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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INCFinancial_Report.xls
EX-32 - EXHIBIT (32) - PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INCex32.htm
EX-31.B - EXHIBIT (31)(B) - PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INCex31_b.htm
EX-31.A - EXHIBIT (31)(A) - PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INCex31_a.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
     
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended:     March 31, 2012
 
OR
 
[   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
North Carolina
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
000-27205
56-2132396
(Commission File No.)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
518 West C Street, Newton, North Carolina
28658
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(828) 464-5620
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes
  X  
No
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 
 
Yes
  X  
No
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large Accelerate Filer
   
Accelerated Filer
   
Non-Accelerated Filer
   
 
Smaller Reporting Company
X
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes
   
No
  X  
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
5,544,160 shares of common stock, outstanding at April 30, 2012.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
INDEX
         
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE(S)
 
         
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements
   
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2012 (Unaudited) and
   
   
December 31, 2011 (Audited)
3
 
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended March
   
   
31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
4
 
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months
   
   
ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
5
 
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March
   
   
31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
6-7
 
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
8-22
 
         
Item 2.
 
Management's Discussion  and Analysis of Financial Condition
   
   
and Results of Operations
23-36
 
         
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
37
 
         
Item 4T.
 
Controls and Procedures
38
 
         
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
39
 
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
39
 
Item 2.
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
39
 
Item 3.
 
Defaults upon Senior Securities
39
 
Item 5.
 
Other Information
39
 
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
39-42
 
Signatures
 
43
 
Certifications
 
44-46
 
 
 
 
Statements made in this Form 10-Q, other than those concerning historical information, should be considered forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management and on the information available to management at the time that this Form 10-Q was prepared.  These statements can be identified by the use of words like “expect,”  “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “believe,” variations of these words and other similar expressions.  Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, (1) competition in the markets served by Peoples Bank, (2) changes in the interest rate environment, (3) general national, regional or local economic conditions may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and the possible impairment of collectibility of loans, (4) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, (5) significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environments and tax laws, (6) the impact of changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws, rules and regulations and (7) other risks and factors identified in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to those described in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 

 
2

 
 
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
Consolidated Balance Sheets
         
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
December 31,
Assets
2012
2011
 
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
         
Cash and due from banks, including reserve requirements
$ 23,944   22,532  
of $9,601 and $8,492
         
Interest bearing deposits
  24,160   6,704  
Cash and cash equivalents
  48,104   29,236  
           
           
Investment securities available for sale
  299,303   321,388  
Other investments
  6,205   5,712  
Total securities
  305,508   327,100  
           
Mortgage loans held for sale
  6,256   5,146  
           
Loans
  658,343   670,497  
Less allowance for loan losses
  (16,612 ) (16,604 )
Net loans
  641,731   653,893  
           
Premises and equipment, net
  16,629   16,896  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
  12,937   12,835  
Other real estate
  8,020   7,576  
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
  14,142   14,381  
Total assets
$ 1,053,327   1,067,063  
           
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
         
           
Deposits:
         
Non-interest bearing demand
$ 149,628   136,878  
NOW, MMDA & savings
  355,688   366,133  
Time, $100,000 or more
  176,428   193,045  
Other time
  126,055   131,055  
Total deposits
  807,799   827,111  
           
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
  43,479   39,600  
FHLB borrowings
  70,000   70,000  
Junior subordinated debentures
  20,619   20,619  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
  7,024   6,706  
Total liabilities
  948,921   964,036  
           
Commitments
         
           
Shareholders' equity:
         
           
Series A preferred stock, $1,000 stated value; authorized
         
5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
         
25,054 shares in 2012 and 2011
  24,793   24,758  
Common stock, no par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares;
         
issued and outstanding 5,544,160 shares in 2012 and 2011
  48,298   48,298  
Retained earnings
  27,817   26,895  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  3,498   3,076  
Total shareholders' equity
  104,406   103,027  
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$ 1,053,327   1,067,063  
           
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
         
 
 
 
3

 
 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
 
         
Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
 
         
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
         
 
2012
2011
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
         
Interest income:
       
Interest and fees on loans
$ 8,425   9,614  
Interest on investment securities:
         
U.S. Government sponsored enterprises,
         
           including mortgage-backed securities   1,070   1,082  
State and political subdivisions
  800   805  
Other
  67   57  
Total interest income
  10,362   11,558  
           
Interest expense:
         
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits
  344   717  
Time deposits
  1,032   1,404  
FHLB borrowings
  690   744  
Junior subordinated debentures
  113   100  
Other
  39   79  
Total interest expense
  2,218   3,044  
           
Net interest income
  8,144   8,514  
           
Provision for loan losses
  2,049   2,950  
           
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
  6,095   5,564  
           
Non-interest income:
         
Service charges
  1,188   1,255  
Other service charges and fees
  599   582  
Gain on sale of securities
  527   1,075  
Mortgage banking income
  226   187  
Insurance and brokerage commissions
  135   108  
Loss on sale and write-down of
         
other real estate
  (189 ) (250 )
Miscellaneous
  894   645  
Total non-interest income
  3,380   3,602  
           
Non-interest expense:
         
Salaries and employee benefits
  3,841   3,667  
Occupancy
  1,301   1,365  
Other
  2,129   2,368  
Total non-interest expense
  7,271   7,400  
           
Earnings before income taxes
  2,204   1,766  
           
Income tax expense
  545   405  
           
Net earnings
  1,659   1,361  
           
Dividends and accretion of preferred stock
  348   348  
           
Net earnings available to common shareholders
$ 1,311   1,013  
           
Basic net earnings per common share
$ 0.24   0.18  
Diluted net earnings per common share
$ 0.24   0.18  
Cash dividends declared per common share
$ 0.07   0.02  
           
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
         
 
 
 
4

 
 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
         
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
         
(Dollars in thousands)
         
 
2012
2011
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
         
Net earnings
$ 1,659   1,361  
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):
         
Unrealized holding gains on securities
         
available for sale
  1,216   473  
Reclassification adjustment for gains on sales
         
and write-downs of securities available for sale
         
included in net earnings
  (527 ) (1,075 )
Unrealized holding losses on derivative
         
financial instruments qualifying as cash flow
         
hedges
  -      (384 )
           
Total other comprehensive income (loss),
         
before income taxes
  689   (986 )
           
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other
         
comprehensive income (loss):
         
           
Unrealized holding gains on securities
         
available for sale
  472   185  
Reclassification adjustment for gains on sales
         
of securities available for sale
         
included in net earnings
  (205 ) (419 )
Unrealized holding losses on derivative
         
financial instruments qualifying as cash flow
         
hedges
  -      (150 )
           
Total income tax expense (benefit) related to
         
other comprehensive income (loss)
  267   (384 )
           
Total other comprehensive income (loss),
         
net of tax
  422   (602 )
           
Total comprehensive income
$ 2,081   759  
           
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
         
 
 
 
5

 
 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
         
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
         
(Dollars in thousands)
         
 
2012
2011
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
         
Cash flows from operating activities:
       
Net earnings
$ 1,659   1,361  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
         
net cash provided by operating activities:
         
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
  2,195   1,537  
Provision for loan losses
  2,049   2,950  
Gain on sale of investment securities
  (527 ) (1,075 )
Loss on sale of other real estate
  57   97  
Write-down of other real estate
  132   250  
Restricted stock expense
  4   7  
Change in:
         
Mortgage loans held for sale
  (1,110 ) 1,399  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
  (102 ) (60 )
Other assets
  (245 ) 474  
Other liabilities
  318   181  
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
  4,430   7,121  
           
Cash flows from investing activities:
         
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
  (12,437 ) (39,988 )
Proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns of investment securities
         
available for sale
  13,638   9,881  
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
  20,437   30,440  
Purchases of other investments
  (493 ) (215 )
Net change in loans
  8,800   9,457  
Purchases of premises and equipment
  (266 ) (340 )
Proceeds from sale of other real estate
  893   2,472  
           
Net cash provided by investing activities
  30,572   11,707  
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
         
Net change in deposits
  (19,312 ) 268  
Net change in demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
  -      (757 )
Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase
  3,879   4,352  
Proceeds from FHLB borrowings
  25,400   5,000  
Repayments of FHLB borrowings
  (25,400 ) (5,000 )
Restricted stock payout
  -      9  
Cash dividends paid on Series A preferred stock
  (313 ) (313 )
Cash dividends paid on common stock
  (388 ) (111 )
           
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
  (16,134 ) 3,448  
           
Net change in cash and cash equivalent
  18,868   22,276  
           
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  29,236   23,977  
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 48,104   46,253  
 
 
 
6

 
 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
         
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
         
(Dollars in thousands)
         
         
 
2012
2011
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
       
Cash paid during the year for:
       
Interest
$ 2,709   3,076  
Income taxes
$ 540   -     
           
Noncash investing and financing activities:
         
Change in unrealized gain on investment securities
         
 available for sale, net
$ (422 ) 368  
Change in unrealized gain on derivative financial
         
 instruments, net
$ -      234  
Transfer of loans to other real estate and repossessions
$ 1,635   2,991  
Financed portion of sale of other real estate
$ 322   487  
Accretion of Series A preferred stock
$ 35   35  
           
           
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
         
           
 
 
 
7

 
 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(1)
    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Peoples Bank (the “Bank”) and Community Bank Real Estate Solutions, LLC, along with the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc. and Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. ("REAS")  (collectively called the “Company”).  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The consolidated financial statements in this report are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (none of which were other than normal accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included.  Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition.  Many of the Company’s accounting policies require significant judgment regarding valuation of assets and liabilities and/or significant interpretation of the specific accounting guidance.  A description of the Company’s significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report to Shareholders which is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 3, 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-02, A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring. ASU No. 2011-02 provides additional guidance for determining what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring.  ASU No. 2011-02 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

In May 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).  ASU No. 2011-04 is intended to result in convergence between GAAP and IFRS requirements for measurement of and disclosures about fair value. The amendments are not expected to have a significant impact on companies applying GAAP.  ASU No. 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  ASU No. 2011-05 requires companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements.  It eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.  ASU  No. 2011-05 does not change the items which must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Because ASU No. 2011-05 impacts presentation only, it has no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In December 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05.  ASU No. 2011-12 defers the effective date of the requirement to present separate line items on the income statement for reclassification adjustments of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income.  This deferral is temporary until  FASB reconsiders the operational concerns and needs of financial statement users.  FASB has not yet established a timetable for its reconsideration.  Entities are still required to present reclassification adjustments within other
 
 
8

 
 
comprehensive income either on the face of the statement that reports other comprehensive income or in the notes to the financial statements.  The requirement to present comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or two consecutive condensed statements remains for both annual and interim reporting.  Because ASU No. 2011-12 impacts presentation only, it will have no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

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 results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

(2)
    Investment Securities

Investment securities available for sale at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
             
