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Table Of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549


FORM 10-Q


 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

 

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                      to                     .

 

Commission file number: 001-36878


 NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 

 

Delaware

20-8627710

 
 

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

 
    incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)  
       
 

813 Shades Creek Parkway, Suite 100

 

 
  Birmingham, Alabama 35209  
 

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

 

(205) 313-8100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


 

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

 

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

 

        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

Accelerated filer

       

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

 

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

 

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

 

         
 

Class of Common Stock

 

Outstanding at November 11, 2015

 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value

 

10,777,670 shares

 

 



 

  

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

     

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

     

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited):

1

     

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

1

     

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

2

     

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

3

     

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

4

     

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

5

     

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

     

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

18

     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

39

     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

39

     
     

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

39

     

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

39

     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

39

     

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

39

     

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosure

39

     

Item 5.

Other Information

39

     

Item 6.

Exhibits

40

     
 

Signatures

41

 

 

 

GENERAL

 

Unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “National Commerce Corporation,” “NCC,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to National Commerce Corporation and its consolidated affiliates as of September 30, 2015.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance, which involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Certain statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements include any statement that, without limitation, may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements instead of historical or current facts and may contain words like “anticipates,” “approximately,” “believes,” “budget,” “can,” “could,” “continues,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecast,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “outlook,” “predicts,” “probably,” “plans,” “potential,” “project,” “seeks,” “shall,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or the negative of these terms and other words, phrases, or expressions with similar meaning.

 

Any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based upon our historical performance and on our current plans, estimates and expectations in light of information currently available to us. The inclusion of forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us that the future plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, financial results, financial condition, business, prospects, growth strategy and liquidity. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and the Company cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information or otherwise. Given these uncertainties, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or estimated by us include those that are discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 under Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

  

 
ii 

Table Of Contents
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

September 30, 2015

   

December 31, 2014

 
Assets  

Cash and due from banks

  $ 23,221       14,236  

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

    169,661       109,199  

Cash and cash equivalents

    192,882       123,435  

Investment securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $17,051 at September 30, 2015)

    17,172       -  

Investment securities available-for-sale

    28,739       34,932  

Other investments

    5,844       5,421  

Mortgage loans held-for-sale

    7,926       9,329  

Loans, net of unearned income

    1,015,136       888,721  

Less: allowance for loan losses

    9,391       9,802  

Loans, net

    1,005,745       878,919  

Premises and equipment, net

    27,331       27,560  

Accrued interest receivable

    2,331       2,193  

Bank owned life insurance

    11,934       10,641  

Other real estate

    3,562       1,008  

Deferred tax assets, net

    12,381       11,444  

Goodwill

    29,867       28,834  

Core deposit intangible, net

    1,424       1,757  

Other assets

    3,643       2,953  

Total assets

  $ 1,350,781       1,138,426  

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

Deposits:

               

Noninterest-bearing demand

  $ 271,202       217,643  

Interest-bearing demand

    193,771       154,816  

Savings and money market

    446,726       392,394  

Time

    230,138       206,207  

Total deposits

    1,141,837       971,060  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    22,000       22,000  

Accrued interest payable

    479       431  

Other liabilities

    9,042       8,774  

Total liabilities

    1,173,358       1,002,265  

Commitments

               

Shareholders’ equity:

               

Preferred stock, 250,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding

    -       -  

Common stock, at September 30, 2015, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized and 9,438,541 shares issued and outstanding; at December 31, 2014, $0.01 par value, 12,500,000 shares authorized and 7,541,541 shares issued and outstanding

    94       75  

Additional paid-in capital

    165,914       131,455  

Retained earnings (deficit)

    3,214       (3,453 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    693       845  

Total shareholders' equity attributable to National Commerce Corporation

    169,915       128,922  

Noncontrolling interest

    7,508       7,239  

Total shareholders' equity

    177,423       136,161  

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 1,350,781       1,138,426  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

   

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   

For the Three Months Ended

   

For the Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

   

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Interest and dividend income:

                               

Interest and fees on loans

  $ 12,925       7,744     $ 36,943       19,583  

Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities

    259       276       784       903  

Interest on non-taxable investment securities

    137       43       293       127  

Interest on interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold

    129       44       337       151  

Total interest income

    13,450       8,107       38,357       20,764  

Interest expense:

                               

Interest on deposits

    1,080       619       2,959       1,693  

Interest on borrowings

    111       111       330       330  

Total interest expense

    1,191       730       3,289       2,023  

Net interest income

    12,259       7,377       35,068       18,741  

Provision for loan losses

    201       152       482       152  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    12,058       7,225       34,586       18,589  

Other income:

                               

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts

    311       174       886       512  

Mortgage origination and fee income

    1,439       1,013       4,215       2,766  

Merchant sponsorship revenue

    305       -       496       -  

Income from bank owned life insurance

    86       59       251       179  

Wealth management fees

    11       14       43       43  

(Loss) gain on other real estate

    -       -       (24 )     5  

(Loss) gain on sale of investment securities available-for-sale

    -       (33 )     -       (33 )

Other

    201       93       456       141  

Total other income

    2,353       1,320       6,323       3,613  

Other expense:

                               

Salaries and employee benefits

    5,186       3,547       15,287       9,662  

Commission-based compensation

    1,048       459       2,900       1,236  

Occupancy and equipment

    871       477       2,536       1,372  

Core deposit intangible amortization

    111       -       333       -  

Other

    2,679       1,498       7,745       4,027  

Total other expense

    9,895       5,981       28,801       16,297  

Earnings before income taxes

    4,516       2,564       12,108       5,905  

Income tax expense

    1,453       841       3,809       2,001  

Net earnings

    3,063       1,723       8,299       3,904  

Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

    573       208       1,632       208  

Net earnings attributable to National Commerce Corporation

  $ 2,490       1,515     $ 6,667       3,696  

Basic earnings per common share

  $ 0.26       0.26     $ 0.75       0.64  

Diluted earnings per common share

  $ 0.26       0.26     $ 0.74       0.63  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

 

   

For the Three Months Ended

   

For the Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

   

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Net earnings

  $ 2,490       1,515     $ 6,667       3,696  

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

                               

Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available-for-sale:

                               

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax of $45, $(36), ($82) and $185, respectively

    83       (65 )     (152 )     344  

Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net earnings, net of tax of $12 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014

    -       21       -       21  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    83       (44 )     (152 )     365  

Comprehensive income

  $ 2,573     $ 1,471     $ 6,515     $ 4,061  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

 

                           

Accumulated

                 
           

Additional

           

Other

                 
   

Common

   

Paid-in

   

Accumulated

   

Comprehensive

   

Noncontrolling

         
   

Stock

   

Capital

   

Deficit

   

Income

   

Interest

   

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

    75       131,455       (3,453 )     845       7,239       136,161  
                                                 

Share-based compensation expense

            716                               716  

Net earnings attributable to National Commerce Corporation

                    6,667                       6,667  

Sale of common stock, net of offering expenses of $733

    19       33,743                               33,762  

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

                                    1,632       1,632  

Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest

                                    (1,363 )     (1,363 )

Change in unrealized gain/loss on securities available-for-sale, net of tax

    -       -       -       (152 )     -       (152 )

Balance, September 30, 2015

  $ 94       165,914       3,214       693       7,508       177,423  

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.  

 

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

Uaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

   

For the Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net earnings

  $ 6,667       3,696  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

               

Provision for loan losses

    482       152  

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

    1,632       208  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

    1,892       662  

Loss on sale of investment securities available-for-sale

    -       33  

Loss (gain) on ineffective portion of fair value hedge derivative

    5       (163 )

Change in mortgage loan derivative

    (120 )     (28 )

Loss on trade or sale of premises and equipment

    5       2  

Share-based compensation expense

    716       322  

Income from bank owned life insurance

    (251 )     (179 )

Loss (gain) on other real estate

    24       (5 )

Change in:

               

Mortgage loans held-for-sale

    1,403       (4,170 )

Other assets and accrued interest receivable

    (750 )     49  

Other liabilities and accrued interest payable

    223       (983 )

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    11,928       (404 )

Cash flows from investing activities (net of effect of business combinations):

               

Proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns of securitiesavailable-for-sale

    8,449       4,085  

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale

    -       9,967  

Purchases of securities available-for-sale

    (2,500 )     -  

Purchases of securities held-to-maturity

    (17,177 )     -  

Proceeds from sale of other investments

    703       45  

Purchases of other investments

    (1,126 )     -  

Net cash paid in acquisitions

    -       (13,948 )

Net change in loans

    (130,886 )     (42,441 )

Proceeds from sale of other real estate

    169       50  

Investment in bank owned life insurance

    (1,042 )     -  

Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment

    49       -  

Purchases of premises and equipment

    (2,296 )     (1,845 )

Net cash used by investing activities

    (145,657 )     (44,087 )

Cash flows from financing activities (net of effect of business combinations):

               

Net change in deposits

    170,777       85,478  

Repayment of short-term debt

    -       (77,801 )

Cash distribution paid to noncontrolling interests

    (1,363 )     -  

Proceeds from stock offering

    34,495       3,000  

Stock offering expenses

    (733 )     (28 )

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants

    -       615  

Net cash provided by financing activities

    203,176       11,264  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    69,447       (33,227 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

    123,435       124,136  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

  $ 192,882       90,909  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

(In thousands)

 

   

For the Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

 

 

 

2015

   

2014

 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:            

Cash paid during the period for:

               

Interest

  $ 3,241       2,093  

Income taxes

  $ 2,630       2,303  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

               

Change in unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, net of tax

  $ 152       365  

Transfer of loans to other real estate

  $ 2,762       30  

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in CBI acquisition

               

Assets acquired in CBI acquisition

  $ -       105,275  

Liabilities assumed in CBI acquisition

  $ -       84,393  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

   

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(amounts in tables in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

 

General

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Commerce Corporation (“NCC,” and, including its subsidiaries, the “Company”), its wholly owned subsidiary, National Bank of Commerce (“NBC” or the “Bank”), and its majority-owned subsidiary, CBI Holding Company, LLC (“CBI”).

 

The Bank provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking services throughout Alabama, including metropolitan Birmingham, Huntsville, Lee County and Baldwin County. In addition to its Alabama locations, the Bank operates full-service banking offices in the greater Orlando area and in Vero Beach, Florida. On October 31, 2015, pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among NCC, NBC and Reunion Bank of Florida (“Reunion”), dated July 7, 2015, Reunion merged with and into NBC (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger, NBC now operates four additional full-service banking offices in Tavares, Port Orange, St. Augustine and Ormond Beach, Florida through “Reunion Bank of Florida, a division of National Bank of Commerce.”

 

CBI is the holding company for Corporate Billing, LLC, a transaction-based finance company headquartered in Decatur, Alabama that provides factoring, invoicing, collection and accounts receivable management services to transportation companies and automotive parts and service providers nationwide.

 

The Bank is primarily regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and undergoes periodic examinations by the OCC. The Company is regulated by and subject to periodic examinations by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”).

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods presented, and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

 

These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted or abbreviated. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes as of December 31, 2014, which are contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

  

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge and best estimates of the impact of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, the allowance for loan losses, useful lives for depreciation and amortization, fair value of financial instruments, deferred taxes and contingencies. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change and therefore are critical accounting estimates for the Company include the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the assessment of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Management does not anticipate any material changes to its estimates in the near term. Factors that may affect such estimates include, but are not limited to, external market factors, such as market interest rates and employment rates; changes to operating policies and procedures; economic conditions in the Company’s markets; and changes in applicable banking regulations. Actual results may ultimately differ from estimates, although management does not generally believe that such differences would materially affect the consolidated financial statements in any individual reporting period presented.

 

Note 2 Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used in 2015. These reclassifications had no material effect on the operations, financial condition or cash flows of the Company.

 

Note 3 – Net Earnings per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the effect of the issuance of potential common shares that are dilutive and by the sum of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Anti-dilutive potential common shares (options and warrants) are excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation. There were no antidilutive securities for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Antidilutive securities totaled 102,397 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. There were no antidilutive securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

The reconciliation of the components of the basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows.

 

   

For the Three Months Ended

   

For the Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

   

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Net earnings available to common shareholders

  $ 2,490       1,515     $ 6,667       3,696  
                                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    9,438,541       5,855,276       8,865,944       5,776,131  

Dilutive effect of stock options

    61,623       23,829       48,745       15,530  

Dilutive effect of directors' shares

    8,118       -       8,091       -  

Dilutive effect of performance share awards

    86,190       50,281       80,105       49,434  

Diluted common shares

    9,594,472       5,929,386       9,002,885       5,841,095  
                                 

Basic earnings per common share

  $ 0.26       0.26     $ 0.75       0.64  

Diluted earnings per common share

  $ 0.26       0.26     $ 0.74       0.63  

 

Note 4 Securities

 

The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows.

