capital position or financial condition declines below the "Adequately Capitalized" level described below. Regulators are also empowered to place in receivership or require the sale of a bank to another depository institution when a bank's leverage ratio reaches two percent. Better capitalized institutions are generally subject to less onerous regulation and supervision than banks with lesser amounts of capital. The OCC's regulations set forth five capital categories, each with specific regulatory consequences. The categories are:

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Well Capitalized—The institution exceeds the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. A well capitalized institution is one (i) having a total capital ratio of 10% or greater, (ii) having a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% or greater, (iii) having a leverage capital ratio of 5% or greater and (iv) that is not subject to any order or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.



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Adequately Capitalized—The institution meets the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. No capital distribution may be made that would result in the institution becoming undercapitalized. An adequately capitalized institution is one (i) having a total capital ratio of 8% or greater, (ii) having a Tier 1 capital ratio of 4% or greater and (iii) having a leverage capital ratio of 4% or greater or a leverage capital ratio of 3% or greater if the institution is rated composite 1 under the CAMELS (Capital, Assets, Management, Earnings, Liquidity and Sensitivity to market risk) rating system.



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Undercapitalized—The institution fails to meet the required minimum level for any relevant capital measure. An undercapitalized institution is one (i) having a total capital ratio of less than 8% or (ii) having a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 4% or (iii) having a leverage capital ratio of less than 4%, or if the institution is rated a composite 1 under the CAMEL rating system, a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%.



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Significantly Undercapitalized—The institution is significantly below the required minimum level for any relevant capital measure. A significantly undercapitalized institution is one (i) having a total capital ratio of less than 6% or (ii) having a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3% or (iii) having a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%.



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Critically Undercapitalized—The institution fails to meet a critical capital level set by the appropriate federal banking agency. A critically undercapitalized institution is one having a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.

        If the OCC determines, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that the bank is in an unsafe or unsound condition, the regulator is authorized to reclassify the bank to the next lower capital category (other than critically undercapitalized) and require the submission of a plan to correct the unsafe or unsound condition.

        Usually, if the bank is not well capitalized, it cannot accept brokered deposits without prior FDIC approval and, if approval is granted, cannot offer an effective yield in excess of 75 basis points on interests paid on deposits of comparable size and maturity in such institution's normal market area for deposits accepted from within its normal market area, or national rate paid on deposits of comparable size and maturity for deposits accepted outside the bank's normal market area. Moreover, if the bank becomes less than adequately capitalized, it must adopt a capital restoration plan acceptable to the OCC that is subject to a limited performance guarantee by the corporation. The bank also would become subject to increased regulatory oversight, and is increasingly restricted in the scope of its permissible activities. Each company having control over an undercapitalized institution also must

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provide a limited guarantee that the institution will comply with its capital restoration plan. Except under limited circumstances consistent with an accepted capital restoration plan, an undercapitalized institution may not grow. An undercapitalized institution may not acquire another institution, establish additional branch offices or engage in any new line of business unless determined by the appropriate federal banking agency to be consistent with an accepted capital restoration plan, or unless the FDIC determines that the proposed action will further the purpose of prompt corrective action. The appropriate federal banking agency may take any action authorized for a significantly undercapitalized institution if an undercapitalized institution fails to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails in any material respect to implement a plan accepted by the agency. A critically undercapitalized institution is subject to having a receiver or conservator appointed to manage its affairs and for loss of its charter to conduct banking activities.

        An insured depository institution may not pay a management fee to a bank holding company controlling that institution or any other person having control of the institution if, after making the payment, the institution, would be undercapitalized. In addition, an institution cannot make a capital distribution, such as a dividend or other distribution that is in substance a distribution of capital to the owners of the institution if following such a distribution the institution would be undercapitalized. Thus, if payment of such a management fee or the making of such would cause the bank to become undercapitalized, it could not pay a management fee or dividend to us. As of December 31, 2009, the bank was deemed to be "well capitalized." Based on discussions with the OCC following its most recent examination of the bank in 2009, the OCC may require the bank to maintain capital ratios in excess of the minimum thresholds to be well capitalized stated above. However, we currently anticipate that the bank would be in compliance with the minimum thresholds to be well capitalized that might be required by its regulators.

        Standards for Safety and Soundness.    The Federal Deposit Insurance Act also requires the federal banking regulatory agencies to prescribe, by regulation or guideline, operational and managerial standards for all insured depository institutions relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate risk exposure; and (v) asset growth. The agencies also must prescribe standards for asset quality, earnings, and stock valuation, as well as standards for compensation, fees and benefits. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations and Interagency Guidelines Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement these required standards. These guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. Under the regulations, if the OCC determines that the bank fails to meet any standards prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the bank to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard, as required by the OCC. The final regulations establish deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans.

        Regulatory Examination.    The OCC also requires the bank to prepare annual reports on the bank's financial condition and to conduct an annual audit of its financial affairs in compliance with its minimum standards and procedures.

        All insured institutions must undergo regular on-site examinations by their appropriate banking agency. The cost of examinations of insured depository institutions and any affiliates may be assessed by the appropriate federal banking agency against each institution or affiliate as it deems necessary or appropriate. Insured institutions are required to submit annual reports to the FDIC, their federal regulatory agency, and state supervisor when applicable. The FDIC has developed a method for insured depository institutions to provide supplemental disclosure of the estimated fair market value of assets and liabilities, to the extent feasible and practicable, in any balance sheet, financial statement, report of condition or any other report of any insured depository institution. The federal banking regulatory

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agencies prescribe, by regulation, standards for all insured depository institutions and depository institution holding companies relating, among other things, to the following:

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internal controls;



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information systems and audit systems;



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loan documentation;



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credit underwriting;



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interest rate risk exposure; and



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asset quality.

        Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders.    The company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the bank and its other subsidiaries. Various legal limitations restrict the bank from lending or otherwise supplying funds to the company or its non-bank subsidiaries. The company and the bank are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Regulation W. Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act places limits on the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, or investments in, or certain other transactions with, affiliates and on the amount of advances to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates. The aggregate of all covered transactions is limited in amount, as to any one affiliate, to 10% of the bank's capital and surplus and, as to all affiliates combined, to 20% of the bank's capital and surplus. Furthermore, within the foregoing limitations as to amount, each covered transaction must meet specified collateral requirements. The bank is forbidden to purchase low quality assets from an affiliate.

        Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, among other things, prohibits an institution from engaging in certain transactions with certain affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to such institution or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.

        Regulation W generally excludes all non-bank and non-savings association subsidiaries of banks from treatment as affiliates, except to the extent that the Federal Reserve Board decides to treat these subsidiaries as affiliates. The regulation also limits the amount of loans that can be purchased by a bank from an affiliate to not more than 100% of the bank's capital and surplus.

        The bank is also subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, certain principal shareholders, and their related interests. Such extensions of credit (i) must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates, and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties and (ii) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

        Dividends.    The company's principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends to its shareholders, is dividends it receives from the bank. Statutory and regulatory limitations apply to the bank's payment of dividends to the company. As a general rule, the amount of a dividend may not exceed, without prior regulatory approval, the sum of net income in the calendar year to date and the retained net earnings of the immediately preceding two calendar years. A depository institution may not pay any dividend if payment would cause the institution to become undercapitalized or if it already is undercapitalized. The OCC may prevent the payment of a dividend if it determines that the payment would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The OCC also has advised that a national bank should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

        Branching.    National banks are required by the National Bank Act to adhere to branch office banking laws applicable to state banks in the states in which they are located. Under current South Carolina law, the bank may open branch offices throughout South Carolina with the prior approval of

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the OCC. In addition, with prior regulatory approval, the bank is able to acquire existing banking operations in South Carolina. Furthermore, federal legislation permits interstate branching, including out-of-state acquisitions by bank holding companies, interstate branching by banks if allowed by state law, and interstate merging by banks. South Carolina law currently permits, with limited exceptions, branching across state lines through interstate mergers.

        Anti-Tying Restrictions.    Under amendments to the Bank Holding Company Act and Federal Reserve regulations, a bank is prohibited from engaging in certain tying or reciprocity arrangements with its customers. In general, a bank may not extend credit, lease, sell property, or furnish any services or fix or vary the consideration for these on the condition that (i) the customer obtain or provide some additional credit, property, or services from or to the bank, the bank holding company or subsidiaries thereof or (ii) the customer may not obtain some other credit, property, or services from a competitor, except to the extent reasonable conditions are imposed to assure the soundness of the credit extended. Certain arrangements are permissible: a bank may offer combined-balance products and may otherwise offer more favorable terms if a customer obtains two or more traditional bank products; and certain foreign transactions are exempt from the general rule. A bank holding company or any bank affiliate also is subject to anti-tying requirements in connection with electronic benefit transfer services.

        Community Reinvestment Act.    The CRA requires that the OCC evaluate the record of the bank in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could impose additional requirements and limitations on our bank.

        Finance Subsidiaries.    Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "GLBA"), subject to certain conditions imposed by their respective banking regulators, national and state-chartered banks are permitted to form "financial subsidiaries" that may conduct financial or incidental activities, thereby permitting bank subsidiaries to engage in certain activities that previously were impermissible. The GLBA imposes several safeguards and restrictions on financial subsidiaries, including that the parent bank's equity investment in the financial subsidiary be deducted from the bank's assets and tangible equity for purposes of calculating the bank's capital adequacy. In addition, the GLBA imposes new restrictions on transactions between a bank and its financial subsidiaries similar to restrictions applicable to transactions between banks and non-bank affiliates.

        Consumer Protection Regulations.    Activities of the bank are subject to a variety of statutes and regulations designed to protect consumers. Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by the bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The bank's loan operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as:

•

the federal Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;



•

the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;



•

the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;



•

the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;



•

the Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and

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•

the rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.

        The deposit operations of the bank also are subject to:

•

the Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records; and



•

the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E issued by the Federal Reserve Board to implement that Act, which governs automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers' rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services.

        Enforcement Powers.    The bank and its "institution-affiliated parties," including its management, employee's agent's independent contractors and consultants such as attorneys and accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution's affairs, are subject to potential civil and criminal penalties for violations of law, regulations or written orders of a government agency. These practices can include the failure of an institution to timely file required reports or the filing of false or misleading information or the submission of inaccurate reports. Civil penalties may be as high as $1,000,000 a day for such violations. Criminal penalties for some financial institution crimes have been increased to twenty years. In addition, regulators are provided with greater flexibility to commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties. Possible enforcement actions include the termination of deposit insurance. Furthermore, banking agencies' power to issue cease-and-desist orders were expanded. Such orders may, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnifications or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts, or take other actions as determined by the ordering agency to be appropriate.

        Anti-Money Laundering.    Financial institutions must maintain anti-money laundering programs that include established internal policies, procedures, and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an independent audit function. The company and the bank are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence and "knowing your customer" in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. Financial institutions must take reasonable steps to conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and to report any suspicious transactions, and recent laws provide law enforcement authorities with increased access to financial information maintained by banks. Anti-money laundering obligations have been substantially strengthened as a result of the USA Patriot Act, enacted in 2001 and renewed in 2006. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations and are required to consider compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications. The regulatory authorities have been active in imposing "cease and desist" orders and money penalty sanctions against institutions found to be violating these obligations.

        USA PATRIOT Act/Bank Secrecy Act.    Financial institutions must maintain anti-money laundering programs that include established internal policies, procedures, and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an independent audit function. The USA PATRIOT Act, amended, in part, the Bank Secrecy Act and provides for the facilitation of information sharing among governmental entities and financial institutions for the purpose of combating terrorism and money laundering by enhancing anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws, as well as enhanced information collection tools and enforcement mechanics for the U.S. government, including: (i) requiring standards for verifying customer

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identification at account opening; (ii) rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering; (iii) reports by nonfinancial trades and businesses filed with the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for transactions exceeding $10,000; and (iv) filing suspicious activities reports if a bank believes a customer may be violating U.S. laws and regulations and requires enhanced due diligence requirements for financial institutions that administer, maintain, or manage private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for non-U.S. persons. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations and are required to consider compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications.

        Under the USA PATRIOT Act, the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") can send to the banking regulatory agencies lists of the names of persons suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. The bank can be requested, to search its records for any relationships or transactions with persons on those lists. If the bank finds any relationships or transactions, it must file a suspicious activity report and contact the FBI.

        The Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"), which is a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "Treasury"), is responsible for helping to insure that United States entities do not engage in transactions with "enemies" of the United States, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC has sent, and will send, our banking regulatory agencies lists of names of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts. If the bank finds a name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list, it must freeze such account, file a suspicious activity report and notify the FBI. The bank has appointed an OFAC compliance officer to oversee the inspection of its accounts and the filing of any notifications. The bank actively checks high-risk OFAC areas such as new accounts, wire transfers and customer files. The bank performs these checks utilizing software, which is updated each time a modification is made to the lists provided by OFAC and other agencies of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

        Privacy and Credit Reporting.    Financial institutions are required to disclose their policies for collecting and protecting confidential information. Customers generally may prevent financial institutions from sharing nonpublic personal financial information with nonaffiliated third parties except under narrow circumstances, such as the processing of transactions requested by the consumer. Additionally, financial institutions generally may not disclose consumer account numbers to any nonaffiliated third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or other marketing to consumers. It is the bank's policy not to disclose any personal information unless required by law. The OCC and the federal banking agencies have prescribed standards for maintaining the security and confidentiality of consumer information. The bank is subject to such standards, as well as standards for notifying consumers in the event of a security breach.

        Like other lending institutions, the bank utilizes credit bureau data in its underwriting activities. Use of such data is regulated under the Federal Credit Reporting Act on a uniform, nationwide basis, including credit reporting, prescreening, sharing of information between affiliates, and the use of credit data. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (the "FACT Act") permits states to enact identity theft laws that are not inconsistent with the conduct required by the provisions of the FACT Act.

        Check 21.    The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act gives "substitute checks," such as a digital image of a check and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check. Some of the major provisions include:

•

allowing check truncation without making it mandatory;



•

demanding that every financial institution communicate to accountholders in writing a description of its substitute check processing program and their rights under the law;

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•

legalizing substitutions for and replacements of paper checks without agreement from consumers;



•

retaining in place the previously mandated electronic collection and return of checks between financial institutions only when individual agreements are in place;



•

requiring that when accountholders request verification, financial institutions produce the original check (or a copy that accurately represents the original) and demonstrate that the account debit was accurate and valid; and



•

requiring the re-crediting of funds to an individual's account on the next business day after a consumer proves that the financial institution has erred.

        Effect of Governmental Monetary Policies.    Our earnings are affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and its agencies. The Federal Reserve Bank's monetary policies have had, and are likely to continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power to implement national monetary policy in order, among other things, to curb inflation or combat a recession. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board have major effects upon the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its open market operations in United States government securities and through its regulation of the discount rate on borrowings of member banks and the reserve requirements against member bank deposits. It is not possible to predict the nature or impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.

        Proposed Legislation and Regulatory Action.    Legislative and regulatory proposals regarding changes in banking, and the regulation of banks, federal savings institutions, and other financial institutions and bank and bank holding company powers are being considered by the executive branch of the federal government, Congress and various state governments. Certain of these proposals, if adopted, could significantly change the regulation or operations of banks and the financial services industry. New regulations and statutes are regularly proposed that contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations, and competitive relationships of the nation's financial institutions. On June 17, 2009, the Treasury released a white paper entitled "Financial Regulatory Reform—A New Foundation: Rebuilding Financial Supervision and Regulation" (the "Proposal") which calls for sweeping regulatory and supervisory reforms for the entire financial sector and seeks to advance the following six key objectives: (i) promote robust supervision and regulation of financial firms, (ii) establish comprehensive supervision of financial markets, (iii) protect consumers and investors from financial abuse, (iv) provide the government with additional powers to monitor systemic risks, supervise and regulate financial products and markets, and to resolve firms that threaten financial stability, and (v) raise international regulatory standards and improve international cooperation.

