UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

x

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

 

or

 

o

Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from ___________ to ____________

 

Commission file number

0-14535

 

Citizens Bancshares Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Georgia		58-1631302
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)
75 Piedmont Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia		30303
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (404) 659-5959

 

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

 

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

 

20,000,000 Shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value

(Title of class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes x No

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by checkmark if the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes o No

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o    Accelerated filer o    Non- accelerated filer (do not check if a smaller reporting company) o    Smaller reporting company x

The number of shares outstanding for each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of March 27, 2015 was: 2,063,951 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value, 90,000 shares of Non-Voting Common Stock, $1.00 par value.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o Yes x No

 

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the last sale price of $8.91 per share on June 30, 2014, was approximately $11,778,167.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is incorporated: (1) any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Proxy Statement for 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Some of the statements in this Report, including, without limitation, matters discussed under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” of Citizens Bancshares Corporation (the “Company”) are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements about the competitiveness of the banking industry, potential regulatory obligations, our entrance and expansion into other markets, integration of recently acquired banks, pending or proposed acquisitions, our other business strategies, our expectations with respect to our allowance for loan losses and impaired loans, anticipated capital expenditures for our operations center, and other statements that are not historical facts. When we use words like “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “expect”, “estimate”, “could”, “should”, “will”, and similar expressions, you should consider them as identifying forward-looking statements, although we may use other phrasing. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on our beliefs and assumptions, and on the information available to us at the time that these disclosures were prepared. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment may reduce margins; (3) general economic conditions may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and/or a reduction in demand for credit; (4) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, may adversely affect the businesses in which we are engaged; (5) costs or difficulties related to the integration of our businesses, may be greater than expected; (6) deposit attrition, customer loss or revenue loss following acquisitions may be greater than expected; (7) competitors may have greater financial resources and develop products that enable such competitors to compete more successfully than us; and (8) adverse changes may occur in the equity markets.

 

Many of such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict, and readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. For further information regarding the risk factors applicable to the Company, please see “Risk Factors” on page 19.

PART I

 

ITEM 1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

The Company

 

General

 

Citizens Bancshares Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated as a Georgia business corporation in 1972 and became a bank holding company by acquiring all of the common stock of Citizens Trust Bank (the “Bank”). The Company was organized to facilitate the Bank’s ability to serve its customers’ requirements for financial services. The holding company structure provides flexibility for expansion of the Company’s banking business through the possible acquisition of other financial service institutions and the provision of additional banking-related services that the traditional commercial bank may not provide under present laws. For example, banking regulations require that the Bank maintain a minimum ratio of capital to assets. In the event that the Bank’s growth is such that this minimum ratio is not maintained, the Company may borrow funds, subject to capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve, and contribute them to the capital of the Bank and otherwise raise capital in a manner that is unavailable to the Bank under existing banking regulations.

 

Over the years, the Company has completed several acquisitions. On January 30, 1998, the Company merged with First Southern Bancshares, Inc., whose banking subsidiary, First Southern Bank simultaneously merged into the Bank. On March 10, 2000, the Company acquired certain assets and all of the deposits of Mutual Federal Savings Bank, a failing bank, from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. On February 28, 2003, the Company acquired CFS Bancshares, Inc., a savings and loan holding company located in Birmingham, Alabama, whose banking subsidiary, Citizens Federal Savings Bank, simultaneously merged into the Bank. This acquisition has resulted in a significant expansion of the Company’s market area. On March 27, 2009, the Bank acquired the Lithonia, Georgia branch of The Peoples Bank.

 

The Company may make additional acquisitions in the future in the event that such acquisitions are deemed to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Such acquisitions, if any, will be subject to certain regulatory approvals and requirements. See “Business – Bank Holding Company Regulations.”

 

The Bank

 

General

 

The Bank, a state bank headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, was organized in 1921 and is a member of the Federal Reserve System.

 

The Bank’s home office is located at 75 Piedmont Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303. In addition to its home office, the Bank operated nine branch offices located in Atlanta, East Point, Lithonia, Decatur, Stone Mountain and Columbus, Georgia, and Birmingham and Eutaw, Alabama at December 31, 2014. The Bank conducts a general commercial banking business that serves Fulton, DeKalb and Muscogee Counties, Georgia, as well as Jefferson and Greene Counties, Alabama, acts as an issuing agent for U.S. savings bonds, travelers checks and cashiers checks, and offers collection teller services. The Bank has no subsidiaries.

 

The Bank does not engage in any line of business other than normal commercial banking activities. The Bank does not engage in any operations in foreign countries nor is a material portion of the Bank’s revenues derived from customers in foreign countries. The business of the Bank is not considered to be seasonal nor is the Bank’s business dependent on any industry.

The Bank’s Primary Service Area

 

The Bank’s primary service area consists of Fulton and DeKalb Counties, along with certain portions of Rockdale County; through its branch in Columbus, the Bank also serves Muscogee County, Georgia, and through its branches in Birmingham and Eutaw, it serves Jefferson and Greene Counties, Alabama. The primary focus of the Bank is the small business and commercial/service firms in the area plus individuals and households who reside in or commute to the area. The majority of the Bank’s customers are drawn from the described area.

 

Competition

 

The Bank must compete for both deposit and loan customers with other financial institutions with greater resources than are available to the Bank. Currently, there are numerous branches of national, regional, and local banks, as well as other types of entities offering financial services, located in the Bank’s market area.

 

Deposits

 

The Bank offers a wide range of commercial and consumer deposit accounts, including non-interest bearing checking accounts, money market checking accounts (consumer and commercial), negotiable order of withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts, individual retirement accounts, time certificates of deposit, sweep accounts, and regular savings accounts. The sources of deposits typically are residents, local governments and businesses and their employees within the Bank’s market area, obtained through personal solicitation by the Bank’s officers and directors, direct mail solicitation and advertisements published in the local media. The Bank pays competitive interest rates on time and savings deposits and has a service charge fee schedule competitive with other financial institutions in the Bank’s market area, covering such matters as maintenance fees on checking accounts, per item processing fees on checking accounts, returned check charges and the like.

 

Loan Portfolio

 

The Bank engages in a full complement of lending activities, including consumer/installment loans, mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, construction loans, and commercial loans, with particular emphasis on small business loans. The Bank believes that the origination of short-term fixed rate loans and loans tied to floating interest rates is the most desirable method of conducting its lending activities.

Consumer Loans

 

The Bank’s consumer loans consist primarily of installment loans to individuals for personal, family, and household purposes, including loans for automobiles, home improvements, and investments. This category of loans also includes loans secured by second mortgages on the residences of borrowers.

 

Commercial Lending

 

Commercial lending is directed principally toward businesses whose demands for funds fall within the Bank’s legal lending limits and which are existing deposit customers of the Bank. This category of loans includes loans made to individual, partnership, or corporate borrowers and obtained for a variety of business purposes.

 

Investments

 

As of December 31, 2014, investment securities comprised approximately 32% of the Bank’s assets, with loans (net of loan loss reserves) comprising 48% of assets. The Bank invests primarily in obligations of the United States, obligations guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States, government-sponsored enterprises securities, general obligation municipals and other taxable securities.

 

Asset/Liability Management

 

It is the objective of the Bank to manage assets and liabilities to provide a satisfactory, consistent level of profitability within the framework of established cash, loan, investment, borrowing, and capital policies. Certain officers of the Bank are charged with the responsibility for developing and monitoring policies and procedures that are designed to ensure acceptable composition of the asset/liability mix. It is the overall philosophy of management to support asset growth primarily through the growth of core deposits, which include deposits of all categories made by individuals, partnerships, and corporations. Management of the Bank seeks to invest the largest portion of the Bank’s assets in consumer/installment, commercial and construction loans.

 

The Bank’s asset/liability mix is monitored on a daily basis and a quarterly report reflecting the interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities is prepared and presented to the Bank’s Board of Directors asset/liability committee during their meeting which takes place every two months. The objective of this policy is to control interest-sensitive assets and liabilities so as to minimize the impact of substantial movements in interest rates on the Bank’s earnings.

 

Correspondent Banking

 

Correspondent banking involves the provision of services by one bank to another bank that cannot provide that service for itself from an economic or practical standpoint. The Bank purchases correspondent services offered by larger banks, including check collections, security safekeeping, investment services, wire transfer services, coin and currency supplies, overline and liquidity loan participation, and sales of loans to or participation with correspondent banks.

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Bank had 104 full-time equivalent employees (the Company has no employees who are not also employees of the Bank). The Bank is not a party to any collective bargaining agreement and, in the opinion of management; the Bank enjoys excellent relations with its employees.

 

Website Address

 

Our corporate website address is www.ctbconnect.com. From this website, select the “Investor Information” tab followed by selecting “Annual Reports/Financial Statements”. Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports are available and accessible soon after we file them with the SEC.

 

Supervision and Regulation

 

Both the Company and the Bank are subject to extensive state and federal banking regulations that impose restrictions on and provide for general regulatory oversight of their operations. These laws are generally intended to protect depositors and not shareholders. Legislation and regulations authorized by legislation influence, among other things:

 

·

how, when and where we may expand geographically;

 

·

into what product or service market we may enter;

 

·

how we must manage our assets; and

 

·

under what circumstances money may or must flow between the parent bank holding company and the subsidiary bank.

 

The following is a summary description of the relevant laws, rules, and regulations governing banks and holding companies. The descriptions of, and references to, the statutes and regulations below are brief summaries and do not purport to be complete. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the specific statutes and regulations discussed.

 

The regulatory and supervisory structure establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, rather than for the protection of shareholders or creditors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies concerning the establishment of deposit insurance assessment fees, classification of assets and establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.

 

Various legislation is from time to time introduced in Congress and Georgia’s legislature, including proposals to overhaul the bank regulatory system, expand the powers of depository institutions, and limit the investments that depository institutions may make with insured funds. Such legislation may change applicable statutes and the operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. We cannot determine the ultimate effect that future legislation or implementing regulations would have upon our financial condition or upon our results of operations. As is further described below, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), has significantly changed the bank regulatory structure and may affect the lending, investment and general operating activities of depository institutions and their holding companies.

The Company

 

Since the Company owns all of the capital stock of the Bank, it is a bank holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. As a result, the Company is primarily subject to the supervision, examination, and reporting requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act and the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). As a bank holding company located in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (the “DBF”) also regulates and monitors all significant aspects of our operations.

 

Acquisitions of Banks. The Bank Holding Company Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the Federal Reserve’s prior approval before:

 

·

Acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if, after the acquisition, the bank holding company will directly or indirectly own or control more than 5% of the bank’s voting shares;

 

·

Acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of any bank; or

 

·

Merging or consolidating with any other bank holding company.

 

Additionally, the Bank Holding Company Act provides that the Federal Reserve may not approve any of these transactions if it would result in or tend to create a monopoly or, substantially lessen competition or otherwise function as a restraint of trade, unless the anticompetitive effects of the proposed transaction are clearly outweighed by the public interest in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve is also required to consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the bank holding companies and banks concerned and the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve’s consideration of financial resources generally focuses on capital adequacy, which is discussed below.

 

Under the Bank Holding Company Act, if adequately capitalized and adequately managed, the Company or any other bank holding company located in Georgia may purchase a bank located outside of Georgia. Conversely, an adequately capitalized and adequately managed bank holding company located outside of Georgia may purchase a bank located inside Georgia. In each case, however, restrictions may be placed on the acquisition of a bank that has only been in existence for a limited amount of time or will result in specified concentrations of deposits. For example, Georgia law prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring control of a financial institution until the target financial institution has been incorporated for three years. Because the Bank has been incorporated for more than three years, this limitation does not apply to the Bank or the Company.

Change in Bank Control. Subject to various exceptions, the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, together with related regulations, require Federal Reserve approval prior to any person or company acquiring “control” of a bank holding company. Control is conclusively presumed to exist if an individual or company acquires 25% or more of any class of voting securities of the bank holding company. Control is rebuttably presumed to exist if a person or company acquires 10% or more, but less than 25%, of any class of voting securities and either:

 

·

the bank holding company has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended; or

 

·

no other person owns a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the transaction.

 

Our common stock is registered under Section 12 of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. The regulations provide a procedure for challenge of the rebuttable control presumption.

 

Permitted Activities. The Bank Holding Company Act has generally prohibited a bank holding company from engaging in activities other than banking or managing or controlling banks or other permissible subsidiaries and from acquiring or retaining direct or indirect control of any company engaged in any activities other than those determined by the Federal Reserve to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act have expanded the permissible activities of a bank holding company that qualifies as a financial holding company. Under the regulations implementing the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, a financial holding company may engage in additional activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complementary to financial activity. Those activities include, among other activities, certain insurance and securities activities.

 

To qualify to become a financial holding company, the Bank and any other depository institution subsidiary of the Company must be well capitalized and well managed and must have a Community Reinvestment Act rating of at least “satisfactory.” Additionally, the Company must file an election with the Federal Reserve to become a financial holding company and must provide the Federal Reserve with 30 days’ written notice prior to engaging in a permitted financial activity. While the Company meets the qualification standards applicable to financial holding companies, we have not elected to become a financial holding company at this time.

 

Support of Subsidiary Institutions. Under Federal Reserve policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial strength for the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank. In addition, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the federal banking regulators must require a bank holding company to serve as a source of financial strength for any depository institution subsidiary. This support may be required at times when, without this Federal Reserve policy, the Company might not be inclined to provide it. In addition, any capital loans made by the Company to the Bank will be repaid only after its deposits and various other obligations are repaid in full. In the unlikely event of the Company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by it to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of the Bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

 

The Federal Reserve Board may require a holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a non-bank subsidiary (other than a non-bank subsidiary of a bank) upon the Federal Reserve Board’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness or stability of any subsidiary depository institution of the holding company. Further, federal bank regulatory authorities have additional discretion to require a holding company to divest itself of any bank or non-bank subsidiary if the agency determines that divestiture may aid the depository institution’s financial condition.

Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, a holding company’s bank subsidiary can be required to indemnify, or cross-guarantee, the FDIC against losses it incurs with respect to any other bank controlled by the holding company, which in effect will make the holding company’s equity investments in healthy bank subsidiaries available to the FDIC to assist any failing or failed bank subsidiary that the holding company may have.

 

Non-Bank Subsidiary Examination and Enforcement. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, all non-bank subsidiaries not currently regulated by a state or federal agency will now be subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board in the same manner and with the same frequency as if its activities were conducted by the lead bank subsidiary. These examinations will consider the activities engaged in by the non-bank subsidiary pose a material threat to the safety and soundness of its insured depository institution affiliates, are subject to appropriate monitoring and control, and comply with applicable laws. Pursuant to this authority, the Federal Reserve Board may also take enforcement action against non-bank subsidiaries.

 

The Bank

 

Since the Bank is a commercial bank chartered under the laws of the State of Georgia and is a Federal Reserve member bank, it is primarily subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the DBF and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The DBF and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta regularly examine the Bank’s operations and have the authority to approve or disapprove mergers, the establishment of branches and similar corporate actions. Both regulatory agencies have the power to prevent the continuance or development of unsafe or unsound banking practices or other violations of law. Additionally, the Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent provided by law. The Bank is also subject to numerous state and federal statutes and regulations that affect its business, activities, and operations.

 

Branching. Under current Georgia law, the Bank may open branch offices throughout Georgia with the prior approval of the DBF. In addition, with prior regulatory approval, the Bank may acquire branches of existing banks located in Georgia. Prior to enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Bank and any other national or state-chartered bank were generally permitted to branch across state lines by merging with banks in other states if allowed by the applicable states’ laws. Georgia law, with limited exceptions, permitted branching across state lines through interstate mergers. However, interstate branching is now permitted for all national and state-chartered banks as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, provided that a state bank chartered by the state in which the branch is to be located would also be permitted to establish a branch.

 

Prompt Corrective Action. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 establishes a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized financial institutions. Under this system, the federal banking regulators have established five capital categories in which all institutions are placed: Well Capitalized, Adequately Capitalized, Undercapitalized, Significantly Undercapitalized and Critically Undercapitalized.

As a bank’s capital condition deteriorates, federal banking regulators are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories. The severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the institution is placed.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Bank was considered well-capitalized.

 

A “well-capitalized” bank is one that exceeds all of its required capital requirements, which, prior to January 1, 2015, included maintaining a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%. Beginning on January 1, 2015, the capital requirements include maintaining a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 4.5%, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%. Generally, a classification as well capitalized will place a bank outside of the regulatory zone for purposes of prompt corrective action. However, a well-capitalized bank may be reclassified as “adequately capitalized” based on criteria other than capital, if the federal regulator determines that a bank is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or is engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or has not adequately corrected a prior deficiency.

 

FDIC Insurance Assessments. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) of the FDIC up to the maximum amount permitted by law, which was permanently increased to $250,000 by the Dodd-Frank Act. The FDIC uses the DIF to protect against the loss of insured deposits if an FDIC-insured bank or savings association fails. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC must take steps, as necessary, for the DIF reserve ratio to reach 1.35% of estimated insured deposits by September 30, 2020. The Bank is thus subject to FDIC deposit premium assessments.

 

The FDIC used a risk-based assessment system that assigns insured depository institutions to one of four risk categories based on three primary sources of information: supervisory risk ratings for all institutions, financial ratios for most institutions, including the Bank, and long-term debt issuer ratings for large institutions that have such ratings. For institutions assigned to the lowest risk category, the annual assessment rate ranges between 7 and 16 cents per $100 of domestic deposits. For institutions assigned to higher risk categories, assessment rates range from 17 to 77.5 cents per $100 of domestic deposits. These ranges reflect a possible downward adjustment for unsecured debt outstanding and possible upward adjustments for secured liabilities and, in the case of institutions outside the lowest risk category, brokered deposits.

 

The FDIC also collects a deposit-based assessment from insured financial institutions on behalf of The Financing Corporation (“FICO”). The funds from these assessments are used to service debt issued by FICO in its capacity as a financial vehicle for the Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corporation. The FICO assessment rate is set quarterly and in 2014 was 0.62 cents per $100 of assessable deposits for all four quarters. The assessment rate has been dropped to 0.60 cents for the first quarter of 2015. These assessments will continue until the debt matures between 2017 and 2019.

 

The FDIC may terminate its insurance of deposits if it finds that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order, or condition imposed by the FDIC.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses. The Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (the “ALLL”) represents one of the most significant estimates in the Bank’s financial statements and regulatory reports. Because of its significance, the Bank has developed a system by which it develops, maintains, and documents a comprehensive, systematic, and consistently applied process for determining the amounts of the ALLL and the provision for loan and lease losses. The Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, issued on December 13, 2006, encourages all banks to ensure controls are in place to consistently determine the ALLL in accordance with GAAP, the bank’s stated policies and procedures, management’s best judgment and relevant supervisory guidance. Consistent with supervisory guidance, the Bank maintains a prudent and conservative, but not excessive, ALLL, that is at a level that is appropriate to cover estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans determined to be impaired as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan and lease portfolio. The Bank’s estimate of credit losses reflects consideration of all significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Critical Accounting Policies.”

 

Commercial Real Estate Lending. The Bank’s lending operations may be subject to enhanced scrutiny by federal banking regulators based on its concentration of commercial real estate loans. On December 6, 2006, the federal banking regulators issued final guidance to remind financial institutions of the risk posed by commercial real estate (“CRE”) lending concentrations. CRE loans generally include land development, construction loans, and loans secured by multifamily property, and nonfarm, nonresidential real property where the primary source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property.

 

The guidance prescribes the following guidelines for its examiners to help identify institutions that are potentially exposed to significant CRE risk and may warrant greater supervisory scrutiny:

 

·

total reported loans for construction, land development and other land represent 100% or more of the institutions total capital, or

 

·

total commercial real estate loans represent 300% or more of the institution’s total capital, and the outstanding balance of the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more.

 

Enforcement Powers. The Financial Institution Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act (“FIRREA”) expanded and increased civil and criminal penalties available for use by the federal regulatory agencies against depository institutions and certain “institution-affiliated parties.” Institution-affiliated parties primarily include management, employees, and agents of a financial institution, as well as independent contractors and consultants such as attorneys and accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution’s affairs. These practices can include the failure of an institution to timely file required reports or the filing of false or misleading information or the submission of inaccurate reports. Civil penalties may be as high as $1,100,000 per day for such violations. Criminal penalties for some financial institution crimes have been increased to 20 years. In addition, regulators are provided with greater flexibility to commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties.

 

Possible enforcement actions include the termination of deposit insurance. Furthermore, banking agencies’ power to issue regulatory orders were expanded. Such orders may, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnifications or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts, or take other actions as determined by the ordering agency to be appropriate. The Dodd-Frank Act increases regulatory oversight, supervision and examination of banks, bank holding companies and their respective subsidiaries by the appropriate regulatory agency.

Community Reinvestment Act. The Community Reinvestment Act requires that, in connection with examinations of financial institutions within their respective jurisdictions, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC shall evaluate the record of each financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. These facts are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could impose additional requirements and limitations on the Bank. Additionally, we must publicly disclose the terms of various Community Reinvestment Act-related agreements.

 

Consumer Protection

 

The Bank is also subject to consumer laws and regulations intended to protect consumers in transactions with depository institutions, as well as other laws or regulations affecting customers of financial institutions generally. These laws and regulations include but are not limited to:

 

·

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

 

·

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

 

·

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

 

·

The Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies, certain identity theft protections, and certain credit and other disclosures;

 

·

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

 

·

National Flood Insurance Act and Flood Disaster Protection Act, requiring flood insurance to extend or renew certain loans in flood plains;

 

·

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, requiring certain disclosures concerning loan closing costs and escrows, and governing transfers of loan servicing and the amounts of escrows in connection with loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties;

 

·

Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA PATRIOT Act”), imposing requirements and limitations on specific financial transactions and account relationships, intended to guard against money laundering and terrorism financing;

·

Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act which set lending restrictions and limitations regarding loans and other extensions of credit made to executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and other insiders;

 

·

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940, as amended, governing the repayment terms of, and property rights underlying, secured obligations of persons currently on active duty with the United States military;

 

·

Talent Amendment in the 2007 Defense Authorization Act, establishing a 36% annual percentage rate ceiling, which includes a variety of charges including late fees, for certain types of consumer loans to military service members and their dependents; and

 

·

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

 

·

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

 

·

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

 

·

Truth-In-Savings Act, requiring certain disclosures for consumer deposit accounts; and

 

·

The rules and regulations of the various federal banking regulators charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.

 

Capital Adequacy

 

The Company and the Bank are required to comply with the capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve for member banks and bank holding companies. The Federal Reserve has established a risk-based and a leverage measure of capital adequacy for bank holding companies. Since the Company’s consolidated assets are less than $500 million, under the Federal Reserve’s capital guidelines, our capital adequacy is measured on a bank-only basis as opposed to a consolidated basis. The Bank is also subject to risk-based and leverage capital requirements adopted by the FDIC, which are substantially similar to those adopted by the Federal Reserve for bank holding companies.