 
March 31, 2012
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities
$ 193,998   2,016   471   195,543
U.S. Government
               
sponsored enterprises
  3,193   94   -      3,287
State and political subdivisions
  92,842   3,709   75   96,476
Corporate bonds
  1,542   18   -      1,560
Trust preferred securities
  1,250   -      -      1,250
Equity securities
  748   439   -      1,187
Total
$ 293,573   6,276   546   299,303
                 
(Dollars in thousands)
               
 
December 31, 2011
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities
$ 213,378   1,371   1,056   213,693
U.S. Government
               
sponsored enterprises
  7,429   265   -      7,694
State and political subdivisions
  92,996   4,157   56   97,097
Corporate bonds
  546   -      3   543
Trust preferred securities
  1,250   -      -      1,250
Equity securities
  748   363   -      1,111
Total
$ 316,347   6,156   1,115   321,388
 
The current fair value and associated unrealized losses on investments in securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized in the tables below, with the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
               
 
March 31, 2011
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Mortgage-backed securities
$ 60,846   435   3,063   36   63,909   471
State and political subdivisions
  5,767   75   -      -      5,767   75
Total
$ 66,613   510   3,063   36   69,676   546
                         
(Dollars in thousands)
               
 
 
 
9

 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                     
 
December 31, 2011
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Mortgage-backed securities
$ 95,122   991   4,125   65   99,247   1,056
State and political subdivisions
  4,444   56   -   -   4,444   56
Corporate bonds
  542   3   -   -   542   3
Total
$ 100,108   1,050   4,125   65   104,233   1,115
 
At March 31, 2012, unrealized losses in the investment securities portfolio relating to debt securities totaled $546,000.  The unrealized losses on these debt securities arose due to changing interest rates and are considered to be temporary.  From the March 31, 2012 tables above, seven out of 138 securities issued by state and political subdivisions contained unrealized losses and 27 out of 98 securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, including mortgage-backed securities, contained unrealized losses.  These unrealized losses are considered temporary because of acceptable investment grades on each security and the repayment sources of principal and interest are government backed.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale at March 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

(Dollars in thousands)
     
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated Fair
Value
Due within one year
$ 5,303   5,367
Due from one to five years
  14,000   14,298
Due from five to ten years
  67,926   70,602
Due after ten years
  11,598   12,306
Mortgage-backed securities
  193,998   195,543
Equity securities
  748   1,187
Total
$ 293,573   299,303
 
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during three months ended March 31, 2012 were $20.4 million and resulted in gross gains of $527,000.  Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $30.4 million and resulted in gross gains of $1.1 million.

Securities with a fair value of approximately $82.7 million and $83.6 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes as required by law.
 
 
 
10

 

 
(3)
    Loans

Major classifications of loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
     
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Real estate loans
     
     Construction and land development
$ 90,838   93,812
     Single-family residential
  260,037   267,051
     Commercial
  212,124   214,415
     Multifamily and farmland
  4,453   4,793
          Total real estate loans
  567,452   580,071
         
Commercial loans (not secured by real estate)
  62,020   60,646
Consumer loans (not secured by real estate)
  10,277   10,490
All other loans (not secured by real estate)
  18,594   19,290
         
     Total loans
  658,343   670,497
         
Less allowance for loan losses
  16,612   16,604
         
     Total net loans
$ 641,731   653,893
 
The Bank grants loans and extensions of credit primarily within the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina, which encompasses Catawba, Alexander, Iredell and Lincoln counties and also in Mecklenburg, Union and Wake counties of North Carolina.  Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by improved and unimproved real estate, the value of which is dependent upon the real estate market.

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered 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 in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

The following tables present an age analysis of past due loans, by loan type, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

March 31, 2012
                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                     
 
Loans 30-89
Days Past
Due
 
Loans 90 or More Days
Past Due
 
Total Past
Due
Loans
 
Total
Current
Loans
 
Total Loans
 
Accruing
Loans 90 or
More Days
Past Due
Real estate loans
                     
     Construction and land development
$ 3,969   3,226   7,195   83,643   90,838   -   
     Single-family residential
  14,413   4,138   18,551   241,486   260,037   1,023
     Commercial
  1,118   376   1,494   210,630   212,124   -   
     Multifamily and farmland
  -      -      -      4,453   4,453   -   
          Total real estate loans
  19,500   7,740   27,240   540,212   567,452   1,023
                         
Commercial loans (not secured by real estate)
  681   87   768   61,252   62,020   -   
Consumer loans (not secured by real estate)
  96   36   132   10,145   10,277   -   
All other loans (not secured by real estate)
  -      -      -      18,594   18,594   -   
     Total loans
$ 20,277   7,863   28,140   630,203   658,343   1,023
 
 
 
11

 
 
 
December 31, 2011
                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                     
 
Loans 30-89
Days Past
Due
 
Loans 90 or
More Days
Past Due
 
Total Past
Due
Loans
 
Total
Current
Loans
 
Total Loans
 
Accruing
Loans 90 or More Days
Past Due
Real estate loans
                     
     Construction and land development
$ 10,033   3,338   13,371   80,441   93,812   -   
     Single-family residential
  16,536   6,189   22,725   244,326   267,051   2,709
     Commercial
  1,002   958   1,960   212,455   214,415   -   
     Multifamily and farmland
  13   -      13   4,780   4,793   -   
          Total real estate loans
  27,584   10,485   38,069   542,002   580,071   2,709
                         
Commercial loans (not secured by real estate)
  576   9   585   60,061   60,646   -   
Consumer loans (not secured by real estate)
  116   36   152   10,338   10,490   -   
All other loans (not secured by real estate)
  -      -      -      19,290   19,290   -   
     Total loans
$ 28,276   10,530   38,806   631,691   670,497   2,709
 
The following table presents the Company’s non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

(Dollars in thousands)
     
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Real estate loans
     
     Construction and land development
$ 16,204   13,257
     Single-family residential
  5,480   5,522
     Commercial
  1,758   2,451
     Multifamily and farmland
  -      -   
          Total real estate loans
  23,442   21,230
         
Commercial loans (not secured by real estate)
  473   403
Consumer loans (not secured by real estate)
  66   152
     Total
$ 23,981   21,785
 
At each reporting period, the Bank determines which loans are impaired.  Accordingly, the Bank’s impaired loans are reported at their estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis.  An allowance for each impaired loan, which is generally collateral-dependent, is calculated based on the fair value of its collateral.  The fair value of the collateral is based on appraisals performed by REAS, a subsidiary of the Bank.  REAS is staffed by certified appraisers that also perform appraisals for other companies.   Factors including the assumptions and techniques utilized by the appraiser are considered by management.  If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds the measure of fair value of the collateral, a valuation allowance is recorded as a component of the allowance for loan losses.  Impaired loans under $250,000 are not individually evaluated for impairment, with the exception of the Bank’s troubled debt restructured (“TDR”) loans in the residential mortgage loan portfolio, which are individually evaluated for impairment.  Accruing impaired loans amounted to $32.2 million, $19.1 million and $30.6 million at March 31, 2012, March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Interest income recognized on accruing impaired loans was $422,000, $301,000 and $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, the three months ended March 31, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively.  No interest income is recognized on non-accrual impaired loans subsequent to their classification as impaired.
 
 
 
12

 
 
The following tables present the Company’s impaired loans as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

March 31, 2012
               
(Dollars in thousands)
                   
 
Unpaid Contractual Principal
Balance
 
Recorded Investment
With No Allowance
 
Recorded Investment
With
Allowance
 
Recorded Investment
in Impaired
Loans
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average Outstanding Impaired
Loans
Real estate loans
                     
     Construction and land development
$ 30,523   15,798   5,747   21,545   3,303   15,152
     Single-family residential
  29,793   649   28,502   29,151   1,506   27,253
     Commercial
  4,179   1,399   2,663   4,062   57   4,538
     Multifamily and farmland
  -      -      -      -      -      206
          Total impaired real estate loans
  64,495   17,846   36,912   54,758   4,866   47,149
                         
Commercial loans (not secured by real estate)
  1,173   408   736   1,144   25   1,135
Consumer loans (not secured by real estate)
  73   28   41   69   1   110
     Total impaired loans
$ 65,741   18,282   37,689   55,971   4,892   48,394
                         
                         
December 31, 2011
               
(Dollars in thousands)
                   
 
Unpaid Contractual Principal
Balance
 
Recorded Investment
With No Allowance
 
Recorded Investment
With
Allowance
 
Recorded Investment
in Impaired
Loans
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average Outstanding Impaired
Loans
Real estate loans
                       
     Construction and land development
$ 28,721   14,484   6,098   20,582   3,264   17,848
     Single-family residential
  26,382   969   24,719   25,688   1,427   25,102
     Commercial
  7,717   3,845   3,139   6,984   77   4,518
     Multifamily and farmland
  209   -      209   209   1   214
          Total impaired real estate loans
  63,029   19,298   34,165   53,463   4,769   47,682
                         
Commercial loans (not secured by real estate)
  1,111   -      1,083   1,083   26   1,485
Consumer loans (not secured by real estate)
  157   -      152   152   2   140
     Total impaired loans
$ 64,297   19,298   35,400   54,698   4,797   49,307
 
Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2012
                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                         
   
Real Estate Loans
                 
   
Construction
and Land Development
 
Single-
Family Residential
 
Commercial
 
Multifamily
and
 Farmland
 
Commercial
 
Consumer
and All
Other
 
Unallocated
 
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                               
Beginning balance
$ 7,182   5,357   1,731   13   1,029   255   1,037   16,604  
 
Charge-offs
  (1,851 ) (278 ) (71 ) -   (239 ) (157 ) -   (2,596 )
 
Recoveries
  118   2   374   -   5   56   -   555  
 
Provision
  1,431   200   (600 ) -   209   96   713   2,049  
Ending balance
$ 6,880   5,281   1,434   13   1,004   250   1,750   16,612  
                                     
Ending balance: individually
                                 
evaluated for impairment
$ 967   1,356   -   -   -   -   -   2,323  
Ending balance: collectively
                                 
 evaluated for impairment
  5,913   3,925   1,434   13   1,004   250   1,750   14,289  
Ending balance
$ 6,880   5,281   1,434   13   1,004   250   1,750   16,612  
                                     
Loans:
                                   
Ending balance
$ 90,838   260,037   212,124   4,453   62,020   28,871   -   658,343  
                                     
Ending balance: individually
                                 
evaluated for impairment
$ 21,045   23,963   3,357   -   408   28   -   48,801  
Ending balance: collectively
                                 
 evaluated for impairment
$ 69,793   236,074   208,767   4,453   61,612   28,843   -   609,542  
 
 
 
13

 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2011
                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                           
   