        The Proposal includes the creation of a new federal government agency, the National Bank Supervisor ("NBS") that would charter and supervise all federally chartered depository institutions, and all federal branches and agencies of foreign banks. It is proposed that the NBS take over the responsibilities of the OCC, which currently charters and supervises nationally chartered banks, such as the Bank, and the responsibility for the institutions currently supervised by the Office of Thrift Supervision, which supervises federally chartered savings institutions and federal savings institution holding companies.

        The elimination of the OCC, as proposed by the administration, also would result in a new regulatory authority for the Bank. There is no assurance as to how this new supervision by the NBS will affect our operations going forward.

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        The Proposal also includes the creation of a new federal agency designed to enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Agency ("CFPA") would have authority to protect consumers of financial products and services and to regulate all providers (bank and non-bank) of such services. The CFPA would be authorized to adopt rules for all providers of consumer financial services, supervise and examine such institutions for compliance, and enforce compliance through orders, fines, and penalties. The rules of the CFPA would serve as a "floor" and individual states would be permitted to adopt and enforce stronger consumer protection laws. If adopted as proposed, we may become subject to multiple laws affecting its provision of loans and other credit services to consumers, which may substantially increase the cost of providing such services.

        In November 2009, Senate Banking Chairman Christopher Dodd introduced a financial regulatory reform bill entitled the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2009 which builds on the Proposal. The bill is still pending with the U.S. Congress.

        On February 2, 2010, the U.S. President called on the U.S. Congress to create a new Small Business Lending Fund. Under this proposal, $30 billion in TARP funds would be transferred to a new program outside of TARP to support small business lending. As proposed, only small- and medium-sized banks would qualify to participate in the program.

        New regulations and statutes are regularly proposed that contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations, and competitive relationships of the nation's financial institutions. We cannot predict whether or in what form any proposed regulation or statute will be adopted or the extent to which our business may be affected by any new regulation or statute.

        Recent Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives to Address Financial and Economic Crises.    The Congress, Treasury and the federal banking regulators, including the FDIC, have taken broad action since early September 2008 to address volatility in the U.S. banking system.

        In October 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 ("EESA") was enacted. The EESA authorizes the Treasury to purchase from financial institutions and their holding companies up to $700 billion in mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities and certain other financial instruments, including debt and equity securities issued by financial institutions and their holding companies in a Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP"). The purpose of TARP is to restore confidence and stability to the U.S. banking system and to encourage financial institutions to increase their lending to customers and to each other. The Treasury has allocated $250 billion towards the TARP Capital Purchase Program ("CPP"). Under the CPP, the Treasury will purchase debt or equity securities from participating institutions. The TARP also will include direct purchases or guarantees of troubled assets of financial institutions. Participants in the CPP are subject to executive compensation limits and are encouraged to expand their lending and mortgage loan modifications.

        On November 21, 2008 as part of the TARP CPP, First Community Corporation entered into a Letter Agreement and Securities Purchase Agreement (collectively, the "CPP Purchase Agreement") with the Treasury, pursuant to which First Community sold (i) 11,350 shares of First Community's Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series T (the "Series T Preferred Stock") and (ii) a warrant (the "CPP Warrant") to purchase 195,915 shares of First Community's common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $11,350,000 in cash.

        The Series T Preferred Stock will qualify as Tier 1 capital and will be entitled to cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and 9% per annum thereafter. First Community must consult with the OCC before it may redeem the Series T Preferred Stock but, contrary to the original restrictions in the EESA, will not necessarily be required to raise additional equity capital in order to redeem this stock. The CPP Warrant has a 10-year term and is immediately exercisable upon its issuance, with an exercise price, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, equal to $8.69

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per share of the common stock. Please see the Form 8-K we filed with the SEC on November 25, 2008, for additional information about the Series T Preferred Stock and the CPP Warrant.

        EESA also increased FDIC deposit insurance on most accounts from $100,000 to $250,000. This increase is in place until the end of 2009 and is not covered by deposit insurance premiums paid by the banking industry.

        Following a systemic risk determination, the FDIC established the TLGP on October 14, 2008. The TLGP includes the TAGP, which provides unlimited deposit insurance coverage through December 31, 2009 for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts (typically business checking accounts) and certain funds swept into noninterest-bearing savings accounts. Institutions participating in the TLGP pay a 10 basis points fee (annualized) on the balance of each covered account in excess of $250,000, while the extra deposit insurance is in place. The TLGP also includes the Debt Guarantee Program ("DGP"), under which the FDIC guarantees certain senior unsecured debt of FDIC-insured institutions and their holding companies. The unsecured debt must be issued on or after October 14, 2008 and not later than June 30, 2009, and the guarantee is effective through the earlier of the maturity date or June 30, 2012. On March 17, 2009, the FDIC adopted an interim rule that extends the DGP and imposes surcharges on existing rates for certain debt issuances. This extension allows institutions that have issued guaranteed debt before April 1, 2009 to issue guaranteed debt during the extended issuance period that ends on October 31, 2009. For such institutions, the guarantee on debt issued on or after April 1, 2009, will expire no later than December 31, 2012. The DGP coverage limit is generally 125% of the eligible entity's eligible debt outstanding on September 30, 2008 and scheduled to mature on or before June 30, 2009 or, for certain insured institutions, 2% of their liabilities as of September 30, 2008. Depending on the term of the debt maturity, the nonrefundable DGP fee ranges from 60 to 110 basis points (annualized) for covered debt outstanding until the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012 and 75 to 125 basis points (annualized) for covered debt outstanding until after June 30, 2012. The TAGP and DGP are in effect for all eligible entities, unless the entity opted out on or before December 5, 2008. We are participating in the TAGP, but opted out of the DGP.

        On February 10, 2009, the Treasury announced the Financial Stability Plan, which earmarked $350 billion of the TARP funds authorized under EESA. Among other things, the Financial Stability Plan includes:

•

A capital assistance program that invested in mandatory convertible preferred stock of certain qualifying institutions determined on a basis and through a process similar to the Capital Purchase Program;



•

A consumer and business lending initiative to fund new consumer loans, small business loans and commercial mortgage asset-backed securities issuances;



•

A public-private investment fund that is intended to leverage public and private capital with public financing to purchase up to $500 billion to $1 trillion of legacy "toxic assets" from financial institutions; and



•

Assistance for homeowners by providing up to $75 billion to reduce mortgage payments and interest rates and establishing loan modification guidelines for government and private programs.

        On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the "Recovery Act") was signed into law in an effort to, among other things, create jobs and stimulate growth in the United States economy. The Recovery Act specifies appropriations of approximately $787 billion for a wide range of Federal programs and will increase or extend certain benefits payable under the Medicaid, unemployment compensation, and nutrition assistance programs. The Recovery Act also reduces individual and corporate income tax collections and makes a variety of other changes to tax laws. The Recovery Act also imposes certain limitations on compensation paid by participants in the TARP.

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

•

The first plan is the Legacy Loan Program, which has a primary purpose to facilitate the sale of troubled mortgage loans by eligible institutions, including FDIC-insured federal or state banks and savings associations. Eligible assets are not strictly limited to loans; however, what constitutes an eligible asset will be determined by participating banks, their primary regulators, the FDIC and the Treasury. Under the Legacy Loan Program, the FDIC has sold certain troubled assets out of an FDIC receivership in two separate transactions relating to the failed Illinois bank, Corus Bank, NA, and the failed Texas bank, Franklin Bank, S.S.B. These transactions were completed in September 2009 and October 2009, respectively.



•

The second plan is the Securities Program, which is administered by the Treasury and involves the creation of public-private investment funds to target investments in eligible residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities issued before 2009 that originally were rated AAA or the equivalent by two or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, without regard to rating enhancements (collectively, "Legacy Securities"). Legacy Securities must be directly secured by actual mortgage loans, leases or other assets, and may be purchased only from financial institutions that meet TARP eligibility requirements. Treasury received over 100 unique applications to participate in the Legacy Securities PPIP and in July 2009 selected nine public-private investment fund managers. As of December 31, 2009, public-private investment funds have completed initial and subsequent closings on approximately $6.2 billion of private sector equity capital, which was matched 100% by Treasury, representing $12.4 billion of total equity capital. Treasury has also provided $12.4 billion of debt capital, representing $24.8 billion of total purchasing power. As of December 31, 2009, public-private investment funds have drawn-down approximately $4.3 billion of total capital which has been invested in certain non-agency residential mortgage backed securities and commercial mortgage backed securities and cash equivalents pending investment.

        On May 22, 2009, the FDIC levied a one-time special assessment on all banks due on September 30, 2009.

        On November 12, 2009, the FDIC issued a final rule to require banks to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012 and to increase assessment rates effective on January 1, 2011.

        Insurance of Accounts and Regulation by the FDIC.    The deposits at our bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. The Deposit Insurance Fund is the successor to the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund, which were merged effective March 31, 2006. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC insured institutions. It also may prohibit any FDIC insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the insurance fund. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions against savings institutions, after giving the Office of Thrift Supervision an opportunity to take such action, and may terminate the deposit insurance if it determines that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.

        Under regulations effective January 1, 2007, the FDIC adopted a new risk-based premium system that provides for quarterly assessments based on an insured institution's ranking in one of four risk categories based upon supervisory and capital evaluations. For deposits held as of March 31, 2009, institutions are assessed at annual rates ranging from 12 to 50 basis points, depending on each institution's risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory measures. Effective April 1, 2009, assessments will take into account each institution's reliance on secured

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liabilities and brokered deposits. This resulted in assessments ranging from 7 to 77.5 basis points. In May 2009, the FDIC issued a final rule which levied a special assessment applicable to all insured depository institutions totaling 5 basis points of each institution's total assets less Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009, not to exceed 10 basis points of domestic deposits. This special assessment was part of the FDIC's efforts to rebuild the Deposit Insurance Fund. We paid this one time special assessment in the amount of $300 thousand to the FDIC at the end of the third quarter 2009.

        In November 2009, the FDIC issued a rule that required all insured depository institutions, with limited exceptions, to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. The FDIC also adopted a uniform three-basis point increase in assessment rates effective on January 1, 2011. In December 2009, we paid $2.9 million in prepaid risk-based assessments, which included $184 thousand related to the fourth quarter of 2009 that would have been otherwise payable in the first quarter of 2010. This amount is included in deposit insurance expense for 2009. The remaining $2.7 million in prepaid deposit insurance is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets in the accompanying balance sheet as of December 31, 2009. As a result, we incurred increased insurance costs during 2009 than in previous periods.

        FDIC insured institutions are required to pay a Financing Corporation assessment, in order to fund the interest on bonds issued to resolve thrift failures in the 1980s. For the first quarter of 2009, the Financing Corporation assessment equaled 1.14 basis points for domestic deposits. These assessments, which may be revised based upon the level of deposits, will continue until the bonds mature in the years 2017 through 2019.

        The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution, including the bank, if it determines after a hearing that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or the OCC. It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance, if the institution has no tangible capital. If insurance of accounts is terminated, the accounts at the institution at the time of the termination, less subsequent withdrawals, shall continue to be insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC. Management of the bank is not aware of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of the bank's deposit insurance.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

        Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed by any of the following risks, or other risks that have not been identified or which we believe are immaterial or unlikely. Shareholders should carefully consider the risks described below in conjunction with the other information in this Form 10-K and the information incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes.

Recent negative developments in the financial industry and the domestic and international credit markets may adversely affect our operations and results.

        Negative developments in the latter half of 2007 and during 2008 and 2009 in the global credit and securitization markets have resulted in uncertainty in the financial markets in general with the expectation of the general economic downturn continuing into 2010. As a result of this "credit crunch," commercial as well as consumer loan portfolio performances have deteriorated at many institutions and the competition for deposits and quality loans has increased significantly. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages have declined and may continue to decline. Global securities markets, and bank holding company stock prices in particular, have been negatively affected, as has the ability of banks and bank holding companies to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets. As a result, significant new federal laws and regulations relating to

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financial institutions, including, without limitation, the EESA and the Treasury's CPP, have been adopted. Furthermore, the potential exists for additional federal or state laws and regulations regarding, among other matters, lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to be active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of many formal enforcement orders. Negative developments in the financial industry and the domestic and international credit markets, and the impact of new legislation in response to those developments, may negatively impact our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and adversely impact our financial performance. We can provide no assurance regarding the manner in which any new laws and regulations will affect us.

We cannot predict the effect of recent or future legislative and regulatory initiatives.

        In response to deteriorating economic conditions, beginning in September 2008, the Federal Reserve, together with the Treasury and the FDIC, have taken a variety of unprecedented actions to restore liquidity and stability to the financial system. Congress and the Treasury have taken additional actions in an effort to aid in this objective. Many financial institutions, in an attempt to repair the damage to their balance sheets from these economic events, have sought, and continue to seek, additional capital or have considered merging with other financial institutions to create a stronger combined capital base.

        There can be no assurance that these government actions will achieve their purpose. The failure of the financial markets to stabilize, or a continuation or worsening of the current financial market conditions, could have a material adverse affect on our business, our financial condition, the financial condition of our customers, our common stock trading price, as well as our ability to access credit. It could also result in declines in our investment portfolio which could be "other-than-temporary impairments."

        In addition, significant new laws or regulations or changes in, or repeals of, existing laws or regulations may cause our results of operations to differ materially from those we currently anticipate. Moreover, the cost and burden of compliance with applicable laws and regulations have significantly increased and could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably. Further, federal monetary policy significantly affects credit conditions for us, as well as for our borrowers, particularly as implemented by the Federal Reserve, primarily through open market operations in U.S. government securities, the discount rate for bank borrowings and reserve requirements. A material change in any of these conditions could have a material impact on us or our borrowers, and therefore on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

        We expect to face increased regulation and supervision of our industry as a result of the existing financial crisis, and there may be additional requirements and conditions imposed on us as a result of our issuance of the Series T Preferred Stock in the CPP transaction. The effects of such recently enacted, and proposed, legislation and regulatory programs on us cannot reliably be determined at this time.

Changes in the financial markets could impair the value of our investment portfolio.

        The investment securities portfolio is a significant component of our total earning assets. Total securities averaged $219.9 million in 2009, as compared to $214.7 million in 2008. This represents 38.1% and 39.5% of the average earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2009, the portfolio was 35.3% of earning assets. Turmoil in the financial markets could impair the market value of our investment portfolio, which could adversely affect our net income and possibly our capital.

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        During the last half of 2007 and throughout 2008 and 2009 the bond markets and many institutional holders of bonds came under a great deal of stress partially as a result of the ongoing recessionary economic conditions. At December 31, 2009, we had MBSs including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") with a fair value of $140.3 million. Of these, approximately $84.2 million were issued by government sponsored enterprises ("GSEs") and $56.1 million by private label issuers. The result has been that the market for these investments has become less liquid and the spread as compared to alternative investments has widened dramatically. To a lesser extent MBSs issued by GSEs such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC" or "Freddie Mac") and the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA" or "Fannie Mae") have been impacted and spreads have increased on these investments. These entities have also experienced increasing delinquencies in the underlying loans that make up the MBSs and CMOs. In 2008 and 2009, many of the privately issued MBSs have incurred rating agency downgrades. At December 31, 2009, 19 of our private label CMO's have been downgraded below investment grade. Delinquencies on the underlying mortgages on all mortgage securities have increased dramatically. We monitor these investments on a monthly basis. Increasing delinquencies and defaults in the underlying mortgages have resulted in recognizing OTTI during 2009 (see Note 5 to the financial statements). In evaluating these securities for OTTI, we use assumptions relative to continued defaults rates, loss severities on the underlying collateral and prepayment speeds. Differences in actual experience and the assumptions used could result in a loss of earnings as a result of further OTTI charges, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

        Our other investments include municipal and corporate debt securities. As of December 31, 2009, we had municipal securities with an approximate fair value of $11.0 million and corporate debt and other securities with an approximate fair value of $12.4 million. The corporate debt and other securities with a fair value of $6.6 million have been downgraded below investment grade (see Note 5 to the financial statements). Based on our evaluation we have not recognized OTTI on these securities; however, there is a risk that further deterioration in the underlying issuers financial condition or the underlying collateral could result in OTTI charges in future periods.