 

The risk-based capital standards are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies, to account for off-balance-sheet exposure, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Assets and off-balance-sheet items, such as letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments, are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate risk weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance-sheet items.

Capital Requirements as of and Prior to December 31, 2014

 

The minimum guideline for the ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets, and classification as adequately capitalized, is 8%. A bank that fails to meet the required minimum guidelines is classified as undercapitalized and is subject to operating and managerial restrictions. A bank that maintains a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 10% or more is classified as well capitalized. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank was “well capitalized.”

 

Total capital consists of two components, Tier 1 Capital and Tier 2 Capital. Tier 1 Capital generally consists of common shareholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, qualifying noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of qualifying trust preferred securities and qualifying cumulative perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets. Tier 1 Capital must equal at least 4% of risk-weighted assets. Tier 2 Capital generally includes, among other things, perpetual preferred stock, qualifying mandatory convertible debt securities, qualifying subordinated debt, trust preferred securities not meeting the Tier 1 definition, and a limited amount of loan loss reserves. The total amount of Tier 2 Capital is limited to 100% of Tier 1 Capital. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets was 19% and our ratio of Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets was 19%.

 

In addition, the Federal Reserve has established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines provide for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 Capital to average assets, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets, of 3% for bank holding companies that meet specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating and implementing the Federal Reserve’s risk-based capital measure for market risk. All other bank holding companies generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4%. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s leverage ratio was 11%. The guidelines also provide that bank holding companies experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without reliance on intangible assets. The Federal Reserve considers the leverage ratio and other indicators of capital strength in evaluating proposals for expansion or new activities.

 

Provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act commonly referred to as the “Collins Amendment” established new minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements on bank holding companies and eliminated the inclusion of “hybrid capital” instruments in Tier 1 capital by certain institutions.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act establishes certain regulatory capital deductions with respect to hybrid capital instruments, such as trust preferred securities, that will effectively disallow the inclusion of such instruments in Tier 1 capital if such capital instrument is issued on or after May 19, 2010. However, preferred shares issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program (“TARP CPP”) or TARP Community Development Capital Initiative (“TARP CDCI”) are exempt from the Collins Amendment and are permanently includable in Tier 1 capital.

Capital Requirements as of January 1, 2015

 

On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors approved a final rule implementing Basel III’s higher minimum capital requirements for most banking organizations. The FDIC followed suit approving the new regulatory capital requirements as an interim final rule.

 

The new capital rules include a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5% and a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, which is in addition to the Tier 1 and Tier 2 risk-based capital requirements. The final rules also raise the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4% to 6% and require a minimum leverage ratio of 4%. The required minimum ratio to total capital to risk-weighted assets will remain 8%.

 

Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank or bank holding company to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital directive, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, a prohibition on accepting brokered deposits, and certain other restrictions on its business. As described above, significant additional restrictions can be imposed on FDIC-insured depository institutions that fail to meet applicable capital requirements. See “—Prompt Corrective Action” above for a summary of the restriction to which we would become subject if our capital condition were to significantly deteriorate.

 

The Federal Reserve Board, and the FDIC have authority to compel or restrict certain actions if the Bank’s capital should fall below adequate capital standards as a result of operating losses, or if its regulators otherwise determine that it has insufficient capital. Among other matters, the corrective actions may include, removing officers and directors; and assessing civil monetary penalties; and taking possession of and closing and liquidating the Bank.

 

Payment of Dividends

 

The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The principal source of the Company’s cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends to its shareholders, is dividends that the Bank pays to the Company, its sole shareholder. Statutory and regulatory limitations apply to the Bank’s payment of dividends to the Company as well as to the Company’s payment of dividends to its shareholders.

 

If, in the opinion of the federal banking regulator, the Bank were engaged in or about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice, the federal banking regulator could require, after notice and a hearing, that it cease and desist from its practice. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depository institution’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, a depository institution may not pay any dividend if payment would cause it to become undercapitalized or if it is already undercapitalized. Moreover, the federal agencies have issued policy statements that provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings.

The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance also regulates the Bank’s dividend payments and must approve dividend payments that would exceed 50% of the Bank’s net income for the prior year or if (i) the bank’s ratio of equity capital to adjusted total assets is less than 6%, or (ii) the bank’s adversely classified loans exceed 80% of its equity. Our payment of dividends may also be affected or limited by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines.

 

When the Company received a capital investment from the United States Department of the Treasury in exchange for Preferred Stock under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program on March 6, 2009, which investment has since been converted to an investment under the TARP CDCI, the Company became subject to additional limitations on the payment of dividends. These limitations require, among other things, that for as long as the Preferred Stock is outstanding, no dividends may be declared or paid on the Company’s common stock until all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Stock are fully paid. In addition, the U.S. Treasury’s consent is required for any increase in dividends on common stock while the Preferred Stock is still outstanding.

 

Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Board clarified its guidance on dividend policies for bank holding companies through the publication of a Supervisory Letter, dated February 24, 2009. As part of the letter, the Federal Reserve Board encouraged bank holding companies, particularly those that had participated in the CPP, to consult with the Federal Reserve Board prior to dividend declarations and redemption and repurchase decisions even when not explicitly required to do so by federal regulations. The Federal Reserve Board has indicated that TARP recipients, such as the Company, should consider and communicate in advance to regulatory staff how proposed dividends, capital repurchases, and capital redemptions are consistent with its obligation to eventually redeem the securities held by the Treasury. This guidance is largely consistent with prior regulatory statements encouraging bank holding companies to pay dividends out of net income and to avoid dividends that could adversely affect the capital needs or minimum regulatory capital ratios of the bank holding company and its subsidiary bank.

 

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates

 

The Company and the Bank are subject to the provisions of Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act. Section 23A places limits on the amount of:

 

·

loans or extensions of credit to affiliates;

·

investment in affiliates;

·

the purchase of assets from affiliates, except for real and personal property exempted by the Federal Reserve;

·

loans or extensions of credit to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates; and

·

any guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit issued on behalf of an affiliate.

 

The total amount of the above transactions is limited in amount, as to any one affiliate, to 10% of a bank’s capital and surplus and, as to all affiliates combined, to 20% of a bank’s capital and surplus. In addition to the limitation on the amount of these transactions, each of the above transactions must also meet specified collateral requirements. The Bank must also comply with other provisions designed to avoid the taking of low-quality assets.

The Company and the Bank are also subject to the provisions of Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act which, among other things, prohibit an institution from engaging in the above transactions with affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act enhances the requirements for certain transactions with affiliates under Section 23A and 23B, including an expansion of the definition of “covered transactions” and increasing the amount of time for which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be maintained.

 

The Bank is also subject to restrictions on extensions of credit to its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and their related interests. These extensions of credit (1) must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties, and (2) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Additionally, an insured depository institution is also prohibited from engaging in asset purchases or sales transactions with its officers, directors or principal shareholders unless on market terms and, if the transaction represents greater than 10% of the capital and surplus of the bank, it has been approved by a majority of the disinterested directors.

 

 

Limitations on Senior Executive Compensation

 

In June of 2010, federal banking regulators issued guidance designed to help ensure that incentive compensation policies at banking organizations do not encourage excessive risk-taking or undermined the safety and soundness of the organization. In connection with this guidance, the regulatory agencies announced that they will review incentive compensation arrangements as part of the regular, risk-focused supervisory process. Regulatory authorities may also take enforcement action against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangement or related risk management, control, or governance processes pose a risk to the safety and soundness of the organization and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies. To ensure that incentive compensation arrangements do not undermine safety and soundness at insured depository institutions, the incentive compensation guidance sets forth the following key principles:

 

·

Incentive compensation arrangements should provide employees incentives that appropriately balance risk and financial results in a manner that does not encourage employees to expose the organization to imprudent risk;

·

Incentive compensation arrangements should be compatible with effective controls and risk management; and

·

Incentive compensation arrangements should be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the board of directors.

 

Because the Company received a capital investment from the United States Department of the Treasury under the TARP Capital Purchase Program and now has a capital investment in the TARP Community Development Capital Initiative, the Company is subject to executive compensation limitations. For example, the Company must meet the following standards:

·

Ensure that senior executive incentive compensation packages do not encourage excessive risk;

·

Subject senior executive compensation to “clawback” if the compensation was based on inaccurate financial information or performance metrics;

·

Prohibit any golden parachute payments to senior executive officers;

·

Agree not to deduct more than $500,000 for a senior executive officer’s compensation; and

·

Agree not to pay any cash incentive bonus to the most highly compensated senior executive officer.

 

Financial Regulatory Reform

 

On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act, which contains a comprehensive set of provisions designed to govern the practices and oversight of financial institutions and other participants in the financial markets. The Dodd-Frank Act made extensive changes in the regulation of financial institutions and their holding companies. It required various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. These studies could potentially result in additional legislative or regulatory action.

 

Uncertainty remains as to the ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, which could have a material adverse impact on the financial services industry as a whole or on ours and the Bank’s business, results of operations, and financial condition. Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Company, its customers or the financial industry more generally. However, it is likely that the Dodd-Frank Act will increase the regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for the Company and Bank. Some of the rules that have been adopted to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act’s mandates are discussed below.

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: The Dodd-Frank Act centralized responsibility for consumer financial protection including implementing, examining and enforcing compliance with federal consumer financial laws with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”). Depository institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as our Bank, will be subject to rules promulgated by the CFPB but will continue to be examined and supervised by federal banking regulators for consumer compliance purposes.

 

UDAP and UDAAP: Recently, banking regulatory agencies have increasingly used a general consumer protection statute to address “unethical” or otherwise “bad” business practices that may not necessarily fall directly under the purview of a specific banking or consumer finance law. The law of choice for enforcement against such business practices has been Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act—the primary federal law that prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices and unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce (“UDAP” or “FTC Act”). “Unjustified consumer injury” is the principal focus of the FTC Act. Prior to the Dodd-Frank Act, there was little formal guidance to provide insight to the parameters for compliance with the UDAP law. However, the UDAP provisions have been expanded under the Dodd-Frank Act to apply to “unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices” (“UDAAP”), which has been delegated to the CFPB for supervision. The CFPB has published its first Supervision and Examination Manual that addresses compliance with and the examination of UDAAP.

Mortgage Reform: The CFPB has adopted final rules implementing minimum standards for the origination of residential mortgages, including standards regarding a customer’s ability to repay, restricting variable-rate lending by requiring that the ability to repay variable-rate loans be determined by using the maximum rate that will apply during the first five years of a variable-rate loan term, and making more loans subject to provisions for higher cost loans, new disclosures, and certain other revisions. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act allows borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure if they receive any loan other than a “qualified mortgage” as defined by the CFPB.

 

Deposit Insurance and Assessments: The $250,000 limit for federal deposit insurance for noninterest-bearing demand transaction accounts at all insured depository institutions was made permanent by the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act also changed the assessment base for federal deposit insurance from the amount of insured deposits to consolidated assets less tangible capital, eliminated the ceiling on the size of the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”), and increased the floor on the size of the DIF, which generally will require an increase in the level of assessments for institutions with assets in excess of $10 billion.

 

Demand Deposits: The Dodd-Frank Act repealed the federal prohibitions on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transactions and other accounts.

 

Interchange Fees: The Federal Reserve has issued final rules limiting the amount of any debit card interchange fee that an issuer may receive or charge with respect to electronic debit card transactions to be reasonable and proportional to the cost incurred by the issuer with respect to the transaction.

 

Volcker Rule: On December 10, 2013, the federal regulators adopted final regulations to implement the proprietary trading and private fund prohibitions of the Volcker Rule under the Dodd-Frank Act. Under the final regulations, which became effective on April 1, 2014, banking entities are generally prohibited, subject to significant exceptions from: (i) short-term proprietary trading as principal in securities and other financial instruments, and (ii) sponsoring or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in private equity and hedge funds. The Federal Reserve has granted an extension for compliance with the Volcker Rule until July 21, 2015.

 

Proposed Legislation and Regulatory Action

 

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

Effect of Governmental Monetary Polices

 

Our earnings are affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and its agencies. The Federal Reserve Bank’s monetary policies have had, and are likely to continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power to implement national monetary policy in order, among other things, to curb inflation or combat a recession. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve affect the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its control over the issuance of United States government securities, its regulation of the discount rate applicable to member banks and its influence over reserve requirements to which member banks are subject. We cannot predict the nature or impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in the Company’s common stock involves a high degree of risk. If any of the following risks or other risks which have not been identified or which we may believe are immaterial or unlikely, actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.

 

Investors should consider carefully the risks described below and the other information in this report before deciding to invest in the Company’s common stock.

 

Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, which may require us to take a charge to our earnings and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We maintain an allowance for estimated loan losses that we believe is adequate for absorbing any probable losses in our loan portfolio. Management determines the provision for loan losses based upon an analysis of general market conditions, credit quality of our loan portfolio, and performance of our customers relative to their financial obligations with us. We employ an outside vendor specializing in credit risk management to evaluate our loan portfolio for risk grading, which can result in changes in our allowance for estimated loan losses. The amount of future losses is susceptible to changes in economic, operating, and other conditions, including changes in interest rates that may be beyond our control and such losses may exceed the allowance for estimated loan losses. Although management believes that the allowance for estimated loan losses is adequate to absorb any probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, there can be no assurance that the allowance will prove sufficient to cover actual loan losses in the future. Significant increases to the provision for loan losses may be necessary if material adverse changes in general economic conditions occur or the performance of our loan portfolio deteriorates. Additionally, federal banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review the allowance for estimated loan losses. If these regulatory agencies require us to increase the allowance for estimated loan losses, it would have a negative effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We could suffer loan losses from a decline in credit quality.

 

We could sustain losses if borrowers, guarantors and related parties fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loans. We have adopted underwriting and credit monitoring procedures and policies, including the establishment and review of the allowance for credit losses that we believe are appropriate to minimize this risk by assessing the likelihood of nonperformance, tracking loan performance and diversifying our credit portfolio. These policies and procedures, however, may not prevent unexpected losses that could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

If the value of real estate in our core market were to decline materially, a significant portion of our loan portfolio could become under-collateralized, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

With most of our loans concentrated in metro Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama, a decline in local economic conditions could adversely affect the values of our real estate collateral. Consequently, a decline in local economic conditions may have a greater effect on our earnings and capital than on the earnings and capital of larger financial institutions whose real estate loan portfolios are geographically diverse.

 

In addition to considering the financial strength and cash flow characteristics of borrowers, we often secure loans with real estate collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. Moreover, if economic conditions were to decline, the Company may be required to further increase our loan loss provision, and may experience significantly higher delinquencies and credit losses. An increase in our loan loss provision or increased credit losses would reduce earnings and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition. Furthermore, to the extent that real estate collateral is obtained through foreclosure, the costs of holding and marketing the real estate collateral, as well as the ultimate values obtained from disposition, could reduce the Company’s earnings and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition.

 

The amount of “other real estate owned” (“OREO”) may increase significantly, resulting in additional losses, and costs and expenses that will negatively affect our operations.

 

At December 31, 2014, we had a total of $4,668,000 of OREO, reflecting a $2,736,000 decrease, or 37%, compared to 2013. This decrease in OREO is primarily due to sales and write-downs of OREO market valuations which exceeded additions to OREO in 2014. While we do not foresee it, the amount of OREO may increase in 2015. As the amount of OREO increases, our losses, and the costs and expenses to maintain the real estate likewise will increase. Any additional increase in losses, and maintenance costs and expenses due to OREO may have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Such effects may be particularly pronounced in a market of reduced real estate values and excess inventory, which may make the disposition of OREO properties more difficult, increase maintenance costs and expenses, and may reduce our ultimate realization from any OREO sales.

 

Future impairment losses could be required on various investment securities, which may materially reduce the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital levels.

 

The Company establishes fair value estimates of securities available-for-sale in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s estimates can change from reporting period to reporting period, and we cannot provide any assurance that the fair value estimates of our investment securities would be the realizable value in the event of a sale of the securities.

A number of factors could cause the Company to conclude in one or more future reporting periods that any difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of one or more of the securities that we own constitutes an other-than-temporary impairment. These factors include, but are not limited to, an increase in the severity of the unrealized loss on a particular security, an increase in the length of time unrealized losses continue without an improvement in value, a change in our intent or ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the forecasted recovery, or changes in market conditions or industry or issuer specific factors that would render us unable to forecast a full recovery in value, including adverse developments concerning the financial condition of the companies in which we have invested.

 

In addition, depending on various factors, including the fair values of other securities that we hold, we may be required to take additional other-than-temporary impairment charges on other investment securities. Any other-than-temporary impairment charges would negatively affect our regulatory capital levels, and may result in a change to our capitalization category, which could limit certain corporate practices and could compel us to take specific actions.

 

Additional growth or deterioration in the value of assets may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We anticipate that our current capital resources will satisfy our capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We may at some point, however, need to raise additional capital to support our continued growth.

 

Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations could be materially impaired.

 

Our access to additional short term funding to meet our liquidity needs is limited.

 

We must maintain, on a daily basis, sufficient funds to cover withdrawals from depositors’ accounts and to supply new borrowers with funds. We routinely monitor asset and liability maturities in an attempt to match maturities to meet liquidity needs. To meet our cash obligations, we rely on repayments as assets mature, keep cash on hand, maintain account balances with correspondent banks, purchase and sell federal funds, purchase brokered deposits and maintain a line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank. If we are unable to meet our liquidity needs through loan and other asset repayments and our cash on hand, we may need to borrow additional funds. Due to the limited availability of liquidity as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis, our access to additional borrowed funds may be limited and we may be required to pay above market rates for additional borrowed funds, which may adversely our results of operations.

 

Changes in monetary policies may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by credit policies of monetary authorities, particularly the Federal Reserve Board. Actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board, could have an adverse effect on our deposit levels, loan demand or business and earnings.

Our net interest income could be negatively affected by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate adjustments, as well as by competition in our market area.

 

As a financial institution, our earnings significantly depend on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income that we earn on interest-earning assets, such as investment securities and loans, and the interest expense that we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Therefore, any change in general market interest rates, including changes resulting from changes in the Federal Reserve’s fiscal and monetary policies, affects us more than non-financial institutions and can have a significant effect on our net interest income and total income. Our assets and liabilities may react differently to changes in overall market rates or conditions because there may be mismatches between the repricing or maturity characteristics of the assets and liabilities. As a result, an increase or decrease in market interest rates could have material adverse effects on our net interest margin and results of operations.

 

In response to the dramatic deterioration of the subprime, mortgage, credit, and liquidity markets and the resultant effect on the economy, the Federal Reserve has continued to reduce interest rates, which has reduced our net interest income and will likely continue to reduce this income for the foreseeable future. Any reduction in our net interest income will negatively affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, operating results, cash flows and, potentially, the price of our securities. Additionally, in 2015, we expect to have continued margin pressure given these historically low interest rates.

 

We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business, which limitations or restrictions could adversely affect our profitability.

 

As a bank holding company, we are primarily regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve Board”). As a Federal Reserve member bank, our subsidiary bank is primarily regulated by the Federal Reserve Board and the State of Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. Our compliance with Federal Reserve Board and Department of Banking and Finance regulations is costly and may limit our growth and restrict certain of our activities, including payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates charged, interest rates paid on deposits and locations of offices. We are also subject to capital requirements of our regulators.

 

The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time, and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies, our cost of compliance could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the related rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC that currently apply to us and the related exchange rules and regulations, have increased the scope, complexity and cost of corporate governance, reporting and disclosure practices. As a result, we may experience greater compliance costs.

 

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Act into law. The Dodd-Frank Act represented a significant overhaul of many aspects of the regulation of the financial-services industry. Major elements in the Dodd-Frank Act include the following:

·

The establishment of the Financial Stability Oversight Counsel, which is responsible for identifying and monitoring systemic risks posed by financial firms, activities, and practices.

·

Enhanced supervision of large bank holding companies (i.e., those with over $50 billion in total consolidated assets), with more stringent supervisory standards to be applied to them.

·

The creation of a special regime to allow for the orderly liquidation of systemically important financial companies, including the establishment of an orderly liquidation fund.

·

The development of regulations to address derivatives markets, including clearing and exchange trading requirements and a framework for regulating derivatives-market participants.

·

Enhanced supervision of credit-rating agencies through the Office of Credit Ratings within the SEC.

·

Increased regulation of asset-backed securities, including a requirement that issuers of asset-backed securities retain at least 5% of the risk of the asset-backed securities.

·

The establishment of the CFPB to serve as a dedicated consumer-protection regulatory body.

·

Amendments to the Truth in Lending Act aimed at improving consumer protections with respect to mortgage originations, including originator compensation, minimum repayment standards, and prepayment considerations.

 

The majority of the provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act are aimed at financial institutions that are significantly larger than the Company or the Bank. Nonetheless, there are provisions with which we must comply. Rules and regulations have been promulgated by the federal agencies responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act, and we must apply resources to ensure that we are in compliance with all applicable provisions, which may adversely impact our earnings.

 

The CFPB may reshape the consumer financial laws through rulemaking and enforcement of unfair, deceptive or abusive practices, which may directly impact the business operations of depository institutions offering consumer financial products or services including the Bank.

 

The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority to administer and carry out the purposes and objectives of the “Federal consumer financial laws, and to prevent evasions thereof,” with respect to all financial institutions that offer financial products and services to consumers. The CFPB is also authorized to prescribe rules applicable to any covered person or service provider identifying and prohibiting acts or practices that are “unfair, deceptive, or abusive” in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service (“UDAP authority”). The potential reach of the CFPB’s broad new rulemaking powers and UDAP authority on the operations of financial institutions offering consumer financial products or services including the Bank is currently unknown.

The Volcker Rule limits the permissible strategies for managing our investment portfolio.

 

Effective December 10, 2013, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, federal banking and securities regulators issued final rules to implement Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act (the “Volcker Rule”). Generally, subject to a transition period and certain exceptions, the Volcker Rule restricts insured depository institutions and their affiliated companies from: (i) short-term proprietary trading as principal in securities and other financial instruments, and (ii) sponsoring or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in private equity and hedge funds. After the transition period, the Volcker Rule prohibitions and restrictions will apply to banking entities, including the Company, unless an exception applies. Although the Volcker Rule currently has no effect on our investment portfolio, it could prohibit future investment strategies which could, in turn, negatively affect our earnings.

 

We may be required to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums or remit special assessments that could adversely affect our earnings.

 

Market developments in the recent economic downturn have significantly depleted the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) and reduced its ratio of reserves to insured deposits. The FDIC’s assessment rates are intended to result in a reserve ratio of at least 1.15%. As of December 31, 2008, the ratio had fallen well below this floor. The FDIC is required to return the DIF to its statutorily mandated minimum reserve ratio of 1.15 percent within eight years, and has undertaken several initiatives to satisfy this requirement.