 

   

Held-to-Maturity Securities

 
                                 
           

Gross

   

Gross

   

Estimated

 
   

Amortized

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

 

September 30, 2015

 

Cost

   

Gains

   

Losses

   

Value

 

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ 4,133       10       1       4,142  

Municipal securities

    13,039       39       169       12,909  
    $ 17,172       49       170       17,051  

 

   

Available-for-Sale Securities

 
                                 
           

Gross

   

Gross

   

Estimated

 
   

Amortized

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

 

September 30, 2015

 

Cost

   

Gains

   

Losses

   

Value

 

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ 23,265       932       51       24,146  

Municipal securities

    4,407       231       45       4,593  
    $ 27,672       1,163       96       28,739  

 

           

Gross

   

Gross

   

Estimated

 
   

Amortized

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

 

December 31, 2014

 

Cost

   

Gains

   

Losses

   

Value

 

U.S. Treasury securities

  $ 1,501       -       -       1,501  

Mortgage-backed securities

    27,723       1,138       111       28,750  

Municipal securities

    4,408       279       6       4,681  
    $ 33,632       1,417       117       34,932  

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

 

Details concerning the Company’s debt securities with unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows.

 

   

Held-to-Maturity Securities

 
         
   

Less than 12 Months

   

12 Months or More

   

Total

 
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 

September 30, 2015

 

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

 

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ 2,069       1       -       -       2,069       1  

Municipal securities

    9,140       169       -       -       9,140       169  
    $ 11,209       170       -       -       11,209       170  

 

   

Available-for-Sale Securities

 
       
   

Less than 12 Months

   

12 Months or More

   

Total

 
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 

September 30, 2015

 

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

 

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ 851       5       5,765       46       6,616       51  

Municipal securities

    937       45       -       -       937       45  
    $ 1,788       50       5,765       46       7,553       96  

 

   

Less than 12 Months

   

12 Months or More

   

Total

 
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 

December 31, 2014

 

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

 

U.S. Treasury securities

  $ -       -       -       -       -       -  

Mortgage-backed securities

    -       -       7,705       111       7,705       111  

Municipal securities

    -       -       494       6       494       6  
    $ -       -       8,199       117       8,199       117  

 

As of September 30, 2015, the Company did not consider securities with unrealized losses to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The unrealized losses in each category have occurred as a result of changes in interest rates, market spreads and market conditions subsequent to purchase. The Company has the ability and intent to hold its securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. There were no other-than-temporary impairments charged to earnings during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not sell any debt securities.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

   

Available-for-Sale Securities

   

Held-to-Maturity Securities

 
   

Amortized

   

Fair

   

Amortized

   

Fair

 
   

Cost

   

Value

   

Cost

   

Value

 

Municipal securities:

                               

0 to 5 years

  $ -       -     $ -       -  

5 to 10 years

    1,047       1,091       -       -  

Over 10 years

    3,360       3,502       13,039       12,909  

Mortgage-backed securities

    23,265       24,146       4,133       4,142  
    $ 27,672       28,739     $ 17,172       17,051  

 

Note 5 – Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality

 

Major classifications of loans at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows.

 

   

September 30, 2015

   

December 31, 2014

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ 148,509       131,657  

Factored commercial receivables

    74,780       82,600  

Real estate - mortgage

    665,484       577,268  

Real estate - construction

    110,374       83,663  

Consumer

    16,507       13,962  
      1,015,654       889,150  

Less: Unearned fees

    518       429  

Total loans

    1,015,136       888,721  

Allowance for loan losses

    (9,391 )     (9,802 )

Total net loans

  $ 1,005,745       878,919  

 

 

The Company grants loans and extensions of credit to individuals and a variety of businesses and corporations located in its general market areas throughout Alabama and Florida, including metropolitan Birmingham, Huntsville, Lee County and Baldwin County in Alabama and metropolitan Orlando and Vero Beach in Florida. Through CBI, the Company also purchases receivables from transportation companies and automotive parts and service providers nationwide. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by improved and unimproved real estate and is dependent upon prevailing conditions in the real estate market. Portfolio segments utilized by the Company are identified below. Relevant risk characteristics for these portfolio segments generally include debt service coverage, loan-to-value ratios and financial performance (for non-consumer loans), and credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, collateral type and loan-to-value ratios (for consumer loans).

 

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method for the periods indicated. Acquired loans are not included in the allowance for loan losses calculation, as these loans are recorded at fair value, and there has been no further indication of credit deterioration that would require an additional provision.

 

   

Commercial,

   

Factored

                                         
   

financial and

   

commercial

   

Real estate -

   

Real estate -

                         

Balance, September 30, 2015

 

agricultural

   

receivables

   

mortgage

   

construction

   

Consumer

   

Unallocated

   

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

  $ 1,523       955       5,047       647       562       1,068       9,802  

Provisions charged to operating expense

    10       (256 )     966       121       38       (397 )     482  

Loans charged off

    (11 )     (1,645 )     (764 )     -       (120 )     -       (2,540 )

Recoveries

    56       1,446       57       83       5       -       1,647  

Balance, September 30, 2015

  $ 1,578       500       5,306       851       485       671       9,391  

Ending balance, individually evaluated for impairment

  $ -       -       223       -       -       -       223  

Ending balance, collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,578       500       5,083       851       485       671       9,168  

Loans:

                                                       

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ -       -       996       175       78       -       1,249  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 148,307       74,780       659,634       109,872       16,197       -       1,008,790  

Acquired loans with deteriorated credit quality

  $ 202       -       4,854       327       232       -       5,615  

 

   

Commercial,

   

Factored

                                         
   

financial and

   

commercial

   

Real estate -

   

Real estate -

                         

Balance, September 30, 2014

 

agricultural

   

receivables

   

mortgage

   

construction

   

Consumer

   

Unallocated

   

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

  $ 1,398       -       4,449       964       243       2,065       9,119  

Provisions charged to operating expense

    183       152       1,030       (255 )     (71 )     (887 )     152  

Loans charged off

    (3 )     (167 )     (393 )     -       -       -       (563 )

Recoveries

    52       190       31       25       12       -       310  

Balance, September 30, 2014

  $ 1,630       175       5,117       734       184       1,178       9,018  

Ending balance, individually evaluated for impairment

  $ -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Ending balance, collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,630       175       5,117       734       184       1,178       9,018  

Loans:

                                                       

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ -       -       1,087       -       -       -       1,087  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 95,532       81,926       449,682       70,501       7,663       -       705,304  

 

The Company individually evaluates for impairment all loans that are on nonaccrual status. Additionally, all troubled debt restructurings are individually evaluated for impairment. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current events and circumstances, it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan will 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, at the loan’s observable market price or at the fair value of the collateral (if the loan is collateral-dependent). Management may also elect to apply an additional collective reserve to groups of impaired loans based on current economic or market factors. Interest payments received on impaired loans are generally applied as a reduction of the outstanding principal balance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not modify any loans that would be considered a troubled debt restructuring.

 

 

The following tables present impaired loans by class of loans as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The purchased credit-impaired loans are not included in these tables because they are carried at fair value and accordingly have no related associated allowance.

 

           

Unpaid

           

Average

 
   

Recorded

   

Principal

   

Related

   

Recorded

 

September 30, 2015

 

Investment

   

Balance

   

Allowance

   

Investment

 

Impaired loans without related allowance:

                               

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ -       -       -       -  

Factored commercial receivables

    -       -       -       -  

Real estate - mortgage

    773       1,181       -       1,899  

Real estate - construction

    175       184       -       89  

Consumer

    78       93       -       49  

Total

  $ 1,026       1,458       -       2,037  
                                 

Impaired loans with related allowance:

                               

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ -       -       -       -  

Factored commercial receivables

    -       -       -       816  

Real estate - mortgage

    223       227       223       312  

Real estate - construction

    -       -       -       96  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -  

Total

  $ 223       227       223       1,224  
                                 

Total impaired loans:

                               

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ -       -       -       -  

Factored commercial receivables

    -       -       -       816  

Real estate - mortgage

    996       1,408       223       2,211  

Real estate - construction

    175       184       -       185  

Consumer

    78       93       -       49  

Total

  $ 1,249       1,685       223       3,261  

 

           

Unpaid

           

Average

 
   

Recorded

   

Principal

   

Related

   

Recorded

 

December 31, 2014

 

Investment

   

Balance

   

Allowance

   

Investment

 

Impaired loans without related allowance:

                               

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ -       -       -       24  

Factored commercial receivables

    -       -       -       -  

Real estate - mortgage

    1,052       2,030       -       1,770  

Real estate - construction

    -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -  

Total

  $ 1,052       2,030       -       1,794  
                                 

Impaired loans with related allowance:

                               

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ -       -       -       -  

Factored commercial receivables

    1,605       1,605       473       321  

Real estate - mortgage

    1,026       1,026       350       205  

Real estate - construction

    198       198       50       40  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -  

Total

  $ 2,829       2,829       873       566  
                                 

Total impaired loans:

                               

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ -       -       -       24  

Factored commercial receivables

    1,605       1,605       473       321  

Real estate - mortgage

    2,078       3,056       350       1,975  

Real estate - construction

    198       198       50       40  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -  

Total

  $ 3,881       4,859       873       2,360  

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not recognize a material amount of interest income on impaired loans.

 

 

The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans and non-accrual loan balances as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, by class of loans. All loans greater than 90 days past due are placed on non-accrual status, excluding factored receivables. For CBI’s factored receivables, which are commercial trade credits rather than promissory notes, the Company’s practice is to charge off unpaid recourse receivables when they become 90 days past due from the invoice due date and the non-recourse receivables when they become 120 days past due from the statement billing date. For the recourse receivables, the invoice is charged against the client reserve account established for such purposes, unless the client reserve is insufficient, at which point it is charged against the allowance for loan losses.

 

   

30-59 Days

   

60-89 Days

   

> 90 Days

   

Total

                         

September 30, 2015

 

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Current

   

Total

   

Non-accrual

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ -       -       17       17       148,492       148,509       17  

Factored commercial receivables

    4,862       898       148       5,908       68,872       74,780       -  

Real estate - mortgage

    635       209       679       1,523       663,961       665,484       3,318  

Real estate - construction

    -       -       -       -       110,374       110,374       175  

Consumer

    63       14       89       166       16,341       16,507       148  

Total

  $ 5,560       1,121       933       7,614       1,008,040       1,015,654       3,658  

 

   

30-59 Days

   

60-89 Days

   

> 90 Days

   

Total

                         

December 31, 2014

 

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Current

   

Total

   

Non-accrual

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ -       -       -       -       131,657       131,657       -  

Factored commercial receivables

    6,327       1,013       217       7,557       75,043       82,600       -  

Real estate - mortgage

    191       1,963       1,572       3,726       573,542       577,268       4,133  

Real estate - construction

    198       -       -       198       83,465       83,663       676  

Consumer

    188       -       132       320       13,642       13,962       56  

Total

  $ 6,904       2,976       1,921       11,801       877,349       889,150       4,865  

 

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 with respect to their credit risk. This analysis is performed on a continuous basis. The Bank uses the following definitions for its risk ratings:

 

Other Assets Especially Mentioned (“OAEM”). Weakness exists that could cause future impairment, including the deterioration of financial ratios, past due status and questionable management capabilities. Collateral values generally afford adequate coverage but may not be immediately marketable.

 

Substandard. Specific and well-defined weaknesses exist that may include poor liquidity and deterioration of financial ratios. The loan may be past due and related deposit accounts may be experiencing overdrafts. Immediate corrective action is necessary.

 

Doubtful. Specific weaknesses characterized as Substandard that are severe enough to make collection in full unlikely. There is no reliable secondary source of full repayment. Loans classified as Doubtful will be placed on non-accrual, analyzed and fully or partially charged off based on a review of the related collateral and other relevant factors.

 

Loss. Specific weaknesses characterized as Doubtful that are severe enough to be considered uncollectible and of such minimal value that its continuance as an asset is not warranted.

 

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above-described process are considered to be Pass-rated loans. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans was as follows.