        On September 7, 2008, the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") announced that FHFA was placing the FHLMC under conservatorship. Due to these actions, we took an OTTI charge of $8.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 relating to the Freddie Mac preferred stock that we held. This charge, along with our second quarter of 2008 charge of $6.1 million related to our investment in preferred stock issued by Freddie Mac, eliminated any further direct material exposure in our investment portfolio to Freddie Mac equity securities.

        As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, for securities that were either classified as "Held to Maturity" or "Available for Sale" the unrealized losses on these investments were not considered to be "other than temporary" and we believe it is more likely than not we will be able to hold these until they mature or recover our current book value. We currently maintain substantial liquidity which supports our intent and ability to hold these investments until they mature, or until there is a market price recovery. However, if we were to cease to have the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity or a market price recovery, or were to sell these securities at a loss, it could adversely affect our net income and possibly our capital.

Our focus on lending to small to mid-sized community-based businesses may increase our credit risk.

        Most of our commercial business and commercial real estate loans are made to small business or middle market customers. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities and have a heightened vulnerability to economic conditions. If general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate negatively impact this important customer sector, our results of operations and financial condition and the value of our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock may be adversely affected. Moreover, a portion of these loans have been

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made by us in recent years and the borrowers may not have experienced a complete business or economic cycle. Furthermore, the deterioration of our borrowers' businesses may hinder their ability to repay their loans with us, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our decisions regarding credit risk and reserves for loan losses may materially and adversely affect our business.

        Making loans and other extensions of credit is an essential element of our business. Although we seek to mitigate risks inherent in lending by adhering to specific underwriting practices, our loans and other extensions of credit may not be repaid. The risk of nonpayment is affected by a number of factors, including:

•

the duration of the credit;



•

credit risks of a particular customer;



•

changes in economic and industry conditions; and



•

in the case of a collateralized loan, risks resulting from uncertainties about the future value of the collateral.

        We attempt to maintain an appropriate allowance for loan losses to provide for potential losses in our loan portfolio. We periodically determine the amount of the allowance based on consideration of several factors, including:

•

an ongoing review of the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio;



•

our historical loan loss experience;



•

evaluation of economic conditions;



•

regular reviews of loan delinquencies and loan portfolio quality; and



•

the amount and quality of collateral, including guarantees, securing the loans.

        There is no precise method of predicting credit losses; therefore, we face the risk that charge-offs in future periods will exceed our allowance for loan losses and that additional increases in the allowance for loan losses will be required. Additions to the allowance for loan losses would result in a decrease of our net income, and possibly our capital.

        Federal and state regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of our management. Any increase in the amount of our provision or loans charged-off as required by these regulatory agencies could have a negative effect on our operating results.

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We may have higher loan losses than we have allowed for in our allowance for loan losses.

        Our loan losses could exceed our allowance for loan losses. Our average loan size continues to increase and reliance on our historic allowance for loan losses may not be adequate. Approximately 74.6% of our loan portfolio is composed of construction, commercial mortgage and commercial loans. Repayment of such loans is generally considered more subject to market risk than residential mortgage loans. Industry experience shows that a portion of loans will become delinquent and a portion of loans will require partial or entire charge-off. Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may be experienced as a result of various factors beyond our control, including among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of loan collateral and problems affecting the credit of our borrowers.

Economic challenges, especially those affecting Lexington, Richland, Newberry, and Kershaw Counties and the surrounding areas, may reduce our customer base, our level of deposits, and demand for financial products such as loans.

        Our success significantly depends upon the growth in population, income levels, deposits, and housing starts in our markets of Lexington, Richland, Newberry, and Kershaw Counties and the surrounding area. The current economic downturn has negatively affected the markets in which we operate and, in turn, the quality of our loan portfolio. If the communities in which we operate do not grow or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally remain unfavorable, our business may not succeed. A continuation of the economic downturn or prolonged recession would likely result in the continued deterioration of the quality of our loan portfolio and reduce our level of deposits, which in turn would hurt our business. Interest received on loans represented approximately 65.3% of our interest income for the year ended December 31, 2009. If the economic downturn continues or a prolonged economic recession occurs in the economy as a whole, borrowers will be less likely to repay their loans as scheduled. Moreover, in many cases the value of real estate or other collateral that secures our loans has been adversely affected by the economic conditions and could continue to be negatively affected. Unlike many larger institutions, we are not able to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a large number of diversified economies. A continued economic downturn could, therefore, result in losses that materially and adversely affect our business.

We face strong competition for customers, which could prevent us from obtaining customers and may cause us to pay higher interest rates to attract customers.

        The banking business is highly competitive, and we experience competition in our market from many other financial institutions. We compete with commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market funds, and other mutual funds, as well as other super-regional, national, and international financial institutions that operate offices in our primary market areas and elsewhere. We compete with these institutions both in attracting deposits and in making loans. In addition, we have to attract our customer base from other existing financial institutions and from new residents. Many of our competitors are well-established, larger financial institutions. These institutions offer some services, such as extensive and established branch networks, that we do not provide. There is a risk that we will not be able to compete successfully with other financial institutions in our market, and that we may have to pay higher interest rates to attract deposits, resulting in reduced profitability. In addition, competitors that are not depository institutions are generally not subject to the extensive regulations that apply to us.

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The FDIC Deposit Insurance assessments that we are required to pay may materially increase in the future, which would have an adverse effect on our earnings and our ability to pay our liabilities as they come due.

        As a member institution of the FDIC, we are required to pay semi-annual deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC. The Company's deposit insurance assessments expense totaled $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, including a one time special assessment of approximately $300 thousand. Due to the recent failure of several unaffiliated FDIC insurance depository institutions and the FDIC's new liquidity guarantee program, the deposit insurance premium assessments paid by all banks has increased. In addition, new FDIC requirements shift a greater share of any increase in such assessments onto institutions with higher risk profiles. At December 31, 2009, the Company prepaid to the FDIC of approximately $3.0 million under the November 2009 final rule requiring a prepayment of the next three years' assessments, which amount we carried as a prepaid asset as of December 31, 2009.

We obtain a portion of our deposits from out of market sources.

        As of December 31, 2009, approximately 3.3% of our deposits were obtained from out of market sources. To continue to have access to this source of funding, we are required to continue to be classified as a "well capitalized" bank by the OCC; whereas, if we only "meet" the capital requirement, we would be required to obtain permission from the OCC in order to continue utilizing this source of funding. In addition, in view of the recent and dramatic volatility in the credit and liquidity markets, the cost of out of market deposits could exceed the cost of deposits of similar maturity in our local market area, making them unattractive sources of funding or sources of our of market deposits could become unwilling to provide such deposits at all because of concerns about our bank, the banking industry or the economy generally. If our access to these sources of liquidity is diminished, or only available on unfavorable terms, then our net income, net interest margin and our liquidity could be adversely affected.

We have a concentration of credit exposure in commercial real estate and a downturn in commercial real estate could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

        As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately $214.2 million in loans outstanding to borrowers whereby the collateral securing the loan was commercial real estate, representing approximately 62.2% of our total loans outstanding as of that date. Approximately 32.9% of this real estate are owner-occupied properties. Commercial real estate loans are generally viewed as having more risk of default than residential real estate loans. They are also typically larger than residential real estate loans and consumer loans and depend on cash flows from the owner's business or the property to service the debt. Cash flows may be affected significantly by general economic conditions, and a downturn in the local economy or in occupancy rates in the local economy where the property is located could increase the likelihood of default. Because our loan portfolio contains a number of commercial real estate loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in our level of non-performing loans. An increase in non-performing loans could result in a loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the related provision for loan losses and an increase in charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

        Our commercial real estate loans have grown 11.6%, or $22.3 million, since December 31, 2008. The banking regulators are giving commercial real estate lending greater scrutiny, and may require banks with higher levels of commercial real estate loans to implement more stringent underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, as well as possibly higher levels of allowances for losses and capital levels as a result of commercial real estate lending growth and exposures.

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A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market could hurt our business.

        A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 91.3% of our loans had real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. A further weakening of the real estate market in our primary market area could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on their loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing their loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our profitability and asset quality. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, our earnings and capital could be adversely affected. Acts of nature, including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires and floods, which could be exacerbated by potential climate change and may cause uninsured damage and other loss of value to real estate that secures these loans, may also negatively impact our financial condition.

Changes in prevailing interest rates may reduce our profitability.

        Our results of operations depend in large part upon the level of our net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest-earning assets, such as loans and MBSs, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings. Depending on the terms and maturities of our assets and liabilities, we believe it is more likely than not a significant change in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. Many factors cause changes in interest rates, including governmental monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political conditions. While we intend to manage the effects of changes in interest rates by adjusting the terms, maturities, and pricing of our assets and liabilities, our efforts may not be effective and our financial condition and results of operations could suffer.

We are dependent on key individuals, and the loss of one or more of these key individuals could curtail our growth and adversely affect our prospects.

        Michael C. Crapps, our president and chief executive officer, has extensive and long-standing ties within our primary market area and substantial experience with our operations, and he has contributed significantly to our business. If we lose the services of Mr. Crapps, he would be difficult to replace and our business and development could be materially and adversely affected.

        Our success also depends, in part, on our continued ability to attract and retain experienced loan originators, as well as other management personnel. Competition for personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. Our failure to compete for these personnel, or the loss of the services of several of such key personnel, could adversely affect our business strategy and seriously harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Because of our participation in the Treasury's CPP, we are subject to several restrictions including restrictions on compensation paid to our executives.

        Pursuant to the terms of the CPP Purchase Agreement between us and the Treasury, we adopted certain standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the Treasury holds the equity issued pursuant to the CPP Purchase Agreement, including the common stock which may be issued pursuant to the CPP Warrant. These standards generally apply to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the three next most highly compensated senior executive officers. The standards include (1) ensuring that incentive compensation for senior executives does not encourage unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the financial institution; (2) required clawback of any bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive based on

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statements of earnings, gains or other criteria that are later proven to be materially inaccurate; (3) prohibition on making golden parachute payments to senior executives; and (4) agreement not to deduct for tax purposes executive compensation in excess of $500,000 for each senior executive. In particular, the change to the deductibility limit on executive compensation will likely increase the overall cost of our compensation programs in future periods and may make it more difficult to attract suitable candidates to serve as executive officers.

        The Recovery Act has imposed additional and broader compensation restrictions on CPP participants, which restrictions will be implemented by additional regulations. It will require significant time, effort, and resources on our part to ensure compliance, and the evolving regulations regarding compensation may restrict our ability to compete successfully for executive and management talent.

We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities.

        We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various regulatory agencies. Our compliance with these regulations is costly and restricts certain of our activities, including payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates charged, interest rates paid on deposits, and locations of offices. We are also subject to capitalization guidelines established by our regulators, which require us to maintain adequate capital to support our growth. Based on discussions with the OCC following its most recent examination of the bank in 2009, the bank may enter into an agreement or understanding with the OCC during 2010. Any such agreement or understanding could, among other things, impose restrictions and requirements with respect to our business. Based on our discussions we believe that we will be in substantial compliance with the conditions of any such agreement. Any conditions imposed beyond our current expectations could restrict our ability to develop new business and manage our existing business. The terms of any such agreement or understanding could have a material negative effect on our business, operations, financial condition, results of operations or the value of our common stock.

        The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time, and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies, our cost of compliance could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably. See also "Risk Factors—Recent negative developments in the financial services industry and U.S. and global credit markets may adversely impact our operations and results."

        The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission that are now applicable to us, have increased the scope, complexity, and cost of corporate governance, reporting, and disclosure practices. To comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we have previously hired outside an consultant to assist with our internal audit and internal control functions. We have experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, greater compliance costs, including costs related to internal controls, as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

        We have performed the system and process evaluation and testing (and any necessary remediation) required to comply with the management certification for 2009. Currently the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are not applicable to us. In the event internal control deficiencies are identified in the future that we are unable to remediate in a timely manner or if we are not able to maintain the requirements of Section 404, we could be subject to scrutiny by regulatory authorities and the trading price of our stock could decline. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to helping prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors and regulators could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our stock could drop significantly. We currently

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anticipate that we will continue to fully implement the requirements relating to internal controls and all other aspects of Section 404 within required time frames.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed.

        We are required by regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. To support our continued growth, we may need to raise additional capital. In addition, we intend to redeem the Series T Preferred Stock that we issued to the Treasury under the CPP before the dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock increase from 5% per annum to 9% per annum in 2014, and we may need to raise additional capital to do so. Based on discussions with the OCC following its most recent examination of the bank in 2009, the bank may enter into an agreement or understanding with the OCC during 2010 which could require the bank to take certain actions to address concerns raised in the examination, including maintaining capital ratios in excess of the minimum thresholds generally required for a bank to be well capitalized. If these thresholds were increased by our regulators, it may increase the likelihood that we would need to raise additional capital in the future, depending our future performance and other factors. However, we currently anticipate that the bank would be in compliance with the minimum thresholds to be well capitalized that might be required by its regulators. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend in part on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired. In addition, if we decide to raise additional equity capital, your interest could be diluted.

Our historical operating results may not be indicative of our future operating results.

        We may not be able to sustain our historical rate of growth, and, consequently, our historical results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of our future operations. Various factors, such as economic conditions, regulatory and legislative considerations, and competition, may also impede our ability to expand our market presence. If we experience a significant decrease in our historical rate of growth, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected because a high percentage of our operating costs are fixed expenses.

We will face risks with respect to expansion through acquisitions or mergers.

        From time to time we may seek to acquire other financial institutions or parts of those institutions. We may also expand into new markets or lines of business or offer new products or services. These activities would involve a number of risks, including:

•

the potential inaccuracy of the estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations, management, and market risks with respect to a target institution;



•

the time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring or retaining experienced local management, and opening new offices and the time lags between these activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to support the costs of the expansion;



•

the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with an acquisition and possible adverse effects on our results of operations; and



•

the risk of loss of key employees and customers.

Our underwriting decisions may materially and adversely affect our business.

        While we generally underwrite the loans in our portfolio in accordance with our own internal underwriting guidelines and regulatory supervisory guidelines, in certain circumstances we have made

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loans which exceed either our internal underwriting guidelines, supervisory guidelines, or both. As of December 31, 2009, approximately $12.3 million of our loans, or 22.9% of our bank's regulatory capital, had loan-to-value ratios that exceeded regulatory supervisory guidelines, of which 4 loans totaling approximately $3.0 million had loan-to-value ratios of 100% or more. In addition, supervisory limits on commercial loan to value exceptions are set at 30% of our bank's capital. At December 31, 2009, $10.6 million of our commercial loans, or 19.9% of our bank's regulatory capital, exceeded the supervisory loan to value ratio. The number of loans in our portfolio with loan-to-value ratios in excess of supervisory guidelines, our internal guidelines, or both could increase the risk of delinquencies and defaults in our portfolio.

Our ability to pay cash dividends is limited, and we may be unable to pay future dividends even if we desire to do so.

        Our ability to pay cash dividends may be limited by regulatory restrictions, by our bank's ability to pay cash dividends to our holding company and by our need to maintain sufficient capital to support our operations. The ability of our bank to pay cash dividends to our holding company is limited by its obligation to maintain sufficient capital and by other restrictions on its cash dividends that are applicable to national banks and banks that are regulated by the FDIC. If our bank is not permitted to pay cash dividends to our holding company, then we may be unable to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Our bank is currently not permitted to pay cash dividends to our holding company.