Real Estate Loans
                 
   
Construction
and Land Development
 
Single-
Family Residential
 
Commercial
 
Multifamily
and
 Farmland
 
Commercial
 
Consumer
and All
Other
 
Unallocated
 
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                               
Beginning balance
$ 5,774   6,097   1,409   17   1,174   430   592   15,493  
 
Charge-offs
  (7,164 ) (2,925 ) (1,271 ) -   (314 ) (586 ) -   (12,260 )
 
Recoveries
  241   201   24   -   121   152   -   739  
 
Provision
  8,331   1,984   1,569   (4 ) 48   259   445   12,632  
Ending balance
$ 7,182   5,357   1,731   13   1,029   255   1,037   16,604  
                                     
Ending balance: individually
                                 
evaluated for impairment
$ 1,250   1,289   -   -   -   -   -   2,539  
Ending balance: collectively
                                 
 evaluated for impairment
  5,932   4,068   1,731   13   1,029   255   1,037   14,065  
Ending balance
$ 7,182   5,357   1,731   13   1,029   255   1,037   16,604  
                                     
Loans:
                                   
Ending balance
$ 93,812   267,051   214,415   4,793   60,646   29,780   -   670,497  
                                     
Ending balance: individually
                                 
evaluated for impairment
$ 20,280   20,661   3,845   -   -   -   -   44,786  
Ending balance: collectively
                                 
 evaluated for impairment
$ 73,532   246,390   210,570   4,793   60,646   29,780   -   625,711  
 
The Company utilizes an internal risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its loans.  Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 9.  These risk grades are evaluated on an ongoing basis.  A description of the general characteristics of the nine risk grades is as follows:

·  
Risk Grade 1 – Excellent Quality: Loans are well above average quality and a minimal amount of credit risk exists.  CD or cash secured loans or properly margined actively traded stock or bond secured loans would fall in this grade.
·  
Risk Grade 2 – High Quality: Loans are of good quality with risk levels well within the Company’s range of acceptability.  The organization or individual is established with a history of successful performance though somewhat susceptible to economic changes.
·  
Risk Grade 3 – Good Quality: Loans of average quality with risk levels within the Company’s range of acceptability but higher than normal. This may be a new organization or an existing organization in a transitional phase (e.g. expansion, acquisition, market change).
·  
Risk Grade 4 – Management Attention: These loans have very high risk and servicing needs but still are acceptable. Evidence of marginal performance or deteriorating trends are evident.  These are not problem credits presently, but may be in the future if the borrower is unable to change its present course.
·  
Risk Grade 5 – Watch: These loans are currently performing satisfactorily, but there are potential weaknesses that may, if not corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company’s position at some future date.  This frequently results from deviating from prudent lending practices, for instance over-advancing on collateral.
·  
Risk Grade 6 – Substandard: A Substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged (if there is any).  There is a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  There is a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
·  
Risk Grade 7 – Low Substandard: These loans have the general characteristics of a Grade 6 Substandard loan, with heightened potential concerns.  The exact amount of loss is not yet known because neither the liquidation value of the collateral nor the borrower’s predicted repayment ability is known with confidence.
·  
Risk Grade 8 – Doubtful: Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified Substandard, plus the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly questionable and improbable.  Doubtful is a temporary grade where a loss is expected but is presently not quantified with any degree of accuracy. Once the loss position is determined, the amount is charged off.
·  
Risk Grade 9 – Loss: Loans classified as Loss are considered uncollectable and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted.  This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off
 
 
 
14

 
 
 
 
this worthless loan even though partial recovery may be realized in the future.  Loss is a temporary grade until the appropriate authority is obtained to charge the loan off.
 
The following tables present the credit risk profile of each loan type based on internally assigned risk grade as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

March 31, 2012
                       
(Dollars in thousands)
                       
 
Real Estate Loans
               
 
Construction
and Land Development
 
Single-
Family Residential
 
Commercial
 
Multifamily
and
 Farmland
 
Commercial
 
Consumer
 
All Other
 
Total
                               
1- Excellent Quality
$ 195   26,054   -   -   797   1,290   -   28,336
2- High Quality
  4,829   61,918   24,270   46   9,766   4,169   2,683   107,681
3- Good Quality
  27,569   93,117   129,046   3,114   36,218   4,140   15,905   309,109
4- Management Attention
  26,675   48,119   46,445   363   13,621   372   6   135,601
5- Watch
  14,503   11,550   2,981   726   614   98   -   30,472
6- Substandard
  17,067   19,279   9,382   204   1,004   208   -   47,144
7- Low Substandard
  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -
8- Doubtful
  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -
9- Loss
  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -
      Total
$ 90,838   260,037   212,124   4,453   62,020   10,277   18,594   658,343
 
 
December 31, 2011
                       
(Dollars in thousands)
                       
 
Real Estate Loans
               
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Single-
Family Residential
 
Commercial
 
Multifamily
and
 Farmland
 
Commercial
 
Consumer
 
All Other
 
Total
                               
1- Excellent Quality
$ 197   25,474   -   -   715   1,344   -   27,730
2- High Quality
  5,183   64,817   25,506   50   8,801   4,070   2,774   111,201
3- Good Quality
  27,675   100,388   136,137   3,448   36,585   4,259   16,509   325,001
4- Management Attention
  28,138   50,253   40,312   358   12,882   429   7   132,379
5- Watch
  15,923   11,767   2,795   728   622   89   -   31,924
6- Substandard
  16,696   14,352   9,665   209   1,041   154   -   42,117
7- Low Substandard
  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -
8- Doubtful
  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -
9- Loss
  -   -   -   -   -   145   -   145
      Total
$ 93,812   267,051   214,415   4,793   60,646   10,490   19,290   670,497
 
At March 31, 2012, TDR loans amounted to $25.6 million, including $617,000 in performing TDR loans.  Effective March 31, 2012, performing TDR balances reflect current year TDR loans only, in accordance with GAAP.  Previously reported TDR amounts reflect cumulative TDR loans from prior periods in addition to current year TDR loans.  At December 31, 2011, TDR loans amounted to $44.1 million, including $15.1 million in performing TDR loans.   The terms of these loans have been renegotiated to provide a reduction in principal or interest as a result of the deteriorating financial position of the borrower.
 
 
15

 
 
The following table presents an analysis of TDR loans by loan type as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

March 31, 2012
         
(Dollars in thousands)
         
 
Number of Contracts
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded
Investment
Real Estate Loans
         
     Construction and land development
25   $ 18,652   11,825
     Single-family residential
117     12,969   11,549
     Commercial
9     3,649   1,759
          Total real estate TDR loans
151     35,270   25,133
             
Commercial loans (not secured by real estate)
9     601   391
Consumer loans (not secured by real estate)
6     151   55
     Total TDR loans
166   $ 36,022   25,579
 
 
December 31, 2011
         
(Dollars in thousands)
         
 
Number of Contracts
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded
Investment
Real Estate Loans
         
     Construction and land development
29   $ 19,762   12,840
     Single-family residential
241     25,541   24,846
     Commercial
15     7,200   5,013
     Multifamily and Farmland
1     322   209
          Total real estate TDR loans
286     52,825   42,908
             
Commercial loans (not secured by real estate)
21     1,711   1,083
Consumer loans (not secured by real estate)
8     124   142
     Total TDR loans
315   $ 54,660   44,133
 
(4)
    Net Earnings Per Common Share
 
Net earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period while the effects of potential common shares outstanding during the period are included in diluted earnings per common share.  The average market price during the year is used to compute equivalent shares.

The reconciliation of the amounts used in the computation of both “basic earnings per common share” and “diluted earnings per common share” for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

For the three months ended March 31, 2012
         
 
Net Earnings Available to Common Shareholders (Dollars in thousands)
 
Common Shares
 
Per Share Amount
           
Basic earnings per common share
$ 1,311   5,544,160   $ 0.24
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
  Stock options
  -      -         
Diluted earnings per common share
$ 1,311   5,544,160   $ 0.24
 
 
 
16

 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2011
         
 
Net Earnings Available to Common Shareholders (Dollars in thousands)
 
Common Shares
 
Per Share Amount
           
Basic earnings per common share
$ 1,013   5,541,542   $ 0.18
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
  Stock options
  -      1,552      
Diluted earnings per common share
$ 1,013   5,543,094   $ 0.18
 

(5)
    Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company has an Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”) whereby certain stock-based rights, such as stock options, restricted stock, performance units, stock appreciation rights, or book value shares, may be granted to eligible directors and employees.  The 1999 Plan expired on May 13, 2009.

Under the 1999 Plan, the Company granted incentive stock options to certain eligible employees in order that they may purchase Company stock at a price equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant.  The options granted in 1999 vested over a five-year period.  Options granted subsequent to 1999 vested over a three-year period.  All options expire ten years after issuance.  The Company did not grant any options during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

The Company granted 3,000 shares of restricted stock in 2007 at a grant date fair value of $17.40 per share. The Company granted 1,750 shares of restricted stock at a grant date fair value of $12.80 per share during the third quarter of 2008 and 2,000 shares of restricted stock at a fair value of $11.37 per share during the fourth quarter of 2008. The Company recognizes compensation expense on the restricted stock over the period of time the restrictions are in place (three years from the grant date for the grants to date).  The amount of expense recorded each period reflects the changes in the Company’s stock price during the period.  As of March 31,2012, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to 2007 and 2008 restricted stock grants.

The Company also has an Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan that was approved by shareholders’ on May 7, 2009 (the “2009 Plan”) whereby certain stock-based rights, such as stock options, restricted stock, performance units, stock appreciation rights, or book value shares, may be granted to eligible directors and employees.  A total of 360,000 shares are currently reserved for possible issuance under the 2009 Plan.   All rights must be granted or awarded within ten years from the May 7, 2009 effective date of the 2009 Plan.

The Company granted 29,514 shares of restricted stock in March 2012 at a grant date fair value of $7.90 per share. The Company recognizes compensation expense on the restricted stock over the period of time the restrictions are in place (five years from the grant date for the grants to date).  The amount of expense recorded each period reflects the changes in the Company’s stock price during the period.  As of March 31, 2012, there was $235,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to 2012 restricted stock grants.

(6)
Fair Value

The Company is required to disclose fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are detailed below. Where quoted prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flows and other valuation techniques. The use of discounted cash flows can be significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. The following disclosures should not be considered a surrogate of the liquidation value of the Company, but rather a good faith estimate of the increase or decrease in value of financial instruments held by the Company since purchase, origination, or issuance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For cash, due from banks and interest bearing deposits, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
 
17

 

Investment Securities Available for Sale
Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices.

Other Investments
For other investments, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at lower of aggregate cost or market value.  The cost of mortgage loans held for sale approximates the market value.

Loans
The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. For variable rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.   Loans are included in the Level 3 fair value category, as the pricing of loans is more subjective than the pricing of other financial instruments.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
For cash surrender value of life insurance, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Derivative Instruments
For derivative instruments, fair value is estimated as the amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date, taking into account the current unrealized gains or losses on open contracts.