 

On September 30, 2009, the FDIC collected a one-time special assessment of five basis points of an institution’s assets minus tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. The amount of the special assessment could not exceed ten basis points times the institution’s assessment base for the second quarter 2009. In addition, on November 12, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule that required nearly all FDIC-insured depository institutions to prepay their DIF assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for the next three years. There can be no guarantee that continued pressures on the DIF will not result in additional special assessments being collected by the FDIC in the future. If we are required to pay significantly higher premiums or additional special assessments in the future, our earnings could be adversely affected. A downgrade in our regulatory condition could also cause our assessment to materially increase. During 2014, the Company expensed $329,000 in FDIC premiums.

 

Another economic downturn, especially one affecting our market areas, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Our success depends upon the growth in population, income levels, deposits and housing starts in our primary market areas. If the communities in which we operate do not grow, or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally are unfavorable, our business may not succeed. Unpredictable economic conditions may have an adverse effect on the quality of our loan portfolio and our financial performance. Economic recession over a prolonged period or other economic problems in our market areas could have a material adverse impact on the quality of the loan portfolio and the demand for our products and services. Future adverse changes in the economies in our market areas may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Further, the banking industry in Georgia and Alabama is affected by general economic conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment and other factors beyond our control. As a community bank, we are less able to spread the risk of unfavorable local economic conditions than larger or more regional banks. Moreover, we cannot give any assurance that we will benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions in our primary market areas even if they do occur.

As a community bank, we have different lending risks than larger banks.

 

We provide services to our local communities. Our ability to diversify our economic risks is limited by our own local markets and economies. We lend primarily to small to medium-sized businesses, and, to a lesser extent, individuals which may expose us to greater lending risks than those of banks lending to larger, better-capitalized businesses with longer operating histories. We manage our credit exposure through careful monitoring of loan applicants and loan concentrations in particular industries, and through loan approval and review procedures. We have established an evaluation process designed to determine the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. While this evaluation process uses historical and other objective information, the classification of loans and the establishment of loan losses is an estimate based on experience, judgment and expectations regarding our borrowers, the economies in which we and our borrowers operate, as well as the judgment of our regulators. We cannot assure you that our loan loss reserves will be sufficient to absorb future loan losses or prevent a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

Competition from other financial institutions may adversely affect our profitability.

 

The banking business is highly competitive, and we experience strong competition from many other financial institutions. We compete with commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market funds and other financial institutions, which operate in our primary market areas and elsewhere.

 

We compete with these institutions both in attracting deposits and in making loans. In addition, we have to attract our customer base from other existing financial institutions and from new residents. Many of our competitors are well-established and much larger financial institutions. While we believe we can and do successfully compete with these other financial institutions in our markets, we may face a competitive disadvantage as a result of our smaller size and lack of geographic diversification.

 

Although we compete by concentrating our marketing efforts in our primary market area with local advertisements, personal contacts and greater flexibility in working with local customers, we can give no assurance that this strategy will be successful.

 

Our plans for future expansion depend, in some instances, on factors beyond our control, and an unsuccessful attempt to achieve growth could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

 

The investment necessary for branch expansion may negatively impact our efficiency ratio. We may also seek to acquire other financial institutions, or parts of those institutions, though we have no present plans in that regard. Expansion involves a number of risks, including:

 

·

the time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring experienced local management and opening new offices;

·

the time lags between these activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to support the costs of the expansion;

·

we may not be able to finance an acquisition without diluting the interests of our existing shareholders;

·

the diversion of our management’s attention to the negotiation of a transaction may detract from their business productivity;

·

we may enter into new markets where we lack experience; and

·

we may introduce new products and services with which we have no prior experience into our business.

 

The United States Department of the Treasury, as a holder of our preferred stock, has rights that are senior to those of our common stockholders.

 

We have supported our capital operations by issuing classes of preferred stock to the United States Department of the Treasury under the Troubled Assets Relief Program Community Development Capital Initiative. As of December 31, 2014, we had outstanding preferred stock issued to the Treasury totaling $11.8 million. The preferred stock has dividend rights that are senior to our common stock; therefore, we must pay dividends on the preferred stock before we can pay any dividends on our common stock. In the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution, or liquidation, the Treasury must be satisfied before we can make any distributions to our common stockholders. Our recent results may not be indicative of our future results, and may not provide guidance to assess the risk of an investment in our common stock.

 

Our agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury under the Troubled Assets Relief Program Community Development Capital Initiative (“TARP CDCI”) is subject to unilateral change by the Treasury, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Under the TARP CDCI, the Treasury may unilaterally amend the terms of its agreement with us in order to comply with any changes in federal law. We cannot predict the effects of any of these changes and of the associated amendments.

 

Our ability to pay dividends is limited and we may be unable to pay future dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock may be your sole opportunity for gains on your investment for the foreseeable future.

 

We make no assurances that we will pay any dividends in the future. Any future determination relating to dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including our future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, regulatory restrictions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, and if, declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. As part of our consideration of whether to pay cash dividends, we intend to retain adequate funds from future earnings to support the development and growth of our business. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is restricted by federal policies and regulations. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve Board that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of net income available over the past year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. Further, our principal source of funds to pay dividends is cash dividends that we receive from the bank.

In addition, because we have participated in the United States Department of the Treasury’s Troubled Assets Relief Program Community Development Capital Initiative (“TARP CDCI”), our ability to pay dividends on common stock is further limited. Specifically, we may not pay dividends on common stock unless all dividends have been paid on the securities issued to the Treasury under the TARP CDCI. The TARP CDCI also restricts our ability to increase the amount of dividends we may pay on common stock, which potentially could impact the market value of our common stock.

 

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”), the Dodd-Frank Reform Act or other governmental actions may not stabilize the financial services industry.

 

The EESA, which was signed into law on October 3, 2008, was intended to alleviate the financial crisis affecting the U.S. banking system. A number of programs were developed and implemented under EESA. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Reform Act has overhauled many aspects of the regulation of the financial industry. These laws, however, may not have the intended effect, and as a result, the condition of the financial services industry could decline instead of improve. The failure of the EESA and the Dodd-Frank Reform Act to permanently improve the condition of the U.S. banking system could significantly adversely affect our access to funding or capital, the trading price of our stock, and other elements of our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Our recent results may not be indicative of our future results, and may not provide guidance to assess the risk of an investment in our common stock.

 

We may not be able to sustain our historical rate of growth or may not even be able to grow our business at all. Various factors, such as economic conditions, regulatory and legislative considerations and competition, may impede or prohibit our ability to expand our market presence. If we experience a significant decrease in our historical rate of growth, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected due to a high percentage of our operating costs being fixed expenses.

 

Confidential customer information transmitted through the Bank’s online banking service is vulnerable to security breaches and computer viruses, which could expose the Bank to litigation and adversely affect its reputation and ability to generate deposits.

 

The Bank provides its customers with the ability to bank online. The secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet is a critical element of online banking. The Bank’s network could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes, and other security problems. The Bank may be required to spend significant capital and other resources to protect against the threat of security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by security breaches or viruses. To the extent that the Bank’s activities or the activities of its clients involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and viruses could expose the Bank to claims, litigation and other possible liabilities. Any inability to prevent security breaches or computer viruses could also cause existing clients to lose confidence in the Bank’s systems and could adversely affect its reputation and its ability to generate deposits.

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

There are no written comments from the Commission staff regarding our periodic reports or current reports under the Act which remain unresolved.

 

ITEM 2.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

 

The Bank’s main office building is located at 75 Piedmont Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia, which is leased. As of December 31, 2014, in addition to its main office, the Bank also operated nine other branch offices: the office located at 2727 Panola Road, Lithonia, Georgia, which is owned by the Bank; the office located at 965 M.L. King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, which is owned by the bank; the office located at 2840 East Point Street, East Point, Georgia, which is owned by the bank; the office located at Rockbridge Plaza, 5771 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia, which is owned by the Bank; the office located at 3705 Cascade Road, Atlanta, Georgia, which is owned by the bank; the office located at 3065 Stone Mountain Street, Lithonia, Georgia, which is owned by the Bank; the office located at 3172 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia, which is leased; the office located at 1700 Third Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama, which is owned by the Bank; and the office located at 213 Main Street, Eutaw, Alabama, which is owned by the Bank. In the opinion of management, all of these properties are adequately insured.

 

Other than normal commercial lending activities of the Bank, the Company generally does not invest in real estate, interests in real estate, or securities of or interests in entities primarily engaged in real estate activities.

 

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company and the Bank are involved in various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. However, there are no other material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or the Bank is a party or of which any of its properties are subject; nor are there material proceedings known to the Company or the Bank to be contemplated by any governmental authority; nor are there material proceedings known to us, pending or contemplated, in which any director, officer or affiliate or any principal security holder, or any associate of any of the foregoing, is a party or has an interest adverse to the Company or the Bank.

 

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable

PART II

 

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The Company’s common stock, $1.00 par value (“Common Stock”), is traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board, but there is limited trading. The following table sets forth high and low bid information for the Common Stock for each of the quarters in which trading has occurred since January 1, 2013. The prices set forth below reflect only information that has come to management’s attention and do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns, or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.

 

Quarter Ended:		High Bid				Low Bid
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
March 31, 2014		$	8.25			$	6.15
June 30, 2014		$	8.99			$	7.33
September 30, 2014		$	8.91			$	8.10
December 31, 2014		$	9.00			$	8.40
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013
March 31, 2013		$	6.30			$	3.81
June 30, 2013		$	6.30			$	5.25
September 30, 2013		$	6.60			$	5.21
December 31, 2013		$	6.49			$	5.40

 

As of March 27, 2015, there were approximately 1,185 holders of record of Common Stock. The Company also has outstanding 90,000 shares of Non-Voting Common Stock, all of which is held by one shareholder.

 

The Company paid an annual cash dividend of $0.08 per share in 2014 and 2013. The Company’s dividend policy in the future will depend on the Bank’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors considered relevant by the Board of Directors of the Company. See “Description of Business – Bank Regulation.”

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

This information is not required since the Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company.

 

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The Company

 

Citizens Bancshares Corporation (collectively with its subsidiary, the “Company”) is a holding company that provides a full range of commercial banking services to individual and corporate customers through its wholly owned subsidiary, Citizens Trust Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank operates under a state charter and serves its customers through its home office and six full-service branches in metropolitan Atlanta, one full-service branch in Columbus, Georgia, one full-service branch in Birmingham, Alabama, and one full-service branch in Eutaw, Alabama. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The following discussions of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes, appearing in other sections of this Annual Report.

Forward Looking Statements

 

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements. For this purpose, any statements contained herein, including documents incorporated by reference, that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Also, statements that do not describe historical or current facts, including statements about future levels of revenues, net interest margin, FDIC and other regulatory expense, and credit quality are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Without limiting the foregoing, these statements often include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “initiatives,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions or future conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risk and uncertainties because of the possibility of changes in underlying factors and assumptions.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Item 1A of Part I of this report and include risks discussed in this section of the Annual Report and in other periodic reports that we file with the SEC. Those factors include: Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, which may require us to take a charge to our earnings and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations; we could suffer loan losses from a decline in credit quality; if the value of real estate in our core market were to decline materially, a significant portion of our loan portfolio could become under-collateralized, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations; the amount of “other real estate owned” (“OREO”) may increase significantly, resulting in additional losses, and costs and expenses that will negatively affect our operations; future impairment losses could be required on various investment securities, which may materially reduce the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital levels; additional growth or deterioration in the value of assets may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations; our access to additional short term funding to meet our liquidity needs is limited; changes in monetary policies may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations; our net interest income could be negatively affected by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate adjustments, as well as by competition in our market area; we are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business, which limitations or restrictions could adversely affect our profitability; the CFPB may reshape the consumer financial laws through rulemaking and enforcement of unfair, deceptive or abusive practices, which may directly impact the business operations of depository institutions offering consumer financial products or services including the Bank; the Volcker Rule limits the permissible strategies for managing our investment portfolio; we may be required to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums or remit special assessments that could adversely affect our earnings; another economic downturn, especially one affecting our market areas, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; as a community bank, we have different lending risks than larger banks’ competition from other financial institutions may adversely affect our profitability; our plans for future expansion depend, in some instances, on factors beyond our control, and an unsuccessful attempt to achieve growth could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects; the United States Department of the Treasury, as a holder of our preferred stock, has rights that are senior to those of our common stockholders; our agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury under the Troubled Assets Relief Program Community Development Capital Initiative (“TARP CDCI”) is subject to unilateral change by the Treasury, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations; our ability to pay dividends is limited and we may be unable to pay future dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock may be your sole opportunity for gains on your investment for the foreseeable future; the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”), the Dodd-Frank Reform Act or other governmental actions may not stabilize the financial services industry; our recent results may not be indicative of our future results, and may not provide guidance to assess the risk of an investment in our common stock; confidential customer information transmitted through the Bank’s online banking service is vulnerable to security breaches and computer viruses, which could expose the Bank to litigation and adversely affect its reputation and ability to generate deposits.

 

These factors should be considered in evaluating the “forward-looking statements” and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to, nor does it intend to, update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in the entirety by these cautionary statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in detail in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements and are integral to understanding the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We have identified certain accounting policies as being critical because (1) they require our judgment about matters that are highly uncertain and (2) different estimates that could be reasonably applied would result in materially different assessments with respect to ascertaining the valuation of assets, liabilities, commitments, and contingencies. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset, valuing an asset or liability, or reducing a liability. Our accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and they conform to general practices within the financial services industry. We have established detailed policies and control procedures that are intended to ensure these critical accounting estimates are well controlled and applied consistently from period to period. In addition, the policies and procedures are intended to ensure that the process for changing methodologies occurs in an appropriate manner.

 

In response to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Release No. 33-8040, Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies, the Company has identified the following as the most critical accounting policies upon which its financial status depends. The critical policies were determined by considering accounting policies that involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments by the Company’s management. The Company’s most critical accounting policies are:

 

Investment Securities—The Company classifies investments in one of three categories based on management’s intent upon purchase: held to maturity securities which are reported at amortized cost, trading securities which are reported at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings, and available for sale securities which are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company had no investment securities classified as trading securities during 2014, 2013, or 2012.

 

Premiums and discounts on available for sale and held to maturity securities are amortized or accreted using a method which approximates a level yield. Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts is presented within investment securities interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized upon disposition, based on the adjusted cost of the specific security. A decline in market value of any security below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. The determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred involves significant assumptions, estimates, changes in economic conditions and judgment by management. There was no other-than-temporary impairment for securities recorded during 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses—Loans are reported at principal amounts outstanding less unearned income and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans is recognized on a level yield basis. Loan fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the loans using the level yield method. Premiums and discounts on loans purchased are amortized and accreted using the level yield method over the estimated remaining life of the loan purchased. The accretion and amortization of loan fees, origination costs, and premiums and discounts are presented as a component of loan interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Management considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, there is a potential that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan may not be collected. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the full and timely collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain or the loan becomes contractually in default for 90 days or more as to either principal or interest, unless the loan is well collateralized and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, current period accrued and uncollected interest is charged-off against interest income on loans unless management believes the accrued interest is recoverable through the liquidation of collateral. Interest income, if any, on impaired loans is recognized on the cash basis.

 

The Company considers its accounting policies related to the allowance for loan losses to be critical, as these policies involve considerable subjective judgment and estimation by management. The Company provides for estimated losses on loans receivable when any significant and permanent decline in value occurs. The level of the allowance for loan losses reflects the Company’s continuing evaluation of specific lending risks; loan loss experience; current loan portfolio quality; present economic, political, and regulatory conditions; and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Additionally, these estimates for loan losses are based on individual assets and their related cash flow forecasts, sales values, independent appraisals, the volatility of certain real estate markets, and concern for disposing of real estate in distressed markets. For loans that are pooled for purposes of determining necessary provisions, estimates are based on loan types, history of charge-offs, and other delinquency analyses. Therefore, the value used to determine the provision for losses is subject to the reasonableness of these estimates. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed on a monthly basis by management and the Board of Directors. This assessment is made in the context of historical losses as well as existing economic conditions, performance trends within specific portfolio segments, and individual concentrations of credit.

 

Loans are charged-off against the allowance when, in the opinion of management, such loans are deemed to be uncollectible and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance.

 

We believe that the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 is adequate to cover probable inherent losses in the loan portfolio. However, underlying assumptions may be impacted in future periods by changes in economic conditions, the impact of regulatory examinations, and the discovery of information with respect to borrowers which was not known to management at the time of the issuance of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, our assumptions may or may not prove valid. Thus, there can be no assurance that loan losses in future periods, including potential incremental losses resulting from the sale of the commercial loans held for sale, will not exceed the current allowance for loan losses amount or that future increases in the allowance for loan losses will not be required. Additionally, no assurance can be given that our ongoing evaluation of the loan portfolio, in light of changing economic conditions and other relevant factors, will not require significant future additions to the allowance for loan losses, thus adversely impacting the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

See Item 1A. Risk Factors contained herein for discussion regarding the material risks and uncertainties that we believe impact our allowance for loan losses.

 

Other Real Estate Owned—The value of other real estate owned represents another accounting estimate that depends heavily on current economic conditions. Other real estate owned is carried at fair value less estimated selling costs, establishing a new cost basis. Fair value of such real estate is reviewed regularly and write-downs are recorded when it is determined that the carrying value of the real estate exceeds the fair value less estimated costs to sell. Write-downs resulting from the periodic reevaluation of such properties, costs related to holding such properties, and gains and losses on the sale of other real estate owned are charged against income. Costs relating to the development and improvement of such properties are capitalized.

 

The fair value of properties in the other real estate owned portfolio is generally determined from appraisals obtained from independent appraisers. We review the appraisal assumptions for reasonableness and may make adjustments when necessary to reflect current market conditions. Such assumptions may not prove to be valid. Moreover, no assurance can be given that changing economic conditions and other relevant factors impacting our foreclosed real estate portfolio will not cause actual occurrences to differ from underlying assumptions thus adversely impacting our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

Income Taxes—Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities result in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such assets is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of a deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

 

A description of the Company’s other accounting policies are summarized in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Selected Financial Data

 

The following selected financial data for Citizens Bancshares Corporation and subsidiary should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes appearing in another section of this Annual Report.

 

		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(amounts in thousands, except per share data and financial ratios)
Statement of income data:
Net interest income		$	12,529			$	12,863			$	14,478
Provision for loan losses		$	75			$	425			$	2,400
Net income		$	1,808			$	1,349			$	769
Net income available to common shareholders		$	1,572			$	1,112			$	532
Per share data:
Net income per common share - basic		$	0.73			$	0.52			$	0.25
Book value per common share		$	17.49			$	16.06			$	17.60
Cash dividends paid per common share		$	0.08			$	0.08			$	0.08
Balance sheet data:
Loans, net of unearned income		$	191,038			$	185,276			$	190,998
Deposits		$	340,889			$	336,962			$	340,593
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		$	254			$	273			$	292
Total assets		$	395,639			$	387,733			$	395,605
Average stockholders’ equity		$	48,063			$	47,773			$	48,605
Average assets		$	404,274			$	398,063			$	396,231
Ratios:
Net income available to common shareholders to average assets			0.39	%			0.28	%			0.13	%
Net income available to common shareholders to average stockholders’ equity			3.27	%			2.33	%			1.09	%
Dividend payout ratio per common share			10.93	%			15.45	%			31.81	%
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets			11.89	%			12.00	%			12.27	%

 

In 2014, the Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $1,572,000, a 41 percent increase over net income available to common shareholders of $1,112,000 reported in 2013, which represented a 109 percent increase over 2012 net income available to common shareholders. The year over year increase in 2014 net income available to common shareholders is attributed primarily to the successful implementation of the Company’s asset disposition plan started in 2012 which reduced the amount of nonperforming assets on the Company’s books and its negative impact on earnings. The provision for loan losses declined by 82 percent or $350,000 in 2014 due to continued improvement in credit quality. Also, other real estate owned related expenses decreased 20 percent or $227,000.

The Company is a participant in the U.S. Department of the Treasury TARP CPP program and paid preferred dividends of $237,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.73 and $0.72 for the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.52 and $0.51 for 2013, respectively. For fiscal year 2012, both basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.25 per share.

 

The Company has maintained its strong capital position during the financial crisis that has affected the banking system and financial markets. The ratio of average stockholders’ equity to average assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. The Company’s average stockholders’ equity to average assets ratio for 2014, 2013, and 2012 was 11.89%, 12.00% and 12.27%, respectively. The Company’s net income available to common shareholders to average stockholders’ equity (return on equity), was 3.27%, 2.33% and 1.09% in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

The following statistical information is provided for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The data is presented using daily average balances. The data should be read in conjunction with the financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the financial information provided has been rounded in order to simplify its presentation. However, the ratios and percentages provided below are calculated using the detailed financial information contained in the Financial Statements, the Notes thereto and the other financial data included elsewhere in this Annual Report (amounts in thousands).

 

		Average Balances				2014 Interest Income/ Expense				Yield/ Rate				Average Balances				2013 Interest Income/ Expense				Yield/ Rate				Average Balances				2012 Interest Income/ Expense				Yield/ Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net (a)		$	181,856			$	9,864				5.42	%			178,652			$	10,487				5.87	%			191,862			$	12,082				6.30	%
Investment securities:
Taxable			104,714				2,213				2.11	%			104,531				1,912				1.83	%			92,291				1,875				2.03	%
Tax-exempt (b)			30,479				1,761				5.78	%			35,314				1,924				5.45	%			42,648				2,285				5.36	%
Interest bearing deposits			50,229				123				0.24	%			38,348				97				0.25	%			28,536				65				0.23	%
Total interest-earning assets			367,278			$	13,961				3.80	%			356,845			$	14,420				4.04	%			355,337			$	16,307				4.59	%
Other non-interest earning assets			36,996												41,218												40,894
Total Assets		$	404,274												398,063												396,231
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Interest bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Interest bearing demand and savings		$	128,107			$	168				0.13	%			124,003			$	271				0.22	%			125,372			$	246				0.20	%
Time			139,845				665				0.48	%			146,831				632				0.43	%			153,326				805				0.53	%
Other borrowings			263				—				0.00	%			419				1				0.24	%			549				1				0.18	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		$	268,215			$	833				0.31	%			271,253			$	904				0.33	%			279,247			$	1,052				0.38	%
Other non-interest bearing liabilities			87,996												79,037												68,379
Stockholders’ equity (c)			48,063												47,773												48,605
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	404,274												398,063												396,231
Excess of interest-earning assets over
Interest-bearing liabilities		$	99,063												85,592												76,090
Ratio of interest-earning assets to
Interest-bearing liabilities			136.93	%											131.55	%											127.25	%
Net interest income						$	13,128											$	13,516											$	15,255
Net interest spread											3.49	%											3.71	%											4.21	%
Net interest yield on interest earning assets											3.57	%											3.79	%											4.29	%

 

(a)	Average loans are shown net of unearned income and the allowance for loan losses. Nonperforming loans are also included.
(b)	Reflects taxable equivalent adjustments using a tax rate of 34% to adjust interest on tax-exempt investment securities to a fully taxable basis, including the impact of the disallowed interest expense related to carrying such tax-exempt securities.
(c)	Includes voting and non-voting common stock and preferred stock

Average Balance Sheets, Interest Rate, and Interest Differential (Continued)

 

The following table sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2014, a summary of the changes in interest earned and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and changes in rates (amounts in thousands):

 

		December 31,								Increase				Due to Change in (a)
		2014				2013				(decrease)				Volume				Rate
Interest earned on:
Loans, net		$	9,864			$	10,487			$	(623	)		$	181			$	(804	)
Taxable investment securities			2,213				1,912				301				4				297
Tax-exempt investment securities (b)			1,761				1,924				(163	)			(271	)			108
Interest bearing deposits			123				97				26				30				(4	)
Total interest income			13,961				14,420				(459	)			(56	)			(403	)
Interest paid on:
Savings & interest-bearing demand deposits			168				271				(103	)			5				(108	)
Time deposits			665				632				33				(34	)			67
Other borrowed funds			—				1				(1	)			—				(1	)
Total interest expense			833				904				(71	)			(29	)			(42	)
Net interest income		$	13,128			$	13,516			$	(388	)		$	(27	)		$	(361	)

 

(a)

The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated proportionately to the volume and rate components.