        As long as shares of our Series T Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends may be paid on our common stock unless all dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock have been paid in full. Additionally, prior to November 21, 2011, so long as the Treasury owns shares of the Series T Preferred Stock, we are not permitted to increase cash dividends on our common stock without the Treasury's consent. The dividends declared on shares of our Series T Preferred Stock will reduce the net income available to common shareholders and our earnings per common share. Additionally, the warrant to purchase our common stock issued to the Treasury, in conjunction with the issuance of the Series T Preferred Stock, may be dilutive to our earnings per share. These restrictions, together with the potentially dilutive impact of the warrant described in the next risk factor, could have a negative effect on the value of our common stock. Moreover, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, and if declared by our board of directors. Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and our board of directors could reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future.

If we are unable to redeem the Series T Preferred Stock after five years, we will be required to make higher dividend payments on this stock, thereby substantially increasing our cost of capital.

        If we are unable to redeem the Series T Preferred Stock issued to the Treasury pursuant to the CPP prior to February 15, 2014, the dividend rate will increase substantially on that date, from 5.0% per annum to 9.0% per annum. Depending on our financial condition at the time, this increase in the annual dividend rate on the Series T Preferred Stock could have a material negative effect on our liquidity, our net income available to common shareholders, and our earnings per share.

Legislation or regulatory changes could cause us to seek to repurchase the preferred stock and warrant that we sold to the Treasury pursuant to the CPP.

        Legislation that was adopted after we closed on our sale of the Series T Preferred Stock and CPP Warrant on November 21, 2008, altered the terms of our CPP transaction in ways that create additional restrictions, complexity and compliance time and expense. Any legislation or regulations that may be implemented in the future may have a further material impact on the terms of our CPP transaction with the Treasury. We may seek to unwind, in whole or in part, the CPP transaction by repurchasing some or all of the preferred stock and warrant that we sold to the Treasury pursuant to the CPP. If we

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were to repurchase all or a portion of such preferred stock or warrant, then our capital levels could be materially reduced.

There can be no assurance whether or when the Series T Preferred Stock can be redeemed or whether or when the related Warrant can be repurchased.

        Subject to approval of our regulators, we generally have the right to repurchase the shares of Series T Preferred Stock and the Warrant issued to the Treasury in the TARP Transaction. However, there can be no assurance as to when the Series T Preferred Stock and the Warrant will be repurchased, if at all. As a result, we will remain subject to the uncertainty of additional future changes to the CPP, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage. Until such time as the Series T Preferred Stock and the Warrant are repurchased, we will remain subject to the terms and conditions of those instruments, which, among other things, require us to obtain regulatory approval to repurchase or redeem our Common Stock or our other preferred stock or increase the annual aggregate dividends on our Common Stock over $0.32 per share, except in limited circumstances.

The Series T Preferred Stock impacts net income available to our common shareholders and earnings per common share, and the warrant we issued to the Treasury may be dilutive to holders of our common stock.

        The dividends declared on our Series T Preferred Stock issued to the Treasury pursuant to the CPP will reduce the net income available to common shareholders and our earnings per common share. The Series T Preferred Stock will also receive preferential treatment in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of First Community Corporation. Additionally, the ownership interest of the existing holders of our common stock will be diluted to the extent the warrant we issued to the Treasury in conjunction with the sale to the Treasury of the Series T Preferred Stock is exercised. The shares of common stock underlying the warrant represent approximately 5.7% of the shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2010 (including the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant in total shares outstanding). Although the Treasury has agreed not to vote any of the shares of common stock it receives upon exercise of the warrant, a transferee of any portion of the warrant or of any shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of the warrant is not bound by this restriction.

Holders of the Series T Preferred Stock have rights that are senior to those of our common shareholders.

        The Series T Preferred Stock that we issued to the Treasury on November 21, 2008 is senior to our shares of common stock and holders of the Series T Preferred Stock have certain rights and preferences that are senior to holders of our common stock. The Series T Preferred Stock ranks senior to our common stock and all other equity securities of ours designated as ranking junior to the Series T Preferred Stock. So long as any shares of the Series T Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all prior dividend periods have been paid or are contemporaneously declared and paid in full, no dividend whatsoever shall be paid or declared on our common stock or other junior stock, other than a dividend payable solely in common stock. We and our subsidiary also generally may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of our common stock or other junior stock unless we have paid in full all accrued dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock for all prior dividend periods, other than in certain circumstances described more fully below. Furthermore, the Series T Preferred Stock is entitled to a liquidation preference over shares of our common stock in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Holders of the Series T Preferred Stock may, under certain circumstances, have the right to elect two directors to our board of directors.

        In the event that we fail to pay dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock for an aggregate of six quarterly dividend periods or more (whether or not consecutive), the authorized number of directors then constituting our board of directors will be increased by two. Holders of the Series T Preferred

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Stock, together with the holders of any outstanding parity stock with like voting rights, referred to as voting parity stock, voting as a single class, will be entitled to elect the two additional members of our board of directors, referred to as the preferred stock directors, at the next annual meeting (or at a special meeting called for the purpose of electing the preferred stock directors prior to the next annual meeting) and at each subsequent annual meeting until all accrued and unpaid dividends for all past dividend periods have been paid in full.

Holders of the Series T Preferred Stock have limited voting rights.

        Except as otherwise required by law and in connection with the election of directors to our board of directors in the event that we fail to pay dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock for an aggregate of at least six quarterly dividend periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of the Series T Preferred Stock have limited voting rights. So long as shares of the Series T Preferred Stock are outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of shareholders required by law or our amended and restated articles of incorporation, the vote or consent of holders owning at least 66²/3% of the shares of Series T Preferred Stock outstanding is required for (1) any authorization or issuance of shares ranking senior to the Series T Preferred Stock; (2) any amendment to the rights of the Series T Preferred Stock so as to adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of the Series T Preferred Stock; or (3) consummation of any merger, share exchange or similar transaction unless the shares of Series T Preferred Stock remain outstanding, or if we are not the surviving entity in such transaction, are converted into or exchanged for preference securities of the surviving entity and the shares of Series T Preferred Stock remaining outstanding or such preference securities have such rights, preferences, privileges and voting power as are not materially less favorable to the holders than the rights, preferences, privileges and voting power of the shares of Series T Preferred Stock.

We are exposed to the possibility of technology failure and a disruption in our operations may adversely affect our business.

        We rely on our computer systems and the technology of outside service providers. Our daily operations depend on the operational effectiveness of their technology. We rely on our systems to accurately track and record our assets and liabilities. If our computer systems or outside technology sources become unreliable, fail, or experience a breach of security, our ability to maintain accurate financial records may be impaired, which could materially affect our business operations and financial condition. In addition, a disruption in our operations resulting from failure of transportation and telecommunication systems, loss of power, interruption of other utilities, natural disaster, fire, global climate changes, computer hacking or viruses, failure of technology, terrorist activity or the domestic and foreign response to such activity or other events outside of our control could have an adverse impact on the financial services industry as a whole and/or on our business. Our business recovery plan may not be adequate and may not prevent significant interruptions of our operations or substantial losses.

Item 2.    Properties.

        Lexington Property.    The principal place of business of both the company and our bank's main office is located at 5455 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, South Carolina 29072. The site of the bank's main office branch is a 2.29 acre plot of land. This site was purchased for $576 thousand and the building costs were approximately $1.0 million. The branch operates in an 8,500 square foot facility located on this site.

        In October 2000, the bank acquired an additional 2.0 acres adjacent to the existing facility for approximately $300 thousand. This site was designed to allow for a 24,000 to 48,000 square foot facility at some future date. The bank completed construction and occupied the 28,000 square foot administrative center in July 2006. The total construction cost for the building was approximately $3.4 million. The Lexington property is owned by the bank.

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        Forest Acres Property.    We operate a branch office facility at 4404 Forest Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29206. The Forest Acres site is .71 acres. The banking facility is approximately 4,000 square feet with a total cost of land and facility of approximately $920 thousand. This property is owned by the bank.

        Irmo Property.    We operate a branch office facility at 1030 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, South Carolina 29063. The Irmo site is approximately one acre. The banking facility is approximately 3,200 square feet with a total cost of land and facility of approximately $1.1 million. This property is owned by the bank.

        Cayce/West Columbia Property.    We operate a branch office facility at 506 Meeting Street, West Columbia, South Carolina, 29169. The Cayce/West Columbia site is approximately 1.25 acres. The banking facility is approximately 3,800 square feet with a total cost of land and facility of approximately $935 thousand. This property is owned by the bank.

        Gilbert Property.    We operate a branch office at 4325 Augusta Highway Gilbert, South Carolina 29054. The facility is an approximate 3000 square foot facility located on an approximate one acre lot. The total cost of the land and facility was approximately $768 thousand. This property is owned by the bank.

        Chapin Office.    We operate a branch office facility at 137 Amicks Ferry Rd., Chapin, South Carolina 29036. The facility is approximately 3,000 square feet and is located on a three acre lot. The total cost of the facility and land was approximately $1.3 million. This property is owned by the bank.

        Northeast Columbia.    We operate a branch office facility at 9822 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, South Carolina 29223. The facility is approximately 3,000 square feet and is located on a one acre lot. The total cost of the facility and land was approximately $1.2 million. This property is owned by the bank.

        Prosperity Property.    We operate a branch office at 101 N. Wheeler Avenue, Prosperity, South Carolina 29127. This office was acquired in connection with the DutchFork merger. The banking facility is approximately 1,300 square feet and is located on a .31 acre lot. The total cost of the facility and land was approximately $175 thousand. This property is owned by the bank.

        Wilson Road.    We operate a branch office at 1735 Wilson Road, Newberry, South Carolina 29108. The banking office was acquired in connection with the DutchFork merger. This banking facility is approximately 12,000 square feet and is located on a 1.56 acre lot. Adjacent to the branch facility is a 13,000 square foot facility which was formerly utilized as the DutchFork operations center. The total cost of the facility and land was approximately $3.3 million. This property is owned by the bank.

        Redbank Property.    We operate a branch office facility at 1449 Two Notch Road, Lexington, South Carolina 29073. This branch opened for operation on February 3, 2005. The facility is approximately 3,000 square feet and is located on a one acre lot. The total cost of the facility and land was approximately $1.3 million. This property is owned by the bank.

        Camden Property.    We operate a branch office facility at 631 DeKalb Street, Camden, South Carolina 29020. This office was acquired in connection with the DeKalb merger. The facility is approximately 11,247 square feet and is located on a two acre lot. The total cost of the facility and land was approximately $2.2 million. This property is owned by the bank.

        Highway 219 Property.    A .61 acre lot located on highway 219 in Newberry County was acquired in connection with the DutchFork merger. This lot may be used for a future branch location but no definitive plans have been made. The cost of the lot was $430 thousand. This property is owned by the bank.

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Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

        Neither the company nor the bank is a party to, nor is any of their property the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings related to the business of the company or the bank.

Item 4.    (Removed and Reserved.)

PART II

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

        As of March 26, 2010, there were approximately 1,568 shareholders of record of our common stock. On January 15, 2003, our stock began trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the trading symbol of "FCCO." Prior to January 15, 2003, our stock was quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the trading symbol "FCCO.OB." The following table sets forth the high and low sales price information as reported by NASDAQ in 2009 and 2008, and the dividends per share declared on our common stock in each such quarter. All information has been adjusted for any stock splits and stock dividends effected during the periods presented.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the future dividend policy of the company is subject to the discretion of the board of directors and will depend upon a number of factors, including future earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, and general business conditions. Our ability to pay dividends is generally limited by the ability of our subsidiary bank to pay dividends to us. As a national bank, our bank may only pay dividends out of its net profits then on hand, after deducting expenses, including losses and bad debts. In addition, the bank is prohibited from declaring a dividend on its shares of common stock until its surplus equals its stated capital, unless there has been transferred to surplus no less than one-tenth of the bank's net profits of the preceding two consecutive half-year periods (in the case of an annual dividend). The approval of the OCC will be required if the total of all dividends declared in any calendar year by the bank exceeds the bank's net profits to date, as defined, for that year combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years less any required transfers to surplus. Due to these restrictions as of December 31, 2009, the bank is not able to dividend cash up to the holding company without prior approval by the OCC. The OCC also has the authority under federal law to enjoin a national bank from engaging in what in its opinion constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting its business, including the payment of a dividend under certain circumstances.

        As long as shares of our Series T Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends may be paid on our common stock unless all dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock have been paid in full. Additionally, prior to November 21, 2011, so long as the Treasury owns shares of the Series T Preferred Stock, we are not permitted to increase cash dividends on our common stock above $0.08 without the Treasury's consent.

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        On June 21, 2006, our board of directors approved a new plan to repurchase up to 150,000 shares of our common stock on the open market. On April 17, 2007 and January 15, 2008 the Board approved an increase of 50,000 to be repurchased at each meeting. This brought the total available to be repurchased under the plan since inception to 250,000 shares. There was no share repurchase activity during 2009. The board has not established an expiration date for this plan. The maximum number of shares that may yet be repurchased under the plan is 42,487.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data [This section is not required for smaller reporting companies. You could delete the disclosure here and the reference in the table of contents. However, you do have cross references to this section in your MD&A]

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Reconciliations

        The following is a reconciliation for the five years ended December 31, 2009, of net income (loss) as reported for generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and the non-GAAP measure referred to throughout our discussion of "operating earnings."

        The following is a reconciliation for the five years ended December 31, 2009, of non-interest income (loss) as reported for GAAP and the non-GAAP measure referred to throughout our discussion regarding non-interest income (loss).

        The following is a reconciliation for the five years ended December 31, 2009, of non-interest expense as reported for GAAP and the non-GAAP measure referred to throughout our discussion regarding non-interest expense.

        Our management believes that the non-GAAP measures above are useful because they enhance the ability of investors and management to evaluate and compare our operating results from period to period in a meaningful manner. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the OTTI charges in the second and third quarter of 2008 when assessing the performance of the company. Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company's results as reported under GAAP.

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Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

        First Community Corporation is a one bank holding company headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina. We operate from our main office in Lexington, South Carolina and our 11 full-service offices located in Lexington (two), Forest Acres, Irmo, Cayce-West Columbia, Gilbert, Chapin, Northeast Columbia, Prosperity, Newberry and Camden. During the second quarter of 2006, we completed our acquisition of DeKalb Bankshares, Inc., the holding company for The Bank of Camden. The merger added one office in Kershaw County located in the Midlands of South Carolina. During the fourth quarter of 2004, we completed our first acquisition of another financial institution when we merged with DutchFork Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Newberry Federal Savings Bank. The merger added three offices in Newberry County. In 2007, our College Street office in Newberry was consolidated with our Wilson Road Office in Newberry. We engage in a general commercial and retail banking business characterized by personalized service and local decision making, emphasizing the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses, professional concerns and individuals.

        The following discussion describes our results of operations for 2009 as compared to 2008 and 2008 as compared to 2007, and also analyzes our financial condition as of December 31, 2009 as compared to December 31, 2008. Like most community banks, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments. A primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits. Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

        We have included a number of tables to assist in our description of these measures. For example, the "Average Balances" table shows the average balance during 2009, 2008 and 2007 of each category of our assets and liabilities, as well as the yield we earned or the rate we paid with respect to each category. A review of this table shows that our loans typically provide higher interest yields than do other types of interest earning assets, which is why we intend to channel a substantial percentage of our earning assets into our loan portfolio. Similarly, the "Rate/Volume Analysis" table helps demonstrate the impact of changing interest rates and changing volume of assets and liabilities during the years shown. We also track the sensitivity of our various categories of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates, and we have included a "Sensitivity Analysis Table" to help explain this. Finally, we have included a number of tables that provide detail about our investment securities, our loans, and our deposits and other borrowings.

        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, as well as several tables describing our allowance for loan losses and the allocation of this allowance among our various categories of loans.