Deposits
The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits and savings is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
For securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) Borrowings
The fair value of FHLB borrowings is estimated based upon discounted future cash flows using a discount rate comparable to the current market rate for such borrowings.

Junior Subordinated Debentures
Because the Company’s junior subordinated debentures were issued at a floating rate, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit
Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are generally short-term and at variable interest rates. Therefore, both the carrying value and estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial.

Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the deferred income taxes and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
 
 
18

 

GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. There is a three-level fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements.  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that a company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.   The following tables present the balance of securities available for sale, mortgage loans held for sale and derivatives, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
             
 
March 31, 2012
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Level 1
Valuation
 
Level 2
Valuation
 
Level 3
Valuation
Mortgage-backed securities
$ 195,543   -   195,543   -
U.S. Government
               
sponsored enterprises
$ 3,287   -   3,287   -
State and political subdivisions
$ 96,476   -   96,476   -
Corporate bonds
$ 1,560   -   1,560   -
Trust preferred securities
$ 1,250   -   -   1,250
Equity securities
$ 1,187   1,187   -   -
Mortgage loans held for sale
$ 6,256   -   6,256   -
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
             
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Level 1
Valuation
 
Level 2
Valuation
 
Level 3
Valuation
Mortgage-backed securities
$ 213,693   -   208,349   5,344
U.S. Government
               
sponsored enterprises
$ 7,694   -   7,694   -
State and political subdivisions
$ 97,097   -   97,097   -
Corporate bonds
$ 543   -   543   -
Trust preferred securities
$ 1,250   -   -   1,250
Equity securities
$ 1,111   1,111   -   -
Mortgage loans held for sale
$ 5,146   -   5,146   -
 
The following is an analysis of fair value measurements of investment securities available for sale using Level 3, significant unobservable inputs, for the three months ended March 31, 2012.   Transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 are attributable to one available for sale security reported in Level 3 at December 31, 2011 because market pricing was unavailable from the Bank's third party bond accounting provider at that time.  This security was reported in Level 2 at March 31, 2012, as the market valuation was provided by the Bank's third party bond accounting provider.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 
Level 3 Valuation
 
Balance, beginning of period
$ 6,594  
Change in book value
  -  
Change in gain/(loss) realized and unrealized
  -  
Purchases/(sales)
  -  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
  (5,344 )
Balance, end of period
$ 1,250  
       
Change in unrealized gain/(loss) for assets still held in Level 3
$ -  
 
 
 
19

 
 
The Company’s March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 fair value measurement for impaired loans and other real estate on a non-recurring basis is presented below:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
 
Fair Value
Measurements
March 31, 2012
 
Level 1
Valuation
 
Level 2
Valuation
 
Level 3
Valuation
 
Total Gains/(Losses) for
the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
Impaired loans
$ 51,079   -   346   50,733   (2,506 )
Other real estate
$ 8,020   -   -   8,020   (189 )
                       
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
 
Fair Value
Measurements
December 31, 2011
 
Level 1
Valuation
 
Level 2
Valuation
 
Level 3
Valuation
 
Total Gains/(Losses) for
the Year Ended
December 31, 2011
Impaired loans
$ 49,901   -   431   49,470   (11,864 )
Other real estate
$ 7,576   -   -   7,576   (1,322 )
 
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
     
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 48,104   48,104   -   -   48,104
Investment securities available for sale
  299,303   1,187   296,866   1,250   299,303
Other investments
  6,205   -   -   6,205   6,205
Mortgage loans held for sale
  6,256   -   6,256   -   6,256
Loans, net
  641,731   -   -   635,671   635,671
Cash surrender value of life insurance
  12,937   -   12,937   -   12,937
                     
Liabilities:
                   
Deposits
$ 807,799   -   807,139   -   807,139
Securities sold under agreements
                   
to repurchase
  43,479   -   43,479   -   43,479
FHLB borrowings
  70,000   -   75,525   -   75,525
Junior subordinated debentures
  20,619   -   20,619   -   20,619
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
     
 
December 31, 2011
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Assets:
     
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 29,236   29,236
Investment securities available for sale
  321,388   321,388
Other investments
  5,712   5,712
Mortgage loans held for sale
  5,146   5,146
Loans, net
  653,893   648,640
Cash surrender value of life insurance
  12,835   12,835
         
Liabilities:
       
Deposits and demand notes payable
$ 827,111   826,810
Securities sold under agreements
       
to repurchase
  39,600   39,600
FHLB borrowings
  70,000   75,046
Junior subordinated debentures
  20,619   20,619
         
 
 
 
20

 
 

 (7)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Accounting Policy for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities have the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  The disclosure requirements include qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.  The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
The Company has an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility.  By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk.  If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the extent of the fair value gain in the derivative.  The Company minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by the Company.  The Company did not have any interest rate derivatives outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet
The Company did not have any interest rate derivatives outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and floors as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  For hedges of the Company’s variable-rate loan assets, interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.  For hedges of the Company’s variable-rate loan assets, the interest rate floors designated as a cash flow hedge involves the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty if interest rates fall below the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up front premium.  The Company had an interest rate swap contract that expired in June 2011.  The Company did not have any interest rate derivatives outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.  Such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash inflows associated with existing pools of prime-based loan assets during 2011.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.  The Company’s derivatives did not have any hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.
 
 
21

 
 
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement
The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the statement of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
       
                   
  Amount of Gain  
Location of Gain
 
Amount of Gain
 
(Loss) Recognized in
 
(Loss) Reclassified
 
(Loss) Reclassified
 
Accumulated OCI on
 
from Accumulated
 
from Accumulated
 
Derivatives
 
OCI into Income
 
OCI into Income
 
Three months ended
     
Three months ended
 
March 31,
     
March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
     
2012
 
2011
Interest rate derivative contracts
     $            -
 
  $       (10)
 
Interest income
 
    $           -
 
  $         374
 
Subsequent Events
The Company has reviewed and evaluated subsequent events and transactions for material subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued.  Management has concluded that there were no material subsequent events.
 
 
 
 
22

 
 
Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is a discussion of our financial position and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under Item 1A Risk Factors and the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto on pages A-28  through A-63 of the Company’s 2011 Annual Report to Shareholders which is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 3, 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Introduction
Management's discussion and analysis of earnings and related data are presented to assist in understanding the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The Company is the parent company of the Bank and a registered bank holding company operating under the supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The Bank is a North Carolina-chartered bank, with offices in Catawba, Lincoln, Alexander, Mecklenburg, Iredell, Union and Wake counties, operating under the banking laws of North Carolina and the rules and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

Overview
Our business consists principally of attracting deposits from the general public and investing these funds in commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans, real estate construction loans and consumer loans. Our profitability depends primarily on our net interest income, which is the difference between the income we receive on our loan and investment securities portfolios and our cost of funds, which consists of interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest income also is affected by the relative amounts of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. When interest-earning assets approximate or exceed interest-bearing liabilities, a positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income. Our profitability is also affected by the level of other income and operating expenses. Other income consists primarily of miscellaneous fees related to our loans and deposits, mortgage banking income and commissions from sales of annuities and mutual funds. Operating expenses consist of compensation and benefits, occupancy related expenses, federal deposit and other insurance premiums, data processing, advertising and other expenses.

Our operations are influenced significantly by local economic conditions and by policies of financial institution regulatory authorities. The earnings on our assets are influenced by the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve, inflation, interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations.  Lending activities are affected by the demand for commercial and other types of loans, which in turn is affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered.  Our cost of funds is influenced by interest rates on competing investments and by rates offered on similar investments by competing financial institutions in our market area, as well as general market interest rates. These factors can cause fluctuations in our net interest income and other income. In addition, local economic conditions can impact the credit risk of our loan portfolio, in that (1) local employers may be required to eliminate employment positions of individual borrowers, and (2) small businesses and commercial borrowers may experience a downturn in their operating performance and become unable to make timely payments on their loans. Management evaluates these factors in estimating its allowance for loan losses and changes in these economic factors could result in increases or decreases to the provision for loan losses.

Economic conditions in 2012 continue to have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.  Unfavorable economic indicators, such as high unemployment, falling real estate prices and higher than normal levels of loan defaults demonstrate the difficult business conditions that are affecting the general economy and therefore our operating results.  The unemployment rates in our primary market area continue to be higher than state and national averages.

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) into law. This new legislation makes extensive changes to the laws regulating financial products and services as well as firms and companies offering financial products and services. The Dodd-Frank Act also alters certain corporate governance matters affecting public companies. The legislation requires substantial rulemaking and mandates numerous additional studies, the results of which could impact future legislative and regulatory action. We continue to evaluate this new legislation including its related rules and regulations, and we are assessing the extent to which it will impact our current and future operations. Among other things that could have an impact on our operations and activities, the Dodd-Frank Act (i) amends the manner for calculating the assessment base for deposit insurance premiums paid to the FDIC; (ii) requires the federal banking agencies to issue new rules to implement new minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements for insured depository institutions; and (iii) requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to complete studies and develop rules or approve stock exchange rules regarding various investor protection issues, including shareholder access to the proxy process, and various matters pertaining to executive compensation and compensation committee oversight. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act establishes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“Bureau”) as a new, independent federal agency, which will have broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority over financial institutions providing consumer financial products and services. Examples of such products and services include deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, states are
 
 
23

 
 
permitted to adopt more stringent consumer protection laws, and state attorneys general can enforce those laws as well as consumer protection rules issued by the Bureau.
 
While we are unable to determine all ramifications of the Dodd-Frank Act at this time, we expect that many of the requirements called for in the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented over time, and most will be subject to implementing regulations over the course of several years.  Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies, the full extent of the impact of such requirements will have on financial institutions’ operations is unclear. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business.  These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.

Although we are unable to control the external factors that influence our business, by maintaining high levels of balance sheet liquidity, managing our interest rate exposures and by actively monitoring asset quality, we seek to minimize the potentially adverse risks of unforeseen and unfavorable economic trends.

Our business emphasis has been to operate as a well-capitalized, profitable and independent community-oriented financial institution dedicated to providing quality customer service. We are committed to meeting the financial needs of the communities in which we operate. We believe that we can be more effective in servicing our customers than many of our non-local competitors because of our ability to quickly and effectively provide senior management responses to customer needs and inquiries. Our ability to provide these services is enhanced by the stability of our senior management team.

The Federal Reserve has maintained the Federal Funds Rate at 0.25% since December 2008.  This historically low rate has had a negative impact on earnings and will continue to have a negative impact on our net interest income in future periods.  The negative impact of low interest rates has been partially offset by earnings realized on interest rate contracts utilized by the Bank.  Additional information regarding the Bank’s interest rate contacts is provided below in the section entitled “Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management.”