 

(b)

Reflects taxable equivalent adjustments using a tax rate of 34% to adjust interest on tax-exempt investment securities to a fully taxable basis, including the impact of the disallowed interest expense related to carrying such tax-exempt securities.

 

Average Balance Sheets, Interest Rate, and Interest Differential (Continued)

 

The following table sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2013, a summary of the changes in interest earned and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and changes in rates (amounts in thousands):

 

		December 31,								Increase				Due to Change in (a)
		2013				2012				(decrease)				Volume				Rate
Interest earned on:
Loans, net		$	10,487			$	12,082			$	(1,595	)		$	(804	)		$	(791	)
Taxable investment securities			1,912				1,875				37				261				(224	)
Tax-exempt investment securities (b)			1,924				2,285				(361	)			(396	)			35
Interest bearing deposits			97				65				32				24				8
Total interest income			14,420				16,307				(1,887	)			(915	)			(972	)
Interest paid on:
Savings & interest-bearing demand deposits			271				246				25				(3	)			28
Time deposits			632				805				(173	)			(31	)			(142	)
Other borrowed funds			1				1				—				—				—
Total interest expense			904				1,052				(148	)			(34	)			(114	)
Net interest income		$	13,516			$	15,255			$	(1,739	)		$	(881	)		$	(858	)

 

(a)

The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated proportionately to the volume and rate components.

 

(b)

Reflects taxable equivalent adjustments using a tax rate of 34% to adjust interest on tax-exempt investment securities to a fully taxable basis, including the impact of the disallowed interest expense related to carrying such tax-exempt securities.

 

Financial Condition

 

At December 31, 2014, the Company had total assets of $395,639,000 which represents an increase of $7,907,000 from last year. Total assets primarily consisted of $126,851,000 in investment securities and $188,739,000 in net loans representing 32 percent and 48 percent, respectively, of total assets at December 31, 2014. For the same period last year, investment securities and net loans represented 37 percent and 47 percent, respectively, of total assets.

 

Interest-bearing deposits with banks increased by $22,826,000 to $45,653,000 at December 31, 2014 compared to last year. Interest-bearing deposits with banks primarily represent funds maintained on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). These funds fluctuate daily and are used to manage the Company’s liquidity position. Investment securities available for sale decreased $14,434,000 to $126,611,000 during the year. The Company monitors its short-term liquidity position daily and closely manages its overnight cash positions in light of the current economic environment.

Loans typically provide higher interest yields than other types of interest-earning assets and, therefore, continue to be the largest component of the Company’s assets. Average loans, net for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $181,856,000 and $178,652,000, respectively. Loans, net outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $188,739,000 and $182,119,000, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by an increase of commercial loans during the year, coupled with a decline in the allowance for loan losses. As with our industry, we are experiencing the impact of a challenging lending environment and competitive pricing pressures. However, we continue to cultivate new lending opportunities and invest in the resources needed to augment our lending operations to pursue quality and profitable loan growth.

 

Cash value of life insurance, a comprehensive compensation program for directors, and certain senior managers of the Company, increased $134,000 or 1 percent to $10,082,000 at December 31, 2014. The increase is attributed to the earnings on the premiums paid over the life of the insurance contract.

 

At December 31, 2014, other real estate owned decreased by $2,736,000 to $4,668,000 compared to the year-end of 2013. The decrease is due to sales of $3,411,000 and write-downs of $526,000 which exceeded the $1,201,000 in additions of foreclosed properties during 2014.

 

The Company’s liabilities at December 31, 2014 totaled $346,073,000 and consisted primarily of $340,889,000 in deposits. Average deposits for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $351,489,000 and $ 344,732,000, respectively. Total deposits outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $340,889,000 and $336,962,000, respectively. FHLB advances at December 31, 2014 totaled $254,000 compared to $273,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

At December 31, 2014, stockholders’ equity was $49,567,000, representing an increase of $3,259,000 over year-end 2013 primarily due to an increase of $1,752,000 in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a result of the decreases in interest rates and their impact on the market value of the Company’s investments and the net income of $1,809,000 earned in 2014. As a result, book value per common share increased to $17.49 at December 31, 2014 compared to $16.06 at December 31, 2013.

 

The Company’s asset/liability management program, which monitors the Company’s interest rate sensitivity as well as volume and mix changes in earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, may impact the growth of the Company’s balance sheet as it seeks to maximize net interest income.

Investment Portfolio

 

The composition of the Company’s investment securities portfolio reflects the Company’s investment strategy of maximizing portfolio yields commensurate with risk and liquidity considerations. The primary objectives of the Company’s investment strategy are to maintain an appropriate level of liquidity and provide a tool to assist in controlling the Company’s interest rate sensitivity position, while at the same time producing adequate levels of interest income.

 

The carrying values of investment securities held to maturity and investment securities available for sale at the indicated dates are presented below:

 

		December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Available for Sale:		(amounts in thousands)
State, county, and municipal securities			29,693				34,802				39,864
Mortgage-backed securities			86,915				96,267				80,248
Corporate securities			10,003				9,976				9,754
Totals		$	126,611				141,045			$	129,866
		December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Held to Maturity:		(amounts in thousands)
State, county, and municipal securities		$	240				240			$	1,356
Totals		$	240				240			$	1,356

 

Investment securities comprised approximately 32 percent and 37 percent of the Company’s assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The investment portfolio had a fair market value of $126,854,000 and an amortized cost of $125,835,000, resulting in a net unrealized gain of $1,019,000 at December 31, 2014. For the same period in 2013, the investment portfolio had a fair market value of $141,286,000 and an amortized cost of $142,924,000, resulting in a net unrealized loss of $1,638,000.

 

Total investments classified as available for sale had a fair value of $126,611,000 ($125,595,000 amortized cost) at December 31, 2014, compared to a fair value of $141,045,000 ($142,684,000 amortized cost) at December 31, 2013. Investments classified as held to maturity at December 31, 2014 had an amortized cost of $240,000 (estimated fair value of $243,000) and an amortized cost and estimated fair value of $240,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

The following table shows the contractual maturities of all investment securities at December 31, 2014 and the weighted average yields (on a fully taxable basis assuming a 34 percent tax rate) of such securities. Mortgage-backed securities are classified by their contractual maturity; however, expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties:

		Maturing
		Within 1 Year								Between 1 and 5 Years								Between 5 and 10 Years								After 10 Years
		Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield
Mortgage-backed securities		$	—				—	%		$	—				—	%		$	7,000,283				2.62	%		$	79,914,421				1.99	%
State, county, and municipal securities			—				—	%			4,512,725				6.01	%			25,420,506				5.51	%			—				—	%
Corporate securities			2,007,740				1	%			7,995,136				1.99	%			—				—	%			—				—	%
Totals		$	2,007,740							$	12,507,861							$	32,420,789							$	79,914,421

 

Other investments consist of Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, which are restricted and have no readily determined market value. The Company is required to maintain an investment in the FHLB and FRB as part of its membership conditions. The level of investment is determined by the amount of outstanding advances at the FHLB, and at the FRB it is 6 percent of the par value of the bank’s common stock outstanding and paid-in-capital. These investments are carried at cost and decreased by $82,000 to $792,000 in 2014 compared to 2013.

 

Loans

 

The amounts of loans outstanding at the indicated dates are shown in the following table according to the type of loan (amounts in thousands):

 

		December 31,
		2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	33,308			$	20,292			$	23,510			$	22,706			$	6,348
Real estate - commerical			116,437				120,180				125,239				126,675				135,400
Real estate - residential			31,940				34,864				34,523				37,539				39,536
Real estate - construction			2,925				3,626				1,813				5,377				7,435
Installment			6,428				6,314				5,913				7,090				7,463
			191,038				185,276				190,998				199,387				196,182
Allowance for loan losses			2,299				3,157				3,509				3,956				4,188
		$	188,739			$	182,119			$	187,489			$	195,431			$	191,994

The Company does not have any concentrations of loans exceeding 10% of total loans of which management is aware and which are not otherwise disclosed as a category of loans in the table above or in other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. A substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate in metropolitan Atlanta and Birmingham. The largest component of loans in the Company’s loan portfolio is real estate mortgage loans.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, real estate mortgage loans, which consist of first and second mortgages on single or multi-family residential dwellings, loans secured by commercial and industrial real estate and other loans secured by multi-family properties, totaled $148.4 million and $155.0 million, respectively and represented 77.7 percent and 83.7 percent, respectively of gross loans outstanding.

The Company’s loans to area churches were approximately $41.9 million at December 31, 2014 and $40.9 million at 2013, respectively. Loans to local area convenience stores totaled approximately $7.3 million and $9.2 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company also has approximately $21.3 million and $25.7 million in loans to area hotels at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These loans are generally secured by real estate. The balance of churches, convenience stores, and hotel loans represents the accounting loss the Company could incur if any party to these loans failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contract and the collateral proved to be of no value.

 

The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2014, regarding the contractual maturities and interest rate sensitivity of certain categories of the Company’s loans (amounts in thousands):

 

		Due after
		One year				Between one				After
		or less				and five years				five years				Total
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	5,138			$	8,409			$	19,761			$	33,308
Real estate - commercial			38,439				70,462				7,536				116,437
Real estate - residential			7,159				5,364				19,417				31,940
Real estate - construction			2,806				119				—				2,925
Installment			3,116				3,063				249				6,428
		$	56,658			$	87,417			$	46,963			$	191,038
Loans due after one year:
Having predetermined interest rates														$	97,125
Having floating interest rates															37,255
Total														$	134,380

 

Actual repayments of loans may differ from the contractual maturities reflected above because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. Additionally, the refinancing of such loans or the potential delinquency of such loans could also cause differences between the contractual maturities reflected above and the actual repayments of such loans.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

The Company’s credit risk management system is defined by policies approved by the Board of Directors that govern the risk underwriting, portfolio monitoring, and problem loan administration processes. Adherence to underwriting standards is managed through a multi-layered credit approval process and after-the-fact review by credit risk management of loans approved by lenders. Through continuous review by the credit risk manager, reviews of exception reports, and ongoing analysis of asset quality trends, compliance with underwriting and loan monitoring policies is closely supervised. The administration of problem loans is driven by policies that require written plans for resolution and periodic meetings with credit risk management to review progress. Credit risk management activities are monitored by the Loan Committee of the Board, which meets monthly to review credit quality trends, new large credits, loans to insiders, large problem credits, credit policy changes, and reports on independent credit reviews.

Nonperforming assets include nonperforming loans and real estate acquired through foreclosure. Nonperforming loans consist of loans which are past due with respect to principal or interest more than 90 days (“past-due loans”) or have been placed on nonaccrual of interest status (“nonaccrual loans”). Generally, past-due loans and nonaccrual loans which are delinquent more than 90 days will be charged off against the Company’s allowance for possible loan losses unless management determines that the loan has sufficient collateral to allow for the recovery of unpaid principal and interest or reasonable prospects for the resumption of principal and interest payments.

 

Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal or when loans become contractually in default for 90 days or more as to either interest or principal. The accrual of interest on some loans, however, may continue even though they are 90 days past due if the loan is well secured, in the process of collection and management deems it appropriate. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged-off against interest income on loans unless management believes that the accrued interest is recoverable through the liquidation of collateral.

 

The U.S. economy continues to show signs of improvement which has had a positive impact on the Company’s nonperforming assets as nonperforming balances declined in all categories for the second consecutive year. At December 31, 2014, total nonperforming assets decreased by $5,661,000, or 39 percent to $8,863,000 compared to December 31, 2013, which declined by $4,466,000 or 24 percent compared to December 31, 2012. Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2014 were $4,195,000, a decrease of $2,925,000, or 41 percent, and OREO declined by $2,736,000, or 37 percent, from December 31, 2013.

 

OREO properties are actively marketed with the primary objective of liquidating the collateral at a level which most accurately approximates fair value and allows recovery of as much of the unpaid principal balance as possible upon the sale of the property in a reasonable period of time. Loan charge-offs were recorded prior to or upon foreclosure to write down the collateral to fair value less estimated costs to sell. In 2014, the Company has charged-off $1,358,000 of nonperforming loans and written down foreclosed assets by $526,000 to their estimated fair value based on third party appraisal. In 2013, the Company charged-off $1,485,000 of nonperforming loans and wrote down foreclosed assets by $616,000.

 

At December 31, 2014, there was one loan greater than 90 past due and still accruing interest. There were no loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2013. In addition there were 41 and 45 loans restructured or otherwise impaired totaling $8,722,000 and $10,659,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2014, 14 restructured loans totaling $2,883,000 and at December 31, 2013, 26 restructured loans totaling $4,482,000 are included in nonaccrual loans in the table below.

 

The Company is working aggressively to resolve and reduce nonperforming assets including restructuring loans, requesting additional collateral, demanding payment from guarantors, sale of the loans if possible, or foreclosure and sale of the collateral.

The table below presents a summary of the Company’s nonperforming assets:

		December 31,
		2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
		(in thousands, except financial ratios)
Nonperforming assets:
Nonperforming loans:
Restructured nonperforming loans (TDRs)		$	2,883				4,482			$	3,941			$	4,044			$	2,757
Other nonaccrual loans			1,277				2,638				6,854				8,908				10,483
Past-due loans of 90 days or more			35				—				—				—				—
Nonperforming loans			4,195				7,120				10,795				12,952				13,240
Real estate acquired through foreclosure			4,668				7,404				8,195				10,076				9,110
Total nonperforming assets		$	8,863				14,524			$	18,990			$	23,028			$	22,350
Ratios:
Nonperforming loans to loans, net of unearned income			2.20	%			3.84	%			5.65	%			6.50	%			6.75	%
Nonperforming assets to loans, net of unearned income and real estate acquired through foreclosure			4.53	%			7.54	%			9.53	%			10.99	%			10.89	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets			2.24	%			3.75	%			4.80	%			5.80	%			5.76	%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans			54.80	%			44.34	%			32.51	%			30.54	%			31.63	%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming assets			25.94	%			21.74	%			18.48	%			17.18	%			18.74	%

 

TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS

 

Loans to be restructured are identified based on an assessment of the borrower’s credit status, which involves, but is not limited to, a review of financial statements, payment delinquency, non-accrual status, and risk rating. Determining the borrower’s credit status is a continual process that is performed by the Company’s staff with periodic participation from an independent external loan review group.

 

Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) generally occur when a borrower is experiencing, or is expected to experience, financial difficulties in the near-term and it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company seeks to assist these borrowers by working with them to prevent further difficulties, and ultimately to improve the likelihood of recovery on the loan while ensuring compliance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) guidelines. To facilitate this process, a formal concessionary modification that would not otherwise be considered may be granted resulting in classification of the loan as a TDR. All modifications are considered troubled debt restructurings.

 

The modification may include a change in the interest rate or the payment amount or a combination of both. Substantially all modifications completed under a formal restructuring agreement are considered TDRs. Modifications can involve loans remaining on nonaccrual, moving to nonaccrual, or continuing on accruing status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. These restructurings rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or interest.

With respect to commercial TDRs, an analysis of the credit evaluation, in conjunction with an evaluation of the borrower’s performance prior to the restructuring, are considered when evaluating the borrower’s ability to meet the restructured terms of the loan agreement. Nonperforming commercial TDRs may be returned to accrual status based on a current, well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects for repayment under the modified terms. This evaluation must include consideration of the borrower’s sustained historical repayment performance for a reasonable period (generally a minimum of six months) prior to the date on which the loan is returned to accrual status.

 

In connection with consumer loan TDRs, a nonperforming loan will be returned to accruing status when current as to principal and interest and upon a sustained historical repayment performance (generally a minimum of six months). At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 all restructurings were classified as TDRs.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s TDRs and loans modifications (in thousands):

 

		December 31,
		2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans:
Restructured loans still accruing		$	5,839			$	6,177			$	6,258			$	5,051			$	7,042
Restructured loans nonaccruing			2,883				4,482				3,941				4,044				2,757
Total restructured and modified loans		$	8,722			$	10,659			$	10,199			$	9,095			$	9,799

  

Troubled debt restructured loans that have performed in accordance with the restructured terms of the agreement for one year and for which an interest rate concession was not granted are removed from the TDR classification.

 

Potential Problem Loans

 

Potential problem loans include loans or industries about which management has become aware of information regarding possible credit issues for borrowers within that industry that could potentially cause doubt about their ability to comply with current repayment terms. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had identified $11.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively, of potential problem loans through its internal review procedures.  The results of this internal review process are considered in determining management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. These estimates for losses are based on individual assets and their cash flow forecasts, sales values, independent appraisals, the volatility of certain real estate markets, and concern for disposing of real estate in distressed markets. For loans that are pooled for purposes of determining the necessary provisions, estimates are based on loan types, history of charge-offs, and other delinquency analyses as prescribed under the accounting guidance.

Therefore, the value used to determine the provision for losses is subject to the reasonableness of these estimates and management’s judgment. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed on a monthly basis by management and the Board of Directors. On a semi-annual basis an independent review of the adequacy of allowance for loan losses is performed. This assessment is made in the context of historical losses as well as existing economic conditions and individual concentrations of credit.

 

Reviews of nonperforming loans, designed to identify potential charges to the reserve for possible loan losses, as well as to determine the adequacy of the reserve, are made on a continuous basis during the year. These reviews are conducted by the responsible lending officers, credit risk manager, a separate independent review process, and the internal audit division. They consider such factors as trends in portfolio volume, quality, maturity, and composition; industry concentrations; lending policies; new products; adequacy of collateral; historical loss experience; the status and amount of non-performing and past-due loans; specific known risks; and current, as well as anticipated specific and general economic factors that may affect certain borrowers. The conclusions are reviewed and approved by senior management. When a loan, or a portion thereof, is considered by management to be uncollectible, it is charged against the reserve after receiving approval by the Board of Directors. Any recoveries on loans previously charged off are added to the reserve.

 

The provision for loan losses is the periodic cost of increasing the allowance or reserve for the estimated losses on loans in the portfolio. A charge against operating earnings is necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level as determined by management. The provision is determined based on growth of the loan portfolio, the amount of net loans charged-off, and management’s estimation of potential future loan losses based on an evaluation of loan portfolio risks, adequacy of underlying collateral, and economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

Loans are charged against the allowance when, in the opinion of management, such loans are deemed uncollectible and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance. In 2014, based on the Company’s evaluation, a provision for loan losses of $75,000 was charged against operating earnings compared to $425,000 for the same period last year. The decrease in the provision for loan losses in 2014 relates to the continued overall improvement of the loan portfolio as evidenced by the decrease in nonperforming assets and nonperforming loans noted above. Foreclosures also decreased during the year totaling $1,201,000 for 2014 compared to $3,902,000 at for 2013.

 

The Company’s allowance for loan losses was approximately $2,299,000 or 1.20 percent of loans receivable, net of unearned income at December 31, 2014, and $3,157,000 or 1.70 percent of loans receivable, net of unearned income at December 31, 2013. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 is adequate to provide for potential loan losses given past experience and the underlying strength of the loan portfolio.

The following table summarizes loans, changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from loans charged off, recoveries on loans previously charged off by loan category, and additions to the allowance which have been charged to operating expense:

 

		December 31,
		2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
		(Amounts in thousands, except financial ratios)
Loans, net of unearned income		$	191,038				185,276			$	190,998			$	199,387			$	196,182
Average loans, net of unearned income, discounts and the allowance for loan losses		$	181,856				178,652			$	191,862			$	192,080			$	200,370
Allowance for loan losses at the beginning of period		$	3,157				3,509			$	3,956			$	4,188			$	4,094
Loans charged-off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			9				22				21				262				100
Real estate - loans			1,167				1,294				2,899				3,824				1,918
Installment loans to individuals			182				169				149				216				504
Total loans charged-off			1,358				1,485				3,069				4,302				2,522
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural			52				41				33				29				4
Real estate - loans			314				607				114				60				29
Installment loans to individuals			59				60				75				98				118
Total loans recovered			425				708				222				187				151
Net loans charged-off			933				777				2,847				4,115				2,371
Additions to allowance for loan losses charged to operating expense			75				425				2,400				3,883				2,465
Allowance for loan losses at period end		$	2,299				3,157			$	3,509			$	3,956			$	4,188
Ratio of net loans charged-off to average loans, net of unearned income and the allowance for loan losses			0.51	%			0.43	%			1.48	%			2.14	%			1.18	%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans, net of unearned income			1.20	%			1.70	%			1.84	%			1.98	%			2.13	%

The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses. The allocation is based on an evaluation of defined loan problems, historical ratios of loan losses, and other factors that may affect future loan losses in the categories of loans shown (amount in thousands):

		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012								December 31, 2011								December 31, 2010
		Amount				Percent of Total Loans				Amount				Percent of Total Loans				Amount				Percent of Total Loans				Amount				Percent of Total Loans				Amount				Percent of Total Loans
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	415				17	%		$	384				11	%		$	433				12	%		$	394				11	%		$	365				3	%
Commercial Real Estate			1,366				61	%			1,721				65	%			1,853				66	%			2,206				64	%			2,616				69	%
Single-family Residential			254				17	%			731				19	%			803				18	%			696				19	%			376				20	%
Construction and Development			72				2	%			126				2	%			177				1	%			449				3	%			290				4	%
Consumer			192				3	%			195				3	%			243				3	%			211				3	%			541				4	%
Total allowance for loan losses		$	2,299				100	%		$	3,157				100	%		$	3,509				100	%		$	3,956				100	%		$	4,188				100	%

 

Deposits

 

Deposits are the Company’s primary source of funding loan growth. Total deposits at December 31, 2014 increased by $3,926,000 or 1 percent, to $340,889,000. The bank has a stable core deposit base with a high percentage of non-interest bearing deposits. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased $9,639,000 or 13 percent, to $83,537,000 in 2014 compared to the $73,898,000 reported in 2013. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased by $2,882,000 to $267,952,000 in 2014 compared to 2013. As a result of the high level of core deposits, the bank maintained a net interest margin of 3.57 percent on a tax equivalent basis compared to 3.79 percent reported last year.