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

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        On October 14, 2008, the Treasury announced the CPP under the EESA, pursuant to which the Treasury could make senior preferred stock investments in participating financial institutions that qualifies as Tier I capital. Based on our risk-weighted assets as of September 30, 2008, we were eligible to issue up to $11.3 million in new senior preferred stock under the program. On November 21, 2008, as part of the CPP established by the Treasury under the EESA, First Community Corporation entered into the CPP Purchase Agreement with the Treasury dated November 21, 2008 pursuant to which we issued and sold to the Treasury (i) the Series T Preferred Stock and (ii) the CPP Warrant, for an aggregate purchase price of $11.3 million in cash. The proceeds from this offering qualify as Tier 1 capital under the regulatory capital guidelines.

        Cumulative dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock accrue on the liquidation preference at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and at a rate of 9% per annum thereafter, but will be paid only if, as, and when declared by the company's board of directors. The Series T Preferred Stock has no maturity date and ranks senior to the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the company. The Series T Preferred Stock generally is non-voting.

        Under the terms of the agreement the company may redeem the Series T Preferred Stock at par after February 15, 2012. Prior to this date, the company may redeem the Series T Preferred Stock at par if (i) the company has raised aggregate gross proceeds in one or more Qualified Equity Offerings (as defined in the CPP Purchase Agreement) in excess of approximately $2.8 million, and (ii) the aggregate redemption price does not exceed the aggregate net proceeds from such Qualified Equity Offerings. The Recovery Act signed by the President on February 17, 2009 amended the terms of the agreement and allows the company to redeem the Series T Preferred Stock prior to February 15, 2012. Any redemption is subject to the consent of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

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

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

        The evaluation and recognition of other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") on certain investments including our private label mortgage-backed securities and other corporate debt security

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holdings requires significant judgment and estimates. Some of the more critical judgments supporting the evaluation of OTTI include projected cash flows including prepayment assumptions, default rates and severities of losses on the underlying collateral within the security. Under different conditions or utilizing different assumptions, the actual OTTI recognized by us may be different from the actual amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 5 to the financial statements for the disclosure of certain of the assumptions used as well as OTTI recognized in the financial statements during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Results of Operations

        Our net loss was $25.2 million, or $7.95 diluted loss per share, for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to net loss of $6.8 million, or $2.14 diluted loss per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2008, and $4.0 million, or $1.21 diluted earnings per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2007. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million, or $8.51 per diluted share, that represents the complete write-off of our goodwill intangible. Goodwill arises from business acquisitions and represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements in the business acquired. We annually conduct a test during our third quarter to assess fair value in the current economic environment, as compared to the value determined at the time of acquisition. The third quarter 2009 analysis and valuation process resulted in our determination that goodwill was impaired. This determination is reflective of the impact of the current economic environment and its effect on the banking industry and our company. The calculation of fair value as part of the goodwill impairment test is subject to significant management judgment and estimates. Industry-wide, market capitalization and acquisition multiples have significantly declined since 2004 and 2006, which are the dates of the acquisition of Dutchfork Bankshares and DeKalb Bancshares, respectively. Our company has experienced the same trend, with a decline in its market price per share and an extended period of time trading at a discount to book value and tangible book value. This non-cash charge is the accounting recognition of these events. Given the non-cash nature of a goodwill charge, this non-interest expense item has no adverse impact upon our regulatory capital, liquidity position, operating performance or our prospects for future earnings. There is no tax benefit recognized as a result of this goodwill impairment charge.

        The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 included a charge to recognize an OTTI in the amount of $14.3 million on our investment in a preferred stock issue of Freddie Mac (a GSE) reflecting a write-down of substantially all of its carrying value. During the second quarter of 2008, we made a decision to recognize an unrealized mark-to-market loss on the security that at that time was rated investment grade in the amount of $6.2 million as an OTTI based on the significant decline in the market value of the security caused by potential deterioration of Freddie Mac's financial condition, and the then current lack of clarity about the impact of an announced plan (which was approved by the House and Senate and signed into law by the President). That plan provided support for Freddie Mac as well as other GSEs. On September 7, 2008, the Secretary of the Treasury announced a decision to place Freddie Mac into conservatorship and as part of that decision the dividend payments on existing preferred shares would be terminated for an unspecified period of time. As a result of that decision we took an additional $8.1 million OTTI charge in the third quarter of 2008 to write off substantially all of the remaining investment in this Freddie Mac security. The preferred stock issue was purchased in 2003 and acquired by First Community Corporation in the 2004 merger with Dutchfork Bankshares. The security with a current cost basis of $2,500 is included in the available-for-sale securities portfolio.

        Another significant decision that impacted our results for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was the implementation of a leverage strategy, during the second quarter of 2008, whereby we acquired approximately $63.2 million in certain non-agency MBSs and CMOs. We initiated this strategy because we believed the pricing levels of these securities and related funding opportunities provided the ability to realize significant spread not typically available in leverage strategies. The weighted average

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yield on the investment securities purchased was approximately 6.82%. All of the mortgage assets acquired were classified as prime or ALT-A securities and represent the senior or super-senior tranches of the securities. The assets acquired as part of this strategy have been classified as held-to-maturity in the investment portfolio. The securities were acquired on the open market through securities dealers. Prior to initiating each transaction, we performed a thorough analysis, evaluating the associated credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity and capital risk as well as related funding options. We continue to perform an evaluation of these securities and the related risk on a monthly basis. The funding for this strategy was provided through Federal Home Loan Bank Advances in the amount of $36.0 million and brokered certificate of deposits in the amount of $23.0 million. The weighted average cost of funding was approximately 4.28%. As discussed later under the caption "Investments" and in Note 5 to the financial statements, these investments as well as other private label mortgage backed securities ("PLMBSs") owned previously have come under significant stress due to high delinquencies and default rates occurring in the underlying collateral. As a result, many PLMBSs, including those we own, have been downgraded by rating agencies below investment grade. We have established a comprehensive monitoring process to identify and record losses related to other-than-temporary impairment on our entire private label mortgage backed securities portfolio.

        As noted above in Item 6 under "Reconciliations," our operating earnings were $2.5 million, or $0.78 per diluted common share, for 2009 as compared to $2.9 million, or $0.92 diluted earnings per common share, for 2008. Net interest income increased by $679 thousand in 2009 from $17.2 million in 2008 to $17.9 million in 2009. The increase in net interest income is primarily due to the increase in the level of average earning assets. Average earning assets equaled $543.7 million during 2008 as compared to $576.8 million during 2009. The effect of the increase in earning assets was offset by a 9 basis point decrease in the net interest margin from 3.21% during 2008 to 3.12% during 2009 on a tax equivalent basis. Net interest spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 2.78% in 2008 as compared to 2.80% in 2009. See below under "Net Interest Income" and "Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity" for a further discussion about the effect of the decrease in net interest margin. The provision for loan losses was $2.1 million in 2008 as compared to $3.1 million in 2009. Non-interest income, excluding the FHLMC OTTI charge of $14.3 million, was $4.2 million in 2008 as compared to $5.0 million in 2009. This increase is primarily due to a negative fair value adjustment on interest rate contracts of $560 thousand in 2008 as compared to a positive adjustment of $7 thousand in 2009. Operating non-interest expense (see "Reconciliation" above) increased to $16.6 million in 2009 as compared to $15.5 million in 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to a substantial increase in the FDIC/FICO premiums from $267 thousand in 2008 to $1.1 million in 2009.

        Our operating earnings (see "Reconciliation" above) were $2.9 million, or $0.92 per diluted common share, for 2008 as compared to $4.0 million, or $1.21 diluted earnings per common share, for 2007. Net interest income increased $1.9 million in 2008, as compared to 2007. Net interest income was $15.3 million in 2007, and $17.2 million in 2008. The increase in net interest income is primarily due to the increase in the level of average earning assets resulting from the implementation of the leverage strategy discussed previously as well as core internal growth. Average earning assets equaled $543.7 million during 2008 as compared to $476.1 million during 2007. The effect of the increase in earning assets was offset by a 8 basis point decrease in the net interest margin from 3.29% during 2007 to 3.21% during 2008 on a tax equivalent basis. Net interest spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 2.78% in 2008 as compared to 2.69% in 2007. The provision for loan losses was $2.1 million in 2008 as compared to $492 thousand in 2007. Non-interest income, excluding the FHLMC OTTI charge of $14.3 million, was $4.2 million in 2008 as compared to $5.0 million in 2007. This decrease is primarily due to a negative fair value adjustment on interest rate contracts of $560 thousand in 2008 as compared to a positive adjustment of $167 thousand in 2007. Non-interest expense increased to $15.5 million in 2008 as compared to $14.1 million in 2007. This increase is attributable to increases in salary and benefit expense, an increase in FDIC/FICO

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premiums as well as the impact of our share of accumulated losses in a limited partnership designed to assist rehabilitate certain low income housing projects. We entered into this partnership to assist in meeting our commitment to the CRA.

Net Interest Income

        Net interest income is our primary source of revenue. Net interest income is the difference between income earned on assets and interest paid on deposits and borrowings used to support such assets. Net interest income is determined by the rates earned on our interest-earning assets and the rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities, the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the degree of mismatch and the maturity and repricing characteristics of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

        Net interest income totaled $17.9 million in 2009, $17.2 million in 2008 and $15.3 million in 2007. The yield on earning assets was 5.37%, 6.07%, and 6.50% in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 2.57%, 3.29%, and 3.81% in 2009. 2008, and 2007, respectively. The fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 3.12% in 2009, 3.21% in 2008 and 3.29% in 2007. Our loan to deposit ratio on average during 2009 was 77.0%, as compared to 75.5% during 2008 and 73.4% during 2007. Loans typically provide a higher yield than other types of earning assets and thus one of our goals continues to be to grow the loan portfolio as a percentage of earning assets which should improve the overall yield on earning assets and the net interest margin. At December 31, 2009, the loan to deposit ratio was 76.6%.

        The net interest margin declined in 2009 as compared to 2008 and in 2008 compared to 2007. Starting in early 2008 and throughout 2009 interest rates have been at historic lows. The yield on earning assets decreased by 70 basis points and our cost of funds decreased by 72 basis points in 2009 as compared to 2008. This resulted in an increase in our net interest spread of 2 basis points in 2009 as compared to 2008. Despite this, our net interest margin decreased 6 basis points as a slightly higher percentage of our average earning assets (volume) were funded by interest bearing liabilities (volume) in 2009 as compared to 2008. In addition, a slight change in the mix of funding sources contributed to the decline in our margin between the two periods. Throughout 2008, time deposits and borrowed funds represented 75.4% of our total interest bearing funding sources and in 2009 these balances represented 76.3% of our interest bearing funding sources. These sources of funding are typically higher cost funds than alternative sources.

        In comparing 2008 to 2007, the net interest spread increased by 11 basis points but the net interest margin decreased by 5 basis points. The yield on earning assets decreased by 43 basis points in 2008 as compared to 2007. The cost of interest-bearing funds decreased by 52 basis points during the same period. The average borrowed funds to total interest bearing-liabilities in 2007 was 19.6%, as compared to 26.9% in 2008. Longer term borrowed funds typically have a higher interest rate than our mix of deposit products. As explained above, the increase in the level of interest bearing deposits supporting the earning assets, as well as the change in the mix of these deposits, resulted in the decrease in the net interest margin between the two periods.

        Average Balances, Income Expenses and Rates.    The following table depicts, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our average balance sheet and our average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields are derived by dividing income or expense by the average

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balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. Average balances have been derived from daily averages.

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        The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume and the amount attributable to changes in rate. The combined effect in both volume and rate, which cannot be separately identified, has been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and due to rate.

Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity

        Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. The risk of loss can be measured in either diminished current market values or reduced current and potential net income. Our primary market risk is interest rate risk. We have established an Asset/Liability Management Committee ("ALCO") to monitor and manage interest rate risk. The ALCO monitors and manages the pricing and maturity of its assets and liabilities in order to diminish the potential adverse impact that changes in interest rates could have on our net interest income. The ALCO has established policies guidelines and strategies with respect to interest rate risk exposure and liquidity.

        A monitoring technique employed by us is the measurement of our interest sensitivity "gap," which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time. Also, asset/liability modeling is performed to assess the impact varying interest rates and balance sheet mix assumptions will have on net interest income. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets or liabilities, selling securities available-for-sale, replacing an asset or liability at maturity or by adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability. Managing the amount of assets and liabilities repricing in the same time interval helps to hedge the risk and minimize the impact on net interest income of rising or falling interest rates. Neither the "gap" analysis or asset/liability modeling are precise indicators of our interest sensitivity position due to the many factors that affect net interest income including, the timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

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        The following table illustrates our interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 2009.

Interest Sensitivity Analysis

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(1)

Loans classified as non-accrual as of December 31, 2009 are not included in the balances.

(2)

Securities based on amortized cost.

        We entered into a five year interest rate swap agreement on October 8, 2008. The swap agreement has a $10.0 million notional amount. We receive a variable rate of interest on the notional amount based on a three month LIBOR rate and pay a fixed rate interest of 3.66%. The contract was entered into to protect us from the negative impact of rising interest rates. Our exposure to credit risk is limited to the ability of the counterparty to make potential future payments required pursuant to the agreement. Our exposure to market risk of loss is limited to the changes in the market value of the swap between reporting periods. At December 31, 2009 and 2008 the fair value of the contract was a negative $535 thousand and $725 thousand, respectively. The fair value adjustment during each reporting period is recognized in other income. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 the adjustment reflected in earnings amounted to $7 thousand and ($725), respectively. The fair value of the contract is the present value, over the remaining term of the contract, of the difference between the estimated swap rate, for the remaining term, as the reporting date multiplied by the notional amount and the fixed interest rate of 3.66% multiplied by the notional amount of the contract.

        At December 31, 2008, we had an interest rate cap agreement with a notional amount of $10.0 million. The cap rate of interest is 4.50% three month LIBOR. The cap agreement expired on August 1, 2009 and at December 31, 2008 the agreement had no value. At December 31, 2007 the company had floor agreement with a notional amount of $10.0 million. The floor was sold in the first

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quarter of 2008 and the company received $608 thousand in cash and recognized a gain in the amount of $179 thousand in other income. These agreements are entered into to protect assets and liabilities from the negative effects of volatility in interest rates. The agreements provide for a payment to the bank of the difference between the cap/floor rate of interest and the market rate of interest. The bank's exposure to credit risk is limited to the ability of the counterparty to make potential future payments required pursuant to the agreement. The bank's exposure to market risk of loss is limited to the market value of the cap and floor. Gains or losses on the value of these contracts are recognized in earnings on a current basis. The bank received payments under the terms of the cap contract in the amounts of $15 thousand and $92 thousand during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No payments were received under the terms of the floor contract in 2007. The bank recognized ($14 thousand) and $178 thousand, in other income to reflect the increase in the value of the contracts for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

        Through simulation modeling, we monitor the effect that an immediate and sustained change in interest rates of 100 basis points and 200 basis points up and down will have on net-interest income over the next 12 months. Based on the many factors and assumptions used in simulating the effect of changes in interest rates, the following table estimates the hypothetical percentage change in net interest income at December 31, 2009 and 2008 over the subsequent 12 months. Even though we are liability sensitive, the model at December 31, 2009 reflects a decrease in net interest income in a 200 basis point declining rate environment. This primarily results from the current level of interest rates being paid on our interest bearing transaction accounts as well as money market accounts. The interest rates on these accounts are at a level where they cannot be repriced in proportion to the change in interest rates. The increase and decrease of 100 and 200 basis points assume a simultaneous and parallel change in interest rates along the entire yield curve.

Net Interest Income Sensitivity

        We also perform a valuation analysis projecting future cash flows from assets and liabilities to determine the Present Value of Equity ("PVE") over a range of changes in market interest rates. The sensitivity of PVE to changes in interest rates is a measure of the sensitivity of earnings over a longer time horizon. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the PVE exposure in a plus 200 basis point increase in market interest rates was estimated to be 43.60% and 30.18%, respectively. We are currently attempting to reduce our current increase in the PVE exposure by shortening the lives or repricing periods of our earning assets as well as extending the length of repricing periods on our interest bearing liabilities. Our current modeling reflects an increase in net interest income over both the one year and two year time horizon. As a result, we believe this somewhat compensates for the negative exposure to PVE in a rising rate and provides sufficient time to adjust our balance sheet to reduce the longer term exposure to rising rates.