 

September 30, 2015

 

Pass

   

OAEM

   

Substandard

   

Doubtful

   

Total

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ 144,634       1,293       2,565       17       148,509  

Factored commercial receivables

    74,780       -       -       -       74,780  

Real estate - mortgage

    657,637       695       3,834       3,318       665,484  

Real estate - construction

    109,872       -       327       175       110,374  

Consumer

    15,632       -       727       148       16,507  

Total

  $ 1,002,555       1,988       7,453       3,658       1,015,654  

 

December 31, 2014

 

Pass

   

OAEM

   

Substandard

   

Doubtful

   

Total

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ 129,314       1,159       1,184       -       131,657  

Factored commercial receivables

    80,995       -       -       1,605       82,600  

Real estate - mortgage

    565,992       4,057       2,803       4,416       577,268  

Real estate - construction

    82,552       94       254       763       83,663  

Consumer

    13,192       201       477       92       13,962  

Total

  $ 872,045       5,511       4,718       6,876       889,150  

  

Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

 

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  Securities available-for-sale and derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as impaired loans and other real estate and repossessed assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of the lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.  These levels are:

 

Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

 

Level 2 – Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

 

Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include the use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

 

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For disclosure purposes, the carrying amount for cash, due from banks, interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Securities Available-for-Sale

Securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based on 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 or Nasdaq, and U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter market funds.  Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises and municipal bonds.  Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

 

Securities Held-to-Maturity

The fair value of securities held-to-maturity is estimated using the same measurement techniques as securities available-for-sale.

 

Other Investments

For disclosure purposes, the carrying amount of other investments approximates their fair value.

 

Loans and Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale

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 losses 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 agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment using one of three methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. Impaired loans for which an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral, or loans that are charged down according to the fair value of collateral, require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When the fair value is based on an appraised value, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

 

For disclosure purposes, the fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. For variable-rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Mortgage loans held-for-sale are carried at cost, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Bank Owned Life Insurance

For disclosure purposes, the fair value of the cash surrender value of life insurance policies is equivalent to the carrying value.

 

Other Real Estate

Other real estate properties are adjusted to fair value upon the transfer of the loans to other real estate. Subsequently, other real estate assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based on independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price, the Company records the other real estate as nonrecurring Level 2. When fair value is based on an appraised value or management’s estimate of value, the Company records the other real estate or repossessed asset as nonrecurring Level 3.

 

Deposits

For disclosure purposes, the fair value of demand deposits, NOW and money market accounts and savings accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-rate maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

For disclosure purposes, the fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances is based on the quoted value for similar remaining maturities provided by the FHLB.

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The valuation of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined by using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves derived from observable market interest rate curves).

 

The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees.

 

Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company or the counterparty. However, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustment is not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit

Because commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are generally short-term and made using variable rates, the carrying value and estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial.

 

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ -       24,146       -       24,146  

Municipal securities

    -       4,593       -       4,593  

Total investment securities available-for-sale

  $ -       28,739       -       28,739  

Derivative assets

  $ -       381       -       381  

Derivative liabilities

  $ -       794       -       794  

 

December 31, 2014

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

U.S. Treasury securities

  $ 1,501       -       -       1,501  

Mortgage-backed securities

    -       28,750       -       28,750  

Municipal securities

    -       4,681       -       4,681  

Investment in mutual fund

    -       -       -       -  

Total investment securities available-for-sale

  $ 1,501       33,431       -       34,932  

Derivative assets

  $ -       105       -       105  

Derivative liabilities

  $ -       425       -       425  

 

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

From time to time, the Company may be required to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or market value that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are included in the table below as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

September 30, 2015

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Other real estate and repossessed assets

  $ -       -       3,634       3,634  

Impaired loans

    -       -       3,658       3,658  

 

December 31, 2014

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Other real estate and repossessed assets

  $ -       -       1,380       1,380  

Impaired loans

    -       -       4,865       4,865  

 

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

   

Carrying

   

Estimated Fair Value

 

September 30, 2015

 

Amount

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Assets:

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 192,882       192,882       -       -  

Investment securities held-to-maturity

    17,172       -       17,051       -  

Investment securities available-for-sale

    28,739       -       28,739       -  

Other investments

    5,844       -       5,844       -  

Loans, net

    1,005,745       -       1,007,519       3,658  

Mortgage loans held-for-sale

    7,926       -       7,926       -  

Bank owned life insurance

    11,934       -       11,934       -  

Derivative assets

    381       -       381       -  
                                 

Liabilities:

                               

Deposits

    1,141,837       -       1,122,027       -  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    22,000       -       22,526       -  

Derivative liabilities

    794       -       794       -  

 

   

Carrying

   

Estimated Fair Value

 

December 31, 2014

 

Amount

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Assets:

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 123,435       123,435       -       -  

Investment securities available-for-sale

    34,932       1,501       33,431       -  

Other investments

    5,421       -       5,421       -  

Loans, net

    878,919       -       873,125       4,865  

Mortgage loans held-for-sale

    9,329       -       9,329       -  

Bank owned life insurance

    10,641       -       10,641       -  

Derivative assets

    105       -       105       -  
                                 

Liabilities:

                               

Deposits

    971,060       -       949,621       -  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    22,000       -       22,677       -  

Derivative liabilities

    425       -       425       -  

 

Limitations

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

 

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

 

Note 7 Sale of Common Stock and Initial Public Offering

 

On March 18, 2015, NCC sold 1,642,000 shares of common stock at $19.50 in its initial public offering. The underwriters had an option to purchase an additional 255,000 shares, which they exercised on March 27, 2015. In total, NCC sold 1,897,000 shares and raised approximately $33.8 million, net of offering expenses. NCC’s stock is now traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “NCOM.”

 

In February 2015, NCC’s stockholders approved a proposal to increase NCC’s total number of authorized common shares from 12,500,000 to 30,000,000.

 

 

Note 8 – Segment Reporting

 

The Company’s three reportable segments represent distinct product lines and are viewed separately for strategic planning purposes and internal reporting. The reported amounts for the Receivables Factoring segment for the 2014 periods includes activity from the acquisition date, August 29, 2014, to September 30, 2014. The following table is a reconciliation of the reportable segment revenues, expenses and profit to the Company’s consolidated totals.

 

   

Retail and

                                 
   

Commercial

   

Mortgage

   

Receivables

   

Elimination

         
   

Banking

   

Division (1)

   

Factoring

   

Entries (2)

   

Total

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015:

                                       

Interest income

  $ 10,670       104       3,170       (494 )     13,450  

Interest expense

    1,158       33       494       (494 )     1,191  

Net interest income

    9,512       71       2,676       -       12,259  

Provision for loan and lease losses

    310       -       (109 )     -       201  

Noninterest income

    545       1,782       26       -       2,353  

Noninterest expense

    7,083       1,507       1,305       -       9,895  

Net earnings before tax and noncontrolling interest

    2,664       346       1,506       -       4,516  

Income tax expense

    967       131       355       -       1,453  

Noncontrolling interest

    -       -       (573 )     -       (573 )

Net earnings atributable to National Commerce Corporation

  $ 1,697       215       578       -       2,490  
                                         

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015:

                                       

Interest income

  $ 30,236       301       9,331       (1,511 )     38,357  

Interest expense

    3,191       98       1,511       (1,511 )     3,289  

Net interest income

    27,045       203       7,820       -       35,068  

Provision for loan and lease losses

    738       -       (256 )     -       482  

Noninterest income

    1,469       4,799       55       -       6,323  

Noninterest expense

    20,872       4,001       3,928       -       28,801  

Net earnings before tax and noncontrolling interest

    6,904       1,001       4,203       -       12,108  

Income tax expense

    2,452       380       977       -       3,809  

Noncontrolling interest

    -       -       (1,632 )     -       (1,632 )

Net earnings atributable to National Commerce Corporation

  $ 4,452       621       1,594       -       6,667  
                                         

Total assets as of September 30, 2015

  $ 1,312,449       7,926       96,967       (66,561 )     1,350,781  
                                         

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:

                                       

Interest income

  $ 6,890       111       1,106       -       8,107  

Interest expense

    696       34       178       (178 )     730  

Net interest income

    6,194       77       928       178       7,377  

Provision for loan and lease losses

    175       -       (23 )     -       152  

Noninterest income

    203       1,102       15       -       1,320  

Noninterest expense

    4,605       958       418       -       5,981  

Net earnings before tax and noncontrolling interest

    1,617       221       548       178       2,564  

Income tax expense

    628       84       129       -       841  

Noncontrolling interest

    -       -       (208 )     -       (208 )

Net earnings atributable to National Commerce Corporation

  $ 989       137       211       178       1,515  
                                         

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:

                                       

Interest income

  $ 19,356       302       1,106       -       20,764  

Interest expense

    1,934       89       178       (178 )     2,023  

Net interest income

    17,422       213       928       178       18,741  

Provision for loan and lease losses

    175       -       (23 )     -       152  

Noninterest income

    527       3,071       15       -       3,613  

Noninterest expense

    13,188       2,691       418       -       16,297  

Net earnings before tax and noncontrolling interest

    4,586       593       548       178       5,905  

Income tax expense

    1,647       225       129       -       2,001  

Noncontrolling interest

    -       -       (208 )     -       (208 )

Net earnings atributable to National Commerce Corporation

  $ 2,939       368       211       178       3,696  
                                         

Total assets as of September 30, 2014

  $ 857,127       11,329       106,083       (76,557 )     897,982  

 

(1)

Noninterest income for the Mortgage Division segment includes intercompany income allocation.

(2)

Entry to remove intercompany interest allocated to the Receivables Factoring segment. For segment reporting purposes, we allocate funding costs to the Receivables Factoring segment at the Federal Funds rate plus 2.5%.

 

 

Note 9Goodwill and Intangibles

 

Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 are provided in the following table.

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

  $ 28,834  

Adjustments to goodwill

    1,033  

Balance, September 30, 2015

  $ 29,867  

 

The adjustments to goodwill made during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 resulted from the revaluation of certain loans, write-down of fixed assets, prepaid assets and land acquired through the acquisition of United Group Banking Company of Florida, Inc. (“United”). The adjustments were made as additional information that existed at the time of acquisition was reviewed and affected the recorded fair value of certain loans, fixed assets and prepaid assets. Net of deferred taxes, these adjustments resulted in a $1.3 million increase to goodwill recorded in the United acquisition.

 

In addition to these adjustments, the goodwill recorded in the CBI transaction was adjusted due to information regarding the tax treatment of certain deferred revenue. This adjustment reduced the recorded goodwill in the CBI acquisition by $359 thousand.

 

These adjustments to goodwill had no impact on net income or shareholders’ equity of the Company for the first nine months of 2015.

 

A summary of core deposit intangible assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is set forth below.

 

   

September 30, 2015

   

December 31, 2014

 

Gross carrying amount

  $ 1,776     $ 1,776  

Less: accumulated amortization

    (352 )     (19 )

Net carrying amount

  $ 1,424     $ 1,757  

 

Note 10Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents include amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (“FRB”), the FHLB and correspondent banks, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods. The Company is required to maintain average reserve balances with the FRB or in cash. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s reserve requirements were approximately $7,428,000 and $2,436,000, respectively.

 

Note 11 – Acquisition

 

On July 7, 2015, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement providing for the Merger (of Reunion, headquartered in Tavares, Florida, with and into NBC). Subsequent to the Merger, Reunion will become a part of NBC, but will continue to operate under the “Reunion Bank of Florida” name and its existing management team.

 

The Merger became effective on October 31, 2015, and each share of common stock of Reunion issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was converted into the right to receive either 0.7273 shares of NCC common stock or cash in the amount of $16.00. NCC issued 1,339,129 shares of its common stock and paid approximately $7.4 million in cash to Reunion stockholders in the Merger. The NCC shares issued represented approximately 80% of the issued and outstanding shares of Reunion common stock, and the cash payment represented approximately 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of Reunion common stock.

 

The Company is not able to make the remaining required disclosures required by purchase accounting standards as management has not yet completed the initial accounting for this business combination.

 

Note 12 – Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers—Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU 2015-14 defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, by one year. ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. Under ASU 2015-14, ASU 2014-09 is now effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of ASU 2014-09 on its financial statements and disclosures, if any.

  

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. ASU 2015-15 expands guidance provided in ASU 2015-03 and states that presentation of costs associated with securing a revolving line of credit as an asset is permitted, regardless of whether or not the line of credit is funded. ASU 2015-15 is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of ASU 2015-15 on its financial statements and disclosures, if any.

  

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments in a business combination by requiring the acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined, thereby eliminating the requirement to retrospectively account for those adjustments. The acquirer is also required to record in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization and other items resulting from the change to the provisional amounts. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 31, 2015, with early application permitted, and applies to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of ASU 2015-16 on its financial statements and disclosures, if any.