 

In addition, the Company participates in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (“CDARS”), a program that allows its customers the ability to benefit from full FDIC insurance on CD deposits greater than $250,000. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $24,789,000 and $22,375,000 in CDARS deposits. Participation in this program has enhanced the Company’s ability to retain customers with CD deposits higher than the FDIC $250,000 insurance coverage.

 

The maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more are presented below in thousands as of December 31, 2014:

 

3 months or less		$	32,151
Over 3 months through 6 months			15,787
Over 6 months through 12 months			29,079
Over 12 months			31,092
Total		$	108,109

 

For additional information about the Company’s deposit maturities and composition, see Note 5, Deposits, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other Borrowed Funds

 

While the Company continues to emphasize funding earning asset growth through deposits, it relies on other borrowings as a supplemental funding source and to manage its interest rate sensitivity. During 2014, the Company’s average borrowed funds decreased by $156,000 to $263,000 from $419,000 in 2013. The average interest rate on other borrowings was zero percent in 2014 and 0.24 percent in 2013. Other borrowings consist of Federal Reserve Bank discount window borrowings, short-term borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) advances. The Bank had an average outstanding advance from the FHLB of $263,000 in 2014 and $364,000 in 2013. The maximum balance outstanding as of any month-end was $272,000 in 2014 and $10,282,000 in 2013. These advances are collateralized by FHLB stock, a blanket lien on the Bank’s 1-4 and multi-family mortgages and certain commercial real estate loans and investment securities.

 

For additional information regarding the Company’s other borrowings, see Note 6, Other Borrowings, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Disclosure about Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

The following tables identify the Company’s aggregated information about contractual obligations and loan commitments at December 31, 2014.

 

		Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations		Less than 1 year				1 - 3 years				3 - 5 years				After 5 years				Total
FHLB advances		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	254,084			$	254,084
Federal funds purchased			—				—				—				—				—
Operating leases			551,831				519,777				162,540				—				1,234,148
		$	551,831			$	519,777			$	162,540			$	254,084			$	1,488,232
		Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
Other Commitments		Less than 1 year				1 - 3 years				3 - 5 years				After 5 years				Total
Commitments to extend credit		$	23,456,927			$	1,553,883			$	885,858			$	936,354			$	26,833,022
Commercial letters of credit			2,027,271				—				—				—				2,027,271
		$	25,484,198			$	1,553,883			$	885,858			$	936,354			$	28,860,293

 

Liquidity Management

 

Liquidity is the ability of the Company to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves maintaining the Company’s ability to meet the day-to-day cash flow requirements of its customers, whether they are depositors wishing to withdraw funds or borrowers requiring funds to meet their credit needs.

Without proper liquidity management, the Company would not be able to perform the primary function of a financial intermediary and would, therefore, not be able to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Additionally, the Company requires cash for various operating needs including: dividends to shareholders; business combinations; capital injections to its subsidiary; the servicing of debt; and the payment of general corporate expenses.

 

Liquidity is managed at two levels. The first is the liquidity of the parent company, which is the holding company that owns Citizens Trust Bank, the banking subsidiary. The second is the liquidity of the banking subsidiary. The management of liquidity at both levels is essential because the parent company and banking subsidiary each have different funding needs and sources, and each are subject to certain regulatory guidelines and requirements. Through the Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”), the CFO is responsible for planning and executing the funding activities and strategy.

 

The Company has access to various capital markets and on March 6, 2009, the Company issued 7,462 shares of a Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) under the TARP Program for an investment of $7,462,000. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company exchanged the outstanding 7,462 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for 7,462 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Company also issued 4,379 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to the Treasury for an investment of $4,379,000. However, the primary source of liquidity for the Company is dividends from its bank subsidiary. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance regulates the dividend payments and must approve dividend payments that exceed 50 percent of the Bank’s prior year net income. The payment of dividends may also be affected or limited by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines. The Company does not anticipate any liquidity requirements in the near future that it will not be able to meet.

 

Asset and liability management functions not only serve to assure adequate liquidity in order to meet the needs of the Company’s bank subsidiary customers, but also to maintain an appropriate balance between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities so that the Company can earn a return that meets the investment requirements of its shareholders. Daily monitoring of the sources and uses of funds is necessary to maintain an acceptable cash position that meets both requirements.

 

The asset portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity primarily through loan principal repayments, maturities of investment securities and, to a lesser extent, sales of investment securities available for sale. Other short-term investments such as federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and maturing interest bearing deposits with other banks, are additional sources of liquidity funding.

 

The liability portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity through various customers’ interest bearing and noninterest bearing deposit accounts. Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings are additional sources of liquidity and, basically, represent the Company’s incremental borrowing capacity. At December 31, 2014, the Company has an $80.2 million line of credit facility at the FHLB of which $20.3 million was outstanding consisting of an advance of $254,000 and a letter of credit to secure public deposits in the amount of $20 million. The Company also had $21.8 million of borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank discount window. These sources of liquidity are short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund asset growth and meet short-term liquidity needs. 

Capital Resources

 

Stockholders’ equity increased by $3,259,000 or 7 percent during 2014, primarily due to an increase of $1,752,000 in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes and the net income of $1,809,000 earned in 2014. This increase in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes is attributed to the markets’ treasury interest rates and swings in credit spreads, and their impact on the Company’s available for sale securities portfolio. Retained earnings increased by $1,400,000 due to a net income of $1,809,000 offset by a $237,000 preferred dividend paid to the Treasury and a $172,000 dividend paid to common stockholders. Net income increased by $460,000 to $1,809,000 compared to $1,349,000 in prior year.

 

The annual dividend payout rate was $0.08 per common share in 2014 and 2013. The dividend payout ratio was 11 percent and 15 percent for 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company intends to continue a dividend payout ratio that is competitive in the banking industry while maintaining an adequate level of retained earnings to support continued growth. Because of our CDCI investment, we must receive the approval of Treasury before increasing our dividend above $0.08 per common share.

 

A strong capital position, which is vital to the continued profitability of the Company, also promotes depositor and investor confidence and provides a solid foundation for the future growth of the organization. The Company has satisfied its capital requirements principally through the retention of earnings. The ratio of average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total average assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. The Company continues to maintain a strong capital position as its ratio of average stockholders’ equity to average assets was 11.89 percent for 2014 and 12.00 percent in 2013.

 

In addition to the capital ratios mentioned above, banking industry regulators have defined minimum regulatory capital ratios that the Company and the Bank are required to maintain. These risk-based capital guidelines take into consideration risk factors, as defined by the regulators, associated with various categories of assets, both on and off of the balance sheet. The minimum guideline for the ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is 8 percent. Total capital consists of two components, Tier 1 Capital and Tier 2 Capital. Tier 1 Capital generally consists of common shareholders’ equity, minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiary, qualifying noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of qualifying cumulative perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets. Tier 1 Capital must equal at least 4 percent of risk-weighted assets. Tier 2 Capital generally consists of subordinated debt, other preferred stock and hybrid capital and a limited amount of loan loss reserves. The total amount of Tier 2 Capital is limited to 100 percent of Tier 1 Capital. Also, the Federal Reserve has established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines provide for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 Capital to average assets, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets, of 3 percent for bank holding companies that meet specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating and implementing the Federal Reserve’s risk-based capital measure for market risk. All other bank holding companies, including the Company, generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4 percent.

At December 31, 2014, the Company’s ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets was 19 percent, our ratio of Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets was 19 percent, and our leverage ratio was 11 percent. The Company met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject and is considered to be “well capitalized” under regulatory standards.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on earning assets, primarily loans and investment securities, and interest expense paid on interest-bearing deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. This measure represents the largest component of income for us. The net interest margin measures how effectively we manage the difference between the interest income earned on earning assets and the interest expense paid for funds to support those assets. Fluctuations in interest rates as well as volume and mix changes in earnings assets and interest-bearing liabilities can materially impact net interest income.

 

Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, accounted for 75 percent of total revenues on a fully tax-equivalent basis in 2014 and 2013. Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, accounted for 72 percent of total revenues on a fully tax-equivalent basis in 2012. The level of such income is influenced primarily by changes in volume and mix of earning assets, sources of noninterest income and sources of funding, market rates of interest, and income tax rates. The Company’s Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) is responsible for managing changes in net interest income and net worth resulting from changes in interest rates based on acceptable limits established by the Board of Directors. The ALCO reviews economic conditions, interest rate forecasts, demand for loans, the availability of deposits, current operating results, liquidity, capital, and interest rate exposures. Based on such reviews, the ALCO formulates strategies that are intended to implement objectives set forth in the asset/liability management policy to ensure it is properly positioned to react to changing interest rates and inflationary trends.

The following table represents the Company’s net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis to facilitate performance comparisons among various taxable and tax-exempt assets. Interest income on tax-exempt investment securities was adjusted to reflect the income on a tax-equivalent basis (considering the effect of the disallowed interest expense related to carrying these tax-exempt investment securities) using a nominal tax rate of 34 percent for 2014, 2013, 2012 (amount in thousands).

 

		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Interest Income		$	13,362			$	13,766			$	15,530
Tax-equivalent adjustment			599				654				777
Interest income, tax-equivalent basis			13,961				14,420				16,307
Interest expense			(833	)			(903	)			(1,052	)
Net interest income, tax equivalent basis			13,128				13,517				15,255
Provision for loan losses			(75	)			(425	)			(2,400	)
Noninterest income			4,441				4,481				5,949
Noninterest expense			(14,952	)			(15,721	)			(18,159	)
Income before income taxes			2,542				1,852				645
Income tax (expense) benefit			(134	)			151				901
Tax-equivalent adjustment			(599	)			(654	)			(777	)
Income tax benefit (expense), tax-equivalant basis			(733	)			(503	)			124
Net income		$	1,809			$	1,349			$	769

 

Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis decreased $389,000 in 2014 compared to a decrease of $1,738,000 in 2013. The relationship between the declining yields earned on interest earning assets in a low interest rate environment and the more gradual decline in interest expenses has caused, and may continue to cause, net interest margin compression. Net interest margin compression may also be impacted by continued deterioration of assets resulting in further interest income adjustments. As a result, the Company’s net interest yield on a tax-equivalent basis in 2014 declined by 22 basis points to 3.57 percent from the 3.79 percent reported in 2013. The net interest yield on a tax-equivalent basis was 4.29 percent in 2012.

 

Total interest income on a tax equivalent basis decreased by $459,000 or 3 percent, in 2014 and $1,887,000, or 12 percent, in 2013. Overall, interest income continues to be negatively impacted by the continued low interest rate environment as yields on interest earning assets decreased to 3.80 percent in 2014 from 4.04 percent in 2013. Yields on interest earning assets were 4.59 percent in 2012.

 

Total interest expense on a tax equivalent basis decreased by $70,000, or 8 percent, in 2014 and $149,000 or 14 percent in 2013 due to the repricing of interest-bearing liabilities in a lower rate environment. In 2012, total interest expense on a tax equivalent basis decreased by $475,000 or 31 percent.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income consists of revenues generated from a broad range of financial services and activities, including deposit and service fees, gains and losses realized from the sale of securities and assets, as well as various other components that comprise other noninterest income. Noninterest income decreased by $41,000, or 1 percent, to $4,440,000 in 2014 compared to $4,481,000 in 2013. The decrease is mainly due to several factors, a decline in gains realized on the sale of securities of $244,000 and a decline in service charges on deposits accounts of $326,000; offset by an increase in other non-interest income of $224,000 and the Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) in the amount of $355,000 the Company received in 2014. The Company did not receive the Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) in 2013.

Service charges on deposit accounts, the major component of noninterest income, decreased by $326,000 or 10 percent in 2014 and $62,000 or 2 percent in 2013. The decreases in service charges on deposit accounts are primarily due to a reduction in overdraft fees. In 2014, net overdraft fees totaled $1,622,000, a decrease of $255,000 compared to the same period last year. The decrease in overdraft fees on a year over year basis reflects the change in customer behavior from their increased awareness of overdraft fees and the opt-in requirement to participate in overdraft protection program required Regulation E. In 2013, net overdraft fees totaled $1,877,000, a decrease of $186,000 compared to 2012. Overdrafts fees, due to their nature, fluctuate monthly based on the short-term loan needs of the customers.

 

In 2014, the Company had no realized gains or loss on the sale of securities. The Company had realized gains on the sale of securities of $244,000 and $681,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively. As part of its asset/liability and tax strategies, the Company will reposition its investment portfolio to manage its duration, its sensitivity to changing interest rates, deferred taxes and to improve liquidity.

 

In 2014, the Company received $355,000 from the BEA Program for its increased lending, investment, and service activities within economically distressed communities. The Company did not receive the BEA funding in 2013 and received $415,000 in 2012.

 

Other operating income increased by $224,000, or 44 percent compared to 2013. This increase is primarily due to a nonrecurring income item as the Company received $203,000 in life insurance proceeds. In 2013, other operating income decreased by $546,000 or 51 percent, due to the nonrecurring income items in 2012 as the Company received $290,000 in life insurance proceeds and recovered $181,000 in legal expenses related to a settlement of a defaulted loan.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

Provision for loan losses declined by $350,000 or 82.4% to $75,000 in 2014 compared to 2013. The decline is primarily due to continued improvement in the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio as the overall economic conditions continues to improve which has had a positive impact on our core loan customers’ ability to meet their credit obligations.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $2,299,000 and $3,157,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 54.80% and 44.34% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The provision for loan losses and the resulting allowance for loan losses are based on changes in the size and character of the Company’s loan portfolio, changes in nonperforming and past due loans, the existing risk of individual loans, concentrations of loans to specific borrowers or industries, and economic conditions. At December 31, 2014 the Company considered its allowance for loan losses to be adequate.

Noninterest Expense

 

Noninterest expense decreased by $769,000, or 5 percent, in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to a decrease in OREO related expenses of $227,000, FDIC insurance premiums $204,000 and professional fees of $254,000. In 2013, noninterest expense decreased by $2,438,000, or 13 percent, compared to 2012 primarily due to a decrease in OREO related expenses of $2,289,000. Also, in 2013, salaries and employee benefits, and occupancy and equipment expenses decreased by $185,000 and $47,000, respectively.

 

Salaries and employee benefits expense were flat decreasing by $37,000, or less than 1 percent, in 2014. In 2013, salaries and employee benefits expense decreased by $185,000, or 3 percent, due to lower full-time employees (“FTE”) during the year.

 

Occupancy and equipment expense includes depreciation expense and repairs and maintenance costs relating to the Company’s premises and equipment. Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased by $47,000, or 2 percent, to $2,081,000 in 2014 compared to 2013, and also decreased by $47,000 in 2013 to $2,127,000 compared to 2012.

 

Other real estate related expenses decreased $227,000, or 20 percent, to $894,000 compared to 2014. In 2013, other real estate related expenses decreased $2,289,000, or 67 percent, to $1,121,000 compared to 2012. In 2012, the Company implemented a strategy to accelerate the disposition of its OREO and other problem assets. The higher OREO related expenses of $3,410,000 in 2012 were directly related to this strategy. Write-downs of OREO were $526,000, $616,000, and $2,467,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company realized a loss of $89,000 on the sale of foreclosed properties in 2014 compared to losses of $56,000 in 2013, and $637,000 in 2012.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded a tax expense of $134,000 and a tax benefit of $151,000 and $901,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The effective tax rate as a percentage of pretax income in 2014 was 7 percent. The effective tax rate as a percentage of pretax income in 2013 was a benefit of 13 percent and as a percentage of pretax loss was a benefit of 681 percent in 2012. The statutory federal rate was 34 percent during 2014, 2013 and 2012. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2014 was primarily due to tax-exempt interest income from investment securities and life insurance policies. For further information concerning the provision for income taxes, refer to Note 7, Income Taxes, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

This information is not required since the Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company.

 

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The following financial statements, notes thereon, and report of independent registered public accountant firm are included herein beginning on page F-1:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

There have been no changes or disagreements with the Company’s accountants in the last two fiscal years.

 

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”). Disclosure Controls, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this annual report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

 

Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiary, that is required to be included in its periodic filings with the Securities Exchange Commission, is timely made known to them.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, transactions are executed in accordance with appropriate management authorization, and accounting records are reliable for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. Management based this assessment on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

Based on this assessment, management believes that Citizens Bancshares Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company, as a smaller reporting company, to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

None

PART III

 

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The responses to this Item are included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the headings “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock,” “Information About the Board and its Committees” and “Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to its senior management, including its principal executive, financial and accounting officers. A copy may also be obtained, without charge, upon written request addressed to Citizens Bancshares Corporation, 75 Piedmont Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303, Attention: Corporate Secretary. The request may also be delivered by fax to the Corporate Secretary at (404) 575-8311.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Company’s board of directors.

 

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The responses to this Item are included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the heading “Executive Compensation” and “Election of Directors” and are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The responses to this item are included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the heading “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock” and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our equity compensation plans under which shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance. All data is presented as of December 31, 2014.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Table
	(a)	(b)	(c)
Plan category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights	Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights	Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	49,277 shares	$10.47	266,309 shares
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	None	$ —	None
Total	49,277 shares	$10.47	266,309 shares

 

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The responses to this Item are included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the heading “Certain Transactions” and “Director Independence” and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Information relating to the fees paid to the Company’s independent accountants is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the heading “Accounting Matters” and are incorporated herein by reference.

Citizens Bancshares Corporation and Subsidiary

 

Consolidated Financial Statements as of
December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for Each of the
Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2014

citizens bancshares corporation and subsidiarY

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM		F-2
CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013		F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012		F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012		F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012		F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012		F-7-F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-9-F-45

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors

Citizens Bancshares Corporation

Atlanta, Georgia

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Citizens Bancshares Corporation and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Citizens Bancshares Corporation and subsidiary as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles.

  

/s/ Elliott Davis Decosimo, LLC

 

Columbia, South Carolina

March 31, 2015 

CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013

 

ASSETS		2014				2013
Cash and due from banks, including reserve requirements of $320,000 and $286,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		$	2,757,515			$	6,339,676
Interest-bearing deposits with banks			45,652,555				22,826,995
Certificates of deposit			350,000				350,000
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $125,594,822 and $142,683,895 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)			126,610,811				141,045,282
Investment securities held to maturity, at cost (estimated fair value of $243,118 and  $240,420 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)			240,000				240,000
Other investments			792,150				873,850
Loans receivable—net			188,739,072				182,118,539
Premises and equipment—net			6,395,433				6,589,164
Cash surrender value of life insurance			10,082,081				9,948,016
Other real estate owned			4,668,152				7,404,437
Other assets			9,351,480				9,996,714
		$	395,639,249			$	387,732,673
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Noninterest-bearing deposits		$	83,817,581			$	71,141,732
Interest-bearing deposits			257,071,169				265,820,556
Total deposits			340,888,750				336,962,288
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			4,929,870				4,189,514
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank			254,084				273,079
Total liabilities			346,072,704				341,424,881
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock - No par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
Series B, 7,462 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013			7,462,000				7,462,000
Series C, 4,379 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013			4,379,000				4,379,000
Common stock - $1 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
2,303,228 and 2,292,728 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively			2,303,228				2,292,728
Nonvoting common stock - $1 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized;
90,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013			90,000				90,000
Nonvested restricted common stock			(106,850	)			(16,229	)
Additional paid-in capital			8,119,451				7,932,710
Retained earnings			28,530,676				27,130,582
Treasury stock, at cost, 235,938 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013			(1,881,551	)			(1,881,551	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes			670,591				(1,081,448	)
Total stockholders’ equity			49,566,545				46,307,792
		$	395,639,249			$	387,732,673

 

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

CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

       

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME    

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013, AND 2012  

 

		2014				2013				2012
Interest income:
Loans, including fees		$	9,864,368			$	10,487,067			$	12,081,649
Investment securities:
Taxable			2,173,588				1,874,286				1,836,547
Tax-exempt			1,161,907				1,270,082				1,507,882
Dividends			39,582				37,771				38,481
Interest-bearing deposits			122,998				96,753				65,113
Total interest income			13,362,443				13,765,959				15,529,672
Interest expense:
Deposits			833,359				902,663				1,050,460
Other borrowings			30				604				1,070
Total interest expense			833,389				903,267				1,051,530
Net interest income			12,529,054				12,862,692				14,478,142
Provision for loan losses			75,000				425,000				2,400,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses			12,454,054				12,437,692				12,078,142
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposits			2,830,989				3,157,140				3,219,457
Gains on sales of securities			—				243,882				681,327
Bank owned life insurance			304,082				328,634				342,395
ATM surcharges			211,845				237,045				230,584
Grant income			355,000				—				415,000
Other operating income			738,495				514,418				1,060,098
Total noninterest income			4,440,411				4,481,119				5,948,861
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits			6,467,504				6,504,634				6,689,215
Occupancy and equipment			2,080,517				2,127,026				2,174,356
Other real estate owned, net			893,948				1,120,540				3,409,890
Other operating expenses			5,510,175				5,968,644				5,885,789
Total noninterest expense			14,952,144				15,720,844				18,159,250
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)			1,942,321				1,197,967				(132,247	)
Income tax expense (benefit)			133,663				(150,806	)			(901,070	)
Net income			1,808,658				1,348,773				768,823
Preferred dividends			236,820				236,820				236,820
Net income available to common stockholders		$	1,571,838			$	1,111,953			$	532,003
Net income per common share—basic		$	0.73			$	0.52			$	0.25
Net income per common share—diluted		$	0.72			$	0.51			$	0.25
Weighted average outstanding shares:
Basic			2,166,818				2,152,780				2,157,732
Diluted			2,186,393				2,165,610				2,165,396

 

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

CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012

 

		2014				2013				2012
Net Income		$	1,808,658			$	1,348,773			$	768,823
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investment securities available for sale, net of tax of $902,563 for 2014, $(1,874,103) for 2013 and $279,575 for 2012			1,752,039				(3,637,965	)			542,705
Reclassification adjustment for holding gains included in net income, net of tax of $0 for 2014, $82,920 for 2013, and $231,651 for 2012			—				(160,962	)			(449,676	)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			1,752,039				(3,798,927	)			93,029
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)		$	3,560,697			$	(2,450,154	)		$	861,852

 

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

CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY                                        

                                                   