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Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

        At December 31, 2009, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $4.9 million, or 1.41% of total loans, as compared to $4.6 million, or 1.38% of total loans, at December 31, 2008. Our provision for loan loss was $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $2.1 million and $492 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The provision is made based on our assessment of general loan loss risk and asset quality. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Our judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on a number of assumptions about future events, which we believe to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. Our determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans, the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio, economic conditions that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans, our historical loan loss experience, and a review of specific problem loans. We also consider subjective issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity of problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight and concentrations of credit. Periodically, we adjust the amount of the allowance based on changing circumstances. We charge recognized losses to the allowance and add subsequent recoveries back to the allowance for loan losses. There can be no assurance that charge-offs of loans in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time or that provisions for loan losses will not be significant to a particular accounting period, especially considering the overall weakness in the commercial real estate market in our market areas.

        We perform an analysis quarterly to assess the risk within the loan portfolio. The portfolio is segregated into similar risk components for which historical loss ratios are calculated and adjusted for identified changes in current portfolio characteristics. Historical loss ratios are calculated by product type and by regulatory credit risk classification. The allowance consists of an allocated and unallocated allowance. The allocated portion is determined by types and ratings of loans within the portfolio. The unallocated portion of the allowance is established for losses that exist in the remainder of the portfolio and compensates for uncertainty in estimating the loan losses. The substantial increase in the provision for 2009 as compared to the prior two years is a direct result of the ongoing economic downturn experienced throughout our markets and the country. Real estate values have been dramatically impacted during this economic cycle. With our loan portfolio consisting of a large percentage of real estate secured loans we, like most financial institutions, have experienced increasing delinquencies and problem loans. We are not immune to the continued effects of the recessionary economy and continue to experience some deterioration of our loan portfolio in general as evidenced by the increase in non-performing assets from $2.5 million (28 basis points of total assets) at December 31, 2008 to $8.3 million (85 basis points of total assets) at December 31, 2009. While we believe these rates remain favorable in comparison to current industry results, we are concerned about the impact of this economic environment on our customer base of local businesses and professionals. Our company has a significant portion of its loan portfolio with real estate as the underlying collateral. At December 31, 2009, approximately 91.3% of the loan portfolio had real estate collateral as compared to approximately 89.2% at December 31, 2008 (see Note 16 to financial statements for concentrations of credit). When loans, whether commercial or personal, are granted, they are based on the borrower's ability to generate repayment cash flows from income sources sufficient to service the debt. Real estate is generally taken to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment and as a secondary source of repayment. During this economic cycle many borrowers' traditional income sources have been impacted significantly and real estate values have dropped significantly. We will continue to work closely with all our borrowers that are experiencing economic problems as a result of this cycle and believe we have the processes in place to monitor and identify problem credits. Until this economic cycle reverses we are likely to continue to experience higher than historical delinquencies and problem loans. Therefore,

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we anticipate funding our provision for loan losses at levels higher than we have historically experienced. There can be no assurance that charge-offs of loans in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time or that provisions for loan losses will not be significant to a particular accounting period. The allowance is also subject to examination and testing for adequacy by regulatory agencies, which may consider such factors as the methodology used to determine adequacy and the size of the allowance relative to that of peer institutions. Such regulatory agencies could require us to adjust our allowance based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

        At December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, we had non-accrual loans in the amount of $4.1 million, $1.8 million and $600 thousand, respectively. Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2009 consisted of 19 loans. The loans range in size from $4 thousand to $1.4 million and are substantially all real estate related. We have reappraised the collateral on each of these loans and have written them down to their estimated fair value. It is not anticipated that we will incur any additional material losses on these loans.

        There were $2.2 million, $2.0 million, and $324 thousand in loans delinquent 30 to 89 days at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. There were $1.0 million, $59 thousand and $501 thousand in loans greater than 90 days delinquent and still accruing interest at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

        Our management continuously monitors non-performing, classified and past due loans to identify deterioration regarding the condition of these loans. We have identified 4 loans in the amount of $1.2 million which are current as to principal and interest at December 31, 2009 and not included in non-performing assets but that could be potential problem loans. Each of these loans are real estate related and range in size from $252 thousand to $358 thousand. They have been identified as potential problems based on our review that their traditional sources of cash flow have been impacted significantly and they may ultimately not be able to service the debt. These loans are continually monitored and are considered in our overall evaluation of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses.

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Allowance for Loan Losses

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        The following table presents an allocation of the allowance for loan losses at the end of each of the past five years. The allocation is calculated on an approximate basis and is not necessarily indicative of future losses or allocations. The entire amount is available to absorb losses occurring in any category of loans.

Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

        Accrual of interest is discontinued on loans when we believe, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that a borrower's financial condition is such that the collection of interest is doubtful. A delinquent loan is generally placed in nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days or more past due. At the time a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, all interest, which has been accrued on the loan but remains unpaid, is reversed and deducted from earnings as a reduction of reported interest income. No additional interest is accrued on the loan balance until the collection of both principal and interest becomes reasonably certain.

Noninterest Income and Expense

        Noninterest Income.    Our primary source of noninterest income is service charges on deposit accounts. In addition, we originate mortgage loans that are pre-sold and funded by the third party acquirer, for which we receive a fee. Other sources of noninterest income are derived from investment advisory fees and commissions on non-deposit investment products, bankcard fees, ATM/debit card fees, commissions on check sales, safe deposit box rent, wire transfer and official check fees. As a result of the OTTI charge, discussed previously, we had a non-interest income loss during 2008 of $10.1 million. Operating non-interest income for 2009 was $5.0 million (see "Reconciliation" above) as compared to $4.2 million in 2008 and $5.0 million during 2007. Deposit service charges decreased by $370 thousand in 2009 as compared to 2008. This decrease in deposit service charges resulted from a continued decline in overdraft fees in 2009 as compared to 2008. In 2009, we realized gains on the sale of securities in the amount of $1.5 million. This gain was partially offset by a $658 thousand loss on the early extinguishment of certain Federal Home Loan Bank advances. We sold approximately $13.0 million in investments in the fourth quarter to fund the early extinguishment of $25.0 million in advances. The balance of the payoff was funded from short-term overnight funds. The gain on the sale of the investments offset the loss on the paydown of the advances. Other gains realized throughout 2009 were realized to take advantage of favorable spreads on certain available-for sale securities and shorten the leverage life of the portfolio. Mortgage origination fees increased by $174 thousand in 2009 as compared to 2008. Continued low interest rates as well as tax credits available to new home buyers

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have increased the volume of loans closed in 2009 as compared to 2008. There are also fewer mortgage origination alternatives available now as compared to a couple of years ago due to the current economic cycle causing many origination businesses to close. OTTI charges in 2009 included the write-off of a $510 thousand investment in stock of Silverton Bank NA, which was closed by the OCC in May 2009. In addition, we realized $491 thousand in OTTI charges on 5 different PLMBSs. The $491 thousand represents the realized credit loss associated with the securities (see Note 5 to the financial statements). Adjustment to assets and liabilities carried at fair value had a negative impact on non-interest income of $623 thousand in 2008 whereas it had a positive impact of $58 thousand in 2009 (see Note 3 to financial statements). Other noninterest income increased by $118 thousand in 2009 as compared to 2008. The increase primarily related to modest increases in ATM surcharge and debit card exchange fees, loan late charges as well as other miscellaneous fees.

        Operating noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $5.0 million as compared to $4.2 million for 2008, a decrease of $776 thousand, or 15.5%. Deposit service charges decreased by $40 thousand in 2008 as compared to 2007. The decrease is a result of fewer items being presented for payment on insufficient funds and as discussed above this trend continued into 2009. Mortgage origination fees increased by $172 thousand, or 42.3%, in 2008 as compared to 2007. This was a result of a low interest rate environment and a high level of refinancing. Commissions on the sale of non-deposit products were relatively stable between 2008 as compared to 2007. On September 15, 2008, we completed the acquisition of two financial planning and investment advisory firms. These firms had combined assets under management of approximately $40 million. This new division, First Community Financial Consultants, combined the investment services unit already in place at First Community with the added capabilities of holistic financial planning and investment advisory services. This line of business is consistent with our vision to be a provider of financial solutions to local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. The activity in this division was slowed in the fourth quarter of 2008 as we integrated the acquisition of two firms. Fair value adjustments had a negative impact of $623 thousand on noninterest income in 2008 and a positive impact of $168 thousand in 2007. This decline in 2008 primarily relates to a 5 year interest rate swap agreement entered into in November 2008 to protect against a rising rate environment (see "Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity" section above). The interest rate swap contract value decreased by approximately $725 thousand at year end 2008, due to a decrease in the overall interest rate environment. Other noninterest income increased by $151 thousand in 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase primarily related to continued increases in ATM surcharge and debit card exchange fees as a result of continued increased usage by our customer base.

        Noninterest Expense.    In the very competitive financial services industry, we recognize the need to place a great deal of emphasis on expense management and continually evaluate and monitor growth in discretionary expense categories in order to control future increases. During the third quarter of 2009 we recognized an impairment charge of $27.8 million related to goodwill acquired in previous acquisitions (see discussion above under "Results of Operations"). Operating noninterest expense increased from $15.5 million in 2008 to $16.6 million in 2009. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in salary and benefit expense of $298 thousand and an increase in FDIC/FICO premiums of $838 thousand in 2009 as compared to 2008. Our full time employee equivalent count at December 31, 2009 decreased to 140 from 148 at December 31, 2008. Several of these are unfilled positions that were vacated at year end 2009 and the balance represents the reduction of approximately 3 positions we were able to reduce as result of converting to item branch capture. These positions were reduced also near the end of 2009. The overall increase in salary and benefits primarily related to normal increases in salaries and a modest increase in our cost of medical insurance provided to employees. The FDIC/FICO premiums increase resulted from significant increases in the normal assessment rates implemented by the FDIC as well as a special assessment in the third quarter of 2009 in the amount of approximately $300 thousand. It is anticipated that the assessments will rise in 2010 and there is a possibility of continued additional special assessments. At December 31, 2009 we were required to

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prepay the FDIC assessments for a three year period. This prepayment was approximately $3.0 million. Over the next three years the FDIC will make adjustments quarterly for changes in the rate as well as changes in the assessment base. Professional fees and "Other" noninterest expense increased by $155 thousand and $187 thousand, respectively, in 2009 as compared to 2008. These increases are primarily related to additional cost related to loan collection efforts as well as legal fees associated with loan workouts and general increases related to the many issues facing the industry during these economic times. It is anticipated that these fees will remain elevated for 2010. The Securities and Exchange Commission has granted an extension for the independent attestation report on internal controls until December 31, 2010. There will be increased cost incurred relative to complying with the requirements of Section 404 into 2010 and beyond. The independent attestation report required for 2010 is anticipated to increase our professional fees by $50 thousand to $75 thousand in 2010. These noninterest expense increases were partially offset by a $220 thousand decrease in marketing and advertising expense. This decrease was a result of our intentional reduction in this discretionary expense during this economic cycle.

        Noninterest expense increased to $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Salary and employee benefits increased $663 thousand in 2008 as compared to 2007. We added approximately 10 full time equivalent employees in 2008 for a total 148 FTEs at December 31, 2008. These additions were support personnel in audit, information technology, deposit sales, training and loan operations. In addition, the acquisition of the two investment firms in the third quarter added three employees. Marketing expenses increased as a result of planned increases in television marketing in 2008 as compared to 2007. FDIC assessments increased from $60 thousand in 2007 to $267 thousand in 2008. In 2007, we had a credit toward FDIC premiums as a result of our DutchFork acquisition in 2004. This credit ran out in March of 2008 and thereafter we were assessed the full fee. Professional fees increased by $74 thousand in 2008 as compared to 2007. This primarily results from legal fees associated with increased collection efforts as well as legal fees related securities issues and new legislation. Amortization of intangibles decreased approximately $163 thousand, which resulted from the core deposit premium associated with the acquisition of a branch office in 2002.

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        The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the primary components of noninterest expense:

Income Tax Expense

        Income tax expense for 2009 was $696 thousand as compared to income tax expense (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $(3.8) million and $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. We recognize deferred tax assets for future deductible amounts resulting from differences in the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and operating loss carry forwards. A valuation allowance is then established to reduce the deferred tax asset to the level that it is more likely than not that the tax benefit will be realized. In 2008, we established a deferred tax valuation allowance of $425 thousand primarily related to contribution carryforwards that will expire at the end of 2010. There was also a valuation allowance of $350 thousand at December 31, 2008 primarily related to contribution carry forwards that will expire. There were no valuation allowances established for deferred taxes as of December 31, 2007. The loss generated during 2009 was a result of the impairment of goodwill acquired in tax free acquisitions and therefore is not deductible for income tax purposes. As previously discussed we had an OTTI charge on certain securities of $14.5 million during 2008. The loss is not deductible for federal income tax purposes until the securities are sold or deemed worthless. Therefore, the loss resulted in recognizing a deferred tax asset in the amount of $4.9 million. The net operating loss carryforward period for federal income taxes is generally 20 years. Any carry forward period related to realize tax losses on these securities will not start until they are sold or deemed worthless. We have a net operating loss carry forward acquired in the acquisition of DutchFork and DeKalb for federal income tax purposes of approximately $5.8 million to offset future taxable income through 2025. See Note 13 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the tax expense/benefit. It is anticipated that our effective tax rate for 2010 will be between 29% and 31%.

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Financial Position

        Total assets at December 31, 2009 were $605.8 million as compared to $650.2 million at December 31, 2008. Average earning assets increased to $576.8 million during 2009 from $543.7 million during 2009. The decline in assets between December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 resulted from the goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million in the third quarter of 2009 as well as the payoff of $27.5 million in FHLB Advances in the fourth quarter of 2009. Loans grew $11.2 million, or 3.4%, during 2009. Loans at December 31, 2008 were $333.0 million as compared to $344.2 million at December 31, 2009. Investment securities were $235.1 at December 31, 2009 as compared to $195.8 million at December 31, 2008. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell decreased by $2.5 million from $3.0 million at December 31, 2008 to $457 thousand at December 31, 2009. The increase in loans was funded by an increase in deposits of $25.8 million from $423.8 million at December 31, 2008 to $449.6 million at December 31, 2009. The funding of the repayment of the $27.5 million in FHLB advances was accomplished through the sale of approximately $13.0 million in available-for-sale securities and short-term overnight advances. To the extent sources of funds from deposit growth and investment maturities have exceeded our loan growth we have increased our short-term liquidity primarily by increasing our funds on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

        Shareholders' equity totaled $68.2 million at December 31, 2008 as compared to $41.4 million at December 31, 2009. As previously discussed, we incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million in the third quarter of 2009 which was the reason we recorded a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 of $25.2 million. The net loss along with dividend payments on common and preferred stock resulted in retained earnings decreasing to a deficit of $20.4 million as of December 31, 2009 as compared to retained earnings of $6.3 million at December 31, 2008.

Earning Assets

        Loans.    Loans typically provide higher yields than the other types of earning assets. During 2009, loans accounted for 58.5% of average earning assets as compared to 58.7% of average earning assets in 2008. The growth of the loan portfolio both in total dollars as well as a percentage of total earning assets continues to be a strategic focus into 2010 and thereafter. Associated with the higher loan yields are the inherent credit and liquidity risks, which we attempt to control and counterbalance. Loans averaged $337.7 million during 2009, as compared to $319.0 million in 2008.