On December 23, 2008, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (“UST”) pursuant to the Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”) under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”).  Under the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue and sell 25,054 shares of Series A preferred stock and a warrant to purchase 357,234 shares of the Company’s common stock.  Proceeds from this issuance of Series A preferred shares were allocated between preferred stock and the warrant based on their relative fair values at the time of the sale.  Of the $25.1 million in proceeds, $24.4 million was allocated to the Series A preferred stock and $704,000 was allocated to the warrant.  The discount recorded on the Series A preferred stock that resulted from allocating a portion of the proceeds to the warrant is being accreted directly to retained earnings over a five-year period applying a level yield.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company has accreted a total of $443,000 of the discount related to the Series A preferred stock.  The Company has paid dividends of $313,000 on the Series A preferred stock during 2012 for the period from November 16, 2011 through February 15, 2012.  Cumulative undeclared dividends at March 31, 2012 were $157,000 for the period from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

The Series A preferred stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and will pay cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years and 9% per annum thereafter.  The Series A preferred stock may be redeemed at the stated amount of $1,000 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.  Under the terms of the original Purchase Agreement, the Company could not redeem the Series A preferred shares until December 23, 2011 unless the total amount of the issuance, $25.1 million, was replaced with the same amount of other forms of capital that would qualify as Tier 1 capital.  However, with the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”), the Company can now redeem the Series A preferred shares at any time, if approved by the Company’s primary regulator.  The Series A preferred stock is non-voting except for class voting rights on matters that would adversely affect the rights of the holders of the Series A preferred stock.

The exercise price of the warrant is $10.52 per common share and it is exercisable at anytime on or before December 18, 2018.

The Company is subject to the following restrictions, among others, while the Series A preferred stock is outstanding: 1) the full dividend for the latest completed CPP dividend period must be declared and paid in full before dividends may be paid to common shareholders; and 2) the Company may not take tax deductions for any senior executive officer whose compensation is above $500,000.  There were additional restrictions on executive compensation added in the ARRA for companies participating in the TARP, including participants in the CPP.
 
 
24

 

The Company uses the CPP capital infusion as additional Tier I capital to protect the Bank from potential losses that may be incurred during this current recessionary period.  It is the intent of the Company to utilize CPP funds to provide capital to support making loans to qualified borrowers in our market area.  The funds have been and will continue to be used to absorb losses incurred when modifying loans or making concessions to borrowers in order to keep borrowers out of foreclosure.  We are also working with our current builders and contractors to provide financing for potential buyers who may not be able to qualify for financing in the current mortgage market in order to help these customers sell existing single family homes.  
 
 In March the UST conducted a first round of public auctions of preferred stock previously acquired by it under the CPP.  In this first round, the UST sold the preferred stock of six financial institutions at discounts ranging from 5.7% to 18.0%.  In two of these auctions, the financial institutions were able to purchase a portion of the preferred shares at a discount.  The Company is currently exploring the possibility of entering its preferred shares in a future auction.  If the Company's preferred shares are sold in a public auction, there is no guarantee that the Company will be given approval from the Federal Reserve to bid for all or some of its preferred shares.
 
The Company continues to face challenges resulting from the impact of the current economy on the housing and real estate markets.  We continue to monitor and evaluate all significant loans in our portfolio, and will continue to manage our credit risk exposure with the expectation that stabilization of the real estate market will not occur within the next 18 to 24 months.  The CPP funds have enhanced our capital position as the Company infused the Bank with $8.0 million of additional regulatory capital. The Company has $14.1 million available that can be infused into the Bank as additional capital if needed to maintain its position as a well capitalized bank.  We anticipate increased loan losses in the short run and have prepared for that expectation. We have experienced staff managing our past due loans and foreclosed properties to minimize our potential losses. As the economy recovers, we believe we are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.  The amount and timing of any future Federal Reserve rate adjustment remains uncertain, and may further impact us if those adjustments are significant.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition.  Many of the Company’s accounting policies require significant judgment regarding valuation of assets and liabilities and/or significant interpretation of specific accounting guidance.  A more complete description of the Company’s significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report to Shareholders which is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 3, 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Many of the Company’s assets and liabilities are recorded using various techniques that require significant judgment as to recoverability.  The collectibility of loans is reflected through the Company’s estimate of the allowance for loan losses.  The Company performs periodic and systematic detailed reviews of its lending portfolio to assess overall collectibility.  In addition, certain assets and liabilities are reflected at their estimated fair value in the consolidated financial statements.  Such amounts are based on either quoted market prices or estimated values derived from dealer quotes used by the Company, market comparisons or internally generated modeling techniques.  The Company’s internal models generally involve present value of cash flow techniques.  The various techniques are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in management’s discussion and analysis and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

There are other complex accounting standards that require the Company to employ significant judgment in interpreting and applying certain of the principles prescribed by those standards.  These judgments include, but are not limited to, the determination of whether a financial instrument or other contract meets the definition of a derivative in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).  For a more complete discussion of policies, see the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities have the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The disclosure requirements include qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected
 
 
25

 
 
future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.  The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

The Company has an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility.  By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk.  If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the extent of the fair-value gain in the derivative.  The Company minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by the Company.  The Company had an interest rate swap contract that expired in June 2011.  The Company did not have any interest rate derivatives outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and floors as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  For hedges of the Company’s variable-rate loan assets, interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.  For hedges of the Company’s variable-rate loan assets, the interest rate floor designated as a cash flow hedge involves the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty if interest rates fall below the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up front premium.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in “accumulated other comprehensive income” and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.  Such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash inflows associated with existing pools of prime-based loan assets during 2011.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.  The Company’s derivatives did not have any hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
       
                     
    Amount of Gain  
Location of Gain
 
Amount of Gain
   
(Loss) Recognized in
 
(Loss) Reclassified
 
(Loss) Reclassified
   
Accumulated OCI on
 
from Accumulated
 
from Accumulated
   
Derivatives
 
OCI into Income
 
OCI into Income
   
Three months ended
     
Three months ended
   
March 31,
     
March 31,
   
2012
 
2011
     
2012
 
2011
Interest rate derivative contracts
$
                -
 
$          (10)
 
Interest income
 
$               -
 
$          374
 
GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  There is a three-level fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements.  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that a company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.   The tables below present the balance of securities available for sale, mortgage loans held for sale and derivatives, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
26

 

 
(Dollars in thousands)
             
 
March 31, 2012
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Level 1
Valuation
 
Level 2
Valuation
 
Level 3
Valuation
Mortgage-backed securities
$ 195,543   -   195,543   -
U.S. Government
               
sponsored enterprises
$ 3,287   -   3,287   -
State and political subdivisions
$ 96,476   -   96,476   -
Corporate bonds
$ 1,560   -   1,560   -
Trust preferred securities
$ 1,250   -   -   1,250
Equity securities
$ 1,187   1,187   -   -
Mortgage loans held for sale
$ 6,256   -   6,256   -
 
(Dollars in thousands)
             
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Level 1 Valuation
 
Level 2 Valuation
 
Level 3 Valuation
Mortgage-backed securities
$ 213,693   -   208,349   5,344
U.S. Government
               
sponsored enterprises
$ 7,694   -   7,694   -
State and political subdivisions
$ 97,097   -   97,097   -
Corporate bonds
$ 543   -   543   -
Trust preferred securities
$ 1,250   -   -   1,250
Equity securities
$ 1,111   1,111   -   -
Mortgage loans held for sale
$ 5,146   -   5,146   -
 
Fair values of investment securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges when available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined using matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.  Fair values of derivative instruments are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities.

The following is an analysis of fair value measurements of investment securities available for sale using Level 3, significant unobservable inputs, for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

(Dollars in thousands)
   
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 
Level 3 Valuation
 
Balance, beginning of period
$ 6,594  
Change in book value
  -  
Change in gain/(loss) realized and unrealized
  -  
Purchases/(sales)
  -  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
  (5,344 )
Balance, end of period
$ 1,250  
       
Change in unrealized gain/(loss) for assets still held in Level 3
$ -  
 
The Company’s March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 fair value measurement for impaired loans and other real estate on a non-recurring basis is presented below:
 
 
27

 
 

(Dollars in thousands)
                 
 
Fair Value
Measurements
March 31, 2012
Level 1 Valuation
 
Level 2 Valuation
 
Level 3 Valuation
 
Total Gains/(Losses) for
the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
Impaired loans
$ 51,079   -   346   50,733   (2,506 )
Other real estate
$ 8,020   -   -   8,020   (189 )
                       
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
 
Fair Value
Measurements
December 31, 2011
Level 1 Valuation
 
Level 2 Valuation
 
Level 3 Valuation
 
Total Gains/(Losses) for
the Year Ended
December 31, 2011
Impaired loans
$ 49,901   -   431   49,470   (11,864 )
Other real estate
$ 7,576   -   -   7,576   (1,322 )
 
At each reporting period, the Bank determines which loans are impaired.  Accordingly, the Bank’s impaired loans are reported at their estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis.  An allowance for each impaired loan, which is generally collateral-dependent, is calculated based on the fair value of its collateral.  The fair value of the collateral is based on appraisals performed by REAS, a subsidiary of the Bank.  REAS is staffed by certified appraisers that also perform appraisals for other companies.   Factors including the assumptions and techniques utilized by the appraiser are considered by management.  If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds the measure of fair value of the collateral, a valuation allowance is recorded as a component of the allowance for loan losses.   Impaired loans under $250,000 are not individually evaluated for impairment, with the exception of the Bank’s TDR loans in the residential mortgage loan portfolio, which are individually evaluated for impairment.   Accruing impaired loans amounted to $32.2 million, $19.1 million and $30.6 million at March 31, 2012, March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Interest income recognized on accruing impaired loans was $422,000, $301,000 and $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, the three months ended March 31, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively.  No interest income is recognized on non-accrual impaired loans subsequent to their classification as impaired.
 
Results of Operations
Summary.  Net earnings for the first quarter of 2012 were $1.7 million, or $0.30 basic and diluted net earnings per share before adjustment for preferred stock dividends and accretion as compared to $1.4 million, or $0.25 basic and diluted net earnings per share for the same period one year ago.  After adjusting for $348,000 in dividends and accretion on preferred stock, net earnings available to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $1.3 million, or $0.24 basic and diluted net earnings per common share as compared to $1.0 million, or $0.18 basic and diluted net earnings per common share for the same period one year ago.  The increase in first quarter earnings is attributable to a decrease in the provision for loan losses and a decrease in non-interest expense, which were partially offset by a decrease  in net interest income and a decrease in non-interest income.