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                    

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013, AND 2012                                        

																																														Accumulated
																										Non-Vested				Additional																Other
																		Nonvoting								Restricted				Paid-in				Retained												Comprehensive
		Preferred Stock								Common Stock								Common Stock								Stock				Capital				Earnings				Treasury Stock								Income (Loss)				Total
		Shares				Amount				Shares				Amount				Shares				Amount																Shares				Amount
Balance—December 31, 2011			11,841			$	11,841,000				2,237,357			$	2,237,357				90,000			$	90,000			$	(85,788	)		$	7,808,860			$	25,827,612				(219,072	)		$	(1,810,313	)		$	2,624,450			$	48,533,178
Net income			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				768,823				—				—				—				768,823
Other comprehensive income			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				93,029				93,029
Nonvested restricted stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				28,988				110,074				—				—				—				—				139,062
Purchase of treasury stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(1453	)			(9815	)			—				(9,815	)
Issuance of common stock			—				—				13,007				13,007				—				—				—				22,883				—				—				—				—				35,890
Dividends paid on preferred stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(236,820	)			—				—				—				(236,820	)
Dividends paid on common stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(169,242	)			—				—				—				(169,242	)
Balance—December 31, 2012			11,841				11,841,000				2,250,364				2,250,364				90,000				90,000				(56,800	)			7,941,817				26,190,373				(220,525	)			(1,820,128	)			2,717,479			$	49,154,105
Net income			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				1,348,773				—				—				—				1,348,773
Other comprehensive loss			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(3,798,927	)			(3,798,927	)
Nonvested restricted stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				40,571				(147,400	)			—				—				—				—				(106,829	)
Purchase of treasury stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(15,413	)			(61,423	)			—				(61,423	)
Issuance of common stock			—				—				42,364				42,364				—				—				—				138,293				—				—				—				—				180,657
Dividends paid on preferred stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(236,820	)			—				—				—				(236,820	)
Dividends paid on common stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(171,744	)			—				—				—				(171,744	)
Balance—December 31, 2013			11,841			$	11,841,000				2,292,728			$	2,292,728				90,000			$	90,000			($	16,229	)		$	7,932,710			$	27,130,582				(235,938	)		$	(1,881,551	)		($	1,081,448	)		$	46,307,792
Net income			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				1,808,658				—				—				—				1,808,658
Other comprehensive income			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				1,752,039				1,752,039
Nonvested restricted stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				(90,621	)			82,457				—				—				—				—				(8,164	)
Issuance of common stock			—				—				10,500				10,500				—				—				—				104,284				—				—				—				—				114,784
Dividends paid on preferred stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(236,820	)			—				—				—				(236,820	)
Dividends paid on common stock			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(171,744	)			—				—				—				(171,744	)
Balance—December 31, 2014			11,841			$	11,841,000				2,303,228			$	2,303,228				90,000			$	90,000			($	106,850	)		$	8,119,451			$	28,530,676				(235,938	)		$	(1,881,551	)		$	670,591			$	49,566,545

 

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

CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY  

       

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS      

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012    

		2014				2013				2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income		$	1,808,658			$	1,348,773			$	768,823
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses			75,000				425,000				2,400,000
Depreciation			547,150				615,694				660,440
Amortization and accretion—net			974,875				1,342,645				1,438,549
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes			(143,267	)			1,433,220				(830,384	)
Gains on sales of securities			—				(243,882	)			(681,327	)
Loss on sale of other real estate owned			89,116				56,143				636,690
Restricted stock based compensation plan			(8,164	)			(106,829	)			139,062
Decrease (increase) in carrying value of other real estate owned			526,128				615,839				2,467,252
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance			185,960				—				—
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
Change in other assets			(906,007	)			493,770				1,874,192
Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities			740,356				(1,375,971	)			279,591
Net cash provided by operating activities			3,889,805				4,604,402				9,152,888
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in certificates of deposit			—				(250,000	)			—
Proceeds from the sales, maturities and paydowns of securities available for sale			21,483,938				30,233,702				39,953,870
Proceeds from the maturities and paydowns of securities held to maturity			—				1,119,150				1,941,274
Purchases of securities available for sale			(4,856,383	)			(47,766,287	)			(45,717,236	)
Net change in other investments			81,700				121,600				316,400
Net change in loans			(7,937,597	)			1,085,325				874,155
Purchases of premises and equipment			(353,419	)			(248,719	)			(388,416	)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned			3,321,668				4,020,124				3,437,498
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			11,739,907				(11,685,105	)			417,545

Continued

CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY  

       

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012

		2014				2013				2012
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in deposits		$	3,926,462			$	(3,631,155	)		$	(2,437,380	)
Net decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank advances			(18,995	)			(18,618	)			(18,250	)
Common stock dividend paid			(171,744	)			(171,744	)			(169,242	)
Preferred stock dividend paid			(236,820	)			(236,820	)			(236,820	)
Net purchase of treasury stock			—				(61,423	)			(9,815	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			114,784				180,657				35,890
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			3,613,687				(3,939,103	)			(2,835,617	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			19,243,399				(11,019,806	)			6,734,816
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Beginning of year			29,166,671				40,186,477				33,451,661
End of year		$	48,410,070			$	29,166,671			$	40,186,477
Supplemental disclosures of cash paid during the year for:
Interest		$	874,690			$	939,420			$	1,130,336
Income taxes			—				26,000				27,615
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing activities:
Real estate acquired through foreclosure			1,200,627				3,901,588				4,660,558
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities available for sale—net of tax			1,752,039				(3,798,927	)			93,029

 

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

citizens bancshares corporation and subsidiarY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013 AND FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS
IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

1.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business—Citizens Bancshares Corporation and subsidiary (the “Company”) is a holding company that provides a full range of commercial banking to individual and corporate customers in its primary market areas, metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, and Birmingham and Eutaw, Alabama through its wholly owned subsidiary, Citizens Trust Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank operates under a state charter and serves its customers through seven full-service branches in metropolitan Atlanta, one full-service branch in Columbus, Georgia, one full-service branch in Birmingham, Alabama, and one full-service branch in Eutaw, Alabama. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Basis of Presentation—The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates common to the banking industry that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of allowances associated with the recognition of deferred tax assets and the value of foreclosed real estate and intangible assets.

Troubled Asset Relief Program—On August 13, 2010, as part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Community Development Capital Initiative, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement, and an Exchange Agreement–Standard Terms (“Exchange Agreement”), with the Treasury, pursuant to which the Company agreed to exchange 7,462 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A Preferred Shares”), issued on March 6, 2009, pursuant to the Company’s participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, for 7,462 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (“Series B Preferred Shares”), both of which have a liquidation preference of $1,000 (the “Exchange Transaction”). No new monetary consideration was exchanged in connection with the Exchange Transaction. The Exchange Transaction closed on August 13, 2010 (the “Closing Date”).

On September 17, 2010, the Company issued 4,379 shares of its Series C Preferred Shares to the Treasury as part of its TARP Community Development Capital Initiative for a total of 11,841 shares of Series B and C Preferred Shares issued to the Treasury. The issuance of the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares was a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The Series B and Series C Preferred Shares qualify as Tier 1 capital and will pay cumulative dividends at a rate of 2% per annum for the first eight years after the Closing Date and 9% per annum thereafter. The Company may, subject to consultation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, redeem the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares at any time for its aggregate liquidation amount plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold. The Federal Reserve Bank (the “FRB”) requires the Company to maintain a required cash reserve balance on deposit with the FRB, based on the Company’s daily average balance with the FRB. This reserve requirement represents 3% of the Company’s daily average demand deposit balance between $13.3 million and $89.0 million and 10% of the Company’s daily average demand deposit balance above $89.0 million. The required reserve was satisfied by the Company’s vault cash.

Interest-bearing Deposits with Banks—Substantially all of the Company’s interest-bearing deposits with banks represent funds maintained on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (the ‘FRB”) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB). These funds fluctuate daily and are used to manage the Company’s liquidity and borrowing position. Funds can be withdrawn daily from this account and accordingly, the carrying amount of this account is at cost which is deemed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Other Investments—Other investments consist of Federal Home Loan Bank stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock which are restricted and have no readily determinable market value. These investments are carried at cost.

Investment Securities—The Company classifies investments in one of three categories based on management’s intent upon purchase: held to maturity securities which are reported at amortized cost, trading securities which are reported at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings, and available for sale securities which are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company had no investment securities classified as trading securities during 2014, 2013, or 2012.

Premiums and discounts on available for sale and held to maturity securities are amortized or accreted using a method which approximates a level yield. Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are presented within investment securities interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized upon disposition, based on the adjusted cost of the specific security. A decline in market value of any security below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. The determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred involves significant assumptions, estimates, changes in economic conditions and judgment by management. There was no other-than-temporary impairment for securities recorded during 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses—Loans are reported at principal amounts outstanding plus direct origination costs, net of loan fees and any direct charge-offs. Interest income is recognized over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the loans using the level yield method. Premiums and discounts on loans purchased are amortized and accreted using the level yield method over the estimated remaining life of the loan purchased. The accretion and amortization of loan fees, origination costs, and premiums and discounts are presented as a component of loan interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Management considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, there is a potential that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan may not be collected. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the full and timely collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain or the loan becomes contractually in default for 90 days or more as to either principal or interest, unless the loan is well collateralized and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, current period accrued and uncollected interest is charged-off against interest income on loans unless management believes the accrued interest is recoverable through the liquidation of collateral. Loans are returned to accrual status when payment has been made according to the terms and conditions of the loan for a continuous six month period.

The Company provides for estimated losses on loans receivable when any significant and permanent decline in value occurs. These estimates for losses are based on individual assets and their related cash flow forecasts, sales values, independent appraisals, the volatility of certain real estate markets, and concern for disposing of real estate in distressed markets. For loans that are pooled for purposes of determining necessary provisions, estimates are based on loan types, history of charge-offs, and other delinquency analyses. Therefore, the value used to determine the provision for losses is subject to the reasonableness of these estimates. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed on a monthly basis by management and the Board of Directors. This assessment is made in the context of historical losses as well as existing economic conditions, performance trends within specific portfolio segments, and individual concentrations of credit.

Loans are charged-off against the allowance when, in the opinion of management, such loans are deemed to be uncollectible and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance.

Troubled Debt Restructurings—Loans to be restructured are identified based on an assessment of the borrower’s credit status, which involves, but is not limited to, a review of financial statements, payment delinquency, non-accrual status, and risk rating. Determining the borrower’s credit status is a continual process that is performed by the Company’s staff with periodic participation from an independent external loan review group.

 

Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) generally occur when a borrower is experiencing, or is expected to experience, financial difficulties in the near-term and it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company seeks to assist these borrowers by working with them to prevent further difficulties, and ultimately to improve the likelihood of recovery on the loan while ensuring compliance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) guidelines. To facilitate this process, a formal concessionary modification that would not otherwise be considered may be granted resulting in classification of the loan as a TDR.

 

The modification may include a change in the interest rate or the payment amount or a combination of both. Substantially all modifications completed under a formal restructuring agreement are considered TDRs. Modifications can involve loans remaining on nonaccrual, moving to nonaccrual, or continuing on accruing status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. These restructurings rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or interest. Nonperforming commercial TDRs may be returned to accrual status based on a current, well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects for repayment under the modified terms. This evaluation must include consideration of the borrower’s sustained historical repayment performance for a reasonable period (generally a minimum of six months) prior to the date on which the loan is returned to accrual status.

 

With respect to commercial TDRs, an analysis of the credit evaluation, in conjunction with an evaluation of the borrower’s performance prior to the restructuring, are considered when evaluating the borrower’s ability to meet the restructured terms of the loan agreement. Nonperforming commercial TDRs may be returned to accrual status based on a current, well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects for repayment under the modified terms. This evaluation must include consideration of the borrower’s sustained historical repayment performance for a reasonable period (generally a minimum of six months) prior to the date on which the loan is returned to accrual status.

In connection with consumer loan TDRs, a nonperforming loan will be returned to accruing status when current as to principal and interest and upon a sustained historical repayment performance (generally a minimum of six months).

Premises and Equipment—Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation which is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings for the period. The costs of maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the useful life of the respective assets, are charged to earnings as incurred, whereas significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. The range of estimated useful lives for premises and equipment is as follows:

 

 

Buildings and improvements	5-40 years
Furniture and equipment	3-10 years

 

Other Real Estate Owned—Other real estate owned is reported at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated disposal costs, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources. Any excess of the loan balance at the time of foreclosure over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent declines in value are charged to earnings. Transactions in other real estate owned for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized below:

		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
Balance—beginning of year		$	7,404,437			$	8,194,955
Additions			1,200,627				3,901,588
Sales			(3,410,784	)			(4,076,267	)
Write downs			(526,128	)			(615,839	)
Balance—end of year		$	4,668,152			$	7,404,437

Intangible Assets—Finite lived intangible assets of the Company represent deposit assumption premiums recorded upon the purchase of certain assets and liabilities from other financial institutions. Deposit assumption premiums are amortized over seven years, the estimated average lives of the deposits acquired, using the straight-line method and are included within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis and on an interim basis if certain events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

The following table presents information about our intangible assets:

		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization
Unamortized intangible asset:
Goodwill		$	362,139			$	—			$	362,139			$	—
Amortized intangible asset:
Core deposit intangibles		$	3,303,427			$	2,713,529			$	3,303,427			$	2,241,611

 

The following table presents information about aggregate amortization expense for each of the three succeeding fiscal years as follows: 

		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Aggregate amortization expense of core deposit intangibles		$	471,918			$	471,918			$	471,918
Estimated aggregate amortization expense of core deposit intangibles for the year ending December 31:
2015		$	471,918
2016		$	117,980
2017 and thereafter		$	—

Income Taxes—Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities result in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such assets is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of a deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders—Basic net income per common share (“EPS”) is computed based on net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed based on net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common and potential common shares. The only potential common share equivalents are those related to stock options and nonvested restricted stock grants. Common share equivalents which are anti-dilutive are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.

Stock Based Compensation—The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock, using daily price observations over the expected term of the stock options. The expected term represents the period of time that stock options granted are expected to be outstanding and is derived from historical data which is used to evaluate patterns such as stock option exercise and employee termination. The expected dividend yield is based on recent dividend history. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant based on the expected life of the option.

 

There were no options granted in 2014, 2013, and 2012.

 

In 2012, 12,500 nonvested restricted shares of common stock were issued to certain officers and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a grant price of $4.05. A total of 4,000 restricted shares were issued to the CEO which vest 50% on December 31, 2012 and 50% on December 31, 2014, subject to TARP guidelines. The remaining 8,500 shares of restricted stock will vest 100% (Cliff vesting) on December 31, 2014. In addition, on February 22, 2012 a special 5,000 nonvested restricted share issuance was made to the interim, and now permanent, Chief Executive Officer at a grant price of $4.20 which vested 100% on the grant date. Also on February 22, 2012, 5,000 nonvested restricted shares were issued to the former CEO at a grant price of $4.20. These restricted common stock grants vested 100% on the death of the former CEO, subject to TARP guidelines.

In 2013, 13,500 nonvested restricted shares of common stock were issued to certain officers and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a grant price of $6.30. The 2013 restricted common stock will vest 100% (Cliff vesting) on January 1, 2016.

In 2014, 11,885 nonvested restricted shares of common stock were issued to certain officers and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a grant price of $8.85. These restricted common stock shares will vest 100% (Cliff vesting) on January 1, 2017. In addition, 11,450 nonvested shares of common stock were issued to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a grant price of $8.04 as a bonus. These restricted common stock shares will vest 100% (Cliff vesting) on March 23, 2016 and transferability is subject to TARP regulations pertaining to repayment of TARP funding in 25 percent increments.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In January 2014, the FASB amended Receivables topic of the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments are intended to resolve diversity in practice with respect to when a creditor should reclassify a collateralized consumer mortgage loan to other real estate owned (OREO). In addition, the amendments require a creditor reclassify a collateralized consumer mortgage loan to OREO upon obtaining legal title to the real estate collateral, or the borrower voluntarily conveying all interest in the real estate property to the lender to satisfy the loan through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. The amendments will be effective for the Company for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early implementation of the guidance permitted. In implementing this guidance, assets that are reclassified from real estate to loans are measured at the carrying value of the real estate at the date of adoption. Assets reclassified from loans to real estate are measured at the lower of the net amount of the loan receivable or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell at the date of adoption. The Company will apply the amendment prospectively. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will apply the guidance using a full retrospective approach. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance that is intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. In connection with preparing financial statements, management will need to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the organization’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The amendments will be effective for the Company for annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance that eliminated the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. Existing U.S. GAAP required that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The amendments will eliminate the requirements for reporting entities to consider whether an underlying event or transaction is extraordinary, however, the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained and will be expanded to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

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

 

Reclassifications—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income or retained earnings as previously reported.

2.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

Investment securities available for sale are summarized as follows:

 

						Gross				Gross
		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Fair
		Cost				Gains				Losses				Value
At December 31, 2014:
State, county, and municipal securities		$	28,179,407			$	1,513,824			$	—			$	29,693,231
Mortgage-backed securities			87,548,174				436,580				1,070,052			$	86,914,702
Corporate securities			9,867,241				135,637				—				10,002,878
Totals		$	125,594,822			$	2,086,041			$	1,070,052			$	126,610,811
At December 31, 2013:
State, county, and municipal securities		$	33,734,814			$	1,096,801			$	29,827			$	34,801,788
Mortgage-backed securities			99,142,665				347,751				3,223,142				96,267,274
Corporate securities			9,806,416				179,876				10,072				9,976,220
Totals		$	142,683,895			$	1,624,428			$	3,263,041			$	141,045,282

 

Investment securities held to maturity are summarized as follows:

						Gross				Gross
		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Fair
		Cost				Gains				Losses				Value
At December 31, 2014:
State, county, and municipal securities		$	240,000			$	3,118			$	—			$	243,118
At December 31, 2013:
State, county, and municipal securities		$	240,000			$	420			$	—			$	240,420

The amortized costs and fair values of investment securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Mortgage-backed securities are classified by their contractual maturity, however, expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with and without call or prepayment penalties.

 

		Held to Maturity								Available for Sale
		Amortized				Fair				Amortized				Fair
		Cost				Value				Cost				Value
Due in one year or less		$	—			$	—			$	2,000,000			$	2,007,740
Due after one year through five years			240,000				243,118				11,977,826				12,267,861
Due after five years through ten years			—				—				30,985,459				32,420,789
Due after ten years			—				—				80,631,537				79,914,421
		$	240,000			$	243,118			$	125,594,822			$	126,610,811

 

There were no securities sold in 2014. Proceeds from the sale of securities were $2,268,000 and $7,967,000 in 2013, and 2012, respectively. Gross realized gains on sales of securities were $243,882 and $681,327 in 2013, and 2012, respectively. There were no gross realized losses on sales of securities in 2013 and 2012.

Investment securities with carrying values of approximately $99,299,000 and $102,728,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were pledged to secure public funds on deposit and for other purposes as required by law, FHLB advances and a $21.8 million line of credit at the Federal Reserve Bank discount window.

The following tables show investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Except as explicitly identified below, all unrealized losses on investment securities are considered by management to be temporarily impaired given the credit ratings on these investment securities and the short duration of the unrealized loss.

At December 31, 2014:
Securities Available for Sale
		Securities in a loss position for								Securities in a loss position for
		less than twelve months								twelve months or more								Total
						Unrealized								Unrealized								Unrealized
		Fair value				losses				Fair value				losses				Fair value				losses
Municipal securities		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Mortgage-backed securities			15,383,833				(151,511	)			40,642,844				(918,541	)			56,026,677				(1,070,052	)
Corporate securities			—				—				—				—				—				—
Total		$	15,383,833			$	(151,511	)		$	40,642,844			$	(918,541	)		$	56,026,677			$	(1,070,052	)

 

There were no held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 or 2013. 

At December 31, 2013:
Securities Available for Sale
		Securities in a loss position for								Securities in a loss position for
		less than twelve months								twelve months or more								Total
						Unrealized								Unrealized								Unrealized
		Fair value				losses				Fair value				losses				Fair value				losses
Municipal securities		$	2,774,777			$	(29,827	)		$	—			$	—			$	2,774,777			$	(29,827	)
Mortgage-backed securities			68,419,947				(2,907,234	)			5,135,792				(315,908	)			73,555,739				(3,223,142	)
Corporate securities			1,989,928				(10,072	)			—				—				1,989,928				(10,072	)
Total		$	73,184,652			$	(2,947,133	)		$	5,135,792			$	(315,908	)		$	78,320,444			$	(3,263,041	)

 

Securities classified as available for sale are recorded at fair market value and held to maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had twenty-one and three investment securities, respectively, that were in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. The Company reviews these securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis by monitoring their credit support and coverage, constant payment of the contractual principal and interest, loan to value and delinquencies ratios.

We use prices from third party pricing services and, to a lesser extent, indicative (non-binding) quotes from third party brokers, to measure fair value of our investment securities. Fair values of the investment securities portfolio could decline in the future if the underlying performance of the collateral for collateralized mortgage obligations or other securities deteriorates and the levels do not provide sufficient protection for contractual principal and interest. As a result, there is risk that an other-than-temporary impairment may occur in the future particularly in light of the current economic environment.

The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell those securities before recovery of its amortized cost. The Company believes, based on industry analyst reports and credit ratings, that it will continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal balance, and the deterioration in value is attributable to changes in market interest rates and is not in the credit quality of the issuer and therefore, these losses are not considered other-than-temporary.

The Company’s investment portfolio consists principally of obligations of the United States, its agencies or its corporations and general obligation and revenue municipal securities. In the opinion of management, there is no concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio. The Company places its deposits and correspondent accounts with and sells its federal funds to high quality institutions. Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts is not significant.

 

3.

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Loans outstanding, by classification, are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):

		December 31,
		2014				2013
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		$	33,308			$	20,292
Commercial Real Estate			116,437				120,180
Single-Family Residential			31,940				34,864
Construction and Development			2,925				3,626
Consumer			6,428				6,314
			191,038				185,276
Allowance for loan losses			2,299				3,157
Loans receivable-net		$	188,739			$	182,119

 

Concentrations—The Company’s concentrations of credit risk are as follows:

A substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate in metropolitan Atlanta and Birmingham markets. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions in the metropolitan Atlanta and Birmingham areas.

	·	The Company’s loans to area churches were approximately $41.9 million and $40.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are generally secured by real estate.

	·	The Company’s loans to area convenience stores were approximately $7.3 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Loans to convenience stores are generally secured by real estate.