 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Part I, Item 1A. – Risk Factors,” as well as other unknown risks and uncertainties.

 

All dollar amounts in the tables in this section are in thousands of dollars, except per share data, yields, percentages and rates, or when specifically identified. As used in this Item, the words “we,” “us,” “our,the “Company,” “NCC” and similar terms refer to National Commerce Corporation and its consolidated affiliates, unless the context indicates otherwise.

 

Our Business

 

NCC is a financial holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. We engage in the business of banking through our wholly owned banking subsidiary, National Bank of Commerce, which we may refer to as the “Bank” or “NBC.” On February 28, 2015, we merged United Legacy Bank (“ULB”), another of our banking subsidiaries, with and into NBC, and each of the former ULB banking offices now operates as “United Legacy Bank, a division of National Bank of Commerce.”

 

Through the Bank, we provide a broad array of financial services to businesses, business owners and professionals. As of September 30, 2015, we operated eight full-service banking offices in Alabama (in Birmingham, Huntsville, Auburn-Opelika and Baldwin County) and seven full-service banking offices in Central Florida (in Longwood, Winter Park, Orlando, Oviedo, Kissimmee and Vero Beach). We also own a 70% equity interest in CBI Holding Company, LLC (”CBI”), which owns Corporate Billing, LLC (“Corporate Billing”), a transaction-based finance company headquartered in Decatur, Alabama that provides factoring, invoicing, collection and accounts receivable management services to transportation companies and automotive parts and service providers throughout the United States and parts of Canada.

 

On October 31, 2015, pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among NCC, NBC and Reunion Bank of Florida (“Reunion”), dated July 7, 2015, Reunion merged with and into NBC (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger, NBC now operates four additional full-service banking offices in Tavares, Port Orange, St. Augustine and Ormond Beach, Florida through “Reunion Bank of Florida, a division of National Bank of Commerce.”

  

 

Overview of Third Quarter 2015 Results

 

Net income was $2.5 million in the third quarter ended September 30, 2015, compared with $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. Several important measures from the 2015 third quarter include:

 

 

Net interest margin (tax-effected) of 4.02%, compared with 3.87% for the third quarter of 2014.

 

Return on average assets of 0.75%, compared with 0.73% for the third quarter of 2014.

 

Loan growth (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) of $44.5 million for the third quarter of 2015, representing an 18.2% annualized growth rate. Excluding factoring receivables, loans grew by $44.7 million during the quarter, representing a 19.8% annualized growth rate.

 

Deposit growth of $90.4 million for the third quarter of 2015, representing a 34.1% annualized growth rate.

 

$82.3 million in mortgage production, compared with $53.5 million for the third quarter of 2014.

 

$182.7 million in purchased volume in the Receivables Factoring segment. Because the Company entered the factoring business on August 29, 2014, the figure for the 2014 third quarter is not comparable as it only represents one month of activity.

 

Increase in non-acquired non-performing assets to $4.5 million, from $3.3 million at December 31, 2014 and $4.2 million at June 30, 2015.

 

Annualized net charge-offs of 0.03%, compared with 0.07% for the third quarter of 2014.

 

Ending book value per share of $18.80.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the application of certain accounting policies, the most significant of which are described in the notes to NCC’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain of these policies require numerous estimates and strategic or economic assumptions that may prove inaccurate or subject to variation and may significantly affect our reported results and financial position for the current period or future periods. The use of estimates, assumptions and judgments is necessary when financial assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at, or adjusted to reflect, fair value. Assets carried at fair value inherently result in more financial statement volatility. Fair values and information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based on either quoted market prices or are provided by other independent third-party sources, when available. When such information is not available, management estimates valuation adjustments. Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates in any of these areas could have a material impact on our future financial condition and results of operations.

 

The following briefly describes the more complex policies involving a significant degree of judgment about valuation and the application of complex accounting standards and interpretations.

 

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

We record estimated probable inherent credit losses in the loan portfolio as an allowance for loan losses. The methodologies and assumptions for determining the adequacy of the overall allowance for loan losses involve significant judgments to be made by management. Some of the more critical judgments supporting our allowance for loan losses include judgments about the creditworthiness of borrowers and the estimated value of underlying collateral, assumptions about cash flow, determinations of loss factors for estimating credit losses, and judgments regarding the impact of current events, conditions and other factors affecting the level of inherent losses. Under different conditions or using different assumptions, the actual or estimated credit losses that we may ultimately realize may be different than our estimates. In determining the allowance, we estimate losses on individual impaired loans or groups of loans that are not impaired where the probable loss can be identified and reasonably estimated. On a quarterly basis, we assess the risk inherent in our loan portfolio based on qualitative and quantitative trends in the portfolio, including the internal risk classification of loans, historical loss rates, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, industry or borrower concentrations, delinquency trends, detailed reviews of significant loans with identified weaknesses and the impacts of local, regional and national economic factors on the quality of the loan portfolio. Based on this analysis, we may record a provision for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance at appropriate levels. For a more complete discussion of the methodology employed to calculate the allowance for loan losses, see Note 1 to NCC’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Investment Securities Impairment

 

We assess on a quarterly basis whether there have been any events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security with respect to which there is an unrealized loss is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. We consider many factors in this assessment, including the severity and duration of the impairment, our intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value, recent events specific to the issuer or industry, and, for debt securities, external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Securities with respect to which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be other-than-temporary are written down to fair value. The credit portion of the impairment, if any, is recognized as a realized loss in current earnings.

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed using the asset and liability method, which recognizes an asset or liability representing the tax effects, based on current tax law, of future deductible or taxable amounts attributable to events recognized in the financial statements. A valuation allowance may be established to the extent necessary to reduce the deferred tax asset to a level at which it is “more likely than not” that the tax asset or benefit will be realized. The ultimate realization of tax benefits depends on many factors, including the sufficiency of taxable income, the availability of tax loss carrybacks or credits, the reversal of taxable temporary differences and tax planning strategies within the reversal period, and the state of applicable tax laws with respect to the realization of recorded tax benefits.

  

 

Business Combinations

 

Assets purchased and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recorded at their respective fair values. The fair value of a loan portfolio acquired in a business combination requires greater levels of management estimates and judgment than the remainder of the purchased assets or assumed liabilities. On the date of acquisition, when the loans exhibit evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that we will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments, the difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as non-accretable difference. We must estimate expected cash flows at each reporting date. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan losses. Subsequent increases in cash flows will generally result in a reversal of the provision for loan losses to the extent of prior charges and adjusted accretable yield, which will have a positive impact on interest income. Purchased loans without evidence of credit deterioration are recorded in the same manner.

 

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014

 

The following is a narrative discussion and analysis of significant changes in our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Net Income

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, our net income was $2.5 million, compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 64.4%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, our net income was $6.7 million, compared to $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 80.4%. Our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 include the results of CBI and ULB. These companies were acquired during the third and fourth quarters, respectively, of 2014. CBI was acquired on August 29, 2014, so only one month of activity is included in the 2014 results. ULB was acquired on December 15, 2014; therefore, none of its results are included in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

The primary reason for the increase in net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 was an increase in net interest income. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, net interest income was $12.1 million, an increase of $4.8 million, or 66.9%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net interest income was $34.6 million, an increase of $16.0 million, or 86.1%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This increase was a result of higher levels of loan volume and other earning assets from organic growth and the acquisitions of CBI and ULB. Total noninterest income during the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $2.4 million, an increase of $1.0 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. The largest increases in noninterest income during the third quarter of 2015 were in revenue from the mortgage division and merchant sponsorship revenue. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, mortgage origination and fee income totaled $1.4 million, compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 42.1%. Merchant sponsorship revenue totaled $305 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2015. We entered this business line during 2015, so there was no revenue for the 2014 periods.

  

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, revenue from the mortgage division and merchant sponsorship revenue were the largest contributors to the increase in noninterest income. Mortgage origination and fee income totaled $4.2 million, compared to $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 52.4%. Merchant sponsorship revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $496 thousand, with no revenue for the corresponding period in 2014 due to the fact that the Company entered this line of business in 2015.

 

The increases in net interest income and noninterest income were partially offset by an increase in other noninterest expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. Total noninterest expense during the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $9.9 million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 65.4%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. Total noninterest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $28.8 million, an increase of $12.5 million, or 76.7%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This increase during each period of 2015 was primarily a result of the addition of the operating expenses of CBI and ULB, costs associated with our initial public offering completed during the first quarter of 2015, and the expenses associated with being a public company. ULB was acquired on December 15, 2014; therefore, our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 do not include any of ULB’s activities. CBI was acquired on August 29, 2014, so only one month of activity of CBI is included in our 2014 results.

 

A majority of the changes in our net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same periods of 2014 resulted from the additional revenues and expenses of CBI and ULB, which we acquired during the second half of 2014. The following table details the amounts that CBI and ULB contributed to selected consolidated totals for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

   

For the Three Months Ended

September 30, 2015

   

For the Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2015

 
   

ULB

   

CBI (1)

   

ULB

   

CBI (1)

 

Net interest income

  $ 2,255     $ 2,112     $ 6,163     $ 8,088  

Noninterest income

    253       23       513       52  

Noninterest expense

    1,739       876       5,104       3,500  
                                 

 

(1)

The amounts presented for CBI are through August 2015. CBI activity for September 2015 is excluded, since the purpose this table is to isolate the activity of the acquired companies and their impact on 2015 totals, and the 2014 totals include one month (September 2014) of activity for CBI.

  

 

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin Analysis

 

Comparison of net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

 

The largest component of our net income is net interest income – the difference between the income earned on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds used to support our assets. Net interest income divided by average earning assets represents our net interest margin. The major factors that affect net interest income and net interest margin are changes in volume, the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Our net interest margin can also be affected by economic conditions, the competitive environment, loan demand and deposit flow. Our ability to respond to changes in these factors by using effective asset-liability management techniques is critical to maintaining the stability of the net interest margin as our primary source of earnings.

 

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the average balances of each principal category of our assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity and the average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields and costs are calculated by dividing annualized income or expense by the average daily balances of the associated assets or liabilities.

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST ANALYSIS

 

   

For the Three Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands, except yields and rates)

 

September 30, 2015

   

September 30, 2014

 
   

Average

Balance

   

Interest Income/

Expense

   

Average Yield/

Rate

   

Average

Balance

   

Interest Income/

Expense

   

Average Yield/

Rate

 
Assets                                    

Loans

  $ 992,223     $ 12,826       5.13 %   $ 640,806     $ 7,636       4.73 %

Mortgage loans held for sale

    9,890       104       4.17       10,348       111       4.26  

Securities:

                                               

Taxable securities

    30,728       259       3.34       36,011       276       3.04  

Tax-exempt securities

    17,649       217       4.88       4,584       69       5.97  

Cash balances in other banks

    166,715       129       0.31       67,191       44       0.26  

Total interest-earning assets

    1,217,205     $ 13,535       4.41       758,940     $ 8,136       4.25  

Noninterest-earning assets

    96,824                       68,521                  

Total assets

  $ 1,314,029                     $ 827,461                  
                                                 

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

                                               

Interest-bearing transactions accounts

  $ 182,056     $ 118       0.26 %   $ 125,356     $ 89       0.28 %

Savings and money market deposits

    443,306       486       0.43       308,942       295       0.38  

Time deposits

    228,298       476       0.83       118,023       235       0.79  

Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowed money

    22,000       111       2.00       22,000       111       2.00  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    875,660     $ 1,191       0.54       574,321     $ 730       0.50  

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    254,402                       150,566                  

Total funding sources

    1,130,062                       724,887                  

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

    8,146                       5,230                  

Shareholders' equity

    175,821                       97,344                  
    $ 1,314,029                     $ 827,461                  

Net interest rate spread

                    3.87 %                     3.75 %

Net interest income/margin (Taxable equivalent)

            12,344       4.02 %             7,406       3.87 %

Tax equivalent adjustment

            85                       29          

Net interest income/margin

          $ 12,259       4.00 %           $ 7,377       3.86 %

 

Net interest income increased $4.9 million, or 66.2%, to $12.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $7.4 million for the same period of 2014. The increase was due to an increase in interest income of $5.3 million, resulting from higher levels of loan volume from organic growth and the acquisitions of CBI and ULB. This increase in interest income was partially offset by a $461 thousand increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income was primarily due to a 54.8% increase in average loans outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. The resulting net interest margin for the three months ended September 30, 2015 rose to 4.00%, from 3.86% for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Interest-earning assets averaged $1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $758.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $458.3 million, or 60.4%. Additional information on growth in our loan portfolio for these periods is presented below. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 16 basis points, to 4.41% for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 4.25% for the three months ended September 30, 2014. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the loan yield was 5.13%, compared to 4.73% during the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in loan yield was primarily due to the addition of the factored receivables originated by CBI. These factored receivables are generally much higher-yielding assets than our traditional loans. The yield on the factored receivables varies but is approximately 15%. CBI contributed average loan balances of $73.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The yield on average interest-earning assets during the 2015 period was also impacted by the higher proportion of interest-earning assets held in cash balances in other banks. Cash balances in other banks (including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta) averaged $166.7 million and yielded 0.31% during the third quarter of 2015, up from $67.2 million at an average yield of 0.26% in the third quarter of 2014.