        A goal of the CPP program, which we participated in 2008, was to provide funds/capital to financial institutions to assist in unfreezing the credit markets. One of our goals as a community bank has, and continues to be, to grow our assets through quality loan growth by providing credit to small and mid-size businesses, as well as individuals within the markets we serve. In 2009, we funded new loans of approximately $56.2 million. In 2009, our loan portfolio grew by approximately 3.4% ($11.2 million). Loan production and portfolio growth rates continue to be impacted by the current economic recession, as borrowers are less inclined to leverage their corporate and personal balance sheets. However, we remain committed to meeting the credit needs of our local markets. A continuation of the recessionary national and local economic conditions as well as deterioration of asset quality within our company could significantly impact our ability to grow our loan portfolio. Significant increases in regulatory capital expectations beyond the traditional "well capitalized" ratios, significantly increased regulatory burdens as well as increasing FDIC assessments will impede our ability to leverage our balance sheet and expand the loan portfolio.

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        The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio by category:

        In the context of this discussion, a real estate mortgage loan is defined as any loan, other than loans for construction purposes, secured by real estate, regardless of the purpose of the loan. We follow the common practice of financial institutions in the company's market area of obtaining a security interest in real estate whenever possible, in addition to any other available collateral. This collateral is taken to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan and tends to increase the magnitude of the real estate loan components. Generally, we limit the loan-to-value ratio to 80%. The principal components of our loan portfolio at year-end 2009 and 2008 were commercial mortgage loans in the amount of $214.2 million and $191.8 million, representing 62.2% and 57.6% of the portfolio, respectively. Significant portions of these commercial mortgage loans are made to finance owner-occupied real estate. We continue to maintain a conservative philosophy regarding our underwriting guidelines, and believe it will reduce the risk elements of the loan portfolio through strategies that diversify the lending mix.

        The repayment of loans in the loan portfolio as they mature is a source of liquidity. The following table sets forth the loans maturing within specified intervals at December 31, 2009.

Loan Maturity Schedule and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

        The information presented in the above table is based on the contractual maturities of the individual loans, including loans which may be subject to renewal at their contractual maturity. Renewal of such loans is subject to review and credit approval, as well as modification of terms upon their maturity.

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Investment Securities

        The investment securities portfolio is a significant component of our total earning assets. Total securities averaged $219.9 million in 2009, as compared to $214.7 million in 2008. This represents 38.1% and 39.5% of the average earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2009 and 2008 our investment securities portfolio amounted to $195.8 million and $235.1 million, respectively.

        Throughout 2008 and 2009 the bond markets and many institutional holders of bonds have come under a great deal of stress partially as a result of increasing delinquencies in the sub-prime mortgage lending market. As of December 31, 2009, we own total MBSs and CMOs with a book value of $146.4 million and an approximate fair value of $140.4 million. These included securities with a book value $82.3 million and approximate fair value of $84.2 million issued by GSEs. The current economic recessionary cycle has impacted MBSs issued by GSEs, such as FHLMC and FNMA. The result has been increased spreads on these investments. These entities have also experienced increasing delinquencies in the underlying loans that make up the MBSs and CMOs. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008 all of the MBSs issued by GSEs are classified as "Available for Sale." Unrealized losses on certain of these investments are not considered to be "other than temporary" and we have the intent and ability to hold these until they mature or recover the current book value. The contractual cash flows of the investments are guaranteed by the GSE. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than our amortized cost.

        Also included in our MBS and CMO portfolio are PLMBSs with a book value of $64.1 million and approximate fair value of $56.1 million at December 31, 2009. Although these are not classified as sub-prime obligations or considered the "high risk" tranches, the majority of "structured" investments within all credit markets have been impacted by volatility and credit concerns and economic stresses throughout 2008 and 2009. The result has been that the market for these investments has become less liquid and the spread as compared to alternative investments widened dramatically. During the second quarter of 2008, we implemented a leverage strategy whereby we acquired approximately $63.2 million in certain non-agency MBSs and CMOs. All of the mortgage assets acquired in this transaction were classified as prime or ALT-A securities and represent the senior or super-senior tranches of the securities. The assets acquired as part of this strategy were classified as held-to-maturity in the investment portfolio. Due to the significant spreads on these securities, they were all purchased at discounts. A detailed analysis of each of the CMO pools included in this leverage transaction as well as privately held CMOs held previously in the available-for-sale portfolio have been analyzed by reviewing underlying loan delinquencies, collateral value and resulting credit support.

        Starting in early 2009, many of these securities acquired in the leverage strategy, as well as others that were owned prior to 2008, began to be downgraded by the various rating agencies, and subsequently, 19 CUSIPs have been downgraded below investment grade. We perform an internal detailed analysis on each CUSIP on at least a quarterly basis. Our internal analysis includes stressing each security using various assumptions for conditional default rate (CDR), prepayment speeds (CPR) and severities of loss on underlying collateral once it is liquidated. In addition, we have a third party perform an analysis of each security to validate our assumptions. Because the third party that runs stresses on a monthly basis initially sold us some of the securities in the portfolio, we have also engaged an independent third party to assist with evaluating and stressing each of the securities that have been downgraded below investment grade. Our analysis to evaluate the credit loss component of the impairment includes stressing the expected cash flows using the average CPR, CDRs and severities over the last six months. Each CUSIP is reviewed and if circumstances indicate that a shorter time frame is appropriate because CDRs and severities are rapidly increasing, we will adjust these assumptions. We have incurred impairment charges on five PLMBS investments whereby the credit component was $491 thousand recognized through earnings and amount recognized through other comprehensive income amounted to $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 (see Note 5 to

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the financial statements). Two of these investments are held in our available-for-sale portfolio and three are in the held-to-maturity portfolio. Substantially all PLMBS's continue to experience high levels of delinquencies in the underlying loans that make up the PLMBSs, and as a result we could experience additional OTTI in the future. The following table summarizes the PLMBSs portfolio by credit rating. The rating reflects the lowest rating by any major rating agency.

        In our opinion the current rating system does not properly reflect the overall risk in these types of multi-obligor bonds. Generally, they are rated below investment grade when there is a projected loss of a level of principal based on the par value of the bond. The process does not consider what the holder paid for the bond or the impact that they are multi-obligor securities. This can cause an entire security to be rated below investment grade even though a majority of the underlying obligors are paying timely on the underlying obligation. We believe that the robust internal and independent external monitoring process that we have in place allows us to properly evaluate the credit risk underlying these securities and record further OTTI in a timely manner.

        We also hold corporate bonds and other securities with a book value of $14.5 million and fair value of $12.4 million as of December 31, 2009. The unrealized loss on investments in corporate bonds relates to bonds with seven different issuers. All of these bonds are carried in the available-for-sale portfolio. The economic conditions throughout 2009 and 2008 have had a significant impact on all corporate debt obligations. As a result, the spreads on all of these securities have widened dramatically and the liquidity of many of these investments has been negatively impacted. Each of these bonds is rated BBB (investment grade) or better (S&P) with the exception of four bonds downgraded during the last 24 months. One downgraded investment is rated CC by Fitch and Ca by Moody's and is a preferred term security with a book value of $2.0 million and fair value of $941 thousand. The second and third bonds are collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"). One is rated CCC- by S&P, with a carrying value of $998 thousand and fair value of $905 thousand. This bond matures in December 2010. The other is rated CCC+ by S&P and B3 by Moody and has a carrying value of $4.9 million and a fair value of $3.9 million. The fourth bond is rated BBB- by S&P and Ba1 by Moody with a carrying value of $997 thousand and a fair value of $780 thousand. All of the corporate bonds held by the company are reviewed on a quarterly basis to identify downgrades by rating agencies as well as deterioration of the underlying collateral or in the issuer's ability to service the debt obligation.

        For corporate debt securities, we review the underlying issuer's credit quality, additional underlying credit support, and the length of maturity of the bond. If our analysis determines that it is likely we will recover all of the projected cash flows, we do not deem the security to be OTTI.

        During 2009, we took OTTI on one security in the amount of $510 thousand. This security was an investment in common stock of Silverton Bank, NA that was closed by the OCC in May 2009. During the year ended 2008, we took an OTTI charge related to certain securities including $14.3 million on FHLMC preferred stock (see "Results of Operations"), and $169 thousand on a PLMBS.

        At December 31, 2009, the estimated weighted average life of the portfolio was approximately 5.4 years, duration of approximately 3.7 years, and a weighted average tax equivalent yield of approximately 4.66%

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        The following table shows the investment portfolio composition.

        We hold other investments carried at cost which includes stock in the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB Atlanta"). These investments amounted to $7.9 million, $7.7 million and $5.2 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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Investment Securities Maturity Distribution and Yields

        The following table shows, at amortized cost, the scheduled maturities and average yield of securities held at December 31, 2009.

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(1)

Yield calculated on tax equivalent basis

Short-Term Investments

        Short-term investments, which consist of federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and interest bearing deposits, averaged $19.1 million in 2009, as compared to $10.0 million in 2008. During 2009 we started maintaining the majority of our short term overnight investments in our account at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond rather than in federal funds at various correspondent banks. At December 31, 2009, short- term investments including funds on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond totaled $14.1 million. These funds are a primary source of liquidity and are generally invested in an earning capacity on an overnight basis.

Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

        Deposits.    Average deposits were $438.7 million during 2009, compared to $422.7 million during 2008. Average interest-bearing deposits were $369.4 million during 2009, as compared to $351.3 million during 2008.

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        The following table sets forth the deposits by category:

        Core deposits, which exclude certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more, as well as brokered deposits, provide a relatively stable funding source for the loan portfolio and other earning assets. Core deposits were $344.6 million and $314.8 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Included in time deposits less than $100,000 are brokered deposits of $14.9 million and $23.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As previously discussed we partially funded the leverage transaction with $23.0 million in brokered CDs. All of these brokered CDs are callable by us on a quarterly basis Although we paid a slightly higher cost on these deposits it gives us the flexibility to call the CDs in the event the asset side of the transaction prepays faster than anticipated as well as the ability to refinance them if rates decline. Due to pay downs on the assets funded by the brokered deposits in the leverage strategy, we called $8.0 million of these deposits in the fourth quarter of 2009.

        A stable base of deposits is expected to continue be the primary source of funding to meet both our short-term and long-term liquidity needs in the future. The maturity distribution of time deposits is shown in the following table.

Maturities of Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposit of $100,000 or more

        There were no other time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2009.

        Large certificate of deposit customers tend to be extremely sensitive to interest rate levels, making these deposits less reliable sources of funding for liquidity planning purposes than core deposits. Some financial institutions partially fund their balance sheets using large certificates of deposits obtained through brokers. Except for the leverage transaction previously discussed we have not funded our balance sheet by utilizing brokered deposits since they can be unreliable as long-term funding sources.

        Borrowed funds.    Borrowed funds consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Federal Home Loan Bank advances and long-term debt as a result of issuing $15.0 million in trust preferred securities. Short-term borrowings in the form of securities sold under agreements to repurchase averaged $24.6 million, $28.2 and $26.3 million during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The maximum month-end balances during 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $28.9 million, $29.0 million and $24.7 million, respectively. The average rates paid during these periods were 0.40%, 1.24% and 5.93%, respectively. The balances of securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $20.7 million and $28.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The repurchase agreements all mature

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within one to four days and are generally originated with customers that have other relationships with the company and tend to provide a stable and predictable source of funding. As a member of the FHLB Atlanta, the bank has access to advances from the FHLB Atlanta for various terms and amounts. During 2009 and 2008, the average outstanding advances amounted to $100.9 million and $89.3 million, respectively.

        The following is a schedule of the maturities for Federal Home Loan Bank Advances as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

        At December 31, 2008 we had two advances not included in the above table that were are carried at fair value. The advances were in the amount of $1.5 million and $1.0 million and at December 31, 2008 had the total fair value amounting to $2.6 million. These advances were paid off in 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2009, we prepaid $25.0 million in advances that were scheduled to mature in September 2010. These advances were acquired in the DutchFork acquisition. Purchase premiums included in advances acquired in the merger with DutchFork reflected in the advances maturing in 2010 amount to $896 thousand at December 31, 2008. In addition to the above borrowings, we issued $15.0 million in trust preferred securities on September 16, 2004. The securities accrue and pay distributions quarterly at a rate of LIBOR plus 257 basis points. The debt may be redeemed in full anytime after September 16, 2009 with notice and matures on September 16, 2034.

Capital Adequacy and Dividends

        Total shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2009 was $41.4 million as compared to $68.2 million as of December 31, 2008. During the third quarter of 2009, we recognized an impairment charge on goodwill in the amount of $27.8 million. This charge, along with dividend payments on both our common and preferred stock, offset by increased operating earnings (see "Reconciliation" above) accounted for the decline in shareholders' equity. In November 2008, we issued $11.35 million in preferred stock under the CPP plan. During the first two quarters of 2009 we paid a dividend of $0.08 per share and in the last two quarters we paid a dividend of $0.04 per share. During each quarter of 2008, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share. Dividends were paid in 2007 at a rate of $0.06 per share in the first quarter and $0.07 per share for the remaining three quarters. Preferred dividends of 5% were paid during the year ended December 31, 2009 on the preferred stock issued under the CPP plan. A dividend reinvestment plan was implemented in the third quarter of 2003. The plan allows existing shareholders the option of reinvesting cash dividends as well as making optional purchases of up to $5,000 in the purchase of common stock per quarter.

        We pay cash dividends to shareholders from funds provided mainly by dividends received from our bank. Dividends paid by our bank are subject to certain regulatory restrictions. We must get approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in order to pay dividends in excess of our bank's net earnings for the current year, plus retained net profits for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus. As long as shares of our Series T Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends may be paid on our common stock unless all dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock have been paid

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in full. Additionally, prior to November 21, 2011, so long as the Treasury owns shares of the Series T Preferred Stock, we are not permitted to increase cash dividends on our common stock without the Treasury's consent. Currently there are no retained earnings available to dividend up cash to the holding company. Therefore, we are unable to dividend up cash without first obtaining approval from the OCC.

        The following table shows the return (loss) on average assets (net income divided by average total assets), return on average equity (net income divided by average equity), and equity to assets ratio for the three years ended December 31, 2009.

        On November 21, 2008, as part of the CPP established by the Treasury under the EESA, First Community Corporation entered into the CPP Purchase Agreement with the Treasury dated November 21, 2008, whereby we issued and sold to the Treasury (i) the Series T Preferred Stock and (ii) the CPP Warrant for an aggregate purchase price of $11.350 million in cash. The proceeds from this offering qualify as Tier 1 capital under the regulatory capital guidelines.

        Cumulative dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock will accrue on the liquidation preference at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and at a rate of 9% per annum thereafter, but will be paid only if, as, and when declared by the board of directors. The Series T Preferred Stock has no maturity date and ranks senior to the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the company. The Series T Preferred Stock generally is non-voting.

        Under the terms of the agreement we may redeem the Series T Preferred Stock at par after February 15, 2012. Prior to this date, we may redeem the Series T Preferred Stock at par if (i) we raise aggregate gross proceeds in one or more Qualified Equity Offerings (as defined in the CPP Purchase Agreement) in excess of approximately $2.8 million, and (ii) the aggregate redemption price does not exceed the aggregate net proceeds from such Qualified Equity Offerings. The Recovery Act signed by the President on February 17, 2009 amended the terms of the agreement and allows us to redeem the Series T Preferred Stock prior to February 15, 2012. Any redemption is subject to the consent of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

        Under the capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve and the OCC, the company and the bank are currently required to maintain a minimum risk-based total capital ratio of 8%, with at least 4% being Tier 1 capital. Tier 1 capital consists of common shareholders' equity, qualifying perpetual preferred stock, and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill. In addition, the bank must maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to total assets) of at least 4%, but this minimum ratio is increased by 100 to 200 basis points for other than the highest-rated institutions. The trust preferred securities in the amount of $15.0 million that were issued on September 16, 2004 qualify as Tier 1 capital under the regulatory guidelines and are included in the amounts reflected below.

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        The company and the bank exceeded their regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2009 and 2008, as set forth in the following table.