·

The Company’s loans to area hotels were approximately $21.3 million and $25.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are generally secured by real estate.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment is summarized as follows (in thousands):

		For the Year Ended December, 2014
						Commercial				Single-family				Construction
		Commercial				Real Estate				Residential				& Development				Consumer				Total
Beginning balance		$	384			$	1,721			$	731			$	126			$	195			$	3,157
Provision for loan losses			(12	)			27				(129	)			69				120				75
Loans charged-off			(9	)			(562	)			(468	)			(137	)			(182	)			(1,358	)
Recoveries on loans charged-off			52				180				120				14				59				425
Ending Balance		$	415			$	1,366			$	254			$	72			$	192			$	2,299

 

		For the Year Ended December, 2013
						Commercial				Single-family				Construction
		Commercial				Real Estate				Residential				& Development				Consumer				Total
Beginning balance		$	433			$	1,853			$	803			$	177			$	243			$	3,509
Provision for loan losses			(68	)			127				361				(56	)			61				425
Loans charged-off			(22	)			(710	)			(554	)			(30	)			(169	)			(1,485	)
Recoveries on loans charged-off			41				451				121				35				60				708
Ending Balance		$	384			$	1,721			$	731			$	126			$	195			$	3,157

 

		For the Year Ended December, 2012
						Commercial				Single-family				Construction
		Commercial				Real Estate				Residential				& Development				Consumer				Total
Beginning balance		$	394			$	2,206			$	696			$	449			$	211			$	3,956
Provision for loan losses			27				1,761				646				(140	)			106				2,400
Loans charged-off			(21	)			(2,138	)			(625	)			(136	)			(149	)			(3,069	)
Recoveries on loans charged-off			33				24				86				4				75				222
Ending Balance		$	433			$	1,853			$	803			$	177			$	243			$	3,509

 

Portions of the allowance for loan losses may be allocated for specific loans or portfolio segments. However, the entire allowance for loan losses is available for any loan that, in the judgment of management, should be charged-off.

 

In determining our allowance for loan losses, we regularly review loans for specific reserves based on the appropriate impairment assessment methodology. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. General reserves are determined using historical loss trends measured over a rolling four quarter average for consumer loans, and a three year average loss factor for commercial loans which is applied to risk rated loans grouped by Federal Financial Examination Council (“FFIEC”) call code. For commercial loans, the general reserves are calculated by applying the appropriate historical loss factor to the loan pool. Impaired loans greater than a minimum threshold established by management are excluded from this analysis.   The sum of all such amounts determines our total allowance for loan losses.

The allocation of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment was as follows (in thousands): 

 

		At December 31, 2014
		Commercial				Commercial Real Estate				Single- family Residential				Construction & Development				Consumer				Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Specific Reserves:
Impaired loans		$	—			$	91			$	51			$	—			$	—			$	142
Total specific reserves			—				91				51				—				—				142
General reserves			415				1,275				203				72				192				2,157
Total		$	415			$	1,366			$	254			$	72			$	192			$	2,299
Loans outstanding:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment		$	—			$	9,787			$	280			$	219			$	—			$	10,286
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment			33,308				106,650				31,660				2,706				6,428				180,752
Total		$	33,308			$	116,437			$	31,940			$	2,925			$	6,428			$	191,038

 

		At December 31, 2013
		Commercial				Commercial Real Estate				Single- family Residential				Construction & Development				Consumer				Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Specific Reserves:
Impaired loans		$	—			$	3			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	3
Total specific reserves			—				3				—				—				—				3
General reserves			384				1,718				731				126				195				3,154
Total		$	384			$	1,721			$	731			$	126			$	195			$	3,157
Loans outstanding:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment		$	—			$	10,705			$	360			$	—			$	—			$	11,065
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment			20,292				109,475				34,504				3,626				6,314				174,211
Total		$	20,292			$	120,180			$	34,864			$	3,626			$	6,314			$	185,276

The following table presents impaired loans by class of loan (in thousands):

 

		At December 31, 2014
														Impaired Loans - With
		Impaired Loans - With Allowance												no Allowance
		Unpaid Principal				Recorded Investment				Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated				Unpaid Principal				Recorded Investment				Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized
Residential:
First mortgages		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
HELOC’s and equity			102				102				51				178				178				86				35
Commercial
Secured			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Unsecured			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Commercial Real Estate:
Owner occupied			81				81				81				8,014				7,457				7,575				717
Non-owner occupied			—				—				—				2,388				2,154				2,228				165
Multi-family			95				95				10				—				—				97				69
Construction and Development:																											.
Construction			—				—				—				356				219				292				30
Improved Land			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Unimproved Land			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Consumer and Other			—				—								—				—				—				—
Total		$	278			$	278			$	142			$	10,936			$	10,008			$	10,278			$	1,016

 

		At December 31, 2013
														Impaired Loans - With
		Impaired Loans - With Allowance												no Allowance
		Unpaid Principal				Recorded Investment				Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated				Unpaid Principal				Recorded Investment				Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized
Residential:
First mortgages		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	231			$	231			$	231			$	—
HELOC’s and equity			—				—				—				129				129				128				2
Commercial
Secured			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Unsecured			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Commercial Real Estate:
Owner occupied			—				—				—				10,300				7,968				8,049				534
Non-owner occupied			—				—				—				2,924				2,407				2,516				108
Multi-family			386				330				3				—				—				359				28
Construction and Development:
Construction			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Improved Land			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Unimproved Land			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Consumer and Other			—				—								—				—				—				—
Total		$	386			$	330			$	3			$	13,584			$	10,735			$	11,283			$	672

The following table is an aging analysis of our loan portfolio (in thousands):

 

		At December 31, 2014
																										Recorded
																										Investment
		30- 59				60- 89				Over 90												Total				> 90 Days
		Days Past				Days Past				Days Past				Total								Loans				and
		Due				Due				Due				Past Due				Current				Receivable				Accruing				Nonaccrual
Residential:
First mortgages		$	2,273			$	1,190			$	1,036			$	4,499			$	19,960			$	24,459			$	35			$	1,513
HELOC’s and equity			60				550				184				794				6,687				7,481				—				286
Commercial:
Secured			—				187				—				187				28,232				28,419				—				—
Unsecured			—				—				—				—				4,889				4,889				—				—
Commercial Real Estate:
Owner occupied			767				—				228				995				59,065				60,060				—				1,222
Non-owner occupied			1,429				588				84				2,101				42,425				44,526				—				1,026
Multi-family			35				327				95				457				11,394				11,851				—				95
Construction and Development:
Construction			—				—				—				—				2,759				2,759				—				—
Improved Land			103				—				—				103				63				166				—				—
Unimproved Land			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Consumer and Other			6				22				18				46				6,382				6,428				—				18
Total		$	4,673			$	2,864			$	1,645			$	9,182			$	181,856			$	191,038			$	35			$	4,160

		At December 31, 2013
																										Recorded
																										Investment
		30- 59				60- 89				Over 90												Total				> 90 Days
		Days Past				Days Past				Days Past				Total								Loans				and
		Due				Due				Due				Past Due				Current				Receivable				Accruing				Nonaccrual
Residential:
First mortgages		$	1,778			$	360			$	1,840			$	3,978			$	22,348			$	26,326			$	—			$	3,334
HELOC’s and equity			444				19				466				929				7,609				8,538				—				821
Commercial:
Secured			125				—				2				127				14,906				15,033				—				2
Unsecured			—				—				—				—				5,259				5,259				—				—
Commercial Real Estate:
Owner occupied			715				753				81				1,549				60,090				61,639				—				1,038
Non-owner occupied			38				199				286				523				43,287				43,810				—				1,550
Multi-family			747				—				—				747				13,984				14,731				—				330
Construction and Development:
Construction			477				—				—				477				2,542				3,019				—				—
Improved Land			—				—				—				—				242				242				—				—
Unimproved Land			—				—				—				—				365				365				—				—
Consumer and Other			6				30				45				81				6,233				6,314				—				45
Total		$	4,330			$	1,361			$	2,720			$	8,411			$	176,865			$	185,276			$	—			$	7,120

  

Each of our portfolio segments and the classes within those segments are subject to risks that could have an adverse impact on the credit quality of our loan and lease portfolio. Management has identified the most significant risks as described below which are generally similar among our segments and classes. While the list in not exhaustive, it provides a description of the risks that management has determined are the most significant.

Commercial, financial and agricultural loans—We centrally underwrite each of our commercial loans based primarily upon the customer’s ability to generate the required cash flow to service the debt in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions of the loan agreement. We endeavor to gain a complete understanding of our borrower’s businesses including the experience and background of the principals. To the extent that the loan is secured by collateral, which is a predominant feature of the majority of our commercial loans, we gain an understanding of the likely value of the collateral and what level of strength the collateral brings to the loan transaction. To the extent that the principals or other parties provide personal guarantees, we analyze the relative financial strength and liquidity of each guarantor. Common risks to each class of commercial loans include risks that are not specific to individual transactions such as general economic conditions within our markets, as well as risks that are specific to each transaction including demand for products and services, personal events such as disability or change in marital status, and reductions in the value of our collateral. Due to the concentration of loans in the metro Atlanta and Birmingham areas, we are susceptible to changes in market and economic conditions of these areas.

 

Consumer—The installment loan portfolio includes loans secured by personal property such as automobiles, marketable securities, other titled recreational vehicles and motorcycles, as well as unsecured consumer debt. The value of underlying collateral within this class is especially volatile due to potential rapid depreciation in values since date of loan origination in excess of principal repayment.

 

Commercial Real Estate—Real estate commercial loans consist of loans secured by multifamily housing, commercial non-owner and owner occupied and other commercial real estate loans. The primary risk associated with multifamily loans is the ability of the income-producing property that collateralizes the loan to produce adequate cash flow to service the debt. High unemployment or generally weak economic conditions may result in our customer having to provide rental rate concessions to achieve adequate occupancy rates. Commercial owner-occupied and other commercial real estate loans are primarily dependent on the ability of our customers to achieve business results consistent with those projected at loan origination resulting in cash flow sufficient to service the debt. To the extent that a customer’s business results are significantly unfavorable versus the original projections, the ability for our loan to be serviced on a basis consistent with the contractual terms may be at risk. These loans are primarily secured by real property and can include other collateral such as personal guarantees, personal property, or business assets such as inventory or accounts receivable, it is possible that the liquidation of the collateral will not fully satisfy the obligation. Also, due to the concentration of loans in the metro Atlanta and Birmingham areas, we are susceptible to changes in market and economic conditions of these areas.

 

Single-Family Residential—Real estate residential loans are to individuals and are secured by 1-4 family residential property. Significant and rapid declines in real estate values can result in residential mortgage loan borrowers having debt levels in excess of the current market value of the collateral. Such a decline in values has led to unprecedented levels of foreclosures and losses during 2008-2012 within the banking industry.

 

Construction and Development—Real estate construction loans are highly dependent on the supply and demand for residential and commercial real estate in the markets we serve as well as the demand for newly constructed commercial space and residential homes and lots that our customers are developing. Continuing deterioration in demand could result in significant decreases in the underlying collateral values and make repayment of the outstanding loans more difficult for our customers. Real estate construction loans can experience delays in completion and cost overruns that exceed the borrower’s financial ability to complete the project. Such cost overruns can routinely result in foreclosure of partially completed and unmarketable collateral.

Risk categories—The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. Loans classified as substandard or special mention are reviewed quarterly by the Company for further deterioration or improvement to determine if appropriately classified and impairment, if any. All other loan relationships greater than $750,000 are reviewed at least annually to determine the appropriate loan grading. In addition, during the renewal process of any loan, as well as if a loan becomes past due, the Company will evaluate the loan grade.

 

Loans excluded from the scope of the annual review process above are generally classified as pass credits until: (a) they become past due; (b) management becomes aware of deterioration in the credit worthiness of the borrower; or (c) the customer contacts the Company for a modification. In these circumstances, the loan is specifically evaluated for potential classification as to special mention, substandard or even charged off. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

 

Special Mention Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.

 

Substandard Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

Doubtful Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with 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.

The following table presents our loan portfolio by risk rating (in thousands):

 

		At December 31, 2014
										Special
		Total				Pass Credits				Mention				Substandard				Doubtful
Single-Family Residential:
First mortgages		$	24,459			$	22,168			$	—			$	2,291			$	—
HELOC’s and equity			7,481				6,346				557				476				102
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Secured			28,419				28,419				—				—				—
Unsecured			4,889				4,889				—				—				—
Commercial Real Estate:
Owner occupied			60,060				50,603				4,673				4,702				82
Non-owner occupied			44,526				37,750				4,805				1,971				—
Multi-family			11,851				10,353				1,368				130				—
Construction and Development:
Construction			2,759				2,540				—				219				—
Improved Land			166				127				39				—				—
Unimproved Land			—				—				—				—				—
Consumer			6,428				6,392				5				13				18
Total		$	191,038			$	169,587			$	11,447			$	9,802			$	202

		At December 31, 2013
										Special
		Total				Pass Credits				Mention				Substandard				Doubtful
Single-Family Residential:
First mortgages		$	26,326			$	24,126			$	—			$	2,200			$	—
HELOC’s and equity			8,538				7,686				22				728				102
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Secured			15,033				15,009				—				24				—
Unsecured			5,259				5,259				—				—				—
Commercial Real Estate:
Owner occupied			61,639				50,921				5,929				4,789				—
Non-owner occupied			43,810				40,482				819				2,509				—
Multi-family			14,731				13,704				647				380				—
Construction and Development:
Construction			3,019				3,019				—				—				—
Improved Land			242				197				—				45				—
Unimproved Land			365				—				—				365				—
Consumer			6,314				6,224				—				90				—
Total		$	185,276			$	166,627			$	7,417			$	11,130			$	102

 

The Bank identified as TDRs certain loans for which the allowance for loan losses had previously been measured under a general allowance methodology. Upon identifying those loans as TDRs, the Bank identified them as impaired under the guidance in ASC 310-10-35. The amendments in ASU 2011-02 require prospective application of the impairment measurement guidance in ASC 310-10-35 for those loans newly identified as impaired. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not identify any loans as TDRs under the amended guidance for which the loan was previously measured under a general allowance methodology.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Bank modified 2 loans that were considered to be troubled debt restructurings. We extended the terms and decreased the interest rate on both loans (dollar in thousands).

		December 31, 2014
						Pre-Modification				Post-Modification
		Number of				Recorded				Recorded
		Loans				Investment				Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Residential:
HELOC’s and equity			2			$	90			$	94
Total			2			$	90			$	94

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Bank modified 11 loans that were considered to be troubled debt restructurings. We extended the terms on 4 loans and decreased the interest rate on 7 loans (dollar in thousands).

 

		December 31, 2013
						Pre-Modification				Post-Modification
		Number of				Recorded				Recorded
		Loans				Investment				Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Residential:
HELOC’s and equity			5			$	339			$	340
Commercial Real Estate:
Owner occupied			3				408				414
Non-owner occupied			3				766				740
Total			11			$	1,513			$	1,494

 

During 2013, one loan that had previously been restructured within the previous twelve months was in default. There were no loans in default that had been restructured within the previous twelve months during 2014.

In the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management considers troubled debt restructurings and subsequent defaults in these restructurings by performing the usual process for all loans in determining the allowance for loan loss. The Company considers a default as failure to comply with the restructured loan agreement. This would include the restructured loan being past due greater than 90 days, failure to comply with financial covenants, or failure to maintain current insurance coverage or real estate taxes after the loan restructured date. 

4.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment are summarized as follows:

		December 31,
		2014				2013
Land		$	2,250,250			$	2,250,250
Buildings and improvements			7,692,420				7,672,526
Furniture and equipment			9,435,255				9,101,730
			19,377,925				19,024,506
Less accumulated depreciation			12,982,492				12,435,342
		$	6,395,433			$	6,589,164

 

Depreciation expense amounted to $547,000, $616,000 and $660,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. 

 

5.

DEPOSITS

The following is a summary of interest-bearing deposits:

		December 31,
		2014				2013
NOW and money market accounts		$	84,620,492			$	92,793,796
Savings accounts			33,555,840				31,947,780
Time deposits of $100,000 or more			108,109,124				107,489,990
Other time deposits			30,785,713				33,588,990
		$	257,071,169			$	265,820,556

 

The Company participates in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (“CDARS”), a program that allows its customers the ability to benefit from the FDIC insurance coverage on their time deposits over the $250,000 limit. The Company had $24,789,000 and $22,375,000 in CDARS deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC Insurance limit of $250,000 were $47,478,000 and $40,603,000 as at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At December 31, 2014, maturities of time deposits are approximately as follows:

2015		$	97,895,217
2016			9,610,112
2017			20,173,085
2018			10,165,195
2019 and thereafter			1,051,228
		$	138,894,837

6.

OTHER BORROWINGS

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances—In August 2006, the Company received an Affordable Housing Program Award in the amount of $400,000. The AHP is a principal reducing credit with an interest rate of zero, and at December 31, 2014 and 2013 had a remaining balance of approximately $254,000 and $273,000, respectively. These advances are collateralized by FHLB stock, a blanket lien on the Bank’s 1-4 family mortgages, and certain commercial real estate loans and investment securities. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, total loans pledged as collateral were $31,727,000 and $33,186,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, maturities of the Company’s Federal Home Loan Bank Advances are approximately as follows:

 

							December 31,
Maturity			Rate				2014				2013
August-2026	(1)		N/A				$	254,084			$	273,079

  

(1) Represents an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) award used to subsidize loans for homeownership or rental initiatives. The AHP is a principal reducing credit, scheduled to mature on August 17, 2026 with an interest rate of zero.

 

At December 31, 2014, the Company has an $80.2 million line of credit facility at the FHLB of which $20.3 million was outstanding consisting of an advance of $254,000 and a letter of credit to secure public deposits in the amount of $20.0 million. The Company also had $21.8 million of borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank discount window. 

 

7.

INCOME TAXES

The components of income tax expense consist of:

		2014				2013				2012
Current tax expense (benefit)		$	(33,783	)		$	49,090			$	(86,388	)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)			167,446				(199,896	)			(814,682	)
Total income tax (benefit)		$	133,663			$	(150,806	)		$	(901,070	)

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 differed from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% to earnings before income taxes as follows:

		2014				2013				2012
Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate		$	660,389			$	407,309			$	(44,963	)
Tax-exempt interest income—net of disallowed interest expense			(390,986	)			(515,458	)			(593,130	)
Cash surrender value of life insurance income			(172,759	)			(111,736	)			(205,634	)
Other—net			37,019				69,079				(57,343	)
Income tax (benefit)		$	133,663			$	(150,806)			$	(901,070	)

In 2014, the valuation allowance increased by $8,554.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant amounts of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

		2014				2013
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses and credits		$	3,344,993			$	3,249,677
Loans, principally due to difference in allowance for loan losses and deferred loan fees			564,662				826,499
Nonaccrual loan interest			44,495				55,364
Postretirement benefit accrual, deferred compensation			1,116,664				1,140,791
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale			—				557,165
Other real estate owned			547,857				610,821
Other			704,429				685,120
Gross deferred tax asset			6,323,100				7,125,437
Valuation allowance			(176,778	)			(168,234	)
Total  deferred tax assets			6,146,322				6,957,203
Deferred tax liabilities:
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale			345,400				—
Purchased loan discount			—				34,209
Premises and equipment			138,158				165,493
Other			96,491				121,217
Total deferred tax liabilities			580,049				320,919
Net deferred tax assets		$	5,566,273			$	6,636,284

 

The Company has, at December 31, 2014, net operating loss carryforwards of $7,187,494 for federal income tax purposes and $5,486,988 for state income tax purposes, which begin to expire in the year 2016. The Company also has certain state income tax credits of $422,111 at December 31, 2014 which begins to expire in the year 2015. Due to the uncertainty relating to the realizability of all the carryforwards and credits, management currently considers it more likely than not that all related deferred tax assets will not be realized; thus, a $176,778 valuation allowance has been provided against state tax carry forwards totaling $4,464,096.

Tax returns for 2011 and subsequent years are subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The Company believes that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded.

8.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Defined Contribution Plan—The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering substantially all full-time employees. Employee contributions are voluntary. The Company matches 50% of the employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of compensation. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $89,000, $96,000 and $98,000, respectively, in expenses related to this plan. The Bank previously had Post Retirement Benefit Plans that provide retirement benefits to certain officers, board members, certain former officers and former board members. The Bank also has a Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan (“Split Dollar Life Insurance Plan”) for the same participants which provide death benefits for their designated beneficiaries through an endorsement of a portion of the death benefit otherwise payable to the Bank. Under the Post Retirement Benefit and Split Dollar Life Insurance Plans (“The Plans”), the Board purchased life insurance contracts on certain participants. During 2008, the Bank discontinued participation in The Plans and converted certain key officers and active board members into a defined Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plans (“SERP”) and certain key officers into a Life Insurance Bonus Plan. Certain other participants were paid-out with eight participants remaining in The Plans.

The increase in cash surrender value for the contracts on those participants remaining in the Post Retirement Benefit Plan, less the Bank’s premiums, constitutes the Bank’s contribution to the Post Retirement Benefit Plans each year. In the event the insurance contracts fail to produce positive returns, the Bank has no obligation to contribute to the Post Retirement Benefit Plan. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the cash surrender value of these insurance contracts was $10,082,000 and $9,948,000, respectively.

During 2009, the Company converted the Post Retirement Benefit Plan for its key officers and active Board members into the SERP. For the SERP and the Post Retirement Benefit Plans, the Company recognized $165,000, $336,000, and $365,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in noninterest expenses. The Company recognized $304,000, $329,000, and $342,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in noninterest income related to the insurance contracts. Upon completion of the conversion, most key officers and active Board members participating in the Split Dollar Life Insurance Plan surrendered their interest in the death benefit portion of the plan. In exchange for relinquishing the postretirement death benefit, the Company implemented a Life Insurance Bonus Plan (“The Bonus Plan”) for most key officers to provide death benefits for their designated beneficiaries. The Company pays the participating officers an annual compensation amount to pay the annual premiums on the insurance policies. The Company incurred $46,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $65,000 in 2012 for expenses related to the Bonus Plan.

 

9.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Credit Commitments and Commercial Letters—The Company, in the normal course of business, is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk used to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and commercial letters of credit.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and residential and commercial real estate. Commercial letters of credit are commitments issued by the Company to guarantee funding to a third party on behalf of a customer. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party of the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations related to off-balance sheet financial instruments as it does for the financial instruments recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

		Approximate
		Contractual Amount
		2014				2013
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
Commitments to extend credit		$	26,833,000			$	26,313,000
Commercial letters of credit			2,027,000				2,125,000

Leases—The Company leases its main office and a branch location. The main office lease commenced on October 26, 2006 and has a 10 year term. The lease requires monthly payments starting at $29,466 for the first year, increasing 3% per year thereafter. The lease is renewable at the bank’s option for one five year term. The branch lease commenced on June 1, 2007 and has a 7 year term. The lease requires monthly payments of $5,500 for four years and monthly lease payments of $6,000 for three years. The lease is renewable at the bank’s option for two five year terms. In October 2013, the Company exercised its first option to renew the branch lease for five years. The renewed lease requires monthly payments of $6,300 for three years and monthly lease payments of $6,772 for two years commencing on June 1, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, future minimum lease payments under all noncancelable lease agreements inclusive of sales tax and maintenance costs for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

2015		$	551,831
2016			440,869
2017			78,908
2018			81,270
2019 and Thereafter			81,270
		$	1,234,148

 

Rent expense in 2014, 2013, and 2012 was approximately $550,000, $542,000, and $523,000, respectively.