 

Interest-bearing liabilities averaged $875.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $574.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $301.3 million, or 52.5%. The rate on total interest-bearing liabilities was 54 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 50 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing average deposits was due to organic deposit production and the inclusion of ULB’s deposits in our results for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

  

 

Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased to $254.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to $150.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014. This increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits, together with the increased volume of interest-earning assets and higher yields on interest-earning assets, led to the higher net interest margin for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 

The following table reflects, for the periods indicated, the changes in our net interest income due to changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the associated rates paid or earned on these assets and liabilities.

 

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME

 

   

For the Three Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2015 vs. 2014

 
            Variance due to          

Interest-earning assets

 

Volume

   

Yield/Rate

   

Total

 

Loans

  $ 4,495     $ 695     $ 5,190  

Mortgage loans held for sale

    (5 )     (2 )     (7 )

Securities:

                       

Taxable securities

    (43 )     26       (17 )

Tax-exempt securities

    163       (15 )     148  

Cash balances in other banks

    76       9       85  

Funds sold

    -       -       -  

Total interest-earning assets

  $ 4,686     $ 713     $ 5,399  
                         

Interest-bearing liabilities

                       

Interest-bearing transactions accounts

  $ 38     $ (9 )   $ 29  

Savings and money market deposits

    142       49       191  

Time deposits

    230       11       241  

Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowed money

    -       -       -  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  $ 410     $ 51     $ 461  
                         

Net interest income

                       

Net interest income (Taxable equivalent)

    4,276       662       4,938  

Taxable equivalent adjustment

    33       23       56  

Net interest income

  $ 4,243     $ 639     $ 4,882  

 

 

Comparison of net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

 

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the average balances of each principal category of our assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity and the average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields and costs are calculated by dividing annualized income or expense by the average daily balances of the associated assets or liabilities.

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST ANALYSIS

 

   

For the Nine Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands, except yields and rates)

 

September 30, 2015

   

September 30, 2014

 

Assets

 

Average

Balance

   

Interest Income/

Expense

   

Average Yield/

Rate

   

Average

Balance

   

Interest Income/

Expense

   

Average Yield/

Rate

 

Loans

  $ 947,044     $ 36,652       5.17 %   $ 588,825     $ 19,290       4.38 %

Mortgage loans held for sale

    10,187       301       3.95       9,623       302       4.20  

Securities:

                                               

Taxable securities

    32,873       784       3.19       43,384       903       2.78  

Tax-exempt securities

    12,280       465       5.06       4,477       202       6.03  

Cash balances in other banks

    131,316       337       0.34       84,014       151       0.24  

Total interest-earning assets

    1,133,700     $ 38,539       4.54       730,323     $ 20,848       3.82  
                                                 

Noninterest-earning assets

    95,501                       42,844                  

Total assets

  $ 1,229,201                     $ 773,167                  
                                                 

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

                                               

Interest-bearing transactions accounts

  $ 166,423     $ 314       0.25 %   $ 117,281     $ 235       0.27 %

Savings and money market deposits

    414,438       1,280       0.41       289,133       802       0.37  

Time deposits

    215,305       1,365       0.85       106,254       656       0.83  

Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowed money

    22,000       330       2.01       22,000       330       2.01  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    818,166     $ 3,289       0.54       534,668     $ 2,023       0.51  

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    240,092                       142,534                  

Total funding sources

    1,058,258                       677,202                  

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

    7,879                       3,199                  

Shareholders' equity

    163,064                       92,766                  
    $ 1,229,201                     $ 773,167                  

Net interest rate spread

                    4.00 %                     3.31 %

Net interest income/margin (Taxable equivalent)

            35,250       4.16 %             18,825       3.45 %

Tax equivalent adjustment

            182                       84          

Net interest income/margin

          $ 35,068       4.14 %           $ 18,741       3.43 %

 

Net interest income increased $16.3 million, or 87.1%, to $35.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $18.7 million for the same period of 2014. The increase was due to an increase in interest income of $17.6 million, resulting from higher levels of loan volume from organic growth and the acquisitions of CBI and ULB. This increase in interest income was partially offset by a $1.3 million increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income was primarily due to a 60.8% increase in average loans outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The resulting net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 rose to 4.14%, from 3.43% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Interest-earning assets averaged $1.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $730.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $403.4 million, or 55.2%. Additional information on growth in our loan portfolio for these periods is presented below. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased by 72 basis points to 4.54% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 3.82% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the loan yield was 5.17%, compared to 4.38% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in loan yields was primarily due to the addition of the factored receivables originated by CBI. These factored receivables are generally much higher-yielding assets than our traditional loans. The yield on the factored receivables varies but is approximately 15%. CBI contributed average loan balances of $75.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The yield on average interest-earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was also impacted by the higher proportion of interest-earning assets held in cash balances in other banks. Cash balances in other banks (including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta) averaged $131.3 million and yielded 0.34% during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, up from $84.0 million at an average yield of 0.24% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

 

Interest-bearing liabilities averaged $818.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $534.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $283.5 million, or 53.0%. The rate on total interest-bearing liabilities was 54 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 51 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing average deposits was due to organic deposit production and the inclusion of ULB’s deposits in our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased to $240.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to $142.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits, together with the increased volume of interest-earning assets and higher yields on interest-earning assets, led to the higher net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

The following table reflects, for the periods indicated, the changes in our net interest income due to changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the associated rates paid or earned on these assets and liabilities.

 

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME

 

   

For the Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2015 vs. 2014

 
            Variance due to          

 

 

Volume

   

Yield/Rate

   

Total

 
Interest-earning assets                        

Loans

  $ 13,375     $ 3,987     $ 17,362  

Mortgage loans held for sale

    18       (19 )     (1 )

Securities:

                       

Taxable securities

    (239 )     120       (119 )

Tax-exempt securities

    300       (37 )     263  

Cash balances in other banks

    105       81       186  

Funds sold

    -       -       -  

Total interest-earning assets

  $ 13,559     $ 4,132     $ 17,691  
                         

Interest-bearing liabilities

                       

Interest-bearing transactions accounts

  $ 94     $ (15 )   $ 79  

Savings and money market deposits

    379       99       478  

Time deposits

    691       18       709  

Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowed money

    -       -       -  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  $ 1,164     $ 102     $ 1,266  
                         

Net interest income

                       

Net interest income (Taxable equivalent)

    12,395       4,030       16,425  

Taxable equivalent adjustment

    61       37       98  

Net interest income

  $ 12,334     $ 3,993     $ 16,327  

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $201 thousand and $482 thousand, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $152 thousand in both periods. Our policy is to maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level sufficient to absorb probable incurred losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is a charge to earnings, and is decreased by charge-offs and increased by loan recoveries. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, we consider our historical loan loss experience, the general economic environment, our overall portfolio composition and other relevant information. As these factors change, the level of loan loss provision changes. When individual loans are evaluated for impairment and an impairment is deemed necessary, the impaired portion of the loan amount is charged off. As of September 30, 2015, $223 thousand of our recorded allowance was related to impaired loans.

 

 

Noninterest Income

 

In addition to net interest margin, we generate other types of recurring noninterest income from our operations. Our banking operations generate revenue from service charges and fees on deposit accounts. Our mortgage division generates revenue from originating and selling mortgages, and we have a revenue-sharing relationship with a registered broker-dealer. In addition to these types of recurring noninterest income, NBC owns life insurance on several key employees and records income on the increase in the cash surrender value of these policies.

 

Additionally, during the 2015 second quarter, we began earning revenue as a sponsor bank for a provider of electronic transaction processing services for retail merchants and the consumer finance industry. This sponsorship into the VISA and MasterCard networks allows the processor to accept debit and credit card transactions, and we earn a fee on each such transaction.

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of noninterest income for the periods indicated.

 

NONINTEREST INCOME

 

   

For the Three Months Ended

   

For the Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

   

September 30,

   

September 30,

   

September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts

  $ 311     $ 174     $ 886     $ 512  

Mortgage origination and fee income

    1,439       1,013       4,215       2,766  

Merchant sponsorship revenue

    305       -       496       -  

Income from bank owned life insurance

    86       59       251       179  

Wealth management fees

    11       14       43       43  

(Loss) gain on sale of other real estate

    -       -       (24 )     5  

(Loss) gain on sale of investments

    -       (33 )     -       (33 )

Other noninterest income

    201       93       456       141  

Total noninterest income

  $ 2,353     $ 1,320     $ 6,323     $ 3,613  

 

Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $2.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $6.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The inclusion of ULB and CBI in our results of operations accounted for approximately $276 thousand of the $1.0 million increase in noninterest income recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and approximately $565 thousand of the $2.7 million increase recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

The most significant increase in noninterest income for both periods of 2015 was from the mortgage division. Mortgage division income increased $426 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and totaled $1.4 million for this period, as compared to $1.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014. Mortgage division income increased $1.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and totaled $4.2 million for this period, as compared to $2.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Increased production led to higher mortgage division income during each of the 2015 periods. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, total production was $82.3 million, compared to $53.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014. Total production for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $222.8 million, compared to $151.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, refinance activity accounted for 19.1% of production volume, compared to 19.0% during the same period in 2014. The addition of ULB had a minimal impact on the higher mortgage division income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, representing approximately 5% and 11% of the Company’s volume for the three- and nine-month periods, respectively. We intend to grow this business line in the greater Orlando market, but the increased mortgage division income during the first nine months of 2015 came predominantly from our other markets.

 

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts increased by $137 thousand to $311 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and increased $374 thousand to $886 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the same periods in 2014. The addition of ULB contributed $86 thousand and $238 thousand of the increases for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The remaining portion of this increase was a result of an increase in the number of deposit accounts as we continue to gain momentum and market share in our markets.

 

 

Noninterest Expense

 

The increase in our total noninterest expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 reflects the continued growth of the Company (organic growth and growth via acquisition), as well as the expansion of our operational framework, employee base and facilities infrastructure as we build the foundation to support our growth strategies, along with the costs associated with being a public company. We believe that some of our overhead costs will decrease as a percentage of our revenue as we grow and gain operating leverage by spreading these costs over a larger revenue base.

 

The following table presents the primary components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated.

 

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

 

   

For the Three Months Ended

   

For the Nine Months Ended

   
   

September 30,

   

September 30,

   

September 30,

   

September 30,

   

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

   
                                   

Salaries and employee benefits

  $ 5,186     $ 3,547     $ 15,287     $ 9,662    

Commission-based compensation

    1,048       459       2,900       1,236    

Occupancy and equipment expense

    871       477       2,536       1,372    

Data processing expenses

    464       295       1,376       878    

Advertising and marketing expenses

    124       79       422       218    

Legal fees

    177       267       479       463    

FDIC insurance assessments

    205       131       563       343    

Accounting and audit expenses

    211       102       646       300    

Consulting and other professional expenses

    238       54       507       161    

Telecommunications expenses

    144       67       407       196    

Other real estate owned, repossessed asset and other collection expenses

    79       32       272       52    

Core deposit intangible amortization

    111       -       333       -    

Other noninterest expense

    1,037       471       3,073       1,416    

Total noninterest expense

  $ 9,895     $ 5,981     $ 28,801     $ 16,297    

 

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $9.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively. Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $28.8 million and $16.3 million, respectively. The inclusion of ULB and CBI in our results of operations accounted for approximately $2.6 million of the $3.9 million increase in noninterest expense recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The inclusion of ULB and CBI accounted for approximately $8.6 million of the $12.5 million increase in noninterest expense recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

The largest components of noninterest expense are related to employee costs shown in the table above as salaries and employee benefits expense and commission-based compensation expense. Salaries continue to increase as we expand our presence in the markets in which we operate. In April 2014, we opened a loan production office (which we converted to a full-service branch in November 2014) in Vero Beach, Florida, which contributed to the increase in salaries and employee benefits expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. Commission-based compensation expense is directly related to mortgage loan origination activity and certain production activity at CBI. The higher levels of revenue for the mortgage division contributed to the increased commission-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.   Additionally, salaries and benefits expense for CBI’s and ULB’s employees contributed approximately $1.7 million of the $2.2 million increase in salaries and employee benefits expense and commission-based compensation expense recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and contributed approximately $5.5 million of the $7.3 million increase in salaries and employee benefits and commission-based compensation expense recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared with the same periods in 2014.