Analysis of Capital

        Based on discussions with the OCC following its most recent examination of the bank in 2009, the OCC may require the bank to maintain capital ratios in excess of the minimum thresholds stated above. However, we currently anticipate that the bank would be in compliance with the minimum thresholds that might be required by its regulators.

Liquidity Management

        Liquidity management involves monitoring sources and uses of funds in order to meet its day-to-day cash flow requirements while maximizing profits. Liquidity represents our ability to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. 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 the investment portfolio is very 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 nearly the same degree of control. Asset liquidity is provided by cash and assets which are readily marketable, or which can be pledged, or which will mature in the near future. Liability liquidity is provided by access to core funding sources, principally the ability to generate customer deposits in our market area. In addition, liability liquidity is provided through the ability to borrow against approved lines of credit (federal funds purchased) from correspondent banks and to borrow on a secured basis through securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The bank is a member of the FHLB Atlanta and has the ability to obtain advances for various periods of time. These

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advances are secured by securities pledged by the bank or assignment of loans within the bank's portfolio.

        With the successful completion of the common stock offering in 1995, the secondary offering completed in 1998, the trust preferred offering completed in September 2004, the acquisition of DutchFork in October 2004, the acquisition of DeKalb in June 2006 and the preferred stock offering under the CPP program in November 2008 we have maintained a high level of liquidity and adequate capital along with retained earnings less the 2009 and 2008 net loss, sufficient to fund the operations of the bank for at least the next 12 months. We anticipate that the bank will remain a well capitalized institution for at least the next 12 months. The loss related to goodwill impairment in 2009 was a noncash charge and has no impact on regulatory capital or tangible equity. Total shareholders' equity was 6.8% of total assets at December 31, 2009 and 10.5% at December 31, 2008. Funds sold and short-term interest bearing deposits are our primary source of liquidity and averaged $19.1 million and $10.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The bank maintains federal funds purchased lines, in the amount of $10.0 million each with two financial institutions, although these were not utilized in 2009. The FHLB Atlanta has approved a line of credit of up to 25% of the bank assets, which would be collateralized by a pledge against specific investment securities and or eligible loans. We regularly review the liquidity position of the company and have implemented internal policies establishing guidelines for sources of asset based liquidity and limit the total amount of purchased funds used to support the balance sheet and funding from non-core sources. We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits along with continued growth in this deposit base will enable us to meet our long term liquidity needs successfully.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in the financial statements, or are recorded in amounts that differ from the notional amounts. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate, and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used by the company for general corporate purposes or for customer needs. Corporate purpose transactions are used to help manage credit, interest rate, and liquidity risk or to optimize capital. Customer transactions are used to manage customers' requests for funding. Please refer to Note 16 of the company's financial statements for a discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements.

Impact of Inflation

        Unlike most industrial companies, the assets and liabilities of financial institutions such as the company and the bank are primarily monetary in nature. Therefore, interest rates have a more significant effect on our performance than do the effects of changes in the general rate of inflation and change in prices. In addition, interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. As discussed previously, we continually seek to manage the relationships between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against wide interest rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

        Additional information required under this Item 8 may be found under the Notes to Financial Statements under Note 23.

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MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

        The management of First Community Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

•

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;



•

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and



•

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our 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. 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.

        Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.

        Based on that assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

        This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding our internal control over financial reporting. Management's report on internal control over financial reporting was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the company to provide only management's report in this annual report.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
First Community Corporation
Lexington, South Carolina

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Community Corporation and subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the three years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Community Corporation and subsidiary at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the three years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

        We were not engaged to examine management's assertion about the effectiveness of First Community Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion thereon.

/s/ Elliott Davis, LLC

Elliott Davis, LLC
Columbia, South Carolina
March 29, 2010

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Balance Sheets

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income (loss)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (loss)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1—ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Community Corporation (the "company") and its wholly owned subsidiary First Community Bank, N.A (the "bank"). The company owns all of the common stock of FCC Capital Trust I. All material intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The company was organized on November 2, 1994, as a South Carolina corporation, and was formed to become a bank holding company. The bank opened for business on August 17, 1995. FCC Capital Trust I is a special purpose subsidiary organized for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities.

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

        The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses. The estimation process includes management's judgment as to future losses on existing loans based on an internal review of the loan portfolio, including an analysis of the borrower's current financial position, the consideration of current and anticipated economic conditions and the effect on specific borrowers. In determining the collectability of loans management also considers the fair value of underlying collateral. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, review the company's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies 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. Because of these factors it is possible that the allowance for loan losses could change materially.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell. Generally federal funds are sold for a one-day period and securities purchased under agreements to resell mature in less than 90 days.

Investment Securities

        Investment securities are classified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading securities. In determining such classification, securities that the company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair values with unrealized gains and losses included in shareholders' equity on an after tax basis. Trading securities are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in Non-interest income (See Note 3).

        Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities and trading securities are determined using the specific identification method. Declines in the fair value of individual held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are judged to be other than temporary are written down to fair value and charged to income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity.

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

        Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest is recognized over the term of the loan based on the loan balance outstanding. Fees charged for originating loans, if any, are deferred and offset by the deferral of certain direct expenses associated with loans originated. The net deferred fees are recognized as yield adjustments by applying the interest method.

        The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed to be adequate by management to absorb potential losses in the loan portfolio. Management's determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on an evaluation of the portfolio, past loss experience, economic conditions and volume, growth and composition of the portfolio.

        The company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is believed that the company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans that are considered impaired are accounted for at fair value. The accrual of interest on impaired loans is discontinued when, in management's opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due, generally when a loan becomes 90 days past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received first to principal and then to interest income.

Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the asset's estimated useful life. Estimated lives range up to 39 years for buildings and up to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        Goodwill represents the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) in purchase transactions. Other intangible assets represent premiums paid for acquisitions of core deposits (core deposit intangibles). Core deposit intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The annual valuation is performed on September 30 of each year.

Other Real Estate Owned

        Other real estate owned includes real estate acquired through foreclosure. Other real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost (principal balance at date of foreclosure) or fair value minus estimated cost to sell. Any write-downs at the date of foreclosure are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Expenses to maintain such assets, subsequent changes in the valuation allowance, and gains or losses on

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

disposal are included in other expenses. Other real estate owned is included in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

Comprehensive Income

        The company reports comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS 130 requires that all items that are required to be reported under accounting standards as comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. The disclosures requirements have been included in the company's consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss).

Mortgage Origination Fees

        Mortgage origination fees relate to activities comprised of accepting residential mortgage applications, qualifying borrowers to standards established by investors and selling the mortgage loans to the investors under pre-existing commitments. The loans are funded by the investor at closing and the related fees received by the company for these services are recognized at the time the loan is closed.

Advertising Expense

        Advertising and public relations costs are generally expensed as incurred. External costs incurred in producing media advertising are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. External costs relating to direct mailing costs are expensed in the period in which the direct mailings are sent.

Income Taxes

        A deferred income tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated future effects attributable to differences in the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. The deferred tax asset or liability is measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the period in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized.

        In 2006, the FASB issued guidance related to Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. This guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with FAS ASC 740-10, "Accounting for Income Taxes. It also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an enterprise's tax return.

Stock Based Compensation Cost

        The Company accounts for stock based compensation under the fair value provisions of the accounting literature Compensation expense is recognized in salaries and employee benefits.

        The fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Sholes option pricing model. No options were granted in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Earnings Per Share

        Basic earnings per share ("EPS") excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted number of average shares of common stock and common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options and are computed using the treasury stock method.

Subsequent Events

        Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements. Nonrecognized subsequent events are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date. In preparing these financial statements, subsequent events were evaluated through the time the financial statements were issued and all material subsequent events have been either recognized or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

Segment Information

        ASC Topic 280-10, "Segment Reporting," requires selected segment information of operating segments based on a management approach. The Company operates as one business segment.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

        In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance which restructured generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and simplified access to all authoritative literature by providing a single source of authoritave nongovernmental GAAP. The guidance is presented in a topically organized structure referred to as the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). The new structure is effective for interim or annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. All existing accounting standards have been superseded and all other accounting literature not included is considered nonauthoritative.

        The FASB issued new accounting guidance on accounting for transfers of financial assets in June 2009. The guidance limits the circumstances in which a financial asset should be derecognized when the transferor has not transferred the entire financial asset by taking into consideration the transferor's continuing involvement. The standard requires that a transferor recognize and initially measure at fair value all assets obtained (including a transferor's beneficial interest) and liabilities incurred as a result of a transfer of financial assets accounted for as a sale. The concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity is no longer applicable. The standard is effective for the first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within the first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The Company does not expect the guidance to have any impact on the Company's financial statements. The ASC was amended in December, 2009, to include this guidance.

        Guidance was issued in June 2009 requiring a company to analyze whether its interest in a variable interest entity ("VIE") gives it a controlling financial interest that should be included in consolidated

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

financial statements. A company must assess whether it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that the VIE operates as designed when determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that significantly impact its economic performance, making it the primary beneficiary. Ongoing reassessments of whether a company is the primary beneficiary are also required by the standard. This guidance amends the criteria to qualify as a primary beneficiary as well as how to determine the existence of a VIE. The standard also eliminates certain exceptions that were previously available. This guidance is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity's first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. Comparative disclosures will be required for periods after the effective date. The Company does not expect the guidance to have any impact on the Company's financial position. An update was issued in December, 2009, to include this guidance in the ASC.

        An update was issued in October, 2009 to provide guidance requiring companies to allocate revenue in multi-element arrangements. Under this guidance, products or services (deliverables) must be accounted for separately rather than as a combined unit utilizing a selling price hierarchy to determine the selling price of a deliverable. The selling price is based on vendor-specific evidence, third-party evidence or estimated selling price. The amendments in the update are effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the update to have an impact on its financial statements.

        In October, 2009, updated guidance was issued to provide for accounting and reporting for own-share lending arrangements issued in contemplation of a convertible debt issuance. At the date of issuance, a share-lending arrangement entered into on an entity's own shares should be measured at fair value in accordance with prior guidance and recognized as an issuance cost, with an offset to additional paid-in capital. Loaned shares are excluded from basic and diluted earnings per share unless default of the share-lending arrangement occurs. The amendment also requires several disclosures including a description and the terms of the arrangement and the reason for entering into the arrangement. The effective dates of the amendment are dependent upon the date the share-lending arrangement was entered into and include retrospective application for arrangements outstanding as of the beginning of fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2009. The Company has no plans to issue convertible debt and, therefore, does not expect the update to have an impact on its financial statements.

        In January, 2010, guidance was issued to alleviate diversity in the accounting for distributions to shareholders that allow the shareholder to elect to receive their entire distribution in cash or shares but with a limit on the aggregate amount of cash to be paid. The amendment states that the stock portion of a distribution to shareholders that allows them to elect to receive cash or shares with a potential limitation on the total amount of cash that all shareholders can elect to receive in the aggregate is considered a share issuance. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after December 15, 2009 and had no impact on the Company's financial statements.

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FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Also in January, 2010, an amendment was issued to clarify the scope of subsidiaries for consolidation purposes. The amendment provides that the decrease in ownership guidance should apply to (1) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity, (2) a subsidiary that is a business or nonprofit activity that is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture, and (3) an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business or nonprofit activity for a noncontrolling interest in an entity. The guidance does not apply to a decrease in ownership in transactions related to sales of in substance real estate or conveyances of oil and gas mineral rights. The update is effective for the interim or annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2009 and had no impact on the Company's financial statements.

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

Risk and Uncertainties

        In the normal course of business, the company encounters two significant types of risks: economic and regulatory. There are three main components of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different speeds, or on a different basis, than its interest-earning assets. Credit risk is the risk of default on the company's loan and investment portfolios that results from borrowers' or issuer's inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of collateral underlying loans and investments and the valuation of real estate held by the company.

        The company is subject to regulations of various governmental agencies. These regulations can and do change significantly from period to period. The company also undergoes periodic examinations by the regulatory agencies, which may subject it to further changes with respect to asset valuations, amounts of required loan loss allowances and operating restrictions from regulators' judgments based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

Reclassifications

        Certain captions and amounts in the 2008 and 2007 consolidated financial statements were reclassified to conform to the 2009 presentation.

Note 3—THE FAIR VALUE OPTION FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

        The company adopted the provisions of the Fair Value Option Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) on January 1, 2007 which became effective in February 2007. The Fair Value Option generally permits the measurement of selected eligible financial instruments at fair value at specified election dates. This election can generally be applied on an instrument by instrument basis. As a result of adopting fair value option accounting for certain assets, the company reduced retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss as of January 1, 2007 by $560 thousand. This amount represents the unrealized loss net of tax on the securities that were reclassified from "available for sale" to "trading" securities.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3—THE FAIR VALUE OPTION FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (Continued)

        The following summarizes the effect of reclassifying the securities as of January 1, 2007 (Dollars in thousands).

        In connection with the adoption of the Fair Value option, the company adopted FASB ASC Fair Value Measurement Topic which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

        Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:

        Investment Securities Available for Sale:  Measurement is on a recurring basis based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for prepayment assumptions, projected credit losses, and liquidity. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange or by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued both by

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Note 3—THE FAIR VALUE OPTION FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (Continued)

government sponsored enterprises and private label mortgage-backed securities. Generally these fair values are priced from established pricing models. Level 3 securities include corporate debt obligations and asset-backed securities that are less liquid or for which there is an inactive market.

        Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity:  Investment securities that are held-to-maturity and considered other-than-temporarily-impaired are recorded at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic on "Investments- Debt and Equity Securities" on a non recurring basis. If the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is considered to have occurred. See Note 4 for determining allocation between current earnings and comprehensive income. Measurement is based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for prepayment assumptions, projected credit losses, and liquidity. Level 2 securities include private label mortgage-backed securities. Generally these fair values are priced from established pricing models.

        Loans:  Loans that are considered impaired are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Once a loan is considered impaired measurement is based upon FASB ASC 310-10-35 "Loan Impairment." The fair value is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral liquidation value, market value of similar debt and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring a specific charge against the allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral meet or exceed the recorded investment in the loan. At December 31, 2009, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. When the Company records the fair value based upon a current appraisal the fair value measurement is considered when a current appraisal is not available or there is estimated further impairment the measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement.

        Other Real Estate Owned (OREO):  OREO carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value is based upon independent appraisals or management's estimation of the collateral. When the OREO value is based upon a current appraisal or when a current appraisal is not available or there is estimated further impairment the measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement.

        Derivative Financial Instruments:  Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis. The measurement is based on valuation techniques including discounted cash flows analysis for each derivative. The analysis reflects the contractual remaining term of derivative, interest rates, volatility and expected cash payments. The measurement of the interest rate swap and cap are considered to be a Level 3 measurement.

        Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:  Goodwill and other intangible assets are measured for impairment on an annual basis, as of September 30, or more frequently if there is a change in circumstances. If the goodwill or other intangibles exceed the fair value, an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the excess. Impairment is tested utilizing accepted valuation techniques utilizing discounted cash flows of the business unit, and implied fair value based on a multiple of earnings and tangible book value for merger transactions. The measurement of these fair values is considered a Level 3 measurement. The goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2009 reflected impairment and as a result the balance of goodwill was written off as of that date.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3—THE FAIR VALUE OPTION FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (Continued)

        Federal Home Loan Bank Advances:  Certain Federal Home Loan Bank advances are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Value Option Topic. The fair value is calculated on a recurring basis using a discounted cash flow model based on current rate for advances with similar remaining terms. The measurement of these advances is considered Level 3 measurement.

        The following table summarizes quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurement for each category of assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis carried at fair value as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

        Federal Home Loan Bank Advances carried at fair value had an unpaid principal balance of $2.5 million at December 31, 2008 of which $1.5 million had a maturity on February 28, 2011 and $1.0 million had maturity on June 18, 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2009 all of the advances carried at fair value were prepaid.

        The following table reconciles the changes in Level 3 financial instruments for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 measured on a recurring basis:

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3—THE FAIR VALUE OPTION FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (Continued)