The annualized return on average assets was 0.63% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to 0.52% for the same period one year ago, and annualized return on average shareholders’ equity was 6.34% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to 5.66% for the same period one year ago.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income, the major component of the Company’s net earnings, was $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $8.5 million for the same period one year ago.  This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in interest income resulting from a decrease in loans and a decrease in the yield on interest bearing assets, which were partially offset by a decrease in interest expense due to a reduction in the cost of funds and a reduction in interest bearing liabilities.

Interest income decreased $1.2 million or 10% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period one year ago.  The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in average loans.  The average yield on earning assets for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was 4.34% and 4.81%, respectively.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, average loans decreased $50.1 million to $671.6 million from $721.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, average investment securities available for sale increased $45.3 million to $313.5 million from $268.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to the investment of additional funds received from loan repayments outpacing new loans disbursed.

Interest expense decreased $826,000 or 27% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period one year ago primarily due to lower cost of funds.  The average rate paid on interest-bearing checking and savings accounts was 0.39% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to 0.87% for the same period one year ago.  The average rate paid on certificates of deposits was 1.30% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to 1.48% for the same period one year ago.
 
 
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The following table sets forth for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the average amounts outstanding, the interest incurred on such amounts and the average rate earned or incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The table also sets forth the average rate earned on total interest-earning assets, the average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities, and the net yield on average total interest-earning assets for the same periods.  Yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity.  Yields and interest income on tax-exempt investments have been adjusted to tax equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 38.55% for securities that are both federal and state tax exempt and an effective tax rate of 6.90% for state tax exempt securities.  Non-accrual loans and the interest income that was recorded on these loans, if any, are included in the yield calculations for loans in all periods reported.
 
 
Three months ended
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2012
 
March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Yield /
Rate
Average
Balance
Interest
Yield /
Rate
Interest-earning assets:
                       
Interest and fees on loans
$ 671,580     8,425   5.05%   721,717   9,614   5.40%
Investments - taxable
  212,219     1,061   2.01%   133,669   866   2.63%
Investments - nontaxable*
  101,233     1,249   4.96%   134,549   1,494   4.50%
Other
  12,815     24   0.75%   21,120   20   0.39%
                           
Total interest-earning assets
  997,847     10,759   4.34%   1,011,055   11,994   4.81%
                           
Cash and due from banks
  22,831             23,109        
Other assets
  55,877             49,468        
Allowance for loan losses
  (17,144 )           (15,109 )      
                           
Total assets
$ 1,059,411             1,068,523        
                           
                           
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                         
                           
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits
$ 351,219     344   0.39%   333,665   717   0.87%
Time deposits
  318,757     1,032   1.30%   383,393   1,404   1.49%
FHLB / FRB borrowings
  71,406     690   3.89%   70,111   744   4.30%
Trust preferred securities
  20,619     113   2.20%   20,619   100   1.97%
Other
  44,296     39   0.36%   36,179   79   0.88%
                           
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  806,297     2,218   1.11%   844,855   3,044   1.46%
                           
Demand deposits
  144,282             122,910        
Other liabilities
  4,284             3,704        
Shareholders' equity
  105,202             97,592        
                           
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity
$ 1,060,065             1,069,061        
                           
Net interest spread
      8,541   3.23%       8,950   3.35%
                           
Net yield on interest-earning assets
            3.44%           3.59%
                           
Taxable equivalent adjustment
                         
        Investment securities
      397           436    
                           
Net interest income
      $ 8,144           8,514    
                           
*Includes U.S. Government agency securities that are non-taxable for state income tax purposes of $6.3 million in 2012 and $45.4 million in 2011. An effective tax rate of 6.90% was used to calculate the tax equivalent yield on these securities.
 
Changes in interest income and interest expense can result from variances in both volume and rates.  The following table presents the impact on the Company’s tax equivalent net interest income resulting from changes in average balances and average rates for the periods indicated.  The changes in interest due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the changes in each.
 
 
29

 

 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2012
 
Three months ended March 31, 2011
 
 
compared to three months ended March 31, 2011
 
compared to three months ended March 31, 2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Changes in
average volume
 
Changes in average rates
 
Total Increase (Decrease)
 
Changes in
average volume
Changes in average rates
 
Total Increase (Decrease)
Interest income:
                       
Loans: Net of unearned income
$ (647 ) (541 ) (1,188 ) (718 ) 242   (476 )
                           
Investments - taxable
  451   (257 ) 194   224   (348 ) (124 )
Investments - nontaxable
  (390 ) 146   (244 ) 588   (211 ) 377  
Other
  (12 ) 15   3   9   (6 ) 3  
Total interest income
  (598 ) (637 ) (1,235 ) 103   (323 ) (220 )
                           
Interest expense:
                         
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits
  27   (400 ) (373 ) 113   (262 ) (149 )
Time deposits
  (223 ) (149 ) (372 ) (119 ) (354 ) (473 )
FHLB / FRB Borrowings
  13   (67 ) (54 ) (75 ) (70 ) (145 )
Trust Preferred Securities
  -   13   13   -   3   3  
Other
  11   (51 ) (40 ) -   (18 ) (18 )
Total interest expense
  (172 ) (654 ) (826 ) (81 ) (701 ) (782 )
Net interest income
$ (426 ) 17   (409 ) 184   378   562  
 
           Provision for Loan Losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, a contribution of $2.0 million was made to the provision for loan losses compared to a $3.0 million contribution to the provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses is primarily attributable to a $1.0 million decrease in net charge-offs during the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first quarter of 2011.

Non-Interest Income.  Total non-interest income was $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2012, as compared to $3.6 million for the same period one year ago.  This decrease is primarily attributable to a $548,000 decrease in the gains on sale of securities.

 Non-Interest Expense.  Total non-interest expense decreased 2% to $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to $7.4 million for the same period one year ago.  This decrease is primarily due to a $122,000 decrease in FDIC insurance premiums and a $116,000 decrease in foreclosure related expenses.

Income Taxes.  The Company reported income tax expense of $545,000 and $405,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  This represented effective tax rates of 25% and 23% for the respective periods.

Analysis of Financial Condition
Investment Securities.  Available for sale securities amounted to $299.3 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $321.4 million at December 31, 2011.  Average investment securities available for sale for the three months ended March 31, 2012 amounted to $313.5 million compared to $295.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Loans.  At March 31, 2012, loans amounted to $658.3 million compared to $670.5 million at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $12.2 million.  This decrease reflects a decline in loan originations combined with continuing payments on existing loans. Loans originated or renewed during the three months ended March 31, 2012, amounting to approximately $28.6 million, were offset by paydowns and payoffs of existing loans.  Average loans represented 67% and 69% of average earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively.  The Company had $6.3 million and $5.1 million in mortgage loans held for sale as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, which is dependent upon the real estate market.  Real estate mortgage loans include both commercial and residential mortgage loans.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had $114.6 million in residential mortgage loans, $91.0 million in home equity loans and $271.3 million in commercial mortgage loans, which include $216.6 million secured by commercial property and $54.7 million secured by residential property.   Residential mortgage loans include $60.5 million made to customers in the Company’s traditional banking offices and $54.1 million in mortgage loans originated in the Company’s Latino banking offices.  All residential mortgage loans are originated as fully amortizing loans, with no negative amortization.
 
 
30

 

At March 31, 2012, the Company had $90.8 million in construction and land development loans.  The following table presents a breakout of these loans.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
         
 
Number of
Loans
Balance
Outstanding
Non-accrual Balance
Land acquisition and development - commercial purposes
70   $ 18,049   $ 2,498
Land acquisition and development - residential purposes
327     60,967     13,706
1 to 4 family residential construction
26     8,006     -
Commercial construction
8     3,816     -
Total construction and land development
431   $ 90,838   $ 16,204
 
At March 31, 2012, troubled debt restructured (“TDR”) loans amounted to $25.6 million, including $617,000 in performing TDR loans.  Effective March 31, 2012, performing TDR balances reflect current year TDR loans only, in accordance with GAAP.  Previously reported TDR amounts reflect cumulative TDR loans from prior periods in addition to current year TDR loans.   At December 31, 2011, TDR loans amounted to $44.1 million, including $15.1 million in performing TDR loans.   The terms of these loans have been renegotiated to provide a reduction in principal or interest as a result of the deteriorating financial position of the borrower.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s assessment and estimate of the risks associated with extending credit and its evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio.  We periodically analyze the loan portfolio in an effort to review asset quality and to establish an allowance for loan losses that management believes will be adequate in light of anticipated risks and loan losses.  In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, size, quality and risk of loans in the portfolio are reviewed. Other factors considered are:

·  
our loan loss experience;
·  
the amount of past due and non-performing loans;
·  
specific known risks;
·  
the status and amount of other past due and non-performing assets;
·  
underlying estimated values of collateral securing loans;
·  
current and anticipated economic conditions; and
·  
other factors which management believes affect the allowance for potential credit losses.

Management uses several measures to assess and monitor the credit risks in the loan portfolio, including a loan grading system that begins upon loan origination and continues until the loan is collected or collectibility becomes doubtful. Upon loan origination, the originating loan officer evaluates the quality of the loan and assigns one of nine risk grades. The loan officer monitors the loan’s performance and credit quality and makes changes to the credit grade as conditions warrant. When originated or renewed, all loans over a certain dollar amount receive in-depth reviews and risk assessments by our Credit Administration department. Before making any changes in these risk grades, management considers assessments as determined by the third party credit review firm (as described below), regulatory examiners and the  Credit Administration department. Any issues regarding the risk assessments are addressed by our senior credit administrators and factored into management’s decision to originate or renew the loan. The Bank’s Board of Directors reviews, on a monthly basis, an analysis of the Bank’s reserves relative to the range of reserves estimated by the Credit Administration department.

As an additional measure, we engage an independent third party to review the underwriting, documentation and risk grading analyses. This independent third party reviews and evaluates all loan relationships greater than $1.0 million.  The third party’s evaluation and report is shared with management and the Bank’s Board of Directors.

Management considers certain commercial loans with weak credit risk grades to be individually impaired and measures such impairment based upon available cash flows and the value of the collateral. Allowance or reserve levels are estimated for all other graded loans in the portfolio based on their assigned credit risk grade, type of loan and other matters related to credit risk.

Management uses the information developed from the procedures described above in evaluating and grading the loan portfolio. This continual grading process is used to monitor the credit quality of the loan portfolio and to assist management in estimating the allowance for loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses is comprised of three components: specific reserves, general reserves and unallocated reserves.  After a loan has been identified as impaired, management measures impairment.  When the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the amount of the impairment is recorded as a specific reserve. These specific reserves are determined on an individual loan basis based on management’s current evaluation of
 
 
31

 
 
the Company’s loss exposure for each credit, given the appraised value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the general allowance calculations as described below.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired was approximately $56.0 million and $54.7 million, respectively, with related allowance for loan losses of approximately $4.9 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

The general allowance reflects reserves established for collective loan impairment.  These reserves are based upon historical net charge-offs using the last two years’ experience.  This charge-off experience may be adjusted to reflect the effects of current conditions.  We consider information derived from our loan risk ratings and external data related to industry and general economic trends.