 

Each category of noninterest expense increased during the three months ended September 30, 2015, except for legal fees. This was largely a result of the additional expenses associated with the operations of CBI and ULB. Also, accounting and other professional services expenses increased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 in connection with merger-related activities, our initial public offering in March 2015 and costs associated with being a public company.

 

Income Tax Provision

 

Income tax expense of $1.5 million was recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to income tax expense of $841 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2014. Income tax expense of $3.8 million was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to income tax expense of $2.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in income tax expense during each of the 2015 periods was due to an increase in pre-tax income. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was 32.2% (36.9% including the minority interest in CBI), compared to 32.8% (35.7% including the minority interest in CBI) during the three months ended September 30, 2014. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 31.5% (36.4% including the minority interest in CBI), compared to 33.9% (35.1% including the minority interest in CBI) during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The effective tax rate is affected by items of income and expense that are not subject to federal and state taxation.

 

 

Comparison of Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

 

Overview

 

Our total assets increased $212.4 million, or 18.7%, from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2014, to $1.4 billion at September 30, 2015. During the first nine months of 2015, loans increased by $126.4 million, or 14.2%, cash and cash equivalents increased by $69.4 million, and investment securities increased by $11.0 million.

 

Deposits at September 30, 2015 totaled $1.1 billion, an increase of $170.8 million as compared to December 31, 2014. Our deposits increased during the first nine months of 2015 due to the successful business development efforts of our employees, as we continue to move banking relationships from other financial institutions. Additionally, the Bank has benefited from excess liquidity in the financial markets, as many investors are less willing to make long-term investments due to the low interest rate environment and elect to maintain cash in interest-bearing transaction and money market accounts.

 

Investment Securities

 

We use our securities portfolio primarily to enhance our overall yield on interest-earning assets and as a source of liquidity, as a tool to manage our balance sheet sensitivity and regulatory capital ratios, and as a base from which to pledge assets for public deposits. When our liquidity position exceeds current needs and our expected loan demand, other investments are considered as a secondary earnings alternative. As investments mature, they are used to meet current cash needs, or they are reinvested to maintain our desired liquidity position. We have designated a majority of our securities as available-for-sale to provide flexibility in case an immediate need for liquidity arises, and we believe that the composition of the portfolio offers needed flexibility in managing our liquidity position and interest rate sensitivity without adversely impacting our regulatory capital levels. Securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income, net of related deferred taxes. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. We have elected to classify some of our recent investment security purchases as held-to-maturity, and these are carried at amortized cost on our balance sheet.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we elected to use a portion of our balance sheet liquidity to invest in securities issued by states and political subdivisions (“municipal securities”) and mortgage-backed securities. During the first nine months of 2015, we invested $13.0 million in municipal securities and an additional $4.1 million in mortgage-backed securities. Additionally, we have elected to classify these purchases as held-to-maturity, as we currently have the ability and intent to hold these securities until maturity.

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of securities available-for-sale and securities held-to-maturity at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

 

    As of  
   

September 30,

   

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2015

   

2014

 
   

Cost

   

Market

   

Cost

   

Market

 

U.S. Treasury securities

  $ -     $ -     $ 1,501     $ 1,501  

Securities issued by states and political subdivisions

    4,407       4,593       4,408       4,681  

Residential mortgage pass-through securities

    23,265       24,146       27,723       28,750  

Total investment securities

  $ 27,672     $ 28,739     $ 33,632     $ 34,932  

 

INVESTMENT SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY

 

   

As of

 
   

September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2015

 
   

Cost

   

Market

 

U.S. Treasury securities

  $ -     $ -  

Securities issued by states and political subdivisions

    13,039       12,909  

Residential mortgage pass-through securities

    4,133       4,142  

Other debit securities

    -       -  

Total investment securities

  $ 17,172     $ 17,051  

 

We invest primarily in mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities and obligations of government-sponsored entities and agencies of the United States, though we may in some situations also invest in direct obligations of the United States or obligations guaranteed as to the principal and interest by the United States. All of our mortgage-backed securities are residential securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

 

 

Loans

 

Loans are our largest category of earning assets and typically provide higher yields than other types of earning assets. Associated with the higher loan yields are the inherent credit and liquidity risks that management attempts to control and counterbalance. Total loans averaged $947.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, or 83.5% of average earning assets, as compared to $588.8 million, or 80.6% of average earning assets, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2015, total loans, net of unearned income, were $1.0 billion, compared to $888.7 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $126.4 million, or 14.2%.

 

The organic, or non-acquired, growth in the Bank’s loan portfolio is attributable to the Bank’s ability to attract new customers to the Company from other financial institutions. We have also been successful in building banking relationships with new customers in all of the markets that we serve. We have hired several new bankers in our markets, and these employees have been successful in transitioning their former clients and new clients to the Bank. Our bankers are expected to be involved in their communities and to maintain business development efforts to develop relationships with clients, and our philosophy is to be responsive to customer needs by providing decisions in a timely manner. In addition to our business development efforts, many of the markets in which we operate have shown signs of economic recovery over the last few years, which has increased demand for the services that we provide.

 

The table below provides a summary of the loan portfolio composition as of the dates indicated.

 

COMPOSITION OF LOAN PORTFOLIO

 

   

As of

 
   

September 30,

   

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

 
   

Amount

   

Percent of Total

   

Amount

   

Percent of Total

 

Construction, land development, and other land loans

  $ 110,374       10.87

%

  $ 83,663       9.41

%

Secured by farmland

    974       0.10       1,842       0.21  

Secured by 1-4 family residential properties

    265,740       26.16       221,222       24.88  

Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential properties

    24,273       2.39       23,420       2.63  

Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties

    374,497       36.87       330,784       37.20  

Loans secured by real estate

    775,858       76.39       660,931       74.33  

Commercial and industrial loans

    125,383       12.35       113,788       12.80  

Factored commercial receivables

    74,780       7.36       82,600       9.29  

Consumer loans

    16,507       1.63       13,962       1.57  

Other loans

    23,126       2.27       17,869       2.01  

Total gross loans

    1,015,654       100.00

%

    889,150       100.00

%

Unearned income

    (518 )             (429 )        

Total loans, net of unearned income

    1,015,136               888,721          

Allowance for loan losses

    (9,391 )             (9,802 )        

Total net loans

  $ 1,005,745             $ 878,919          

 

In the context of this discussion, a “real estate mortgage loan” is defined as any loan secured by real estate, other than a loan for construction purposes, regardless of the purpose of the loan. It is common practice for financial institutions in our market areas, and for us in particular, to obtain a security interest in or lien on real estate whenever possible, in addition to any other available collateral. This collateral is taken to increase the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan. This practice tends to increase the magnitude of the real estate loan portfolio. In many cases, we prefer real estate collateral to many other potential collateral sources, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.

 

The principal component of our loan portfolio is loans secured by real estate. At September 30, 2015, this category totaled $775.9 million and represented 76.4% of our total loan portfolio, compared to $660.9 million, or 74.3% of the total loan portfolio, at December 31, 2014. Each category of real estate mortgage loans and real estate construction loans (except for loans secured by farmland) increased during the first nine months of 2015.

 

Loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties (“commercial mortgage loans”) increased by $43.7 million, or 13.2%, to $374.5 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $330.8 million at December 31, 2014. Commercial mortgage loans comprise the single largest category of our loans, and, at September 30, 2015, accounted for 36.9% of our total loan portfolio. Our management team has a great deal of experience and expertise in commercial mortgages, and this loan type has traditionally comprised a large portion of our loan portfolio. Of the $374.5 million in total commercial mortgage loans at September 30, 2015, approximately $150.7 million were loans secured by owner-occupied properties.

 

Residential mortgage loans increased by $44.5 million, or 20.1%, to $265.7 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $221.2 million at December 31, 2014. At September 30, 2015, residential mortgages accounted for 26.2% of our total loan portfolio.

 

Real estate construction loans totaled $110.4 million at September 30, 2015, an increase of 31.9% from $83.7 million at December 31, 2014. At September 30, 2015, this loan type accounted for 10.9% of our total loan portfolio.

 

Commercial and industrial loans totaled $125.4 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $113.8 million at December 31, 2014. The Bank has hired several experienced commercial lenders, and the increases described above are largely a result of the successful efforts of these employees. We expect this trend to continue with respect to commercial and industrial loans, particularly if economic conditions continue to improve.

 

 

Factored commercial receivables totaled $74.8 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $82.6 million at December 31, 2014. This balance will fluctuate based on several variables, such as when receivables are purchased and when and how quickly payments are received. A lower balance at the end of a period does not necessarily mean less purchase activity during the period.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses, Provision for Loan Losses and Asset Quality

 

Allowance for Loan Losses and Provision for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses represents our estimate of probable inherent credit losses in our loan portfolio. We determine the allowance based on an ongoing evaluation of risk as it correlates to potential losses within the portfolio. Increases to the allowance are made by charges to the provision for loan losses. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. Recoveries of previously charged-off amounts are credited to the allowance for loan losses.

 

In determining the amount of the allowance, we utilize our risk department’s independent analysis of the minimum required loan loss reserve for the Bank. In this analysis, problem loans are reviewed for impairment or for loss exposure based on their payment performance and probability of default and the value of any collateral securing the loan. These totals are specifically allocated to the reserve. The loan portfolio is then divided into various homogeneous risk pools utilizing a combination of collateral codes, loan purpose codes and internal risk ratings. Historical losses are used to estimate the probable loss in the current portfolio based on both an average loss methodology and a migration loss methodology. The methodologies and the time periods considered are subjective and vary for each risk pool based on systematic risk relative to our ability to estimate losses for that risk pool. Because every loan has a risk of loss, the calculation begins with a minimum loss allocation for each loan pool. The minimum loss is estimated based on long-term trends for the Bank, the banking industry and the economy. A minimum loss allocation is similarly applied to letters of credit and unused lines of credit. Loss allocations are adjusted for changes in the economy, problem loans, payment performance, loan policy, management, credit administration systems, credit concentrations, loan growth and other elements over the time periods utilized in the methodology. The adjusted loss allocations are then applied to the current balances in their respective loan pools. Loss allocations are totaled, yielding the required allowance for loan losses.

 

We incorporate the data from the allowance calculation with interim changes to that data in our ongoing determination of the allowance for loan losses. We then take into consideration other factors that may support an allowance in excess of required minimums. These factors include systems changes, historically high loan growth, changes in the economy and company management and lending practices at the time at which the loans were made. We believe that the data that we use in determining the allowance for loan losses is sufficient to estimate the potential losses in the loan portfolio; however, actual results could differ from management’s estimates.

 

The following table presents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

   

As of and for the Three

Months Ended

   

As of and for the Nine

Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

   

September 30,

   

September 30,

   

September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Total loans oustanding, net of unearned income

  $ 1,015,136     $ 705,884     $ 1,015,136     $ 705,884  

Average loans oustanding, net of unearned income

  $ 992,223     $ 640,806     $ 947,044     $ 588,825  

Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period

  $ 9,274     $ 8,974     $ 9,802     $ 9,119  

Charge-offs:

                               

Loans secured by real estate

    -       166       764       393  

Commercial and industrial loans

    10       167       10       167  

Factored receivables

    550       -       1,645       -  

Consumer loans

    33       -       120       -  

All other loans

    -       -       1       3  

Total charge-offs

    593       333       2,540       563  

Recoveries:

                               

Loans secured by real estate

    45       18       140       56  

Commercial and industrial loans

    8       193       17       10  

Factored receivables

    443       -       1,446       190  

Consumer loans

    -       -       5       12  

All other loans

    13       14       39       42  

Total recoveries

    509       225       1,647       310  

Net charge-offs

    84       108       893       253  

Provision for loan losses

    201       152       482       152  

Allowance for loan losses at period end

  $ 9,391     $ 9,018     $ 9,391     $ 9,018  

Allowance for loan losses to period end loans

    0.93 %     1.28 %     0.93 %     1.28 %

Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans

    0.03 %     0.07 %     0.13 %     0.06 %

 

The table above does not include the allowance for loan losses related to loans acquired from ULB. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations, ULB’s allowance for loan losses was not brought forward as of the date of acquisition; instead, the acquired loans were recorded at fair value, and any discount to fair value was recorded against the loans rather than as an allowance for loan losses. The portion of the discount deemed related to credit quality was recorded as a non-accretable difference, and the remaining discount was recorded as an accretable discount and accreted into interest income over the estimated average life of the loans using the level yield method. At September 30, 2015, ULB’s acquired loan portfolio totaled $129.3 million and had a related non-accretable difference of $1.9 million and an accretable discount of $1.8 million.