 

Legal—During 2007, legal fees were awarded to the plaintiff and the Company is required to pay $200,000 related to a case brought to conclusion in 2006 in which a $100,000 judgment was levied against the Company. The Company accrued for these losses in the respective year of the judgments. On March 14, 2008, the Court of Appeals of Georgia reversed the trial court and granted the Company a new trial on the compensatory damages. During August 2013, a bench trial was held on the compensatory damages. On June 11, 2014, the Court rendered a decision in favor of the plaintiff in the amount of $109,400. On July 10, 2014, the Court issued a judgment for legal fees in the amount of $200,000 which had been accrued at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Negotiations of any interest due are ongoing. Other than that discussed above, the Company and the Bank are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, based in part on the advice of counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

10.

STOCK OPTIONS

The Company has a Stock Incentive Plan which was approved in 1999. Under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, options are periodically granted to employees at a price not less than fair market value of the shares at the date of grant (or less than 110% of the fair market value if the participant owns more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock). The term of the stock incentive option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant; however, any stock incentive option granted to a participant who owns more than 10% of the Common Stock will not be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years after the date the option is granted.

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during the years ended on those dates is presented below:

 

		2014																2013												2012
										Weighted																Weighted
						Weighted				Average												Weighted				Average								Weighted
						Average				Remaining				Aggregate								Average				Remaining								Average
						Exercise				Contractual				Intrinsic								Exercise				Contractual								Exercise
		Shares				Price				Life				Value				Shares				Price				Life				Shares				Price
Outstanding—beginning of year			49,277			$	10.47				3.18								89,877			$	10.58				3.97				103,553			$	10.20
Granted			—				—												—				—								—				—
Exercised			—				—												—				—								—				—
Expired/Terminated			—				—												(40,600	)			10.71								(13,676	)			7.74
Outstanding—end of year			49,277			$	10.47				2.18			$	5,775				49,277			$	10.47				3.18				89,877			$	10.58
Options exercisable at year-end			49,277			$	10.47				2.18			$	5,775				49,277			$	10.47				3.18				89,877			$	10.58
Shares available for grant			266,309																266,309												229,209

 

There was no compensation cost recognized during 2014, 2013, and 2012. 

11.

NET INCOME PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE

Basic and diluted net income per common and potential common share has been calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Options that are potentially dilutive are deemed not to be dilutive for 2014, 2013 and 2012 due to the exercise price of all options being greater than the average market price of the Company’s stock during those years. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 49,277 potentially dilutive options outstanding. As of December 31, 2012, there were 89,877 potentially dilutive options outstanding. The following schedule reconciles the numerators and denominator of the basic and diluted net income per common and potential common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

		Net Income				Shares				Per Share
		(Numerator)				(Denominator)				Amount
Year ended December 31, 2014
Basic earnings per share available to common stockholders		$	1,571,838				2,166,818			$	0.73
Nonvested restricted stock grant			—				19,575				(0.01	)
Effect of dilutive securities: options to purchase common shares			—				—				—
Diluted earnings per share		$	1,571,838				2,186,393			$	0.72
Year ended December 31, 2013
Basic earnings per share available to common stockholders		$	1,111,953				2,152,780			$	0.52
Nonvested restricted stock grant			—				12,830				(0.01	)
Effect of dilutive securities: options to purchase common shares			—				—				—
Diluted earnings per share		$	1,111,953				2,165,610			$	0.51
Year ended December 31, 2012
Basic earnings per share available to common stockholders		$	532,003				2,157,732			$	0.25
Nonvested restricted stock grant			—				7,664				—
Effect of dilutive securities: options to purchase common shares			—				—				—
Diluted earnings per share		$	532,003				2,165,396			$	0.25

 

12.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company measures or monitors certain of its assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. Fair value is used on a recurring basis for assets and liabilities that are elected to be accounted for under ASC guidance as well as certain assets and liabilities in which fair value is the primary basis of accounting. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the Company uses various valuation techniques and assumptions when estimating fair value, which are in accordance with the guidance for determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that asset is not active.

 

In accordance with ASC guidance, the Company applied the following fair value hierarchy:

 

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasury and other highly liquid investments that are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.

Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed debt securities, certain derivative contracts and impaired loans.

 

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. For example, this category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained residual interests in securitizations, residential mortgage servicing rights, and highly structured or long-term derivative contracts.

 

Investment Securities Available for Sale—Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange, Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

 

Other Real Estate Owned—Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. The fair value of other real estate owned is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. In addition, the Company may further adjust an appraised amount given its knowledge of a specific property or market.

 

Loans—The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis, however, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan loss is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management determines the amount of the impairment. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including the collateral value, market value of similar debt, and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring a specific allowance represent loans for which the fair value of expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investment in such loans. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, substantially all of the impaired loans were evaluated based upon the fair value of the collateral. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of collateral dependent impaired loans is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. In addition, the Company may further adjust an appraised amount given its knowledge of a specific property or market. Impaired loans are evaluated on a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly.

The following tables present financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis and the change in fair value for those specific financial instruments in which fair value has been elected. There were no financial liabilities measured at fair value for the periods being reported (in thousands):

 

		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
						Quoted Prices
						In Active				Significant
						Markets for				Other				Significant
		Assets				Identical				Observable				Unobservable
		Measured at				Assets				Inputs				Inputs
		Fair Value				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
Recurring Basis:
Assets
Securities available for sale:
State, county, and municipal securities		$	29,693			$	—			$	29,693			$	—
Mortgage-backed securities			86,915				—				86,915				—
Corporate securities			10,003				—				10,003				—
			126,611								126,611
Nonrecurring Basis:
Assets
Impaired loans:
Commercial Real Estate		$	9,696			$	—			$	—			$	9,696
Single-family Residential			229				—				—				229
Construction & Development			219				—				—				219
Other real estate owned			4,668				—				—				4,668
			14,812												14,812

		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
						Quoted Prices
						In Active				Significant
						Markets for				Other				Significant
		Assets				Identical				Observable				Unobservable
		Measured at				Assets				Inputs				Inputs
		Fair Value				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
Recurring Basis:
Assets
Securities available for sale:
State, county, and municipal securities		$	34,802			$	—			$	34,802			$	—
Mortgage-backed securities			96,267				—				96,267				—
Corporate securities			9,976				—				9,976				—
			141,045								141,045
Nonrecurring Basis:
Assets
Impaired loans:
Commercial Real Estate		$	10,702			$	—			$	—			$	10,702
Single-family Residential			360				—				—				360
Other real estate owned			7,404				—				—				7,404
			18,466												18,466

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2014, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Commercial Real Estate		$	9,696				Appraised Value			Negative adjustment for selling costs and changes in market conditions since appraisal			5% - 20%
Single-family Residential		$	229				Appraised Value			Negative adjustment for selling costs and changes in market conditions since appraisal			5% - 20%
Construction & Development		$	219				Appraised Value			Negative adjustment for selling costs and changes in market conditions since appraisal			5% - 20%
OREO		$	4,668				Appraised Value			Negative adjustment for selling costs and changes in market conditions since appraisal			5% - 20%

 

Following are disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in the estimation of the 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 an estimate of the liquidation value of the Company, but rather a good-faith estimate of the increase or decrease in the value of financial instruments held by the Company since purchase, origination, or issuance.

 

Cash, Due from Banks, Federal Funds Sold, Interest-Bearing Deposits with Banks and Certificates of Deposits—Fair value equals the carrying value of such assets due to their nature and is classified as Level 1.

 

Investment Securities—Fair value of investment securities is based on quoted market prices and is classified as Level 2.

 

Other Investments—The carrying amount of other investments approximates its fair value and is classified as Level 1.

 

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 resulting in a Level 3 classification. For variable rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The methods utilized to estimate the fair values of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price. The carrying amount of related accrued interest receivable, due to its short-term nature, approximates its fair value, is not significant and is not disclosed.

 

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance—Cash values of life insurance policies are carried at the value for which such policies may be redeemed for cash and are classified as Level 1.

 

Deposits—The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed rate certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities and is classified as Level 2.

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank—The fair values of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently available to the Bank for debt with similar remaining maturities and terms and are classified as Level 2.

 

Commitments to Extend Credit and Commercial Letters of Credit—Because commitments to extend credit and commercial letters of credit are made using variable rates, or are recently executed, the contract value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

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; for example, 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.

 

The following presents the carrying amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

		December 31, 2014
		Carrying				Fair Value Measurements
		Amount				Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks		$	2,758			$	2,758			$	2,758			$	—			$	—
Interest-bearing deposits with banks			45,653				45,653				45,653				—				—
Certificates of deposit			350				350				350				—				—
Investment securities			126,851				126,854				—				126,854				—
Other investments			792				792				792				—				—
Loans-net			188,739				188,195				—				—				188,195
Cash surrender value of life insurance			10,082				10,082				10,082				—				—
Financial liabilities:
Deposits		$	340,889			$	341,719			$	201,994			$	139,725			$	—
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank			254				254				—				254				—
		Notional				Estimated
		Amount				Fair Value
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:
Commitments to extend credit		$	26,883			$	—
Commercial letters of credit			2,027				—

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

		December 31, 2013
		Carrying				Fair Value Measurements
		Amount				Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks		$	6,340			$	6,340			$	6,340			$	—			$	—
Interest-bearing deposits with banks			22,827				22,827				22,827				—				—
Certificates of deposit			350				350				350				—				—
Investment securities			141,285				141,285				—				141,285				—
Other investments			874				874				874				—				—
Loans-net			182,119				183,150				—				—				183,150
Cash surrender value of life insurance			9,948				9,948				9,948				—				—
Financial liabilities:
Deposits		$	336,962			$	337,768			$	195,884			$	141,884			$	—
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank			273				273				—				273				—
		Notional Amount				Estimated Fair Value
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:
Commitments to extend credit		$	26,313			$	—
Commercial letters of credit			2,125				—

 

13.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Capital Adequacy—The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2014, the Company meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

As of December 31, 2014, the Bank was considered “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table.

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table below (in thousands):

																		To Be Well
										For Capital								Capitalized Under
										Adequacy								Prompt Corrective
		Actual								Purposes								Action Provisions
		Amount				Ratio				Amount				Ratio				Amount				Ratio
As of December 31, 2014
Total capital (to risk weighted assets):
Consolidated		$	45,943				19	%		$	18,854				8	%			N/A				N/A
Bank			45,500				19	%			18,822				8	%		$	23,527				10	%
Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets):
Consolidated			43,644				19	%			9,427				4	%			N/A				N/A
Bank			43,201				18	%			9,411				4	%			14,116				6	%
Tier I capital (to average assets):
Consolidated			43,644				11	%			15,779				4	%			N/A				N/A
Bank			43,201				11	%			15,763				4	%			19,704				5	%
As of December 31, 2013
Total capital (to risk weighted assets):
Consolidated		$	44,601				19	%		$	18,768				8	%			N/A				N/A
Bank			44,376				19	%			18,779				8	%		$	23,473				10	%
Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets):
Consolidated			41,665				18	%			9,384				4	%			N/A				N/A
Bank			41,441				18	%			9,389				4	%			14,084				6	%
Tier I capital (to average assets):
Consolidated			41,665				11	%			15,600				4	%			N/A				N/A
Bank			41,441				11	%			15,634				4	%			19,543				5	%

Dividend Limitation—The amount of dividends paid by the Bank to the Company or paid by the Company to its shareholders is limited by various banking regulatory agencies. Any such dividends will be subject to maintenance of required capital levels. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance must approve dividend payments that would exceed 50% of the Bank’s net income for the prior year to the Company.

When the Company received a capital investment from the United States Department of the Treasury in exchange for Preferred Stock under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program on March 6, 2009, the Company became subject to additional limitations on the payment of dividends. These limitations require, among other things, that for as long as the Preferred Stock is outstanding, no dividends may be declared or paid on the Company’s common stock until all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Stock are fully paid. In addition, the U.S. Treasury’s consent is required for any increase in dividends on common stock before the third anniversary of issuance of the Preferred Stock.

The Company paid dividends of $172,000 on its common stock in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The annual dividend payout rate was $0.08 per common share in 2014 and 2013. In addition, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $237,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, on its preferred stock issued to the Treasury.

 

Basel III—The ultimate impact of the Basel III rules on the Company and the Bank is currently being reviewed and is dependent upon when certain requirements of the rule will be fully phased in. We believe that the final rule will not have a material impact on our regulatory capital ratios, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

14.

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Certain of the Company’s directors, officers, principal stockholders, and their associates were customers of, or had transactions with, the Company or the Bank in the ordinary course of business during 2014 and 2013. Some of the Company’s directors are directors, officers, trustees, or principal securities holders of corporations or other organizations that also were customers of, or had transactions with, the Company or the Bank in the ordinary course of business during 2014 and 2013.

All outstanding loans and other transactions with the Company’s directors, officers, and principal shareholders were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and, when made, did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

The following table summarizes the activity in these loans during 2014 and 2013:

		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
Balance at beginning of year		$	14,522,184			$	11,799,716
New loans			2,841,922				6,517,864
Repayments			(5,392,794	)			(3,795,396	)
Balance—end of year		$	11,971,312			$	14,522,184

Deposits by directors, executive officers of the Company, the Bank, and associates of such persons, totaled $5,645,426 and $6,294,099 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

15.

SUPPLEMENTARY INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION

Components of other operating expenses in excess of 1% of total interest income and other income in any of the respective years are approximately as follows:

		For the years ended
		2014				2013				2012
Professional services—legal		$	309,411			$	438,208			$	457,422
Professional services—other			598,451				723,505				537,527
Stationery and supplies			144,702				200,116				229,104
Data processing			695,863				664,240				623,156
Telephone			284,260				305,279				307,374
FDIC insurance premium			329,000				533,447				652,515
Amortization of core deposit intangible			471,918				471,918				471,918
Security and protection expense			394,980				389,614				420,707
Advertising and Marketing			126,082				154,389				132,700
Other benefit expenses			165,276				336,066				365,409
Other miscellaneous expenses			1,990,232				1,751,862				1,687,957
		$	5,510,175			$	5,968,644			$	5,885,789

16.

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION (PARENT ONLY)

		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
Balance Sheets
Assets:
Cash		$	119,075			$	9,837
Investment in Bank			49,123,228				46,083,430
Other assets			400,698				321,609
		$	49,643,001			$	46,414,876
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Total  liabilities		$	76,456			$	107,084
Stockholders’ equity			49,566,545				46,307,792
		$	49,643,001			$	46,414,876

		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Statements of Income
Dividends from subsidiary		$	671,000			$	500,000			$	—
Other revenue			3,426				—				3,113
Total revenue			674,426				500,000				3,113
Total expenses			232,616				291,771				412,512
Income (loss) before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiary			441,810				208,229				(409,399	)
Income tax benefit			79,089				92,356				143,314
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiary			520,899				300,585				(266,085	)
Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiary			1,287,759				1,048,188				1,034,908
Net income		$	1,808,658			$	1,348,773			$	768,823

		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Statements of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating activities—
Net income		$	1,808,658			$	1,348,773			$	768,823
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiary			(1,287,759	)			(1,048,188	)			(1,034,908	)
Restricted stock based compensation plan			(8,164	)			(106,829	)			139,062
Change in other assets			(79,089	)			(92,357	)			(143,313	)
Change in other liabilities			(30,628	)			(6,398	)			86,636
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			403,018				95,001				(183,700	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock dividend paid			(171,744	)			(171,744	)			(169,242	)
Preferred stock dividend paid			(236,820	)			(236,820	)			(236,820	)
Net purchase of treasury stock			—				(61,423	)			(9,815	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			114,784				180,657				35,890
Net cash used in financing activities			(293,780	)			(289,330	)			(379,987	)
Net change in cash			109,238				(194,329	)			(563,687	)
Cash:
Beginning of year			9,837				204,166				767,853
End of year		$	119,075			$	9,837			$	204,166
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes		$	—			$	26,000			$	27,615

17.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The following table presents the Company’s quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

		First				Second				Third				Fourth
		Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
		2014				2014				2014				2014
Interest Income		$	3,376			$	3,387			$	3,333			$	3,266
Interest expense			212				211				211				199
Net Interest income			3,164				3,176				3,122				3,067
Provision for loan losses			—				—				—				75
Non-interest income			979				1,017				990				1,454
Non-interest expense			3,644				3,623				3,758				3,927
Income before income taxes			499				570				354				519
Income tax expense (benefit)			83				97				(22	)			(24	)
Net income			416				473				376				543
Preferred dividends			59				59				59				59
Net income available to common stockholders		$	357			$	414			$	317			$	484
Net income per common share - basic		$	0.17			$	0.19			$	0.15			$	0.22
Net income per common share - diluted		$	0.16			$	0.19			$	0.15			$	0.22
		First				Second				Third				Fourth
		Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
		2013				2013				2013				2013
Interest Income		$	3,273			$	3,429			$	3,482			$	3,582
Interest expense			235				232				224				212
Net Interest income			3,038				3,197				3,258				3,370
Provision for loan losses			225				50				175				(25	)
Non-interest income			1,237				1,199				1,059				986
Non-interest expense			3,813				4,101				3,801				4,006
Income before income taxes			237				245				341				375
Income tax expense (benefit)			(35	)			(26	)			11				(101	)
Net income (loss)			272				271				330				476
Preferred dividends			59				59				59				60
Net income available to common stockholders		$	213			$	212			$	271			$	416
Net income per common share - basic		$	0.10			$	0.10			$	0.13			$	0.19
Net income per common share - diluted		$	0.10			$	0.10			$	0.13			$	0.18

18.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In preparing these financial statements, subsequent events were evaluated through the time the financial statements were issued. Financial statements are considered issued when they are widely distributed to all shareholders and other financial statement users, or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In conjunction with applicable accounting standards, all material subsequent events have been either recognized in the financial statements or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)(1)	The list of all financial statements is included at Item 8.
(a)(2)	The financial statement schedules are either included in the financial statements or are not applicable.
(a)(3)	Exhibit List

   

	Exhibit Number		Exhibit
	3.1		The Articles of Incorporation.(1)
	3.2		Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.(2)
	3.3		Bylaws.(3)
	3.4		Amendment to the Bylaws.
	4.1		Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders.(4)
	10.1*		Citizens Bancshares Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(5)
	10.2*		Citizens Bancshares Corporation 1999 Incentive  Stock Option Plan.(5)
	10.3*		Citizens Bancshares Corporation 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (6)
	10.4*		Employment Agreement Dated August 12, 2013 between Cynthia N. Day and Citizens Bancshares Corporation(7)
	10.5*		Change in Control Agreement by and between Cynthia Day and Citizens Bancshares Corporation (8)
	10.6*		Change in Control Agreement by and between Samuel J. Cox and Citizens Bancshares Corporation (9)
	10.7*		Change in Control Agreement by and between Fred Daniels and Citizens Bancshares Corporation (10)
	10.8*		Director Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (11)
	10.9*		Senior Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (12)
	10.10*		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Joinder Agreement for Cynthia N. Day (13)
	10.11*		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Joinder Agreement for Samuel J. Cox (14)
	10.12*		First Amendment to Change in Control Agreement by and between Cynthia Day and Citizens Bancshares Corporation. (15)

	Exhibit Number		Exhibit
	10.13*		First Amendment to Change in Control Agreement by and between Samuel J. Cox and Citizens Bancshares Corporation. (16)
	10.14		Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2009, including Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms, incorporated by reference therein, between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury. (17)
	10.15		Side Letter, dated March 6, 2009, between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury, regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. (18)
	10.16		Side Letter, dated March 6, 2009, between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury, pursuant to Section 113(d)(3) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. (19)
	10.17		Side Letter, dated March 6, 2009, between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury. (20)
	10.18		Form of Waiver. (21)
	10.19		Letter Agreement, dated August 13, 2010, including Exchange Agreement – Standard Terms, incorporated by reference herein, between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury. (22)
	10.20		Form of Waiver. (23)
	10.21		Letter Agreement, dated September 17, 2010, including Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms, incorporated by reference herein, between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury. (24)
	10.22		Form of Waiver. (25)
	10.23		TARP Recipient Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Certification for Fiscal Year Other than the First Year
	21.1		List of subsidiaries. (26)
	23.1		Consent of Report of Independent Registered Public Accountant Firm
	24.1		Power of Attorney (appears on the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)
	31.1		Certification by Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
	31.2		Certification by Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	Exhibit Number		Exhibit
	32.1		Certifications by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
	101		Interactive Data Files (27)

 

^* Compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

(1)

Incorporated by reference to exhibit of same number in the Company’s Form 10-QSB for the quarter ending September 30, 2001.

(2)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 6, 2009, Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 12, 2010, and Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated September 16, 2010.

(3)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, File No. 0-14535.

(4)

See the Articles of Incorporation of the Company at Exhibit 3.1 and 3.2 hereto and the Bylaws of the Company at Exhibit 3.3 hereto.

(5)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit of same number in the Company’s 2000 Form 10-KSB.

(6)

Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

(7)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 12, 2013.

(8)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

(9)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

(10)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Company’s Form 8-K dated December 31, 2013.

(11)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit of 10.11 in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

(12)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit of 10.12 in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

(13)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 7, 2008.

(14)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 7, 2008.

(15)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Company’s Form 10-K dated March 30, 2008.

(16)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Company’s Form 10-K dated March 30, 2008.

(17)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 6, 2009.

(18)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 6, 2009.

(19)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 6, 2009.

(20)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 6, 2009.

(21)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 6, 2009.

(22)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 12, 2010.

(23)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 12, 2010.

(24)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated September 16, 2010.

(25)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K dated September 16, 2010.

(26)

The Company has only one subsidiary, Citizens Trust Bank.

(27)

Interactive data files providing financial information from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 in XBRL. Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability.

 

(b)

The Exhibits not incorporated herein by reference are submitted as a separate part of this report.

 

(c)

Financial Statement Schedules: The financial statement schedules are either included in the financial statements or are not applicable.

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION
	By:	/s/ Cynthia N. Day
		Cynthia N. Day
		President and Chief Executive Officer
	Date: March 31, 2015

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears on the signature page to this Report constitutes and appoints Cynthia N. Day and Samuel J. Cox and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits hereto, and other documents in connection herewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature		Title		Date
/s/ Ray Robinson		Chairman of the Board		March 31, 2015
Ray Robinson
/s/ Robert L. Brown		Director		March 31, 2015
Robert L. Brown
/s/ Stephen Elmore		Director		March 31, 2015
Stephen Elmore
/s/ C. David Moody		Director		March 31, 2015
C. David Moody
/s/ Donald Ratajczak		Director		March 31, 2015
Donald Ratajczak
/s/ H. Jerome Russell		Director		March 31, 2015
H. Jerome Russell
/s/ James E. Williams		Director		March 31, 2015
James E. Williams
/s/ Cynthia N. Day		Director, President and Chief		March 31, 2015
Cynthia N. Day		Executive Officer*
/s/ Samuel J. Cox		Senior Vice President and		March 31, 2015
Samuel J. Cox		Chief Financial Officer**

 

*	Principal executive officer

**	Principal accounting and financial officer