The unallocated allowance is determined through management’s assessment of probable losses that are in the portfolio but are not adequately captured by the other two components of the allowance, including consideration of current economic and business conditions and regulatory requirements. The unallocated allowance also reflects management’s acknowledgement of the imprecision and subjectivity that underlie the modeling of credit risk.  Due to the subjectivity involved in determining the overall allowance, including the unallocated portion, this unallocated portion may fluctuate from period to period based on management’s evaluation of the factors affecting the assumptions used in calculating the allowance.

Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover the estimated losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. Management believes it has established the allowance in accordance with GAAP and in consideration of the current economic environment. Although management uses the best information available to make evaluations, significant future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions, thus adversely affecting the operating results of the Company.

There were no significant changes in the estimation methods or fundamental assumptions used in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.  Such revisions, estimates and assumptions are made in any period in which the supporting factors indicate that loss levels may vary from the previous estimates.

Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations.

The allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2012 amounted to $16.6 million or 2.52% of total loans compared to $16.6 million or 2.48% of total loans at December 31, 2011.  We believe we have established the allowance for credit losses pursuant to GAAP, and have taken into account the views of our regulators and the current economic environment.

The following table presents the percentage of loans assigned to each risk grade at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

LOAN RISK GRADE ANALYSIS:
   
 
Percentage of Loans
 
By Risk Grade
Risk Grade
03/31/2012
12/31/2011
Risk Grade 1 (Excellent Quality)
3.10%
3.12%
Risk Grade 2 (High Quality)
16.36%
16.58%
Risk Grade 3 (Good Quality)
48.00%
49.30%
Risk Grade 4 (Management Attention)
20.50%
19.65%
Risk Grade 5 (Watch)
4.25%
4.76%
Risk Grade 6 (Substandard)
7.45%
6.21%
Risk Grade 7 (Low Substandard)
0.00%
0.00%
Risk Grade 8 (Doubtful)
0.00%
0.00%
Risk Grade 9 (Loss)
0.00%
0.00%
 
At March 31, 2012, including non-accrual loans, there were seven relationships exceeding $1.0 million (which totaled $12.2 million) in the Watch risk grade, six relationships exceeding $1.0 million in the Substandard risk grade  (which totaled $16.3 million) and no relationships exceeding $1.0 million in the Low Substandard risk grade.  There were four relationships with loans in the Watch risk grade and the Substandard risk grade exceeding $1.0 million total (which totaled $10.6 million).
 
 
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Non-performing Assets.  Non-performing assets totaled $33.0 million at March 31, 2012 or 3.14% of total assets, compared to $32.1 million at December 31, 2011, or 3.01% of total assets.  Non-accrual loans were $24.0 million at March 31, 2012 and $21.8 million at December 31, 2011.  As a percentage of total loans outstanding, non-accrual loans were 3.64% at March 31, 2012 compared to 3.25% at December 31, 2011.  Non-performing loans include $16.2 million in construction and land development loans, $8.3 million in commercial and residential mortgage loans and $539,000 in other loans at March 31, 2012 as compared to $13.2 million in construction and land development loans, $10.7 million in commercial and residential mortgage loans and $544,000 in other loans as of December 31, 2011.  The Bank had loans 90 days past due and still accruing totaling $1.0 million and $2.7 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Other Real Estate Owned totaled $8.0 million as of March 31, 2012 as compared to $7.6 million at December 31, 2011. The Bank had no repossessed assets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

               Deposits.  Total deposits at March 31, 2012 were $807.8 million compared to $827.1 million at December 31, 2011. Core deposits, which include non-interest bearing demand deposits, NOW, MMDA, savings and non-brokered certificates of deposits of denominations less than $100,000, amounted to $630.4 million at March 31, 2012 as compared to $633.0 million at December 31, 2011.  Certificates of deposit in amounts greater than $100,000 or more totaled $176.4 million at March 31, 2012 as compared to $193.0 million at December 31, 2011.  This decrease is primarily due to a $7.2 million decrease in brokered certificates of deposit and a $4.5 million decrease in certificates of deposit issued through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) as of March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011.  At March 31, 2012, brokered deposits amounted to $35.2 million as compared to $47.0 million at December 31, 2011.  Brokered deposits outstanding as of March 31, 2012 had a weighted average rate of 0.80% with a weighted average original term of 14 months as compared to brokered deposits outstanding at December 31, 2011, which had a weighted average rate of 0.99% with a weighted average original term of 15 months.

Borrowed Funds. Borrowings from the FHLB totaled $70.0 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The average balance of FHLB borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $71.4 million compared to $70.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  At March 31, 2012, all of the Bank’s FHLB borrowings had maturities exceeding one year.  The FHLB has the option to convert $15.0 million of the total advances to a floating rate and, if converted, we may repay the advances without a prepayment fee.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $43.5 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $39.6 million at December 31, 2011.

Junior Subordinated Debentures (related to Trust Preferred Securities).  In June 2006 the Company formed a wholly-owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust II (“PEBK Trust II”), which issued $20.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures.  All of the common securities of PEBK Trust II are owned by the Company.  The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust II to purchase $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company, which pay a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points.  The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used to repay in December 2006 the trust preferred securities issued in December 2001 by PEBK Capital Trust, a wholly owned Delaware statutory trust of the Company, and for general purposes.  The debentures represent the sole asset of PEBK Trust II.  PEBK Trust II is not included in the consolidated financial statements.

The trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust II accrue and pay interest quarterly at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points.  The Company has guaranteed distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities to the extent PEBK Trust II has funds with which to make the distributions and other payments.  The net combined effect of the trust preferred securities transaction is that the Company is obligated to make the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities.

These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the debentures on June 28, 2036, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture.  The Company had the right to redeem the debentures purchased by PEBK Trust II, in whole or in part, on or after June 28, 2011.  As specified in the indenture, if the debentures are redeemed prior to maturity, the redemption price will be the principal amount and any accrued but unpaid interest.

Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management.  The objective of the Company’s Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk strategies is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest income to changing interest rates and to minimize the interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at various maturities.  This is to be done in conjunction with the need to maintain adequate liquidity and the overall goal of maximizing net interest income.

The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by our Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”).  ALCO meets monthly and has the responsibility for approving asset/liability management policies, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings and
 
 
33

 
 
reviewing the interest rate sensitivity of the Company.  ALCO tries to minimize interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities by attempting to minimize wide fluctuations in net interest income due to interest rate movements.  The ability to control these fluctuations has a direct impact on the profitability of the Company.  Management monitors this activity on a regular basis through analysis of its portfolios to determine the difference between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities.

The Company’s rate sensitive assets are those earning interest at variable rates and those with contractual maturities within one year.  Rate sensitive assets therefore include both loans and available for sale securities.  Rate sensitive liabilities include interest-bearing checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts, time deposits and borrowed funds.  Average rate sensitive assets for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $997.8 million, exceeding average rate sensitive liabilities of $806.3 million by $191.5 million.

The Company has an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility.  By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk.  If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the extent of the fair-value gain in the derivative.  The Company minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by the Company.  The Company did not have any interest rate derivatives outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

Included in the rate sensitive assets are $356.9 million in variable rate loans indexed to prime rate subject to immediate repricing upon changes by the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”).  We utilize interest rate floors on certain variable rate loans to protect against further downward movements in the prime rate.  At March 31, 2012, we had $267.3 million in loans with interest rate floors.  The floors were in effect on $266.0 million of these loans pursuant to the terms of the promissory notes on these loans.   The weighted average rate on these loans is 1.12% higher than the indexed rate on the promissory notes without interest rate floors.

               Liquidity. The objectives of the Company’s liquidity policy are to provide for the availability of adequate funds to meet the needs of loan demand, deposit withdrawals, maturing liabilities and to satisfy regulatory requirements.  Both deposit and loan customer cash needs can fluctuate significantly depending upon business cycles, economic conditions and yields and returns available from alternative investment opportunities.  In addition, the Company’s liquidity is affected by off-balance sheet commitments to lend in the form of unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  As of March 31, 2012 such unfunded commitments to extend credit were $137.7 million, while commitments in the form of standby letters of credit totaled $3.3 million.

The Company uses several sources to meet its liquidity requirements.  The primary source is core deposits, which includes demand deposits, savings accounts and non-brokered certificates of deposits of denominations less than $100,000. The Company considers these to be a stable portion of the Company’s liability mix and the result of on-going consumer and commercial banking relationships.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company’s core deposits totaled $630.4 million, or 78% of total deposits.

The other sources of funding for the Company are through large denomination certificates of deposit, including brokered deposits, federal funds purchased, securities under agreement to repurchase and FHLB borrowings.  The Bank is also able to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) on a short-term basis.  Our policies include the ability to access wholesale funding up to 40% of total assets.  Our wholesale funding includes FHLB borrowings, FRB borrowings, brokered deposits, internet certificates of deposit and certificates of deposit issued to the State of North Carolina.  The Company’s ratio of wholesale funding to total assets was 10.12% as of March 31, 2012.

At March 31, 2012, we had a significant amount of deposits in amounts greater than $100,000, including brokered deposits of $35.2 million, which have a weighted average original term of 14 months.  The cost of these deposits is more susceptible to changes in the interest rate environment than other deposits.  Access to the brokered deposit market could be restricted if the Bank were to fall below the well capitalized level.

The Bank has a line of credit with the FHLB equal to 20% of the Bank’s total assets, with an outstanding balance of $70.0 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  At March 31, 2012, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral to the FHLB totaled $147.1 million compared to $153.7 million at December 31, 2011.  As additional collateral, the Bank has pledged securities to FHLB.  At March 31, 2012, the market value of securities pledged to FHLB totaled $17.1 million compared to $13.2 million at December 31, 2011.  The remaining availability under the line of credit with  the FHLB was $20.0 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $17.1 million at December 31, 2011.  The Bank had no borrowings from the FRB at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  FRB borrowings are collateralized by a blanket assignment on all qualifying loans that the Bank owns which are not pledged to the FHLB.  At March 31, 2012, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral to the FRB totaled $337.4 million compared to $342.2 million at December 31, 2011.
 
 
34

 

The Bank also had the ability to borrow up to $47.5 million for the purchase of overnight federal funds from five correspondent financial institutions as of March 31, 2012.

The liquidity ratio for the Bank, which is defined as net cash, interest bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold and certain investment securities, as a percentage of net deposits and short-term liabilities was 32.38% at March 31, 2012 and 32.19% at December 31, 2011.  The minimum required liquidity ratio as defined in the Bank’s Asset/Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management Policy is 10%.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.  The Company’s contractual obligations and other commitments as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized in the table below.  The Company’s contractual obligations include the repayment of principal and interest related to FHLB advances and junior subordinated debentures, as well as certain payments under current lease agreements.  Other commitments include commitments to extend credit.  Because not all of these commitments to extend credit will be drawn upon, the actual cash requirements are likely to be significantly less than the amounts reported for other commitments below.