 

 

Overall, asset quality indicators have remained steady, and, as a result, provision expense has been minimal. Despite the steady credit quality metrics, strong loan growth has required the recording of a provision expense of $201 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Nonperforming assets increased $176 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2015, but our nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets remains low.

 

Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

 

While no portion of the allowance is in any way restricted to any individual loan or group of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb losses from any and all loans, the following table represents management’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses to specific loan categories as of the dates indicated.

 

ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

   

As of

 
   

September 30,

   

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

 
   

Amount

   

Percent of Loans in each Category to Total Loans

   

Amount

   

Percent of Loans in each Category to Total Loans

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $ 1,578       14.62

%

  $ 1,523       14.81

%

Factored receivables

    500       7.36       955       9.29  

Real estate - mortgage

    5,306       65.52       5,047       64.92  

Real estate - construction

    851       10.87       647       9.41  

Consumer

    485       1.63       562       1.57  

Unallocated

    671       -       1,068       -  
    $ 9,391       100.00

%

  $ 9,802       100.00

%

 

Our allowance for loan losses is composed of general reserves and specific reserves. General reserves are determined by applying loss percentages to each segment of our portfolio based on that segment’s historical loss experience and adjustment factors derived from internal and external environmental conditions. All loans considered to be impaired are evaluated on an individual basis to determine specific reserve allocations in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the calculation of general reserves.

 

A portion of the allowance is deemed to be a general reserve and remains unallocated to any particular loan category to reflect our estimate of probable inherent but not yet specifically identified losses within the portfolio due to the nature of the portfolio and uncertainties in underwriting standards of certain loans. For example, the portfolio includes exposures to various businesses with different organizational structures that may implicate multiple segments within the allocation framework, which will inherently lead to imperfections in the loss percentages applied to the portfolio segments. These inherent risks are amplified by the fact that we remain at risk for unidentified problems in the loan portfolio that we inherited upon bank acquisitions, as many of the loans underwritten by prior management were made using different credit policies and procedures than those that we currently use. Problems with respect to credit quality or the collectibility of these loans often are not apparent from the documentation in the file and frequently do not arise until the loan matures. For example, in some instances, sizable loans with satisfactory payment history and apparently complete documentation have led to write-offs upon maturity of the loan or a subsequent discovery of adverse information. Allocating this risk from the inherited loans to the segment portfolios is not deemed advisable by management due to the breadth of exposure of these loans over the portfolio segments.

 

We evaluate the adequacy and allocation of the allowance on a quarterly basis. Recent variations in the unallocated portion of the allowance have been driven by our estimate of probable inherent losses within the portfolio that have not yet been specifically identified due in large part to the factors discussed above and consideration of such additional factors as changes in the nature and volume of our loan portfolio, current economic conditions that may affect borrowers’ ability to pay, overall portfolio quality and our review of specific problem loans. In general, we expect that the portion of the unallocated allowance attributable to inherited loans will decrease over time as new loans are made and additional information becomes available with respect to currently unidentified problems and expected losses for the inherited loans. However, because our allocation of the allowance among the various loan types is driven by several factors, this decrease may not be linear with the volume of acquired loans outstanding during certain time frames.

 

Our procedures for allocating the allowance support an incurred, rather than expected, loss model through utilization of both specific and general reserves (including the unallocated amount). Although leaving a portion of the allowance unallocated may appear to indicate the expectation of future events, it in fact addresses the potential for additional losses on the current portfolio. We deem it prudent to include this component of measurement in our allowance for loan losses and believe that it is appropriate to apply it as an unallocated amount based on the current information available in the loan files and our exposure to incurred losses over the various segments. In effect, the unallocated portion represents a component that explicitly accounts for the inherent imprecision in the loan loss analysis based on our specific current circumstances.

 

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

The following table presents our nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated.

 

NONPERFORMING ASSETS

 

   

As of

 
   

September 30,

   

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

   

2014

 
                         

Nonaccrual loans

  $ 3,658     $ 1,087     $ 4,865  

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing

    148       176       297  

Total nonperforming loans

    3,806       1,263       5,162  

Other real estate and repossessed assets

    3,634       830       1,380  

Total nonperforming assets

  $ 7,440     $ 2,093     $ 6,542  

Allowance for loan losses to period end loans

    0.93

%

    1.28

%

    1.10

%

Allowance for loan losses to period end non-performing loans

    246.74       714.01       189.89  

Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans

    0.03       0.07       0.05  

Nonperforming assets to period end loans and foreclosed property and repossessed assets

    0.73       0.30       0.73  

Nonperforming loans to period end loans

    0.37       0.18       0.58  

 

Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when we believe, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that the collection of interest is doubtful. In addition to a consideration of these factors, we have a consistent and continuing policy of placing all loans on nonaccrual status if they become 90 days or more past due, excluding factored receivables. For CBI’s factored receivables, which are trade credits rather than promissory notes, our practice is to charge off unpaid recourse receivables when they become 90 days past due from the invoice due date and unpaid non-recourse receivables when they become 120 days past due from the statement billing date. For the recourse receivables, the amount of the invoice is charged against the client reserve account established for such purposes, unless the client reserve is insufficient, in which case either the amount of the invoice is charged against loans or the balance is considered impaired and the client is responsible for repaying the unpaid obligation of the account debtor. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all accrued interest on the loan is reversed and deducted from earnings as a reduction of reported interest income. No additional interest is accrued on the loan balance until collection of both principal and interest becomes reasonably certain. Payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status will be applied to the loan’s outstanding principal balance. When a problem loan is resolved, there may ultimately be an actual write-down or charge-off of the principal balance of the loan that would necessitate additional charges to the allowance for loan losses.

 

Total nonperforming assets increased by $898 thousand to $7.4 million at September 30, 2015, from $6.5 million at December 31, 2014. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, nonperforming loans decreased by $1.4 million, and other real estate increased by $2.3 million. This was primarily the result of one large loan relationship that was foreclosed on during the third quarter of 2015. Asset quality has been and will continue to be a primary focus of management.

 

Deposits

 

Deposits, which include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits, money market accounts and savings and time deposits, are the primary funding source for the Bank. We offer a variety of products designed to attract and retain customers, with a primary focus on building and expanding client relationships. We continually focus on establishing a comprehensive relationship with consumer and business borrowers, seeking deposits as well as lending relationships.

 

 

The following table details the composition of our deposit portfolio as of the dates indicated.

 

COMPOSITION OF DEPOSITS

 

   

As of

 
   

September 30,

   

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

 
   

Amount

   

Percent of Total

   

Amount

   

Percent of Total

 

Noninterest-bearing demand

  $ 271,202       23.75

%

  $ 217,643       22.41

%

Interest-bearing demand

    193,771       16.97       154,816       15.94  

Savings and money market

    446,726       39.12       392,394       40.41  

Time less than $100k

    61,550       5.39       74,367       7.66  

Time equal to or greater than $100k and less than $250k

    47,127       4.13       46,538       4.79  

Time equal to or greater than $250k

    121,461       10.64       85,302       8.79  

Total deposits

  $ 1,141,837       100.00

%

  $ 971,060       100.00

%

 

Total deposits were $1.1 billion at September 30, 2015, an increase of $170.8 million from December 31, 2014. Deposit growth has been a point of emphasis, and we have benefited from uncertainty in the financial markets, which has increased the liquidity of many banks as consumers and businesses look for safe places for liquidity, thereby increasing bank deposits. All deposit categories increased during the first nine months of 2015, with the exception of time deposits less than $100 thousand. Customers continue to be reluctant to invest in time deposits due to the low interest rate environment and have instead chosen money market accounts and other interest-bearing accounts.

 

Other Funding Sources

 

We supplement our deposit funding with wholesale funding when needed for balance sheet planning or when the terms are attractive and will not disrupt our offering rates in our markets. One of our primary sources of wholesale funding is the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). We had FHLB borrowings of $22.0 million at each of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. We have not initiated any additional borrowings from the FHLB since 2012. Additionally, we have access to brokered deposits and issued $48.9 million of brokered certificates during 2014 to fund a portion of the assets acquired in the CBI transaction. At September 30, 2015, brokered certificates totaled $38.9 million. Another funding source that we have used to supplement our local funding is internet certificates of deposit. We have used this source to book certificates of deposit that mature in three to five years at rates that are lower than we would offer in our local markets, typically below the rates indicated on the LIBOR swap curve for similar maturities. We had internet certificates of deposit balances of $12.3 million and $14.0 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

 

Liquidity

 

Market and public confidence in our financial strength and in financial institutions generally will have an important role in our access to appropriate levels of liquidity. This confidence is significantly dependent on our ability to maintain sound asset quality and appropriate levels of capital reserves.

 

Liquidity is defined as the ability to meet anticipated customer demands for funds under credit commitments and deposit withdrawals at a reasonable cost and on a timely basis. We measure our liquidity position by giving consideration to both on− and off−balance sheet sources of and demands for funds on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

 

Liquidity risk involves the risk of being unable to fund assets with the appropriate duration and rate−based liabilities, as well as the risk of not being able to meet our cash needs as they arise. Liquidity planning and management are necessary to ensure the ability to fund operations in a cost-effective manner and to meet current and future potential obligations, such as loan commitments, lease obligations and deposit outflows. In this process, we focus on both assets and liabilities and on the manner in which they collectively contribute to provide adequate liquidity to meet our needs.

 

Funds are available from a number of basic banking activity sources, including our core deposit base, the repayment and maturity of loans and investment security cash flows. Other funding sources include federal funds purchased, brokered certificates of deposit and borrowings from the FHLB.

 

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $192.9 million and $123.4 million, respectively. Based on the balances of cash and cash equivalents, we believe that our liquidity resources were sufficient at September 30, 2015 to fund loans and meet our other cash needs as necessary.

 

 

Contractual Obligations

 

While our liquidity monitoring and management considers both present and future demands for and sources of liquidity, the following table of contractual commitments focuses only on future obligations.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

As of September 30, 2015

 
                                         
                                         

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Due in 1 year or less

   

Due after 1 through 3 years

   

Due after 3 through 5 years

   

Due after 5 years

   

Total

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  $ 15,000     $ 5,000     $ 2,000     $ -     $ 22,000  

Certificates of deposit of less than $100k

    28,713       30,124       2,713       -       61,550  

Certificates of deposit of $100k or more

    117,914       38,795       11,879       -       168,588  

Operating leases

    697       946       317       220       2,180  

Total contractual obligations

  $ 162,324     $ 74,865     $ 16,909     $ 220     $ 254,318  

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We are a party to credit-related financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of amounts recorded on our balance sheet. Our exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments. We follow the same credit policies in making these types of commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.

 

Our off-balance sheet arrangements are summarized in the following table as of the dates indicated.

 

CREDIT EXTENSION COMMITMENTS

 

   

As of

 
   

September 30,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
   

Amount

   

Amount

 

Unfunded lines

  $ 244,542     $ 182,820  

Letters of credit

    10,184       8,085  

Total credit extension commitments

  $ 254,726       190,905  

 

Interest Sensitivity and Market Risk

 

Interest Sensitivity

 

We monitor and manage the pricing and maturity of our assets and liabilities in order to diminish the potential adverse impact that changes in interest rates could have on our net interest income. The principal monitoring technique that we employ is simulation analysis, as augmented by a “gap” analysis.

 

In simulation analysis, we review each individual asset and liability category and its projected behavior in various interest rate environments. These projected behaviors are based on our past experiences and on current competitive environments in the markets in which we compete. Using this projected behavior and differing rate scenarios as inputs, the simulation analysis generates projections of net interest income. We also periodically verify the validity of this approach by comparing actual results with those that were projected in previous models.

 

Another technique used in interest rate management, but to a lesser degree than simulation analysis, is the measurement of the interest sensitivity "gap," which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets and liabilities, selling securities available for sale or trading securities, replacing an asset or liability at maturity or adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability.