(Dollars in thousands)
     
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Contractual Cash Obligations
     
Long-term borrowings
$ 70,000   70,000
Junior subordinated debentures
  20,619   20,619
Operating lease obligations
  4,210   4,326
Total
$ 94,829   94,945
Other Commitments
       
Commitments to extend credit
$ 137,700   131,565
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written
  3,287   3,288
Total
$ 140,987   134,853
 
The Company enters into derivative contracts to manage various financial risks.  A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its cash flows, and therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or referenced interest rate.  Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date.  Derivative contracts are written in amounts referred to as notional amounts, which only provide the basis for calculating payments between counterparties and are not a measure of financial risk.  Further discussions of derivative instruments are included above in the section entitled “Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management”.

Capital Resources.  Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2012 was $104.4 million compared to $103.0 million at December 31, 2011.  Annualized return on average equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 6.34% compared to 5.03% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Total cash dividends paid on common stock amounted to $388,000 and $111,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Cash dividends paid on common stock in the first quarter of 2012 include a $0.05 per share special cash dividend, amounting to $277,000, paid in February 2012.

The Board of Directors, at its discretion, can issue shares of preferred stock up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares. The Board is authorized to determine the number of shares, voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights.

On December 23, 2008, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with the UST.  Under the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue and sell 25,054 shares of Series A preferred stock and a warrant to purchase 357,234 shares of the Company’s common stock associated with the Company’s participation in the CPP under the TARP.  Proceeds from this issuance of preferred shares were allocated between preferred stock and the warrant based on their relative fair values at the time of the sale.  Of the $25.1 million in proceeds, $24.4 million was allocated to the Series A preferred stock and $704,000 was allocated to the common stock warrant.  Additional discussion of the Company’s participation in the CPP can be found on page 24.  The Board of Directors does not currently anticipate issuing any additional series of preferred stock.

Under the regulatory capital guidelines, financial institutions are currently required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or greater.  Tier 1 capital is generally defined as shareholders’ equity and trust preferred securities less all intangible assets and goodwill.  Tier 1 capital at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 includes $20.0 million in trust preferred securities.  The Company’s Tier 1 capital ratio was 16.47% and 16.10% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Total risk-based capital is defined as Tier 1 capital plus supplementary capital.  Supplementary capital, or Tier 2 capital, consists of the Company's allowance for loan losses, not exceeding 1.25% of the Company's risk-weighted assets. Total risk-based capital ratio is therefore defined as the
 
 
35

 
 
ratio of total capital (Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets.  The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 17.75% and 17.38% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  In addition to the Tier 1 and total risk-based capital requirements, financial institutions are also required to maintain a leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets of 4.0% or greater.  The Company’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 11.41% and 11.06% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The Bank’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 14.19% and 13.76% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The total risk-based capital ratio for the Bank was 15.48% and 15.04% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.   The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 9.82% and 9.44% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

A bank is considered to be "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0 % or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater.  Based upon these guidelines, the Bank was considered to be "well capitalized" at March 31, 2012.
 
 
 
36

 
 
Item 3.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not required for smaller reporting companies.
 
 
 
 
37

 
 
Item 4T.       Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


 
38

 
 
 
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
In the opinion of management, the Company is not involved in any material pending legal proceedings other than routine
 
proceeding occurring in the ordinary course of business.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
   
 
Not required for smaller reporting companies.
   
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
  ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
       
                   
              Total    
              Number of    
              Shares   Maximum 
              Purchased as    Number of
              Part of    Shares that
     Total         Publicly    May Yet Be
     Number of     Average    Announced    Purchased
     Shares     Price Paid    Plans or    Under the Plans
                Period     Purchased     per Share    Programs    or Programs
                   
 January 1 - 31, 2012
  -         $ -       -       -    
                     
 February 1 - 29, 2012
  2,000       6.92   -       -    
                     
 March 1 - 31, 2012
  1,350       8.03   -       -    
                     
 Total
  3,350 (1)   $ 7.37   -        
                     
(1) The Company purchased 3,350 shares on the open market in the three months ended March 31, 2012 for its deferred compensation plan. All purchases were funded by participant contributions to the plan. The Purchase Agreement with UST permits the Company to purchase its common stock on the open market pursuant to benefit plans.
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
   
 
Not applicable
 
Item 5.
Other Information
   
 
Not applicable
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
     
 
Exhibit (3)(1)
Articles of Amendment dated December 19, 2008, regarding the Series A
   
Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3)(1) to the Form 8-K filed
   
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (3)(2)
Articles of Amendment dated February 26, 2010, incorporated by reference to
   
Exhibit (3)(2) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
   
Commission on March 25, 2010
     
 
Exhibit (3)(i)
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to
   
Exhibit (3)(i) to the Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange
   
Commission on September 2, 1999
 
 
 
39

 
 
 
 
Exhibit (3)(ii)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to
   
Exhibit (3)(ii) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
   
Commission on March 25, 2010
     
 
Exhibit (4)
Specimen Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4) to the Form
   
8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 2, 1999
     
 
Exhibit (4)(1)
Form of Certificate for the Series A Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to
   
Exhibit (4)(1) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
   
Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (4)(2)
Warrant dated December 23, 2008, for the purchase of shares of Common Stock,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(2) to the Form 8-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(1)
Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2008 between the Registrant and the
   
United States Department of the Treasury, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
   
(10)(1) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
   
December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(a)(i)
Employment Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2008 between the Registrant
   
and Tony W. Wolfe, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(a)(i) to the Form 8-K
   
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(a)(ii)
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and Tony W.
   
Wolfe dated December 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(a)(ii)
   
to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
   
December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(a)(iii)
Amended and Restated Executive Salary Continuation Agreement between
   
Peoples Bank and Tony W. Wolfe dated December 18, 2008, incorporated by
   
reference to Exhibit (10)(a)(iii) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(b)(i)
Employment Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2008 between the Registrant
   
and Joseph F. Beaman, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10(b)(i) to the
   
Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29,
   
2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(b)(ii)
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and Joseph F.
   
Beaman, Jr. dated December 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
   
(10)(b)(ii) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
   
on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(b)(iii)
Amended and Restated Executive Salary Continuation Agreement between
   
Peoples Bank and Joseph F. Beaman, Jr. dated December 18, 2008, incorporated
   
by reference to Exhibit (10)(b)(iii) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(c)(i)
Employment Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2008 between the Registrant
   
and William D. Cable, Sr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10(c)(i) to the
   
Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29,
   
2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(c)(ii)
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and William D.
   
Cable, Sr. dated December 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
   
(10)(c)(ii) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
   
on December 29, 2008
 
 
 
40

 
 
 
 
Exhibit (10)(c)(iii)
Amended and Restated Executive Salary Continuation Agreement between
   
Peoples Bank and William D. Cable, Sr. dated December 18, 2008, incorporated
   
by reference to Exhibit (10)(c)(iii) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(d)(i)
Employment Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2008 between the Registrant
   
and Lance A. Sellers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10(d)(i) to the Form
   
8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(d)(ii)
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and Lance A.
   
Sellers dated December 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(d)(ii)
   
to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
   
December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(d)(iii)
Amended and Restated Executive Salary Continuation Agreement between
   
Peoples Bank and Lance A. Sellers dated December 18, 2008, incorporated by
   
reference to Exhibit (10)(d)(iii) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(e)
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long
   
Term Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(f) to the Form 10-K
   
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2000
     
 
Exhibit (10)(e)(i)
Amendment No. 1 to the Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. Omnibus Stock
   
Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit
   
(10)(e)(i) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
   
on March 15, 2007
     
 
Exhibit (10)(f)(i)
Employment Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2008 between the Registrant
   
and A. Joseph Lampron, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10(f)(i) to the
   
Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29,
   
2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(f)(ii)
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and A. Joseph
   
Lampron, Jr. dated March 18, 2010 incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(f)(ii)
   
to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities  and Exchange Commission on March
   
25, 2010
     
 
Exhibit (10)(f)(iii)
Amended and Restated Executive Salary Continuation Agreement between
   
Peoples Bank and A. Joseph Lampron, Jr. dated December 18, 2008, incorporated
   
by reference to Exhibit (10)(f)(iii) to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(g)
Peoples Bank Directors' and Officers' Deferral Plan, incorporated by reference
   
to Exhibit (10)(h) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
   
Commission on March 28, 2002
     
 
Exhibit (10)(h)
Rabbi Trust for the Peoples Bank Directors' and Officers' Deferral Plan,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(i) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2002
     
 
Exhibit (10)(i)
Description of Service Recognition Program maintained by Peoples Bank,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(i) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2003
     
 
Exhibit (10)(j)
Capital Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of June 26, 2006, by and among
   
the Registrant, PEBK Capital Trust II and Bear, Sterns Securities Corp.,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(j) to the Form 10-Q filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006
 
 
 
41

 
 
 
 
Exhibit (10)(k)
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of PEBK Capital Trust II, dated as of
   
June 28, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(k) to the Form 10-Q filed
   
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(l)
Guarantee Agreement of the Registrant dated as of June 28, 2006, incorporated
   
by reference to Exhibit (10)(l) to the Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(m)
Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2006, by and between the Registrant and LaSalle
   
Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to Junior Subordinated Debt
   
Securities Due September 15, 2036, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(m)
   
to the Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
   
November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(n)
Form of Amended and Restated Director Supplemental Retirement Agreement
   
between Peoples Bank and Directors Robert C. Abernethy, James S. Abernethy,
   
Douglas S. Howard, John W. Lineberger, Jr., Gary E. Matthews, Dr. Billy L.
   
Price, Jr., Larry E. Robinson, W. Gregory Terry, Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr. and
   
Benjamin I. Zachary, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(n) to the Form
   
8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008
     
 
Exhibit (10)(o)
2009 Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan incorporated
   
by reference to Exhibit (10)(o) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on March 20, 2009
     
 
Exhibit (14)
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina,
   
Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit (14) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2005
     
 
Exhibit (31)(a)
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to section 302 of the
   
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
Exhibit (31)(b)
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to section 302 of the
   
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
Exhibit (32)
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
   
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
Exhibit (101)
The following materials from the Company's 10-Q Report for the quarterly
   
period ended March 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated
   
Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity, (iv) the
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the
   
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.*
     
   
*Furnished, not filed.
 
 
 
42

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
   
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
     
     
     
     
  May 3,  2012
 
 /s/ Tony W. Wolfe
Date
 
Tony W. Wolfe
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
     
     
  May 3,  2012
 
 /s/ A. Joseph Lampron, Jr.
Date
 
A. Joseph Lampron, Jr.
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
43