 

We evaluate interest rate sensitivity risk and then formulate guidelines regarding asset generation and repricing and sources and prices of off-balance sheet commitments in order to decrease interest sensitivity risk. We use computer simulations to measure the net income effect of various interest rate scenarios. The modeling reflects interest rate changes and the related impact on net income over specified periods of time.

 

 

The following table illustrates our interest rate sensitivity at September 30, 2015, assuming that the relevant assets and liabilities are collected and paid, respectively, based on historical experience rather than their stated maturities.

 

INTEREST SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

As of September 30, 2015

 

(Dollars in thousands)

                                                       

Interest-earning assets

 

0-1 Mos

   

1-3 Mos

   

3-12 Mos

   

1-3 Yrs

   

3-5 Yrs

   

> 5 Yrs

   

Total

 

Loans (1)

  $ 508,199       21,811       91,678       188,543       156,031       56,800       1,023,062  

Securities

    359       2,661       2,807       9,214       6,893       23,977       45,911  

Cash balances in other banks

    169,661       -       -       -       -       -       169,661  

Funds sold

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total interest-earning assets

  $ 678,219       24,472       94,485       197,757       162,924       80,777       1,238,634  
                                                         

Interest-bearing liabilities

                                                       

Interest-bearing transactions accounts

  $ 80,186       5,308       23,883       40,976       18,261       25,157       193,771  

Savings and money market deposits

    266,061       5,630       25,338       63,538       1,596       84,563       446,726  

Time deposits

    8,252       9,733       128,642       56,960       26,551       -       230,138  

Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowed money

    -       -       15,000       5,000       2,000       -       22,000  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  $ 354,499       20,671       192,863       166,474       48,408       109,720       892,635  
                                                         

Interest sensitivity gap

                                                       

Period gap

  $ 323,720       3,801       (98,378 )     31,283       114,516       (28,943 )     345,999  

Cumulative gap

    323,720       327,521       229,143       260,426       374,942       345,999          

Cumulative gap - Rate Sensitive Assets/Rate Sensitive Liabilities

    26.14 %     26.44       18.50       21.03       30.27       27.93          

 

(1) Includes mortgage loans held-for-sale

  

We generally benefit from an increase in market rates of interest when we have an asset-sensitive gap (a positive number) and from a decrease in market interest rates when we have a liability-sensitive gap (a negative number). As shown in the table above, we are asset-sensitive on a cumulative basis throughout all timeframes presented. The interest sensitivity analysis presents only a static view of the timing and repricing opportunities, without taking into consideration the fact that changes in interest rates do not affect all assets and liabilities equally. For example, rates paid on a substantial portion of core deposits may change contractually within a relatively short timeframe, but those are viewed by management as significantly less interest-sensitive than market-based rates, such as those paid on non-core deposits. For this and other reasons, we rely more on the simulation analysis (as described above) in managing interest rate risk. Net interest income may be impacted by other significant factors in a given interest rate environment, including changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

Market Risk

 

Our earnings are dependent, to a large degree, on our net interest income, which is the difference between interest income earned on all earning assets, primarily consisting of loans and securities, and interest paid on all interest-bearing liabilities, primarily consisting of deposits. Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. Our market risk arises primarily from inherent interest rate risk in our lending, investing and deposit gathering activities. We seek to reduce our exposure to market risk through actively monitoring and managing interest rate risk. Management relies on static “gap” analysis to determine the degree of mismatch in the maturity and repricing distribution of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, which quantifies, to a large extent, the degree of market risk inherent in our balance sheet. Gap analysis is further augmented by simulation analysis to evaluate the impact of varying levels of prevailing interest rates and the sensitivity of specific earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities to changes in those prevailing rates. Simulation analysis consists of evaluating the impact on net interest income given changes from 400 basis points below the current prevailing rates to 400 basis points above the current prevailing rates. We make certain assumptions regarding the effect that varying levels of interest rates have on certain earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, which incorporate both historical experience and consensus estimates of outside sources.

 

 

The following table illustrates the results of our simulation analysis to determine the extent to which market risk would affect net interest margin for the next twelve months if prevailing interest rates increased or decreased by the specified amounts from current rates. As described above, this model uses estimates and assumptions regarding the manner in which asset and liability accounts will react to changes in prevailing interest rates. However, to isolate the market risk inherent in the balance sheet, the model assumes that no growth in the balance sheet occurs during the projection period. The model also assumes an immediate and parallel shift in interest rates, which would result in no change in the shape or slope of the interest rate yield curve. Because of the inherent use of these estimates and assumptions in the simulation model to derive this market risk information, the actual results of the future impact of market risk on our net interest margin may (and likely will) differ from those set forth in the table.

 

MARKET RISK

 

   

Impact on Net Interest Income

 
   

As of September 30,

   

As of December 31,

 

Change in prevailing interest rates

 

2015

   

2014

 

+400 basis points

    25.77

%

    20.42

%

+300 basis points

    19.17       15.10  

+200 basis points

    12.48       9.54  

+100 basis points

    5.85       4.21  

0 basis points

    -       -  

-100 basis points

    (1.09 )     (1.23 )

-200 basis points

    (4.84 )     (4.58 )

-300 basis points

    (7.85 )     (6.83 )

-400 basis points

    (9.23 )     (7.61 )

 

Capital Resources

 

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to NCC at September 30, 2015 was $169.9 million, or 12.6% of total assets. At December 31, 2014, total shareholders’ equity attributable to NCC was $128.9 million, or 11.3% of total assets. The increase in shareholders’ equity during the first nine months of 2015 was attributable to our initial public offering that priced on March 18, 2015 and net income generated by the Company. We sold 1,642,000 shares of our common stock at $19.50 per share in our initial public offering. The underwriters had an option to purchase an additional 255,000 shares, which they exercised on March 27, 2015. In total, we sold 1,897,000 newly issued shares of common stock and raised approximately $33.8 million, net of offering expenses. Our common stock is now traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “NCOM.”

 

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC issued final rules implementing the Basel III regulatory capital framework, as required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The final rules took effect for the Company and Bank on January 1, 2015, subject to a transition period for certain parts of the rules. The rules revise the minimum capital requirements and adjust the prompt corrective action thresholds applicable to financial institutions under the agencies’ jurisdiction. The rules revise the regulatory capital elements, add a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, increase the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirements and implement a new capital conservation buffer. The rules also permit certain banking organizations to retain, through a one-time election, the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company and Bank have made the election to retain the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

The rules are intended to provide an additional measure of a bank’s capital adequacy by assigning weighted levels of risk to asset categories. Banks are also required to systematically maintain capital against such “off−balance sheet” activities as loans sold with recourse, loan commitments, guarantees and standby letters of credit. These guidelines are intended to strengthen the quality of capital by increasing the emphasis on common equity and restricting the amount of loan loss reserves and other forms of equity, such as preferred stock, that may be included in capital. Certain items, such as goodwill and other intangible assets, are deducted from total capital in arriving at the various regulatory capital measures such as common equity Tier 1 capital , Tier 1 capital and total risk-based capital. Our objective is to maintain our current status as a “well−capitalized institution,” as that term is defined by the Bank’s regulators. As of September 30, 2015, the Bank was “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

 

Under the current regulatory guidelines, banks must meet minimum capital adequacy levels based on both total assets and risk−adjusted assets. All banks are required to maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk−weighted assets of 8%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk−weighted assets of 6%, a minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% and a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage ratio) of 4%. Adherence to these guidelines has not had an adverse impact on us.

 

 

The table below calculates and presents regulatory capital based on the new regulatory capital ratio requirements under Basel III that became effective on January 1, 2015, as well as the regulatory capital ratios in effect on December 31, 2014. Beginning in 2016, an additional capital conservation buffer will be added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes, subject to a three- year phase-in period. The capital conservation buffer will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.5 percent. A banking organization with a conservation buffer of less than 2.5 percent (or the required phase-in amount in years prior to 2019) will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The ratios for the Company and Bank are currently sufficient to satisfy the fully phased-in conservation buffer.

 

The following table sets forth selected consolidated capital ratios at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for both NBC and NCC. ULB is not included separately at September 30, 2015, as ULB was merged into NBC on February 28, 2015.

 

CAPITAL ADEQUACY ANALYSIS

 

(Dollars in thousands, except percentages)

 

Actual

   

For Capital Adequacy Purposes

   

To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions

 

As of September 30, 2015

 

Amount

   

Ratio

   

Amount

   

Ratio

   

Amount

   

Ratio

 

Total Capital

                                               

(to Risk Weighted Assets)

                                               

NCC

  $ 142,051       13.79 %   $ 82,423       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  

NBC

  $ 120,254       11.69 %     82,272       8.00 %   $ 102,840       10.00 %

Tier 1 Capital

                                               

(to Risk Weighted Assets)

                                               

NCC

  $ 132,660       12.88 %   $ 61,817       6.00 %     N/A       N/A  

NBC

  $ 110,863       10.78 %   $ 61,704       6.00 %   $ 82,272       8.00 %

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital

                                               

(to Risk Weighted Assets)

                                               

NCC

  $ 132,660       12.88 %   $ 46,363       4.50 %     N/A       N/A  

NBC

  $ 110,863       10.78 %   $ 46,278       4.50 %   $ 66,846       6.50 %

Tier 1 Capital

                                               

(to Average Assets)

                                               

NCC

  $ 132,660       10.39 %   $ 51,072       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  

NBC

  $ 110,863       8.70 %   $ 50,971       4.00 %   $ 63,714       5.00 %

As of December 31, 2014

                                               

Total Capital

                                               

(to Risk Weighted Assets)

                                               

NCC

  $ 106,289       11.75 %   $ 72,367       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  

NBC

  $ 84,148       11.42 %   $ 58,948       8.00 %   $ 73,685       10.00 %

ULB

  $ 18,731       11.31 %   $ 13,249       8.00 %   $ 16,561       10.00 %

Tier 1 Capital

                                               

(to Risk Weighted Assets)

                                               

NCC

  $ 96,487       10.66 %   $ 36,205       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  

NBC

  $ 74,927       10.16 %   $ 29,499       4.00 %   $ 44,248       6.00 %

ULB

  $ 18,731       11.31 %   $ 6,625       4.00 %   $ 9,937       6.00 %

Tier 1 Capital

                                               

(to Average Assets)

                                               

NCC

  $ 96,487       10.68 %   $ 36,137       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  

NBC

  $ 74,927       8.57 %   $ 34,972       4.00 %   $ 43,715       5.00 %

ULB

  $ 18,731       8.60 %   $ 8,712       4.00 %   $ 10,890       5.00 %

 

Banking regulations limit the amount of dividends that a bank can pay without the prior approval of its regulatory authorities. These restrictions are based on levels of regulatory classified assets, prior years’ net earnings and the ratio of equity capital to assets. The Bank is currently permitted to pay dividends to NCC, subject to safety and soundness requirements and other limitations imposed by law and federal regulatory authorities.

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The information required by this item is contained in Part I, Item 2 herein under the heading “Interest Sensitivity and Market Risk.”

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company has carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2015, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information relating to the Company required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s quarter ended September 30, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The Company and its subsidiaries may be involved from time to time in various routine legal proceedings incidental to our respective businesses. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is currently engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 that could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

     

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

     

2.1

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 7, 2015, by and among National Commerce Corporation, National Bank of Commerce and Reunion Bank of Florida (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-206643), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2015)

     

3.1

 

 

Certificate of Incorporation of National Commerce Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-198219), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2014)

     

3.1A

 

Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of National Commerce Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1A to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-55336), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2015)

 

   

3.2

 

 

Bylaws of National Commerce Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-198219), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2014)

     

10.1A

 

Reunion Bank of Florida Directors’ Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-206643), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2015)

     

10.1B

 

Amendment No. 1 to Reunion Bank of Florida Directors’ Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1B to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-207751), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 2, 2015)

     

10.2

 

Form of Directors’ Stock Option Agreement under Reunion Bank of Florida Directors’ Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-206643), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2015)

     

10.3

 

Reunion Bank of Florida Officers’ and Employees’ Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-206643), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2015)

     

10.4

 

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under Reunion Bank of Florida Officers’ and Employees’ Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-206643), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2015)

     

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     

32.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     

101

 

Interactive Data Files for National Commerce Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

       

 

 

 

NATIONAL COMMERCE CORPORATION

(Registrant)

       

Date: November 12, 2015

 

 

/s/ John H. Holcomb, III 

 

 

 

John H. Holcomb, III

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

       

Date: November 12, 2015

 

 

/s/ William E. Matthews, V

 

 

 

William E. Matthews, V

Chief Financial Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board

 

 

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